147 The Cunning Allardyce Part 2

Many managers liked to restrict the performance of young players on the field. They desperately wished that they could plan the players' every action and make them carry them all out meticulously and flawlessly. During tactics briefings and trainings, they would often tell young players "don't dribble excessively," or "don't do one-on-one face offs," or "don't try to forcibly break through," or "don't hog the ball." If a player did not do as he was told, he would lose his position on the field. And just like that, a young genius with overflowing talent would be smothered.

Tang En was different. During trainings, he liked to encourage the young players to play freely, and was pleased to see those players suddenly veering from his instructions and resolving issues in their own ways. When he gave them that confidence, the young players would reciprocate with results that thrilled him. It was football's version of "giving a plum in exchange for a peach."