As dawn broke over Munich, sunlight streamed onto the training pitch where Adrian Vandenberg was leading the Munich 1860 players through their daily practice.
Despite achieving three consecutive major victories, he showed no leniency in his demands for the players.
From passing and possession to high-intensity drills, he scrutinized every detail personally.
He wanted to capitalize on the current momentum from their big wins to maintain the players’ peak condition and ensure no one became complacent.
“Florian, stop just thinking about scoring!
Pay attention to your positioning!” Adrian Vandenberg shouted from the sidelines, reminding Florian, who was simulating an attack and defense drill.
While speaking on the field, the screen of Adrian Vandenberg’s phone lit up.
He glanced down; it was a push notification from a DAZN sports news outlet.
He casually tapped it open, and a glaring headline immediately caught his eye: “Marc Wilmots Resigns, Roberto Martínez Takes Over as Head Coach of the Belgian National Team.” Adrian Vandenberg’s smirked slightly.
He lifted his gaze from the screen and scanned the distant pitch.
The players were completing their training according to his instructions, and there was nothing requiring his immediate intervention.
He walked over to the bench at the edge of the field, sat down, and quickly browsed the content of the news article.
“What a frustrating setup,” Adrian Vandenberg scoffed to himself, then let out a soft snort.
Before his transmigration, he never understood the Royal Belgian Football Association’s decision—why replace an integrated coach with a Spanish manager just because of he is of Spanish birth with more technical ability?
But it’s the truth, because even Adrian himself knew, they reached 3rd in 2018 World cup.
He had always appreciated the core group of the Red Devils, but knew that structural flaws always held them back from the ultimate prize.
The sudden news of the coaching change for the national team left him feeling somewhat expected and distressed both.
After a day of training concluded, Adrian Vandenberg was at home organizing data for match analysis when his phone rang.
He answered; it was a DAZN Belgium program calling from Brussels.
They discussed many things on the phone.
The television station expressed their desire to invite him for a video link interview to discuss his recent matches and his ‘war of words’ with Ancelotti.
The interviewer was clearly aware of Adrian Vandenberg’s recent surge in popularity, and their tone was filled with anticipation.
Adrian Vandenberg agreed to the interview.
When the video link began, the presenter first welcomed Adrian Vandenberg.
“Coach Adrian, your name has been making headlines in many sports news outlets recently, and even our domestic fans are hotly discussing your performance.
We are truly grateful that you accepted our invitation this time!” “You are too kind.
I am still a student, so you can just call me Adrian.
My current achievements don’t yet warrant the title of ‘Coach.’ I am also very grateful for the program’s invitation, as this is a good opportunity to communicate with domestic fans,” Adrian Vandenberg replied with a smile, his tone relaxed and appropriate, his attitude humble.
The presenter was amused by Adrian Vandenberg’s words and then transitioned to the main topic, starting with the recent performance of Munich 1860.
“Then I won’t be polite, Adrian.
After three consecutive wins, Munich 1860 has climbed several spots in the standings.
Some fans are calling you the ‘Miracle Coach.’ What do you think of this evaluation?” “I dare not accept the title of ‘Miracle Coach.’ With just 3 or 4 matches under my belt” Adrian Vandenberg shook his head.
“In reality, the players’ hard work is the key.
I just try my best to convey my tactical philosophy to them and then give them more confidence to execute it.
Football is a team sport; there are no individual heroes.” The presenter nodded in agreement, then shifted the focus: “The recent minor friction between you and Ancelotti is also a hot topic.
Many fans are curious: do you really think Ancelotti is inferior to Guardiola?” Adrian Vandenberg smiled, seemingly having expected this question: “Actually, this whole thing has been a bit exaggerated.
I was just expressing my personal view; Mr.
Guardiola’s tactical innovation is indeed what I admire more.
Of course, Mr.
Ancelotti is a highly experienced coach, and I have no disrespect for him personally.
But I still firmly believe that Bayern needs a head coach who is a better fit for their style.” The interviewer followed up naturally: “If there were an opportunity in the future, would you consider coaching the Belguim Football Team?
Our domestic fans have high hopes for you.” Adrian Vandenberg chuckled upon hearing this question: “A media outlet once asked me this question, and my answer remains the same: I am always aiming to coach our national team, and I would be honored to do so.
Currently, my most important task is to achieve good results with 1860, gaining recognition from more domestic and international fans.
This will also add more credibility for me when I coach the Belgian Football Team in the future.” As the interview neared its end, the host finally asked the question.
“Mr.
Adrian, one last question.
What do you think about the news of Roberto Martínez taking over as the head coach of the Belgian National Team?” Adrian Vandenberg paused thoughtfully, his tone becoming slightly subdued.
“Hmm….
I won’t comment on whether it is bad or good until I see it but, Mr.
Martinez in my opinion has been handed the golden generation talent of Belgium, if he can’t win a world cup with this team, then I would say his appointment is ordinary.” He paused and added, “Of course, I am not saying anything negative about Roberto Martinez, but I still feel slight expectation from the next world cup.
Because the current golden generation of the Red Devils possesses arguably the most brilliant pool of talent in our history.
If a manager inherits this squad and fails to reach the absolute peak—perhaps even winning a World Cup—then frankly, his coaching performance can only be judged as subpar.
And regarding Mr.
Marc, his record when coaching before was quite good; his overall performance is something we have all witnessed.
Looking at the overall win rate, it was acceptable.
Also, Mr.
Martínez’s credentials are one thing, but whether a manager can instantly spark the missing team chemistry and adapt to high-stakes knockout pressure remains the ultimate question.
This group might just be hitting their absolute peak window, yet their spark in team chemistry on the biggest stages still hasn’t been fully unlocked.” This statement piqued The presenter’s interest: “Then what kind of change do you think the Belgian football Team needs?” Adrian Vandenberg pondered for a moment and replied seriously: “What is needed is not just a high-profile name on the bench, but a cohesive tactical identity that clicks when it matters most.
While this generation is capable of reaching deep into tournaments—likely stopping around the semi-finals due to tactical inflexibility under pressure—consistent brilliance requires more than just individual talent.” That evening, as the news of Adrian Vandenberg’s video link interview with the DAZN Belgium sports channel aired, a significant discussion erupted on Belgian social media.
However, what truly pushed the matter onto the trending searches was the statement made by former Belgian football Team player in a separate interview.
Daniel Van Buyten, in an interview with a media outlet, did not hide his support for Adrian Vandenberg’s views: “I think Adrian Vandenberg is right.
Mr.
Marc Wilmots, overall, was coaching quite well.
Regarding Roberto Martinez, I will adopt a wait-and-see attitude.
Regardless, he still has titles.
I still hope he can bring success to Belgium and hope he can adapt quickly.
At the same time, I greatly admire Adrian Vandenberg.
At such a young age, he can see the impact clearly, meanwhile some fans vision remain truly inferior to 19-year-old” Once these words were published, the internet instantly ignited.
Social media began frantically sharing Daniel Van Buyten interview video, accompanied by various interpretations.
Some netizens agreed with Daniel Van Buyten viewpoint: “Daniel is absolutely right!
Marc Wilmots truly put a lot of effort into coaching the Belgian football Team.
Changing to Martinez now might not immediately solve the problem.” Others expressed opposition.
“Adrian Vandenberg is only 19 years old and has only coached a few matches.
What does he know?” “No matter how much football Adrian Vandenberg understands, he is ultimately just a young coach.
Can the domestic and international situations be the same?” Some people also had reservations about Daniel Van Buyten statement: “Is Daniel Van Buyten looking down on domestic fans too much?
Adrian Vandenberg is talented, but it doesn’t mean we all lack vision.” Facing the public outcry, Adrian Vandenberg appeared very calm.
He handled the daily affairs of 1860 while keeping an eye on the domestic developments.
He watched Daniel Van Buyten video many times, especially the line, “their vision is inferior to that of a 19-year-old youngster,” which made him let out a soft laugh.
If nothing unexpected happened, this interview clip would later be turned into many parody videos.
He opened Twitter and saw his name and Daniel Van Buyten interview simultaneously occupying the top spots on the trending list.
He clicked into the related topics and quickly scrolled through the comments one by one.
The supportive voices made him feel somewhat warmed.
According to his initial expectation, he should have faced a barrage of criticism, but there were indeed people who supported his views.
There were also many opposing voices.
Adrian Vandenberg knew that being so young and speaking publicly about the Belgian football Team’s issues would inevitably draw differing opinions.
“It’s fine.
Discussion is better than silence,” Adrian Vandenberg muttered to himself, then stood up and turned off the computer.
He had no intention of responding to Daniel Van Buyten support or the online controversy.
Meanwhile, major sports forums and media outlets in Belgium were also hotly debating this public opinion storm surrounding ‘Martinez taking over for Marc Wilmots.’ Some professionals began analyzing Adrian Vandenberg’s views; some praised him for having a ‘profound understanding of the issues,’ while others believed he was ‘inexperienced and lacked understanding of the complex domestic football reality.’ In this life, Adrian Vandenberg did not remain silent.
He opened an Instagram live stream, intending to chat thoroughly with his fans about these matters.
He was not afraid of being criticized.
As soon as Adrian Vandenberg started streaming, a large number of fans flooded in.
“Good evening, everyone,” Adrian Vandenberg greeted them with a smile.
“Today, let’s continue discussing the Belgian football Team’s coaching change.
After my television interview ended, many friends left messages in the backend saying I didn’t elaborate enough in the interview, so I’m doing a live stream to lay out everything on my mind.” As soon as the stream began, fans rushed in rapidly, and the bullet comments flew across the screen like snowflakes.
[“Brother Adrian is finally live!”] [“Didn’t get enough from the interview, I must hear you explain it clearly this time!”] [“I didn’t get enough either; this matter absolutely needs discussion.”] [“Coach Adrian, when will we win world cup?”] Adrian Vandenberg looked at the messages on the screen, smiled, and said, “I really didn’t say much in the interview because time was limited, and I couldn’t fully elaborate on many thoughts.
But now that I’m live, there’s no rush; I’ll break it down clearly for you piece by piece.” He paused and continued, “First, I know many people think hiring Martinez as head coach is amazing, after all, he is a title winning coach with an impressive resume.
However, the problems facing our Belgian football Team can only be solved with right chemistry.” As soon as he said this, the bullet comments immediately exploded: [“Brother Adrian, if a Title-winning coach can’t do it, who can?”] [“I support the streamer’s view; replacing Marc Wilmots was the wrong decision.”] [“Marc Wilmots was indeed coaching well; changing coaches at this time is just causing trouble.”] [“Stop the forced hate; do you really think Martinez is worse than Marc Wilmots?”] [“Brother Adrian, do you really think Martinez won’t work out?”] Adrian Vandenberg patiently watched the comments and said, “Listen to me finish.
I’m not saying Martinez ability is in question; his ability is undoubtedly beyond question.
If Martinez comes, and cannot solve the team cohesion to absolute 100% than he may be able to produce results but not winning the world cup title, this is a chemistry problem.
I’ll state my view here: Martinez will likely bring significant improvement to the Belgian football Team’s results, but there is still a considerable gap between that and winning the world cup.” [“Brother Adrian, isn’t that view too pessimistic?
Do we have a real chance of winning the world cup?”] [“You’ve gotten too much leeway, Adrian?
What do you know about the Belgian football Team?”] [“Indeed, it’s a chemistry problem.
Both the old and young players are great; the players’ skill level is good but they need to become a machine.”] Adrian Vandenberg ignored the unfriendly remarks on the screen and continued: “Look, the timing of this coaching change is actually the good time to get to know players.
Marc Wilmots at least understood the players and knew where the team’s problems and strengths lay.
Whereas Martinez, just taking the job, need to do this scouting once more and even beyond it.
His experience in Spain cannot be quickly applied to Belgian players because the football cultures of the two countries are fundamentally different.
But there is a good way in which he might find success, if he built the system.” This statement made the debate in the live stream even more intense: [“Anyone is fine, as long as they can win!”] [“Marc Wilmots deserves to be fired; the results speak for themselves.”] [“This is the first time I’ve felt repulsed by you, streamer.
Your professionalism is truly lacking; you can only coach in the 2.
bundesliga.”] [“At your level, the best you can coach is Munich 1860.”] Seeing the fans arguing fiercely, Adrian Vandenberg frowned slightly and tapped the table lightly, saying, “Alright, everyone stop arguing.
We can discuss the issue, but arguing is pointless.
Remember one thing: football is not won by arguing, nor is it won by a single coach.
It is won by a system, by overall strength.” The bullet comments gradually quieted down.
Someone asked: [“Streamer, then what do you think Martinez’s results with the Belgian football Team will be?
Will they improve compared to before?”] Adrian Vandenberg sighed, his expression turning serious.
“The Belgian football Team’s results will improve, I think they might finish in semifinals.
I’ll state my position here: Roberto Martinez might have the chance but may not likely win the world cup.
I know some people won’t like hearing my opinion, but I still have to say it.” The live stream room stirred up another wave of reaction: [“Adrian really dares to speak his mind.”] [“Bye-bye, streamer, completely unfollowing this time.”] [“Fan turned hater.
This is the first time I regret following the streamer; I see his true colors now.”] [“Brothers, calm down.
The Belgian football Team truly cannot rely on just one coach.”] Adrian Vandenberg glanced at the time, knowing he had said enough.
He leaned back in his chair, his tone slightly more relaxed: “Okay, that’s all for today.
Thank you all for tuning in, and thank you to the friends who disagree with my views.
We shall wait and see what the future holds, but I am also seeing whether the predictions are true or false.” With that, he waved at the camera and closed the live stream.
The moment the screen went dark, Adrian Vandenberg let out a breath of relief, sitting in his chair and pondering for a long time.
— T/N: Heavily edited chapter for the first time I found out how much you have to do for this to happen.
But well i saw through it anyways, So what you folks have to do is comment and tell me anything that was wrong or could be improved as well.
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