Paris at the end of October, the sky is clear and the crowds are crowded.
Strolling along the banks of the Seine, close to the highly artistic architectural masterpieces of the Louvre, no one stops in a hurry.
“Crack, click, click.” After a few shutter shots, the landscape photo was released.
In the blue sky, meteors fly by.
The silhouettes of the pyramids intersect with the orange-red sun halo back and forth, connecting light and dark.
Li Mengwen’s composition has the beauty of blending geometry and light and shadow.
In the words of her friend: “If you don’t play football, Wenzi can change careers and become a photographer.”
In the photo, the contrast between the darkness in the vicinity and the light in the distance is sharp, and this is also a true portrayal of the women’s football team studying abroad at that time.
1. The first flash
At the beginning of November, in the seventh round of the Ligue 1 women’s football team, the 27-year-old Li Mengwen missed the game. This was the first time in the league since studying abroad.
In the next 4 games, Li Mengwen played 1 time, and the cumulative playing time of the month was only more than 30 minutes.
During this period, the team experienced an intensive schedule of 3 days and 2 games.
In the absence of any injuries, coach Prescher did not give the Chinese international playing time.
The team’s 4-game winning streak has something to do with her, but it doesn’t seem to have much to do with it.
The coldness of reality, the bitterness of studying abroad, she chewed alone.
This month Li Mengwen’s circle of friends is very quiet, there is no news, this is the first time in 2022.
If they hadn’t been highly valued when they first came, these snubs might be easily accepted now.
“Before joining Paris, I was quite worried about whether I could play in the team. The competitors in the same position are all international players from European and American teams. The team includes Ashley Lawrence, a Canadian international player who won the Tokyo Olympic champion.
The French international De Almeida, who is in the semi-finals of the cup, has gathered big names.”
“For this study abroad, my mentality is very calm, and my expectations are very low.”
So it is not difficult to understand that when the former coach of Jiangsu and assistant coach of the Paris women’s football team, Jeslin invited Li Mengwen to come here, she was overjoyed: “Coach, are you kidding me, go to Paris to play football?”
Jaslin responded: “As far as I know, you are capable of playing football in Paris. Although you will encounter many difficulties, I believe you can.”
After repeated confirmation, Li Mengwen is determined to buy a ticket to Paris.
“With such an opportunity, why don’t I try it?”
After more than a month, on September 2, 2022, she got on the dream flight carrying her countless fantasies as she wished.
Walking into the Parc des Princes, picking up the jersey that defended Paris, Li Mengwen took a photo with the new men’s team aid Soler.
A week later, the first round of Ligue 1 started, and Paris played against Charente Sowayo at home.
The day before the game, Li Mengwen’s work certificate was not completed.
The first show in Paris will be postponed without accident.
Two hours before the start of the game, a surprise came at the Louge Stadium on the outskirts of Paris.
Proof of work is coming at the buzzer.
The roster was released, and the sonorous rose appeared on the bench.
In addition to being happy, the tension and excitement of appearing in the five major leagues at any time has been flowing in my body.
After halftime, Paris established a two-goal lead.
Li Mengwen put on her white training uniform and began to warm up, waiting for her own moment.
In the 84th minute, the fourth official held up the substitution board, and the green LED numbers lit up: “26.”
This is Li Mengwen’s number. She repeatedly checked the game equipment, and ran to Ligue 1 with all her strength. The corners of her mouth couldn’t stop rising after a while.
“A little nervous, but overwhelmed by the excitement.” In the limited 10 minutes of playing time, right back Li Mengwen made a total of 5 forwards, two 1-on-2 attacks, and created a free kick and a corner kick respectively.
“I feel like I can’t run out of energy, I just haven’t run enough.”
In the second round of the league, Li Mengwen played the entire second half.
In the first round of the UEFA Champions League qualifying round, Li Mengwen made her European debut and played 20 minutes.
She has gradually been valued. Since the fourth round of the league, Li Mengwen has started 3 consecutive games and has become an indispensable member of Paris’ defense.
The old Chinese saying that everything is difficult at the beginning seems to have no effect on this Jiangsu girl.
The doubts from the outside world have completely subsided.
However, the real test has just come.
2. Sit on the bench
On October 25, the team went to Madrid.
This is Li Mengwen’s first away game in the Champions League, and her upcoming opponent is Real Madrid.
Before taking off, she posted a group photo of the whole team with a smile on her face. The freshness of studying abroad is still continuing, and she is full of expectations for this brand new journey.
Can the first show of the Champions League come as scheduled?
Due to the defeat of Chelsea in the first game, the Paris women’s football team cannot afford to lose in the second game against competitors who qualify.
From the opening whistle, the two teams played very conservatively. Paris’ starting defense of 5 people stood still. After 90 minutes, the two teams shook hands with a score of 0-0.
The final whistle sounded, and Li Mengwen ended her warm-up.
In the 2 Champions League matches, the team had 1 draw and 1 loss, and the playing time of Sonorous Rose was still fixed at 0.
“I will be a little disappointed, but this should be human nature.” Li Mengwen said.
Only when you are dissatisfied with the status quo can you have the motivation to climb up. Li Mengwen’s personality is somewhat similar to her idol Ronaldo in some aspects.
At this time, Spanish time is close to 21 o’clock. If they are in China, the visiting team must settle down on the spot and return after rest the next day.
But not in Paris. Under the three-front battle, there will often be an intensive schedule of three games a week.
After the 0-0 draw with Real Madrid, the time left for the team and Li Mengwen to prepare for the next game is less than 72 hours.
Late at night in Madrid, the team traveled day and night and landed in Paris after midnight.
The whole team is on board