When asked about Kompany, Tang Long was generous with his praise, claiming that Kompany is the anchor of Manchester City's defense.
"Ranocchia often tells me," here Tang Long made up a bit, "that partnering with Kompany is the most wonderful thing for him as a center-back; he doesn't have to worry about the solidity of the defense and can boldly push forward—something he couldn't do in Serie A."
The reporter then asked, "How do you rate Milner's performance?"
A few scattered laughs erupted at the scene.
Pellegrini, who had been smiling all along, suddenly looked somber.
The press officer next to him saw the coach's change of face and simply skipped, "next question, please!"
However, the reporter from the Manchester Evening News was reluctant to take the microphone back and insisted that Tang Long answer the question.
It got interesting now.
The other reporters looked at Tang Long with great interest, eager to hear his answer.
