Dad was a Genius - Chapter 24
Only Noblemtl
My Dad Was a Genius Episode 024
Seoul and Suwon have the largest fan bases in the K League.
The number 1 and 2 audience numbers change every season.
Although the fandom grew further when Seoul won the championship in 2012 with a crazy record 96 points, there were still many fans who rooted for Suwon.
[My Suwon! My Suwon! My Suwon!]
As soon as I entered the stadium, Suwon fans wearing blue were already singing their cheering songs.
And as the fandom was large, there were also harsh cheers to lower the morale of the opposing team.
[Drink some shit water~! Cheonan~! Cheonan~!]
[Go out and search~ Cheonan~!]
When the stadium is filled with only supporters of the opposing team, the atmosphere is overwhelming.
On top of that, when such a harsh cheering song comes out, it is inevitable that you will be even more mentally shaken.
In sports, psychological factors are linked to confidence, which in turn is directly linked to scoring and conceding goals. That is why so many teams have suffered bitter defeats at Suwon’s home stadium.
In other words, the game is not played by the players alone, but also by the fans who cheer them on.
“What kind of cheering is that… … .”
I’ve been on expeditions many times before, but this was the first time I’ve encountered a fandom of this size.
Maybe that’s why.
They were taken aback by the cheering that was much louder than they had expected.
You may have been building up your confidence in the locker room, but it feels different when you actually step onto the field.
‘This place is not called the graveyard of the K-League for nothing.’
No matter how thoroughly prepared tactically, if a team loses momentum, it is bound to collapse. And Coach Choi Si-seon could clearly see that the Cheonan team players were wavering.
‘What are you going to do now?’
Cheonan’s tactics were tactics, but their most frightening aspect was their momentum.
But today, Suwon’s home stadium was filled with Suwon fans.
All Suwon fans gathered together to stop Cheonan’s winning streak.
In previous seasons, it was a match between Cheonan and Gyeonggi, so not many fans gathered because it was a match that was sure to be won, but today was different.
That is why the Cheonan team was even more intimidated by this formidable blue army they had never seen before.
‘Once you’ve stepped onto the field, there’s nothing you can do as a manager.’
The players had already left the field, and the coach was tied down in the coaching zone and could not cross this line.
However, it is not possible to gather all the players here.
Cheonan was in crisis from the start.
however,
“… … .”
Normally, a coach would be confused when he sees his players panicking, but Cha Seong-eun stood there completely unwavering.
As if he had already known this would happen, he quietly observed the situation.
‘Are you trying to act calm?’
Director Choi Si-seon burst into laughter at his appearance.
‘It’s no use trying to do that.’
On the other hand, it is a big opportunity for Suwon.
If we continue to attack with this momentum… … .
“Everyone, come together.”
It was just then.
Number 10 Kang Dae-ho gathered the players in one place.
“Are you all nervous? This isn’t our first time on an away game, but this is the first time we’ve seen this many spectators.”
Here, there, everywhere, it’s blue.
And they were attacking Cheonan all at once.
“But we can’t play the game feeling intimidated. The coach said that, right? The most important thing for us is confidence. A spirit that won’t be broken under any circumstances.”
The players also knew that this point was the most important.
But it wasn’t easy to make up my mind.
Kang Dae-ho knew that too.
That’s why,
“But if you still find it difficult to keep your wits about you, then look at me.”
“… … ?”
Kang Dae-ho told the players what to look for.
“It means don’t be distracted by the sounds coming from all around and just look at me.”
Soon, the players who had been blankly listening to Kang Dae-ho’s words-.
“Pfft-.”
“Ugh.”
One by one, they began to laugh.
“No. What is that, Daeho hyung?”
“Ugh. Tiger. I got goosebumps.”
“Just look at me. Crazy. I feel like I’m in a dream.”
“This guy always makes people burst out laughing on days like this.”
Even though they said that, the players could feel it.
That the pressure and tension that had been weighing on them just disappeared with that smile.
The players gathered together with their arms around each other and shouted “fighting” before each moving to their respective positions.
Then, one by one, they spoke to Kang Dae-ho.
“Brother. I will only look after you until the end.”
“Daeho. I only trust you.”
“Be prepared, I’m going to throw all my balls at you like crazy.”
And Lee Soo-yong slowly approached Kang Dae-ho.
“Hey. Kang Dae-ho.”
“Oh, yes. Brother Suyong.”
Lee Soo-yong always approaches training with a cold face. He also always speaks directly.
“If you receive the pass I give you and don’t score… … you’ll die.”
“omg.”
Kang Dae-ho flinched involuntarily when he saw Lee Su-yong, whose frosty eyes were piercing the sky with determination.
But at the same time, my faith was lost.
Because a player with this much motivation will desperately try to create an opportunity.
“… … .”
The atmosphere of Cheonan has changed so much that it is visibly different.
Director Choi Si-seon furrowed his brows at the smiles that spread across their faces.
I don’t know what the Cheonan players were talking about while they were all crowded together, but I knew one thing.
‘That number 10 did something.’
Because of that, Cheonan was able to hold on to his wavering spirit.
I’m talking about number 10 right here.
‘… … That’s right.’
Number 10 is the key to every tactic that Cha Seong-eun puts forth.
Coach Choi Si-seon looked at the defenders who had formed a wide defensive line.
They knew what the director’s eyes meant.
Me number 10.
I just have to block it 10 times.
Beep-!
That’s how the game started.
“Wow-!!”
Suwon players start to drive the ball along with the loud cheers of Suwon fans.
But as expected, Cheonan put strong pressure on us.
I’ve run countless simulations and trained for Cheonan’s tactics, but experiencing it firsthand is on a whole other level.
“Ugh.”
Suwon players were unable to move forward due to pressure several times stronger than during training, and soon lost the ball, allowing a counterattack.
“no!”
“Stop it!!”
Suwon fans screamed loudly.
But despite their worries, Suwon players were calm.
‘This much is okay.’
I already knew that the pressure from Cheonan was more intense than when I was training while running simulations.
That’s why we trained more to prepare for situations where the ball is stolen and a counterattack is created.
And the results were now coming in.
“Okay. That will work.”
Cheonan’s left winger running to steal the ball and start a counterattack.
He looked to his right, intending to throw the ball towards Kang Dae-ho, who was advancing while breaking the line.
however,
‘Big brother Daeho is completely tied up.’
The defenders who were standing guard at the line, and the midfielders who were running to join the defense.
They marked Kang Dae-ho on all sides so that they could block the ball no matter where it came from.
‘If it’s like this, there’s no place to give it to… … .’
I kicked the ball towards Kang Dae-ho with a hopeful mind, but a defender who was focusing on marking only Kang Dae-ho blocked the ball in advance.
The same situation continued to repeat itself after that.
‘I’m going to completely eliminate the presence of number 10 today.’
This was Suwon’s tactical core.
As coach Choi Si-seon had intended, Kang Dae-ho did not touch the ball properly for the first 20 minutes.
If Kang Dae-ho gets the ball,
Choaaaah-!!
Inevitably, a rough fight or tackle is involved and the ball is stopped.
And it wasn’t just one person, but at least two or three people rushing at him at once, so even if he was strong, he would have to fall.
Beep-!!
“Why are you tackling so rough today? If you keep doing this, you’ll get kicked out.”
The referee gave a caution, but the Suwon players just nodded their heads.
They were determined to tie up the ten even if it meant receiving a warning.
“Player Kang Dae-ho. Are you okay? If your injury is serious, call the team doctor immediately.”
“Oh, yes. It’s okay.”
But even that was something Kang Dae-ho tried to overcome somehow.
‘It’s no use though.’
The more this happened, the more aggressively Suwon’s defense tried to stop him.
Choaaaak-!!
Beep-!
As the rough tackles continued, the referee eventually showed a yellow card.
‘This has already been calculated.’
A player who receives a card can be replaced through substitution.
Since Coach Choi Si-seon’s goal was to completely erase Kang Dae-ho from this game by adjusting the cards appropriately, he was not flustered.
“As expected, Cheonan is stuck as planned, just like the coach’s tactics.”
“Haha. I wonder why other teams had such a hard time with such easy guys.”
With number 10 tied, the attack path was completely blocked.
Suwon was gradually overwhelming Cheonan.
If this trend continues,
‘I’m sure our Suwon will score.’
Aren’t there supporters who cheer you on from all sides?
The players also continued to attack quickly and pressure the opposing defense, successfully blocking number 10.
however,
‘Why does this situation feel uncomfortable?’
It was clear that the game was going well, and the presence of number 10 had almost completely disappeared.
But for some reason, director Choi Si-seon didn’t like this situation very much.
‘Why is that guy just sitting there while Kang Dae-ho, the key player in the tactic, can’t do anything?’
The most suspicious of them all was Cha Seong-eun.
Normally, a manager can’t sit still and watch his best card disappear.
It is normal to try to overcome this situation by somehow urging the players and changing tactics.
But look at Cha Seong-eun standing there quietly watching the game.
Isn’t it so suspiciously calm?
Is that just his personality, or is he really up to something?
‘Isn’t everything already tactically blocked?’
Cheonan’s tactic during the match against Seoul was to have number 10 gather the defenders while other players penetrate the box and start an attack.
To prevent that, Suwon lowered their defensive line a bit more and had everyone except for one of their front-line attackers participate in defense, if possible.
In addition, since Cheonan does not have another attacker with the same destructive power as No. 10, we could sufficiently block their attacks by just marking them appropriately.
‘Surely he didn’t give up early. What on earth is he trying to do?’
At that time, Cheonan was trying to take the ball from the left and launch an attack.
As always, the defenders rushed to mark Kang Dae-ho.
This time too, the Suwon players’ determination to steal the ball and score a goal was evident.
Bam-.
“hmm?”
But instead of throwing the ball towards Kang Dae-ho, the winger passed it to the left midfielder number 7, who was running towards him from behind.
Are you losing confidence in your passing skills and would rather leave it to another player?
‘It’s no use trying to do that.’
In the end, isn’t Cheonan’s only attack route through Kang Dae-ho?
It doesn’t matter if other attackers penetrate.
This team only needs to stop Kang Dae-ho.
“Huh?”
But contrary to expectations, number 7 Lee Su-yong did not pass the ball to Kang Dae-ho, who was surrounded by defenders, but instead attempted to break through himself.
I thought the defender would quickly stop the dribble, just like he did with the other wingers, but
“What the! It’s piercing!”
The 7 breakthrough abilities were extraordinary.
He was able to get past an approaching defender and peel off the layers of defenders that were marking Kang Dae-ho.
[Ahh. Player number 7 Lee Su-yong is running!! Shoot!!]
And the shooting continues.
“Crazy. I almost got eaten.”
“It’s a surprise.”
The ball narrowly missed the goal.
I almost scored a goal.
“What are you doing, defender!”
“Aren’t you coming to your senses?!”
Suwon fans, their hearts pounding, shouted at the defenders.
That’s quite possible.
The breakthrough happened so suddenly that the defenders couldn’t even react.
‘Is it a coincidence?’
Sometimes a player gets lucky and creates an opportunity.
I thought that might be the case this time too.
however,
“It’s number 7 again!”
As if his blood had been pierced, number 7 began to shake the defense by madly digging into the left space.
[7th Lee Su-yong! Running again!! Shooting chance!!]
And another open shooting opportunity.
A defender barely managed to block the ball and send it over the goal line.
‘That was really dangerous just now.’
If the defender marking Kang Dae-ho had not jumped out and blocked the shot with his body, the goal just now would have been conceded.
‘What the heck is that number 7?’
He continued to try to break through 7 times, but each time he ended up giving up a shooting opportunity.
Director Choi Si-seon became increasingly concerned about number 7.
And the defenders on the field felt the same way as the manager.
If you don’t block that 7, you’ll definitely concede a goal on the next opportunity.
“Number 7. I have to look at number 7. Please apply for just one or two people.”
“okay”
So when number 7 tried to get the ball on the left again and break through, several defenders who were marking Kang Dae-ho rushed at him.
‘If it goes like this… … .’
The number of defenders marking Kang Dae-ho will be reduced.
Of course, that’s still a lot of defensive numbers for just one person.
‘are you okay.’
Looking at his attack attempts so far, number 7 has been a very greedy shooter.
Looking at his profile, he hasn’t been a starter since Coach Cha Seong-eun took over the team.
So, they are hungry for goals and will try anything to catch the manager’s eye.
So no matter how great the breakthrough power is, it is only that much.
‘for a moment.’
But there, Choi Si-seon felt a sense of alienation.
‘You’ve never been selected?’
Did you send a player like that to a game held at Suwon’s home stadium?
Especially in a very important match where a new record of 8 consecutive wins could be achieved?
‘Cha Seong, did that guy make that mistake?’
Cha Seong-eun’s style is to always select only the necessary players for the right positions and continue with perfect tactical play.
Of course, Kang Dae-ho was allowed to use his individual ability to break through the defense and make plays, but other players were not allowed to do so.
‘But leaving that number 7 to run wild on his own-.’
no way…….
[Lee Su-yong runs again! He’s very fast!]
“Stop it! He’s going to shoot again!”
Coach Choi Si-seon looked at number 7, who was approaching the box line precariously, breaking through the left space.
A similar situation to before.
One difference was that the defenders who were in charge of Kang Dae-ho were running towards him.
In that brief moment, Choi Si-seon saw.
The place where the 7 eyes are directed is the goal.
‘It’s a shot again this time.’
Well then, that’s right.
This time again, the guy is being unreasonable.
I understand you want to score a goal by force, but if you do it that way… … .
“uh?”
It was just then.
Number 7 didn’t shoot as if it was a lie, but instead sent a ground pass towards the striker in front of him, Kang Dae-ho.
“what?!”
Director Choi Si-seon found himself shouting without realizing it.
And as if he had been waiting only for this moment,
Crash~!
Kang Dae-ho’s shot went straight into the goal net.
“… … .”
Suwon’s home stadium, which had been noisy with cheering songs, was enveloped in a heavy silence.
All the flags they were waving were lowered.
The only thing that could be heard was the cheers of the Cheonan players performing the ceremony.
‘This can’t be happening.’
Director Choi Si-seon blankly stared at the field.
‘I didn’t see him 7 times in the first 30 minutes.’
That’s why no one cared about him.
I was completely used to that situation.
‘Is this what you were aiming for?’
This is the sense of alienation I have felt so far.
For the first 30 minutes, Cha Seong-eun waited for Suwon to get used to this situation.
And as the freed number 7 started to move, the defense wavered, and as soon as the defenders marking number 10 thinned out, number 7 immediately passed.
‘I thought number 7 was greedy for a goal. But was it really all planned out?’
Choi Si-seon saw it clearly.
What kind of expression and look did number 7 have when he looked at the goal?
He craved scoring goals more than anyone else.
Choi Si-seon, who was also a former athlete, understood that feeling well.
Every player has the desire to be the main character, not someone else.
That’s why I thought he would shoot this time too.
‘Was I wrong?’
The key to this Cheonan tactic was number 10.
He also scored 10 goals.
But Choi Si-seon realized.
The key to the tactics that Cha Seong-eun put forth to beat Suwon today is number 7.
What was even scarier was the expression on number 7’s face.
‘Your eyes are the same as before.’
Still, his whole face was filled with the desire to score a goal, as if he were about to shoot at any moment.