After the match, the press conference was held as scheduled at the Würzburg Media Center.
The intense confrontation on the field had just drawn to a close, and the media swarmed in, eager to dig for more details from this highly topical coach, Adrian Vandenberg.
Under the lights, Adrian Vandenberg, dressed in a dark suit, sat composedly in the center of the main table.
Facing the reporters’ barrage of questions, he appeared relaxed and at ease, with his usual smile playing on his lips.
After such a stunning match, his name had quickly become a hot topic in the football world.
The first question was quickly thrown out.
A reporter from a German Television Station spoke first: “Coach Adrian, congratulations on leading the team to such a resounding victory!
A 7-0 scoreline is quite a feat for a rookie coach who has just started coaching a professional team.
May I ask, what are your thoughts on today’s performance?” Adrian Vandenberg nodded slightly with a smile: “Thank you for your congratulations, but the credit for this scoreline and the term ‘feat’ should probably be left to my players.
Their performance today was truly something to be proud of.
As for myself…” He paused for a moment, his smile deepening.
“My thought is probably that, with this, my ‘rookie protection period’ as a coach is officially over, right?” The reporters laughed knowingly; this humorous remark instantly eased the serious atmosphere of the press conference.
He continued: “But having said that, this is only a victory in a cup match.
The German Cup has always been a breeding ground for upsets, so we must stay level-headed.
The next opponent might be even harder to deal with.
I will continue to work hard with the players to make this team stronger and strive to bring more victories to the fans.” The next question followed immediately.
A reporter from Kicker magazine stood up: “Mr.
Coach, was the goal scored just 30 seconds into the second half a pre-designed tactic?
Or was it a momentary flash of inspiration?” Adrian Vandenberg raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone still relaxed: “As for tactical design, there was indeed a bit of it.” He spread his hands slightly.
“We discussed the opponent’s weaknesses during halftime.
I told the players that if we could seize an opportunity at the start to quickly disrupt their defensive line, it would put the rhythm completely in our hands.
Stefan’s movement and the timely assist from the defensive midfielder perfectly embodied this.
However, to be honest, a goal within 30 seconds also requires some luck.
As they often say in football, the best tactics also need the best execution.
Today, we achieved that.” Next, a reporter from a local Würzburg media outlet asked in a slightly sharp tone: “Coach Adrian, your aristocrat bow to the Würzburger Kickers fans after the match has sparked a lot of controversy.
Some believe it was a form of mockery.
What is your take on this?” Upon hearing this, Adrian Vandenberg revealed a somewhat mischievous smile: “Oh, that bow?
What I want to say is, it was just my way of showing politeness as a ‘guest’.” He paused, his tone turning joking, “However, if someone feels it was mockery, I can only say that perhaps my posture wasn’t elegant enough.
I should be even more elegant.” The room was filled with constant chuckle; these reporters were growing increasingly fond of this young and handsome head coach, Adrian Vandenberg.
Then, his tone became a bit more serious: “Actually, I truly respect Würzburger Kickers and their fans.
Their team also showed great fighting spirit today, especially in the first half when they caused us quite a bit of trouble.
I never believe that malicious provocation is needed in the arena, but football is like that sometimes—emotions spill off the pitch.
I hope everyone focuses more on the game itself rather than the interpretation of gestures.” At this point, another reporter asked: “How would you evaluate Florian’s performance today?
His two goals were brilliant, especially that high-difficulty strike.” Adrian Vandenberg nodded: “Since I began coaching Munich 1860, Florian’s performance has always been satisfying to me.
His movement, touch, and ability to seize opportunities are all excellent, especially that second goal—it was a perfect interpretation of time and space.
He is a very important part of our team, and I believe he will bring even more brilliant performances in the future.” A sentence in half dutch and half french suddenly came from the hall.
A Belgian reporter stood up and asked: “Hello, Coach Adrian.
I am a reporter from TELNET.
This match has attracted a lot of attention back home, and many Belgian fans are proud of you.
Do you have anything you’d like to say to the Belgian fans?” Adrian Vandenberg sat up straight, his attitude becoming much more formal as he spoke.
“First of all, thank you all very much for your support.
Coaching abroad and being able to feel the attention from my Fans is a very special experience.
I hope my efforts allow everyone to see that young coaches can also establish themselves in world football.
Of course, this is just the beginning.
I still have a lot to learn, and I hope to repay everyone’s support with more achievements in the future.” Round after round of questions were thrown out, and Adrian Vandenberg maintained a relaxed and humorous attitude throughout, losing neither his poise nor the informative nature of his answers.
His responses included both professional tactical analysis and sincere emotions toward the players and fans.
Some reporters present began to realize that Adrian Vandenberg was not only a coach with excellent tactics but also a charismatic public figure skilled at interacting with the media.
A veteran reporter asked: “Coach Adrian, today’s victory has already earned you high recognition among the fans and management.
For the upcoming season, what do you feel your goal is?” Adrian Vandenberg smiled slightly, his gaze firm: “The goal is simple: win every match.
Whether it’s a cup or the League, we hope to face challenges in our best form.
I believe this team has infinite potential; as long as we continue to work hard, the future will be even more glorious.” The atmosphere of the press conference gradually became heated, but there was no shortage of pointed and provocative questions.
Some reporters, especially those who were fans of Bayern Munich, seemed to want to take the opportunity to ‘humble’ this rising star coach.
However, Adrian Vandenberg did not show the slightest bit of intimidation; every answer he gave was not only confident but also carried a subtle edge.
When the topic turned to Bayern Munich’s 5-0 victory over Jena in the previous round of the German Cup, a reporter asked.
“Coach Adrian, Bayern Munich easily defeated Jena 5-0 in the last round, while you won big against Würzburger Kickers 7-0 today.
As a rookie coach who just led his team to a massive victory, do you think there is any comparability between these two matches?
Do you think the gap between Munich 1860 and Bayern is still very large?” Adrian Vandenberg smiled slightly, his tone calm yet carrying a hint of provocation: “Bayern indeed showed their strength, but Jena is a 3.
Liga team, while Würzburg is a 2.
bundesliga team.
I think it goes without saying whose opponent was more challenging.
Bayern is a giant Club; a giant winning a match against a 3.
Liga side shouldn’t be something particularly worth bragging about, especially when the score is lower than ours.” These words caused a burst of low laughter from the press gallery, while the reporter who asked the question had a slight change in expression, clearly displeased by Adrian Vandenberg’s sarcasm.
“But Bayern is, after all, a top Bundesliga Club.
Do you feel that Munich 1860’s current achievements are enough to qualify for comparison with Bayern?” he pressed.
Adrian Vandenberg remained composed, even more serene: “We are a 2.
bundesliga team, and they are a Bundesliga giant; in terms of history and resources, they indeed have the advantage.
But the outcome of a football match is never decided by background, right?
So, if there’s an opportunity to compete on the same field in the future, I look forward to seeing how our players make the so-called giants feel uncomfortable.” This sentence clearly carried a provocative edge.
Reporters scrambled to record it, while the Munich 1860 fan-reporters showed knowing smiles.
Immediately, another reporter approached from a different angle, asking: “Coach Adrian, regarding the usage rights of the Allianz Arena, Munich 1860 currently shares this venue with Bayern Munich, but there are rumors that Bayern might gradually take complete possession of it.
What are your thoughts on this?” When Adrian Vandenberg heard this question, he let out a cold laugh.
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping over the reporters: “The Allianz Arena is a great venue and a symbol of the city of Munich.
If Bayern wishes to occupy it exclusively, then perhaps they should first show us why the Allianz Arena should belong only to them.
After all, judging by the cheers of our fans, the Allianz belongs to 1860 as well.
If one day Bayern really wants to kick us out, I think they first need to consider whether they have the ability to prove on the pitch that they deserve such ‘exclusive rights’.” A stir rose from the press gallery.
These words not only directly addressed the Allianz Arena controversy but also implicitly mocked Bayern’s competitive strength.
Next, the topic shifted to the “Munich Derby”.
A reporter asked.
“Coach Adrian, many people are looking forward to the return of the Munich Derby.
How do you view the possibility of playing against Bayern?
Do you think 1860 has a chance to win this match?” Adrian Vandenberg didn’t answer immediately this time.
Instead, he thought for a moment before looking up, a sharp glint in his smile: “The Munich Derby?
Of course, that’s a match we are very much looking forward to.
Bayern has great strength, but we have our fighting spirit too.
I can tell you, we won’t back down.
If that day really comes, I hope Bayern is prepared.
We aren’t here just to participate; we are here to fight for the win.
The glory of Munich has never belonged to a single team.” At this point, he paused and added another sentence: “If Bayern wants to continue their performance against Jena and try to win 5-0 in the Derby as well, they’ll have to work hard.
Because we are not Jena from the third division.” As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of the reporters varied.
Reporters supporting 1860 couldn’t help but laugh, while Bayern’s supporters were clearly becoming restless.
With this seemingly nonchalant remark, Adrian Vandenberg not only laid out the gap between 1860 and Jena but also directly mocked Bayern’s easy victory for its lack of substance.
A reporter mentioned Bayern again, their tone probing: “Coach Adrian, Bayern Munich is one of the most influential Clubs in all of Europe.
As their old rival, do you have anything you want to say to Bayern?” This time, Adrian Vandenberg sat up straight, his tone becoming even more resolute.
“Bayern is indeed a great Club, but no great Club is unsurpassable.
In the world of football, history can add to your heritage, but it cannot guarantee your future.
I believe that as long as we persist in the right direction, one day in the future, the pride of Munich will no longer be just red and blue; there will also be a place for black.” Finally, he looked meaningfully into the camera, the corners of his mouth turning up: “There is an old Belgian saying that ‘fortune rotates like a wheel’.
Applied here, it means that even Bayern cannot guarantee their championship status 100%.
Using your question, I’ll take the opportunity to say one more thing to Bayern.” “I’ll be waiting for you in the German Cup final.” This sentence caused a sensation in the hall.
Some clapped in praise, others discussed in low voices, and Bayern’s supporters were clearly fuming with ugly expressions.
Flashbulbs flickered frantically.
The reporters all knew that this statement was destined to become the biggest topic of this press conference.
The atmosphere of the press conference remained tense.
Adrian Vandenberg’s humor and sharpness made the reporters present both excited and somewhat wary.
His sharp words specifically directed at Bayern Munich triggered reactions from some of the reporters in attendance.
Some reporters were clearly unsatisfied with his answers, but Adrian Vandenberg remained composed, answering question after question and constantly sparking dialogue.
Just then, a reporter suddenly raised a new question, breaking the previous tension.
“Coach Adrian, if you have the opportunity to coach a top giant Club in the future, which one would be your favorite?
Have you ever had such plans?” Adrian Vandenberg smiled slightly, seemingly not expecting this question to appear so suddenly.
He relaxed his body, crossed his arms over his chest, and pondered for a moment before slowly speaking.
“To be honest, my requirements are not high.
What truly attracts me is a Club that can give me enough autonomy, allowing me a greater say in tactics and personnel arrangements.
My tactical and training methods are not my greatest strengths; what I am better at is discovering and nurturing rookie players.
Given enough resources and a platform, I can make more talented young players shine in their professional careers, just like Florian.” The reporters were somewhat surprised.
This answer was both humble and confident, giving an unusual impression.
Adrian Vandenberg did not mention the name of any specific Club.
He didn’t talk about any “dream of Real Madrid” or “dream of Barcelona” like others might; instead, he spoke about his love for football and his unique vision and ability.
It was indeed true; the greatest advantage of the FM system was not training, but the ability to accurately judge a player’s potential.
This was something no other coach had ever possessed.
His answer provoked deep thought among the reporters present, showing not only his self-assured attitude but also his dedication to cultivating young players.
“So, you don’t have a particular preference for any giant Club?” the reporter followed up.
“No.” Adrian Vandenberg did not hesitate in the slightest.
“I don’t care if it’s a world-class giant or a Club with a long history.
What I value is the Club’s culture and philosophy, and whether they can provide me with a platform to dig up and nurture potential players.
I hope to lead a team to create new history and achieve new legendary players, rather than just clinging to past glories.” The reporters all noted down this answer.
Adrian Vandenberg’s words contained not only confidence but also plans and expectations for the future; he seemed not to rely on past honors but looked forward to creating a future of his own.
At this moment, many reporters had a question mark in their minds.
Perhaps Adrian Vandenberg was not as simple as they had initially imagined.
From the initial suspicion and challenge to the current spotlight, Adrian Vandenberg was already more than just a coach; he was a Club leader with his own coaching philosophy.
Every tactical arrangement and every word of encouragement to his players was constantly shaping the team and quietly changing the landscape of German football.
Now, his name had already secured a place in the football world.
His brilliance was only just beginning.
— T/N: DONATE POWER STONES AND COLLECT THE BOOK IN YOUR COLLECTION ALREADY.