Football: My AI System Provides Max-Level Predictions

The match ended, and the Etihad Stadium was bustling with noise.

The Manchester City players were all smiles, exchanging high-fives and hugs, while the Everton players looked slightly despondent.

Stones, Everton's starting central defender, walked up to Tang Long, and the two began to chat.

"I didn't expect you to get past me that way on the last goal." Stones shrugged helplessly, "I thought you were going to use the regular Matthews' move and cut to the right, but you nutmegged me instead."

Tang Long patted the shoulder of Stones, who was half a head taller than him, and comforted him:

"You've done well, man. My previous feints and step-overs didn't make you lose balance, and as for the nutmeg, haha, it was just a spur of the moment. But yeah, you might want to watch the gap between your legs next time, so I won't get that chance again."

"Alright, next time at Goodison Park, I won't let you easily nutmeg me again!"

Compared to the tension during the game, the post-match conversation between Tang Long and Stones seemed as casual as an ordinary chat between friends.

Such scenes are common in TV broadcasts; the match ends, life goes on.

For many European players, football is just a part of their work. Many of them might play for different teams, but they can become good friends off the pitch.

...

Inside the players' tunnel at the Etihad Stadium.

On a secluded corner's steps.

Former Inter Milan teammates Ranocchia, Tang Long, and Handanovic sat in a row, chatting leisurely.

They chatted happily, with hearty laughter ringing out from time to time.

They talked about their past in Inter Milan, reminisced about former teammates, discussed the current Inter coach Leno, chatted about the England coach Mancini, and their new life in England.

Previously, when Manchester City played against Tottenham, Arsenal, and Liverpool, Ranocchia and Tang Long had faced former Inter teammates Guarin, Podolski, and Shaqiri.

But today was the first time the three old teammates sat together in a row, in a secluded corner with no media or cameras interrupting them, chatting without any constraints.

"What do you think of the Premier League? Are you adapting well here?" Ranocchia asked Handanovic.

"Haha, captain, I'm perfectly adapting, and I love it here," Handanovic said, "Compared to Serie A, the Premier League's pace is very fast, and players here love to take long shots; there are frequent cannon shots towards the goal!"

"You know, my favorite is saving those long shots. No matter if it's a world-class strike, as long as you're brave enough to shoot, I can save it. Sigh, you guys aren't goalkeepers, so you can't understand the feeling of leaping high, extending your arms, and punching the ball away – it's absolutely exhilarating!"

He demonstrated by stretching his long arm towards the ceiling.

As a goalkeeper, Handanovic indeed had the credentials to say these words.

Even though he's already 31, after transferring to Everton from Inter Milan for 20 million euros this summer, this tall Slovenian goalkeeper instantly became an indispensable mainstay for the team!

His excellent goal-line skills, decisive attacks, and commanding control of the penalty area have become a nightmare for many forwards;

As a champion player who played for a Serie A giant for three years, he possesses unparalleled command at the back, and his teammates all listen to him.

Handanovic quickly won the love of the Everton fans, being hailed as the team's strongest goalkeeper in the last 20 years.

"I'm actually not too happy today."

Handanovic turned around, his large hands like pincers grabbing Tang Long's neck and pinching twice.

"You know? Since joining Everton, I'd never conceded more than two goals in any match, but here at Manchester City, they banged in three. It would've been better if you hadn't scored that last goal."

Tang Long burst out laughing: "You should blame Stones for that. If Ranocchia were in that position, I definitely wouldn't have gotten past him."

Later, Handanovic and Ranocchia talked about family and kids.

Without experience in this area, Tang Long couldn't join in and just smiled while listening.

Just then, a hearty laugh swept over them like a spring breeze.

"Hahaha, what a lively gathering, is it a panel discussion? Can I join in?"

They all turned around in unison, their gaze locking onto the man who was slowly approaching.

"Mr. Chiwo!"

Three voices almost simultaneously exclaimed, filled with undisguised joy and excitement. They stood up together, faces filled with the joy of a long-awaited reunion.

Chiwo laughed and gave each of them a big hug, his embrace as warm and powerful as the winter sun.

When he hugged Tang Long, it was extra tight, and he patted his shoulder heavily.

Ranocchia said to Handanovic, "See, it's obvious who Mr. Chiwo favors the most; he's always so biased."

Compared to coach Mancini, the former Inter players shared a better relationship with Chiwo.

Perhaps it's because Chiwo was born in 1980, and is close in age to many of these players, bridging any generation gap during their conversations, leaving only the shared passion and commitment to football.

The three shifted slightly, squeezing four people onto the narrow steps.

In just a few months, both Chiwo and the players had experienced tremendous changes in their roles.