2nd Episode of the Genius Soccer Coach - Chapter 200



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Epilogue to Episode 200

“Thank you for this.”

– It’s not that difficult.

Just after wrapping up work with the Football Association.

Hyunwoo called Sheikh Jassim, the chairman of the Qatar Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Qatar has been of great help in resolving this matter.

– The value of the clubs is not as expensive as I thought.

“Compared to European leagues, it is a league that is still less active.”

– But there is one problem.

“What is it?”

– It’s hard to find a suitable director candidate.

“Hmm.”

Qatar is currently in contact with clubs in the K League that could be acquired.

Qatar originally attempted to acquire a club based in Seoul, but after receiving strong resistance, it was in contact with Gangwon FC, one of the provincial clubs.

Gangwon FC, which was relegated to the second division and has since returned, is facing difficulties due to the lack of a soccer-specific stadium.

When the condition was set to resolve this, the people of Gangwon Province welcomed it with open arms.

― We have considered bringing in a foreign manager, but we are looking for a leader like you, Kim, who can lead the team from a long-term perspective.

“That’s true. It’s not easy for a foreign director to stay for a long time.”

As Hyunwoo was thinking, a person flashed through his mind.

“There’s one person that comes to mind….”

– Who is it?

“It’s not easy to recommend him since he’s not an official director yet.”

― Haha. Don’t worry. We will also review it from various angles through our Korean branch.

“My name is Lee Jeong-ho. I think he’s a coach now.”

Director Lee Jeong-ho.

The name isn’t widely known now, but it will be different in the future.

Not only is he capable as a manager, but he is also good at playing with the media, to the point where he is called K-Mourinho.

He took charge of Gwangju FC, which was relegated to the second division, and despite concerns about being a rookie manager, he succeeded in promoting the team to the first division in his first year in office.

Moreover, the following year, he succeeded in making the team compete for the league championship by finishing third in the first division.

‘Seeing things like this, is soccer really just a manager’s game?’

Coach Klinsmann, who destroyed the build-up football that Coach Bento had laid the foundation for in just one year.

Let’s look at the case of coach Lee Jung-ho, who turned Gwangju, a team with the lowest salary in the K League, into a championship contender.

Of course, that doesn’t mean the director is everything.

No matter how great a coach is, if the players don’t support him, he has limitations.

― Jeong Ho-woo Lira… . I understand. So, are you returning to England now?

“Right? The World Cup is almost over and the pre-season is approaching.”

And two years passed.

* * *

Golazo, a soccer program hosted by CBS Sports.

Micah Richards of Manchester City.

Liverpool’s ambassador, Jamie Carragher.

The program, which featured Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, was quite popular locally, thanks to its entertainment elements.

“19-20 season. Bayern Munich, led by Hansi Flick, succeeded in achieving the treble.”

Carragher clutches his head at the presenter’s words.

“These days, there are so many trebles coming out. Back in my day, it was a record that only came out once every ten years.”

“Haven’t Carragher ever won in the first place?”

As Richards spoke with a laugh, Carragher bristled.

“What are you talking about? Don’t you know about the Istanbul Miracle? I’ve heard of the Big Ears too. It’s because they haven’t won the league.”

He gets gloomy easily.

Liverpool have recently been praised as one of the best teams in Europe under Klopp’s management, but they have repeatedly failed to win the title, falling behind Manchester City and Barnet.

“If it weren’t for Barnett, Liverpool would have won the title….”

“cheer up.”

Richards patted Carragher on the back.

The host, who watched this with a smile, brought up the recent league winning team on the screen.

Season 15-16: Barnet FC.

Season 16-17: Barnet FC.

Season 17-18: Barnet FC.

Season 18-19: Manchester City.

Season 19-20: Barnet FC.

“They are the winners of the PL for the past five seasons. Manchester City’s title win stands out amidst Barnet’s dominance.”

“The 2018-19 season was a bit of a misfortune for Barnet. Key players like N’Golo Kante and Salah, who played in the World Cup, suffered long-term injuries, and De Bruyne also suffered from a hamstring problem.”

“In the midst of all this, Barnett achieved the great feat of winning the Champions League for the third consecutive time.”

“The final was a match where Kim’s mercenary skills shone. It was just a coincidence that the opponent was Liverpool….”

Carragher frustrated once again.

Season 18-19.

Liverpool finished runners-up in the Champions League behind Barnet, and finished second in the league in the 2019-20 season, two points behind.

At this, Richards did not hide his laughter.

“Phew. Liverpool came in second in the 13-14 season too, right? Maybe Liverpool has something to do with coming in second.”

“Shut up!”

As the two continued to argue, the host cut off the conversation.

“Anyway, let’s talk about next season. There’s been talk recently that Barnett hasn’t been performing like he used to.”

“hmm.”

As we get to the main point, those who laughed at us erased their smiles.

Henri was the first to speak.

“It can’t be helped. It’s been five years since Barnet won the league in their first season after promotion. Even though the key players are still young, they’ve played so many games that injuries are on the rise.”

Carragher also had something to say here.

“It’s the same in terms of motivation. Since you’ve already won so many trophies, you can’t help but feel less eager. It’s not as easy as you think to stay in one team.”

Panelists nodding their heads.

Most of these players had been with their teams for a long time, so they understood the difficulties.

“Stale water tends to rot. Without new stimulation, it will have no choice but to stop.”

“I agree.”

“So you put the ball in Liverpool’s goal?”

“Shut up.”

Richards teases Carragher, who has been Liverpool’s first-choice defender for 17 years and has scored seven own goals.

The host shook his head as if he couldn’t stop himself and gave his closing comments.

“So, if you had to pick just one team to win the Premier League in the upcoming 20-21 season, who would it be?”

“hmm”

“hmm….”

Those who shed tears.

But crayfish are better than crabs.

Their answer was set.

“Liverpool. Now is the time.”

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“I don’t know about the Champions League, but I can’t ignore Guardiola’s performance in the league. I’ll vote for Manchester City.”

Richards and Carragher mention the names of their former teams.

Their gazes turned to Henri, who had his mouth shut.

“Arsenal?”

“….”

“Arsenal?”

Those who drool as if they are ready to bite.

Arsenal’s recent performances have been pitiful compared to these.

Henry, with a faint smile, mentioned another team.

“Barnet.”

“Hey… that’s not fun.”

“What is the reason?”

Henri raises both hands in question.

“Isn’t the manager Kim? Isn’t it nonsense to say that he is being criticized for winning the league last season and the Champions League the season before that?”

“That’s true.”

Other panelists nod their heads.

“If you don’t lift the treble, it’s a failed season.”

It was a joke about Barnett.

That much Kim Hyun-woo’s ability is recognized by all soccer fans.

The remaining question was whether he could maintain his current career and reign for a long time.

Football fans were already debating whether Kim had surpassed Guardiola and Ferguson.

Richards is lost in thought, forgetting that he is on air.

‘If Kim wins another treble…’

At that time, no matter what anyone said, wasn’t Kim the greatest soccer coach of all time?

‘no way.’

But Richards didn’t rate the odds very highly.

First of all, there is no manager other than Kim who has achieved the treble twice.

There was no need to explain how difficult that record was.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Hyunwoo’s position among Barnett fans was absolute.

He led a perennial 5th division team to become the best team in Europe. His popularity is unparalleled.

It’s not like those fans didn’t have any regrets either… .

– Why doesn’t our team make big signings?

– Kim must have thought about everything.

― That’s true. One of the fun things about preseason is watching player transfer news. We always recruit promising players.

― I heard that the club’s finances are sound. But they are surprisingly passive.

– Is Qatar only supporting PSG?

― If that’s true, I’m going to the Qatari Foreign Ministry to protest in my underwear. Who is the team that is doing well in the Champions League?

Of course, Hyunwoo was not unaware of the fans’ opinion.

I just didn’t feel the need.

‘In the current situation, recruiting players is actually poison.’

The skills of the starting players are still sufficient.

How many youth players were Hyunwoo keeping an eye on?

But what if we keep recruiting instant-level players?

From the youth’s perspective, they have no choice but to consider transferring.

That’s why Kimmich’s visit was the turning point in Hyunwoo’s attitude towards maintaining the existing squad.

“Director.”

“huh?”

June, with the summer transfer market just around the corner.

When Kimihi suddenly appeared and his face became serious, Hyunwoo sat up straight.

“What’s going on?”

“I….”

Kimihi, who had hesitated for a while, soon made up his mind and met Hyunwoo’s eyes.

“I want to leave the team.”

“Did you get an offer from another team?”

“Yes. From Bayern Munich….”

The previous season.

Bayern Munich, who achieved the treble, had chronic problems with their third line.

Moreover, the transfer of existing third-string resource Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool is drawing near.

Kimmich, a German national, would be a coveted resource.

“You won’t regret it?”

“I’ve been away from Germany for such a long time… I miss my parents too.”

Kimmich, who had been talking like that, soon confessed his true feelings.

“…Actually, I’m not confident.”

“What confidence?”

“I have the confidence to remain a regular. I’ve been feeling a sense of crisis watching Rodrigo lately.”

Hyunwoo quickly understood.

Rodri, whose skills have been improving at a frightening rate recently.

He had been playing as a starter due to Kimmich’s short-term injury, and his frequency of playing has been increasing recently.

‘Are the main players also feeling a sense of crisis?’

On the surface, there appears to be no major problems in Barnett’s locker room.

With so many excellent players on the squad, the competition for starting spots is bound to be fierce.

“Isn’t it pathetic?”

“No. It’s something that, as a player, you should be aware of.”

Hyunwoo, who had calmed Kimihi down like that, asked with a serious expression.

“Are you really sure you won’t regret it?”

“…yes.”

“okay.”

Hyunwoo patted Kimihi’s shoulder.

There was no need to keep him or bring up the idea that Munich’s future would not be easy.

After all, it was Kimmich’s choice.

‘Is the time here?’

Hyunwoo had a gut feeling.

Gegenpressing is considered one of the best tactics.

But where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages.

It requires a lot of activity to counter-press, and sprints frequently during counterattacks.

The frequency of injuries to players was not low, which inevitably required rebuilding.

‘Are there two years left on the players’ contracts?’

The youth players will also be secretly considering a transfer due to their continued loan life.

Taking this opportunity, Hyunwoo decided to do a major rebuild.

“The first thing to do is….”

Re-signing of key players.

And the target was clear.

‘De Bruyne and Salah.’

Because they were players who maintained the best performance even after that.

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