Early the next morning, sunlight streamed into the office through the glass windows beside the training ground.
Adrian Vandenberg was buried in reviewing the video replay of yesterday’s match against Kaiserslautern, meticulously analyzing every player’s performance.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open forcefully, and the Sports Director, Meyer, walked in excitedly, holding a draw result he had just brought back from Frankfurt.
“Adrian!” Meyer’s voice was full of joy.
“Good news, news so good you absolutely won’t expect it!
The opponent for the next round of the German Cup has been drawn—it’s Lotte!
A 3.
Bundesliga Club!” He said, waving the list in his hand, a relaxed smile spread across his face.
Adrian Vandenberg looked up, his brow slightly raised.
He put down the pen in his hand, leaned back in his chair, and looked at Meyer with a half-smile.
“Lotte?
3.
Liga?” he repeated, his tone calm, but a flicker of complex emotion crossed his eyes.
“That’s right!” Meyer continued, “This is a team we don’t need to worry about too much.
You know, their ranking in the 3.
Liga isn’t great, and their overall strength is far below ours.
This round, we’re guaranteed to win!” Meyer seemed fully confident and was already starting to plan preparations for the next round.
Adrian Vandenberg was silent for a few seconds, clasped his hands on the desk, his gaze steady.
His memory flashed back to before his rebirth.
In the German Cup of his previous life, Munich 1860 had also drawn Lotte.
Unfortunately, due to underestimating the opponent, the team made continuous mistakes in that match and was ultimately eliminated in an upset.
That defeat not only cost the team a chance to advance but also dealt a huge blow to morale.
It was precisely after that loss that Munich 1860 went on a losing streak, eventually descending into the 3.
Liga.
“Meyer,” Adrian Vandenberg’s tone softened slightly, carrying a hint of seriousness.
“Do you know when a lower-League team becomes incredibly powerful in a Cup match?” “When?” Meyer was startled, not quite catching on.
“When we underestimate them.” Adrian Vandenberg stood up and walked to the window, looking at the players jogging slowly on the training ground.
His gaze gradually became firm.
“Lotte is indeed a 3.
Liga team, but you must understand, they have absolutely no baggage in a Cup match.
We have an old saying in Belgium: ‘The barefoot aren’t afraid of those with shoes.’ When facing us, Lotte is barefoot.
Their players won’t have any burden, they don’t care about winning or losing, they will only fight with all their might.
If we slack off even slightly, the result might be the complete opposite of what you imagine.” Meyer was momentarily speechless, clearly not expecting Adrian Vandenberg to be so serious.
He coughed, trying to ease the atmosphere.
“Alright, Adrian, I know you are a meticulous person.
You are right; we still need to treat this kind of match seriously.” “Not just seriously,” Adrian Vandenberg turned around, his tone resolute, “We must go all out.
I don’t want anyone treating this match as an ‘easy victory.’ For the next match, and every match after, we must prepare as if we are facing a Bundesliga powerhouse.” Meyer nodded, looking at Adrian Vandenberg’s expression, secretly admiring him.
He increasingly appreciated his young head coach.
Meyer smiled and said, “Fine, since you put it that way, I’ll wait to see how you ‘educate’ Lotte.” Adrian Vandenberg nodded and sat back down at his desk after watching Meyer leave.
His expression grew grave, and the tip of his pen once again traced across the paper, writing the first line for the next match.
“Never underestimate the opponent.” …
Adrian Vandenberg was reviewing recent match footage, trying to find inspiration for further tactical optimization.
His phone suddenly rang, the sound unusually clear in the quiet office.
He picked up the phone and said in a calm tone: “Hello, this is Adrian Vandenberg.” A pleasant female voice came from the other end.
“Hello, Mr.
Adrian, I am Anna Hoffmann, producer for ‘Sports Focus’ (Blickpunkt Sport).
Our production team has been closely following your and Munich 1860’s recent performance.
Everyone is deeply impressed by your coaching style and the results you’ve achieved leading the team.
Therefore, we would like to invite you to participate in an interview program to discuss your plans for the team, your understanding of football, and other football-related topics.
I wonder if it would be convenient for you?” Adrian Vandenberg smiled, his gaze still fixed on a clip of a brilliant offensive combination on the screen.
He answered the call while watching the video.
“‘Sports Focus,’ that’s a household name in Munich!
I often watch your show.
Thank you for your attention and invitation; I would be happy to participate.
When is the recording, Madam?” A hint of excitement emerged in Anna’s voice.
“That’s wonderful!
The program is scheduled to be recorded the day after tomorrow; we will send you the specific time and location shortly.
The interview content will revolve around the team’s recent performance, the German Cup draw result, and your unique insights into football.
We will also give you ample time to prepare.” “No problem, I will be there on time the day after tomorrow,” Adrian Vandenberg agreed simply and decisively, adding a sentence.
“Football is a very interesting endeavor; I look forward to sharing my views with everyone.” Anna was clearly very satisfied with Adrian Vandenberg’s cooperative attitude.
“Thank you again for accepting, Coach Adrian.
Our production team will contact you shortly to inform you of the specific details.
I look forward to seeing you again!” After hanging up, Adrian Vandenberg put down his phone and leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk, lost in thought.
‘Sports Focus’ was not only one of Munich’s most popular sports programs but also a vital channel for many fans to get football updates.
This interview was a superb opportunity for exposure; he needed to use this chance to boost the Club’s visibility.
…
In the afternoon, the team doctor also gave Adrian Vandenberg a reply: “Coach Adrian, Stojković’s test results are back.
His ankle does indeed have a slight ligament strain, but there is no fracture or more serious issue.” Hearing this, Adrian Vandenberg let out a long sigh of relief, his brow relaxing slightly: “How long does he specifically need to recover?
Can he make it for the next phase of matches?” The team doctor replied, “He’s quite lucky.
If this kind of injury is handled properly, he should recover in about two weeks.
However, it’s best to reduce weight-bearing and contact training to let him rest properly.
We will provide the necessary physical therapy plan.” Adrian Vandenberg nodded, his tone steady after the relief: “Two weeks isn’t too bad.
I will personally arrange a massage and recovery plan for him.
Thank you for your hard work.” After hanging up, Adrian Vandenberg took out his notebook and reviewed the players’ health records.
He knew that although Stojković was young, his physical fitness was slightly weaker than other players, requiring more careful conditioning.
The massage techniques provided by the FM system were one of the recovery methods he used most frequently after his rebirth.
Stojković’s minor injury this time was largely thanks to the system’s massage technique.
This set of massage techniques could effectively promote blood circulation, speed up muscle and ligament repair, and effectively help players recover faster.
Subsequently, Adrian Vandenberg went to the medical room.
Stojković was sitting on the treatment bed, looking slightly helpless.
Seeing Adrian Vandenberg enter, he forced a strained smile.
“Coach, I am truly sorry for causing trouble for the team again.” Adrian Vandenberg patted his shoulder, his tone gentle yet firm.
“Don’t say foolish things.
You have always been a key force for the team on the field.
This minor injury is nothing; focus on recovering your health first.
We are all waiting for you to return.” Then, Adrian Vandenberg skillfully began massaging Stojković.
His movements were orderly, each press accurately targeting the area near the injury while relieving tension in the surrounding tissues.
Stojković’s injured area was stiff at first, but it quickly relaxed, and he even exclaimed, “Coach, your massage is more effective than the team doctor’s equipment.” Adrian Vandenberg chuckled lightly: “I told you, this is my unique skill; machines can’t compare.
But don’t let your guard down; you must listen carefully to the team doctor these two weeks and don’t think about returning early.” After a short half hour, Stojković’s ankle was no longer so swollen, and the pain had significantly lessened.
He looked at Adrian Vandenberg gratefully, his voice filled with respect: “Coach, thank you.
I will recover as quickly as possible and not disappoint your expectations.” As he left the medical room, Adrian Vandenberg’s mood was noticeably lighter.
He looked back at the training ground, where the players were preparing for the upcoming match.
Adrian Vandenberg knew that this team was gradually getting on track, and Stojković’s injury would not become an obstacle.
He felt even more confident about the impending match.
…
Recording time arrived.
At three in the afternoon, Adrian Vandenberg arrived punctually at the ‘Sports Focus’ studio located in downtown Munich.
A reception car was already waiting at the entrance to take him directly from the Club here.
He was wearing a dark black suit, his collar slightly open—meticulous but not rigid, presenting the image of both a coach and an idol.
At the studio entrance, the host, Marcus, was waiting to greet him.
“Coach Adrian, it’s a great pleasure to meet you!” Marcus extended his hand, his smile warm and natural.
“Mr.
Marcus, I’ve heard so much about you.
Thank you for inviting me to the program.” Adrian Vandenberg shook the other man’s hand, his tone humble yet carrying his usual composure.
After a few pleasantries, Marcus joked: “I dare say, today’s ratings will hit a new high—Munich 1860’s recent performance has driven all the city’s fans wild, and you have become the coach we most want to interview.” Adrian Vandenberg smiled and replied: “You flatter me too much.
The good results are all earned by the players through hard work; I only did some planning and adjustments behind the scenes.” Although Adrian Vandenberg was young, he possessed a humility and composure unusual for his age, deepening Marcus’s good impression of him.
Guided by the staff, Adrian Vandenberg was led to the backstage dressing room.
A makeup artist stepped forward to quickly tidy his hair and apply some makeup.
Adrian Vandenberg sat in front of the mirror, appearing somewhat reserved, but as the makeup artist chatted, he gradually relaxed.
“Sir, you have excellent presence in front of the camera; you hardly need much enhancement!” the makeup artist praised while carefully shaping his eyebrows.
Adrian Vandenberg chuckled lightly: “Then I must thank your skilled hands for making me look less nervous.” After the makeup was complete, he stood up.
His reflection in the mirror looked more handsome than usual, with sharply defined features and perfect camera presence.
Adrian Vandenberg adjusted his collar and followed the staff into the studio.
The venue under the lights was exquisitely and professionally arranged, with two facing chairs and a small round table in the center, two glasses of water placed on the table.
Marcus was waiting for him on stage, and the two exchanged a knowing smile.
As the director called out, “Ready!
Three, two, one, start!” the red light on the camera flashed on, and the program recording officially began.
“Welcome everyone to today’s ‘Sports Focus.’ This episode, we are extremely honoured to have invited the head coach of Munich 1860—Mr.
Adrian Vandenberg!” Marcus’s opening was met with enthusiastic applause.
Adrian Vandenberg nodded slightly, showing a polite smile to the camera and the audience.
“It’s a pleasure to be here.
Thank you to ‘Sports Focus’ for the invitation.” Once the program officially started, host Marcus, with his signature smile, got straight to the point.
“Coach Adrian, most fans’ understanding of you stops at the pitch.
They only know you are a very young coach but know little about your personal life.
Today, are you willing to reintroduce yourself to everyone?” Adrian Vandenberg nodded, revealing a humble smile, and said, “Of course.
I am 19 years old, which makes me a ‘junior’ in the professional football coaching circle.
Currently, I am studying Computer Science at the Technical University of Munich.
Although football is my job, academics are equally important to me.” As these words left his mouth, the atmosphere in the studio immediately livened up.
Marcus’s eyes widened, his face full of surprise.
“19 years old?
And a student at the Technical University of Munich?
You truly are low-key!
Coach Adrian, I must ask on behalf of the audience, how do you find the balance between your studies and your coaching work?” Adrian Vandenberg smiled, paused for a moment to think, and then replied: “Actually, academics and football don’t conflict; they can even promote each other.
Studying computers gives me a deeper understanding of aspects like data analysis and tactical optimization, while coaching is the best opportunity to practice this knowledge.
Of course, time management is crucial; the schedules for school courses and team training need to be precise down to every day.
But as long as one is willing to put in the effort, both can be managed.” Marcus shook his head with emotion: “To be honest, becoming the head coach of a professional team at 19, while simultaneously pursuing a major like Computer Science, that is simply genius-level performance.
Coach Adrian, I must ask the audience one more time, you don’t design the team’s training plans like algorithm optimization in your spare time, do you?” A wave of good-natured laughter came from the audience seating area, which amused Adrian Vandenberg as well.
He laughed and replied, “Actually, it does feel a bit like that.
The combination of football tactics and data analysis is very common in modern football.
We use data to find the opponent’s weaknesses, and we use scientific methods to improve player performance.
It’s just that, compared to complex algorithms, I focus more on how to translate this knowledge into simple, direct training methods that players can accept more easily.” Marcus nodded repeatedly after hearing this, his expression shifting from surprise to admiration: “Good heavens, Coach Adrian, you are not only a football genius but also an academic genius!
What are other coaches supposed to do?
They’ll feel like they’ve been left behind by the times!” Adrian Vandenberg waved his hand and smiled modestly: “No, no, I’m just trying my best to do everything well.
Academics are a responsibility, and football is a passion.
I want to do both things to the best of my ability.” Marcus looked at Adrian Vandenberg, paused briefly, then turned to the camera, his tone filled with emotion: “Ladies and gentlemen, this young man, only 19 years old, is already standing on the stage of professional football while simultaneously pursuing a degree at a world-class university.
I must say, Adrian is the coolest coach I have ever met; he is truly comprehensive.” This statement drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Adrian Vandenberg in the camera nodded slightly, his expression confident but not arrogant.
The beginning of this interview not only allowed the audience to re-recognize Adrian Vandenberg’s personal background but also let everyone see his unique charm in developing simultaneously in football and academics.
Adrian Vandenberg thought to himself.
“This is considered cool?
I haven’t even played a proper match yet.
When I get the chance to play in a real game, I’ll show you what cool really means.” — DONATE POWER STONES