It was four in the afternoon, and today’s running training was basically over.
“Huff…
puff…” All the players were gasping for breath; some were lying spread-eagled, some were sitting on the ground, and others were standing, bent over and rubbing their knees.
Adrian Vandenberg walked over with a small notebook, followed by Heiko, who brought over two crates of lukewarm mineral water and handed a bottle to everyone.
“I know you’re tired, but I still suggest you stand up and walk around.
Sitting down right after intense exercise is very bad for your body.
Be careful, or you might end up out for the season,” Adrian Vandenberg said to the crowd.
Everyone reacted to the phrase “out for the season” as if they had heard terrible news.
Stojković, who was lying the flattest, scrambled to his feet.
“Overall, your performance today was quite good.
Some of you reached the pace of a second-class track and field athlete in the final set of interval runs.
Florian, your fastest 400m time today was 53.11 seconds.
Excellent performance, keep it up.
Stefan, you were also outstanding, with a top pace of 53.14 seconds.
Others reached second-class standards in the 1000m.
Witek, Daniel, your top 1000m pace today was 3 minutes 18 seconds.
Excellent, I hope you maintain this,” Adrian Vandenberg said with a smile.
After hearing this, the most surprised person was young Florian.
He hadn’t expected his running to be this good, nor had he expected this “devil” coach to actually give compliments.
“Now, everyone gather in the dressing room.
I’ll show you what the reward is.” With that, Adrian Vandenberg and Heiko walked toward the dressing room together, and everyone else followed.
Upon entering, everyone noticed the dressing room looked a bit different today.
There was an extra bed with a hole in it.
Hosiner, who often got massages, knew this was the kind of bed found in massage parlors.
“Florian, come here,” Adrian Vandenberg called out to Simon.
“Yes, coach…” Florian felt a bit apprehensive.
“Lie face down and put your face in the hole.” “Okay…” Florian had no choice but to comply.
Adrian Vandenberg rolled up his sleeves and applied pressure with the base of his palm to the acupoints on Florian’s back, performing circular kneading movements.
With just this one move, Florian let out a cry of pleasure.
Next, he used his palm and the pads of his index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers to press onto the acupoints on Florian’s back, moving his wrist and forearm in a clockwise or counter-clockwise circular friction motion.
He was so comfortable he almost fainted.
Next was the hips, and finally the legs.
The entire massage lasted twenty minutes.
“Alright, get up.” Adrian Vandenberg gave Florian’s buttocks a firm pat, which brought him back to his senses.
Truth be told, he had almost fallen asleep from how good it felt.
After getting off the bed, Florian jumped a few times.
He felt much lighter than usual, and his fatigue had been significantly relieved.
Everyone finally realized what the reward the coach mentioned was.
Seeing Florian’s reaction, the remaining few were also eager to try.
Subsequently, Stefan, Witek, and Daniel took turns getting massages.
Each of them was so refreshed they were speechless, and the atmosphere in the dressing room livened up.
The Traditional massage technique produced by the system was extraordinary.
Despite being just a massage, its additional attributes were that after each use, the player’s recovery ability would increase by 15% for the day, and the probability of injury in the next match would decrease by 10%.
This was only the effect of the intermediate level; if it were a legendary-level massage technique, the effects would likely be even more astounding.
Adrian Vandenberg rolled down his sleeves and spoke while getting dressed.
“This is a massage technique I learn from a reclusive guru, far superior to a Thai massage.
Doing it regularly will make your body better and better.” “Coach, can everyone enjoy this reward?” asked Kadhe, who had been watching the massage.
“Only those who perform well can enjoy a massage from me personally—those who perform well in training and matches.
Additionally, I’ve already applied to the boss for more beds and specifically asked him to hire a few part-time European massage therapists.
Starting next week, this will be standard for our Club,” Adrian Vandenberg said.
The massage effects granted to him by the system could take effect through other massage therapists, but they would only work in contexts other than training and matches.
“Coach, you’re amazing!” Witek led the cheering feeling blissful from massage, and the others joined in.
“Alright, enough talk.
There are seven days left until the next match, a home game against Düsseldorf.
In the coming days, I will continue to use the previous 4231 formation, but the positioning and playing time for everyone will change.
This depends on the impression you give me over these seven days.
I hope you’re mentally prepared.
Do you all understand?” Adrian Vandenberg’s tone was serious, and his expression returned to its initial coldness.
“Understood!” Everyone shouted.
This time, there wasn’t a hint of negativity in their voices; instead, they were filled with anticipation and confidence.
After training ended, the system gave a notification sound.
“Ding!
Daily training completed.
Based on the players’ training gains, 28 points have been added this session.” …
During the remaining seven days, Adrian Vandenberg mainly arranged for more running and tactical training.
Besides the daily runs, all players had to perform two ten-kilometer middle-to-long-distance runs and two high-intensity speed endurance sessions per week, aimed at maintaining their physical condition.
Tactical training was conducted through intra-squad scrimmages and off-the-ball movement.
The core concept of the High-Press Tactic is rapid swarming and pressing to force the opponent into hasty passes, then disrupting their rushed counterattacks from the backfield.
The biggest issue with executing this tactic is physical stamina.
If stamina is too poor, it’s impossible to press the opponent multiple times, which is why Adrian Vandenberg focused on training the players’ running ability.
The average age of the Munich players is only 25, which is the prime age for stamina.
Since they are at an age where they can run, high-pressing is perfectly suited for them.
The advantage of this tactic is that it’s easy to learn; both weak and strong teams can pick it up quickly.
If a weak team applies it well enough, they can even defeat a strong team through high-pressing.
Even in the game Football Manager, the 4231 is one of the “godly formations” recommended by many players.
The disadvantage is that this tactic increases the players’ physical consumption.
Many teams that use this tactic end up with a squad full of injuries in the latter stages of the season.
Of course, this tactic isn’t without its counters.
If it encounters players with exceptional game-reading and individual combat abilities, such as De Bruyne, Modric, Kroos, Ronaldinho, Messi and so on, this tactic will have almost no effect.
…
“Florian!
Stefan!
Charge for me, charge like crazy!
No matter who on the other side gets the ball, swarm them immediately!” Adrian Vandenberg shouted from the sidelines.
After several days of training, these young men’s running ability had improved significantly.
Florian and Stefans had successfully completed six presses, and the veteran Saša had no chance to organize a decent counterattack.
Someone in their 30s is destined to be unable to outrun youngsters in their early 20s.
After several tactical adjustments, everyone understood their new positions.
For example, the defender Rodney, besides his improved running, could now barely play the Defensive Midfielder position.
Six in the evening.
“Everyone, assemble!” Adrian Vandenberg said, looking at his watch.
“Today’s training is completely finished.
The match is the day after tomorrow, so you can have a good rest tomorrow.” Upon hearing this, a wave of relaxation washed over everyone’s faces; they had finally escaped from Satan’s clutches.
“You’ve become familiar with the new tactics very quickly, which is also thanks to your recent running training.
If nothing else happens, this training method will be used until the end of the season.
In other words, you’ll have to keep running,” Adrian Vandenberg said with a smile.
Hearing this, more dejection appeared on everyone’s faces.
“I know many of you might have already found your next Clubs, thinking this gives you a way out.
But have you ever thought that if you can run faster and score more goals this season, you might find an even better destination?” “Coach, have you heard about it?” Florian asked Adrian Vandenberg.
“It’s not that I’ve heard; it’s obvious.
However, this doesn’t conflict with us winning.
If we win, I can get a better contract, and you can find better Clubs.
Our interests are aligned.
So, no matter which match it is, give it your all, okay boys?” “Yes, coach!
We’ll listen to you!” …
After the pep talk and the massage session, the group boarded the bus back.
During these few days of training, Adrian Vandenberg had not been idle either.
Every one or two days, he would film some training videos or tactical explanations and post them on Instagram.
Because his video content was quite novel and coupled with internet dissemination, he gained quite a few fans.
Currently, he already has over 100,000 followers.
The night before the match, he posted a pre-match preview video, hoping everyone could watch his game on SKY.
The video caption read: “Wuwuwu, the match is tomorrow, I’m so nervous, I’m so afraid no one will watch, everyone please come watch, okay?
(Crying emoji)” Video content: He used a kitten filter, clenched his right fist, pouted, and used a mosquito-like background music, presenting an overall ‘shota-loli’ style.
Comments below: “Stranger, quickly hug me, looks like he’s about to shatter (Touched).” “I saw this video, and all the sins I committed before are wiped clean.” …
Time arrived at October 16th, match day.
Eight-thirty PM, Allianz Arena.
Temperature 1 degree Celsius, slight breeze.
“Strap in, strap in, this is the live broadcast of the 2016 to 2017 2.
Bundesliga season.
Commentator Mathues Krkic brings you the analysis.” “This match features Munich 1860 at home against Düsseldorf.
The head coach for Munich is the 19-year-old exchange student from Belgium, Adrian Vandenberg.
In the entire history of German football Leagues, it is the first time a 19-year-old person has served as a head coach, which is unprecedented.
This will be his first match since taking charge of Munich 1860.” The camera focused on Adrian Vandenberg.
He was still as dashing and composed as ever.
His trench coat made his already tall figure look even more upright.
He had also deliberately put on a pair of gloves, looking almost like a model.
“The starting lineups for both sides are as follows: TSV 1860 Munich Forward: Saša Midfield: Stefan, Florian, Ivan Defensive Midfield: Michael, Daniel Defense: Stojković, Pongracic, Rodney, Witek Goalkeeper: Zimmermann Düsseldorf Forward: Hennings Midfield: Benito, Alfredo, Banton Defensive Midfield: Adam, Morales Defense: Koutris, Hofmann, Fink, Kayhan Goalkeeper: Rensing” Both teams used a 4-2-3-1 formation.
With the main referee’s whistle, the match officially began.
Adrian Vandenberg set the tone for a high-tempo pressing game right from the start.
Accompanied by the starting whistle, Munich 1860 immediately displayed their tactical core—high pressing.
Saša up front acted as the pivot, leading the other attacking players to quickly close down, giving Düsseldorf’s defenders no chance to breathe.
Düsseldorf’s backline was anchored by Fink and Kayhan, but they quickly felt immense pressure.
In the 10th minute, Florian of Munich 1860, relying on excellent running, captured a loophole in the opponent’s midfield pass.
He made a tackle, advanced quickly, and delivered a precise through ball to Saša up front, who immediately shot, but the ball was fortunately saved by Düsseldorf’s goalkeeper Rensing.
Adrian Vandenberg raised both hands on the sidelines, signaling to his players to recall the running tactics they used in recent training.
In the 25th minute, Düsseldorf attempted to organize an attack down the wing.
Alfredo carried the ball at high speed along the right flank, quickly breaking through Munich 1860’s defense line.
However, his cross was easily cleared by Munich 1860’s defense.
It was at this moment!
The team immediately organized a quick counterattack.
Florian once again showed his keen intuition, intercepting the pass before the opponents’ midfielders and driving directly into the penalty area.
Facing Rensing, Florian remained calm this time, pushing the ball lightly with his right foot.
The ball flew accurately into the bottom right corner of the goal, 1-0!
The entire stadium erupted.
Munich 1860 took the lead to break the deadlock.
“Well done, Florian!
Maintain this running rhythm!” Adrian Vandenberg shouted at Florian from the sidelines.
Hearing the voice, Florian turned around, raised his right hand, and gave Adrian Vandenberg a thumbs-up, signaling that he had heard him.
Düsseldorf’s midfield core, Benito and Alfredo, tried to control the tempo of the game through ball possession in the midfield, but Munich 1860’s high pressing tactics forced them into constant errors.
Stefan and Florian frequently pressed, constantly creating chaos in the midfield.
In the 40th minute, a key interception by Stefan broke Düsseldorf’s passing chain.
He passed the ball to the onrushing Florian, who once again drove into the penalty area.
This time, he easily shrugged off Fink and unleashed a powerful shot that pierced Rensing’s defenses again, 2-0.
Munich 1860 further extended their lead.
Munich had almost sealed the match.
Adrian Vandenberg gave his players a high thumbs-up on the sidelines.
Entering the second half, Düsseldorf strengthened their midfield interceptions, trying to find breakthroughs on the wings.
Left winger Benito used his speed to break through Munich’s defense multiple times, nearly creating opportunities for his team.
However, Munich 1860’s defense performed solidly.
The precise running of Stojković and Zimmermann made their defense reassuring.
“Damn it!
These guys’ stamina seems endless, they just keep running!” Benito said viciously.
Several of his threatening shots were disrupted by the running of the 1860 players, especially that Florian.
In the 65th minute, 1860 launched another attack.
Ivan carried the ball Forward from midfield.
Düsseldorf midfielder Bebou attempted to press, but Ivan quickly passed the ball to Saša inside the box.
Saša received the ball with his back to goal, using his strong physique to hold off the defender, then quickly turned and struck a low shot with his right foot.
The ball hit the net, 3-0!
This goal almost locked in the victory for the match.
He was an experienced player with decent shooting skills.
“3-0!
Düsseldorf almost has no chance of a comeback.
This match is over!” the German commentator shouted loudly.
“It looks like Adrian Vandenberg is set to have a perfect debut.
This is undoubtedly a shot in the arm for Munich 1860 this season,” said host Mathues Krkic.
Despite trailing, Düsseldorf still hadn’t given up.
Their right winger, Bebou, continuously created threats relying on speed and agility, but Munich 1860’s defensive line was very solid, especially the Defensive Midfielders Michael and Daniel.
The two of them jointly suppressed Düsseldorf’s counterattacks; their running made this defensive line difficult to break through.
Bebou attempted long shots several times, but they were all interfered with and failed to hit the target.
“Doo~~~~~” As the final whistle blew, the score was fixed at 3-0.
Florian’s brace and Saša’s crucial goal helped Munich 1860 perfectly suppress their opponents.
The entire stadium’s fans were ecstatic.
After enduring a string of defeats, they finally saw hope in their new coach.
1860 won, and they won beautifully and thoroughly!
Stefan’s selfless assists in midfield and his relentless running throughout the game also laid the foundation for the team’s victory.
This victory not only consolidated Munich 1860’s position in the standings but also allowed the fans to see the infinite possibilities for the team’s future.
The fans saw new possibilities in the tactics of the new 19-year-old head coach; this was a completely different style of play compared to before.
Düsseldorf’s head coach, Funkel, stared at the celebrating Munich 1860 players surrounding Adrian Vandenberg, his eyes wide.
He could hardly believe that the tactics he prided himself on had been cracked by a 19-year-old youngster.
“All of you performed wonderfully today!
Truly wonderful!” Adrian Vandenberg, surrounded by everyone, shouted happily.
“The Coach is the best!” Florian, being the boldest, led Stefan in lifting Adrian Vandenberg up to celebrate.
It was only then that Adrian Vandenberg realized he was the youngest among them, and at the same time, he felt that he had truly become a member of 1860.
After this huge victory, the morale of the players, who had experienced several consecutive losses, finally recovered significantly.
They began to take Adrian Vandenberg’s words more seriously.