A few days later, the reports from the local Munich media regarding Adrian Vandenberg and Munich 1860 had begun to ferment, with both positive and negative coverage.
Adrian Vandenberg sat in his office, sunlight spilling through the gaps in the curtains onto the newspapers and magazines on his desk.
The residual heat from last night’s match had not yet dissipated; major media outlets were scrambling to report on it, and eye-catching headlines were already everywhere.
He casually flipped open a copy of Kicker.
His photo, directing from the sidelines, was prominently printed on the cover, accompanied by a suggestive headline.
“Tactical Master or Lucky Charm?
This Young head coach’s Challenge Has Only Just Begun” The tone of the Munich Daily was relatively good, even laced with a bit of pride: “From the Brink of Relegation to Two Consecutive Wins: Adrian Vandenberg is Saving Munich 1860” Next was the Sports Gazette.
The cover featured a picture of Florian celebrating after a goal alongside a photo of Adrian Vandenberg clapping, with the headline written in large font.
“Genius Striker and Prodigy Coach — The Rise of Munich 1860’s New Dual Core” In contrast, the tone of the Stuttgart Sports Weekly was full of criticism and dissatisfaction.
The cover showed a photo of Takuma Asano falling and being carried off the field, with an aggressive headline.
“Out-of-Control Defending and Referee Controversy — Who is to Blame for Stuttgart’s Crushing Defeat?” None of that was much, but there were also some gossip rags that weren’t afraid of trouble, making Adrian Vandenberg’s comments about Takuma Asano their front-page headlines.
“Adrian Vandenberg: If I Were the Arsenal Manager, I Would Never Buy a ‘Japanese Car’!
(I Yan Yuan the original mc and author would be licking German bottom)” “Japanese Car Metaphor Sparks Controversy: Is Adrian Vandenberg Humorous or Mean-Spirited?
(or is it a Chinese soul kicking here crying out for motherland)” “Takuma Asano’s ‘Japanese Car Moment’: Adrian Vandenberg Breaks the Dullness with German-style Humor (on original mc and author that “shut the f*** up, Adrian have to edit so much because of this bitch crap you shit here”)” There were even bolder newspapers that wrote titles like this: “Adrian Vandenberg Publicly Provokes Arsenal: It Might Be Better If I Led Them!
(yeah just fit the original mc and author on your d*** and they will lead you down bullshit)” When Adrian Vandenberg saw this headline, he spat out the coffee he had just swallowed with a ‘pfft’.
“These brain-dead media outlets really aren’t afraid of trouble.
Why are they drawing fire toward Arsenal?” he cursed under his breath.
Media people all over the world have the same big mouths.
As long as you accept an interview, no matter what view you express, they can turn it into a controversial topic.
Adrian Vandenberg felt this wasn’t a big problem.
He actually quite hoped the media would hype him up like this.
As a new head coach, what he lacked was attention; whether it was praise or criticism, the more people paying attention to him, the better.
Today was still team training.
The next match was the German Cup, so they had to prepare well.
Adrian Vandenberg came to the training ground to supervise the players’ training progress.
He stood on the sidelines with his hands in his pockets, his gaze following the players’ movements.
The players had already begun their warm-up training.
The sound of passing, the rhythm of running, and the sound of cleats rubbing against the grass intertwined to form the unique melody of football training.
Adrian Vandenberg opened the system interface.
He was already very familiar with this system; the help from the FM system made him deeply aware that it wasn’t just a simple data tool, but the most powerful weapon he had since becoming a coach.
Clicking on the ‘Player Status’ module, the familiar list leaped onto the screen.
Adrian Vandenberg scanned it, but his brow couldn’t help but furrow.
The system had highlighted three players in red: right-back Jan, midfielder Michael, and center-back Rodney.
In the ‘Injury Risk’ column, the numbers for these three all exceeded 80%, with a small note next to it explaining: ‘Excessive muscle fatigue, recommended load reduction, ligament load…’ “Three key positions,” Adrian Vandenberg murmured to himself, a hint of worry in his eyes.
Jan was a shield for the team’s defensive line; he was fast, strong in duels, and an indispensable part of the defense.
Michael was the hub of the midfield with excellent interception abilities, capable of quickly cutting off the opponent’s attacking lines.
As for Rodney, his aerial ability and sense of positioning had always been a stabilizing factor for the defense.
If any of these three were injured, the team would be at a huge disadvantage in the next match.
Adrian Vandenberg quickly closed the system interface and turned his gaze back to the training ground.
Jan was leading a few teammates in wing-play breakthrough training.
He came to a sudden stop after a full-speed sprint, his expression looking slightly strained, but he immediately adjusted his state and continued to join the queue.
Michael looked exceptionally steady in the small-area passing drills in midfield, but from his stride, Adrian Vandenberg could see a slight sense of heaviness.
At this time, Rodney was practicing duels with another substitute center-back.
Although his movements were still decisive, the detail of him occasionally rubbing his knee did not escape Adrian Vandenberg’s eyes.
Adrian Vandenberg raised his hand and blew the whistle.
All the players on the field stopped their movements immediately and looked at him.
“Jan, Michael, Rodney, you three come over here.” His tone brooked no argument.
The three looked at each other and ran over.
Adrian Vandenberg scanned them and lightly patted Jan’s shoulder.
“Last night when I went back, I watched the match recordings of you three again,” Adrian Vandenberg began, his voice low but full of power.
“Jan, your sprints are very threatening, but the burden on your body is too great; Michael, your coverage in midfield is sufficient, but your stride is clearly a bit off; Rodney, I saw that your adjustment time after several duels was half a second longer than usual—that’s not a good sign.” Jan was stunned for a moment and said somewhat defiantly, “Coach, I feel like I can still train a bit more.
The next match is the German Cup, I have to be more prepared.” Adrian Vandenberg shook his head, “I understand how you feel, but I want a healthy you, not a you who forces yourself to persist only to go straight onto the injury list for the next match.” He turned to Michael and Rodney, his tone softening slightly, “The same logic applies.
The team needs you, and more importantly, it needs you healthy.
From now on, you three will withdraw from today’s competitive training and switch to recovery training.
Professional massages will be arranged for the afternoon to relax your muscles.” Hearing this, although the three felt somewhat unwilling, they understood the coach’s good intentions.
Adrian Vandenberg’s professionalism and decisiveness had long established his prestige within the team.
They nodded and walked toward the physiotherapy area on the sidelines.
Adrian Vandenberg watched them leave, feeling a slight sense of relief in his heart.
He knew that protecting the players was not only his duty but also the foundation for the team’s future success.
Training continued, and Adrian Vandenberg constantly observed the movements of every player on the field.
He walked over to Stefan and Florian and patted their shoulders.
“In the next match, you two need to continue the coordination from last time.
Especially you, Stefan, your speed is our sharp weapon, but remember not to rush your passes.
Observe more and make more use of open spaces.” Stefan nodded, his eyes flashing with fighting spirit.
“Coach, I understand.
I’ll do better this time.” Florian smiled slightly, looking relaxed but serious.
“Don’t worry, Coach, we’ll let you see more goals.” As time passed, the training session drew to a close, and the players began to pack their gear to return to the locker room.
But Adrian Vandenberg still stood by the field, his mind filled with various tactical arrangements for the next match.
He understood that no part of this team could afford to make a mistake.
He opened his laptop and wrote his observations from today’s training into his log, specifically marking the recovery status of Jan, Michael, and Rodney.
The training for the others proceeded as usual.
Jan, Michael, and Rodney stood in the recovery training area next to the physiotherapy room.
Their expressions seemed relaxed, but their hearts were somewhat conflicted.
When Adrian Vandenberg halted their training in the morning, they all felt a bit unwilling and skeptical, believing their bodies could still handle more load.
However, out of respect and trust for the coach, they still began their recovery training according to the arrangement.
The intensity of recovery training was completely different from formal training.
The three first used foam rollers to relax their muscles, then performed stretching and light weight training under the guidance of the physiotherapist.
Michael had both hands on the yoga mat, his body’s center of gravity on his arms.
As he slowly lifted his legs according to the physiotherapist’s instructions, fine beads of sweat gradually broke out on his forehead.
He gritted his teeth and finished the movement while enduring the soreness in his leg muscles, but he couldn’t help but mutter, “Why does this feel more tiring than competitive training?” Jan sat on a training chair, using an elastic band to stretch his shoulders.
At first, he was absentmindedly chatting with Rodney, but after a few sets of stretches, his shoulders actually began to ache, as if some small muscles deep inside were gradually ‘waking up’.
“Is it really because I haven’t done recovery training for too long?” he muttered to himself.
Meanwhile, Rodney performed knee stability exercises under the physiotherapist’s guidance, standing on one leg while slowly drawing circles with the other.
After a few rounds, he actually felt a faint pain in his knee.
Frowning, he couldn’t help but say, “This exercise looks simple, but…
it’s not simple at all.” The three of them gradually grew quiet, each focusing on their recovery training.
Sweat slid down their foreheads, and their movements became more cautious.
They slowly realized that their physical condition was indeed worse than they had imagined.
Especially when the physiotherapist pointed out the stiffness and fatigue in their leg muscles and knee joints, all three showed expressions of surprise.
Jan was the first to complain, “I really didn’t expect my usual training to accumulate so many hidden issues.
I thought I could easily handle the next match.” Michael chimed in, “Yeah, I just did a few sets of movements and my legs almost cramped.
The coach has such a sharp eye; he mentioned this morning that my footwork was off, and I didn’t believe him then.
Looking at it now, he was really right.” Rodney nodded and rubbed his knee with a bitter smile.
“After those few moves just now, my knee has already started protesting.
If the coach hadn’t stopped us, something might have actually happened if I continued training today.” As the three were talking, Adrian Vandenberg’s figure appeared at the door.
He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed, his gaze sweeping over the three as a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“What, didn’t you feel like you could still run and jump just now?
Why have you wilted now?” Jan looked up, took a breath, and forced a smile.
“Coach, your eyes are just too sharp.
This morning I thought you were making a mountain out of a molehill, but now I’m truly convinced.” Michael wiped his sweat while smiling bitterly.
“Coach, I believe it now.
Recovery training is actually more uncomfortable than usual contact drills.
If you hadn’t stopped me, I probably would have pushed through until I got injured today.” Rodney stood up and moved his knee around, exclaiming, “Coach, how did you see that there was a problem with my knee?
I didn’t feel anything myself during the matches these past few days.” Adrian Vandenberg smiled upon hearing the three’s complaints.
He walked into their midst, patted Jan on the shoulder, and said, “I told you long ago, I’m not just looking at your current performance, but also the trends in your bodies.
Fatigue, hidden issues—none of them escape my eyes.
Did you think I became a head coach just by talking?” “For example, Jan, when you tackled in the last game, the position of your foot was a bit unnatural compared to usual.
I could tell from then that you were likely a bit tired.” Jan was completely stunned.
“Coach…
this…
you saw that too?” Everyone nodded in admiration.
Jan said seriously, “Coach, I truly believe in your judgment now.
From now on, I won’t question whatever you tell us to do.” Michael also nodded repeatedly.
“If it weren’t for the coach today, the three of us might have ended up on the injury list together.” Adrian Vandenberg waved his hand, his tone much more relaxed.
“Don’t be in such a hurry to flatter me.
I don’t need your verbal submission; I need your physical condition to be completely adjusted.
Don’t overthink today, just recover well.
There’s a massage scheduled later.
Before the next match, your bodies must be adjusted to their peak state.
Don’t let me down.” The three agreed in unison.
After watching Adrian Vandenberg leave, they looked at each other and shared a smile of relief.
Only then did they truly appreciate Adrian Vandenberg’s painstaking efforts.
He was not only a coach who understood tactics, but also a ‘psychologist’ and ‘body engineer’ who understood his players.
From that moment on, their trust and admiration for Adrian Vandenberg reached a new height.
The afternoon recovery massage session allowed the three to relax completely.
The masseur’s skilled techniques relieved their tight muscles, and the original discomfort slowly faded away.
Jan lay on the massage table with his eyes closed, unable to help but remark, “Sometimes you really have to listen to the coach and not push too hard.
Having a comfortable recovery day like this is actually quite nice.” The technician was currently massaging Jan’s legs.
Michael replied with a laugh, “I think you’ve just been dying for a massage…
Hiss…
but seriously, this massage is great, much better than the ones I get at the spa.” Rodney spoke while enjoying his massage, “Speaking of which, this training method is actually quite scientific.
Usually, we only focus on training hard and ignore the details of our bodies.
Now it seems the significance of recovery training is just as important.” The three chatted back and forth, their tones filled with anticipation for future matches and recognition of Adrian Vandenberg, their young head coach.
Adrian Vandenberg came into the massage room, patted the three of them on the buttocks, told them to enjoy their recovery this afternoon, and instructed them, “You three recover well, and remember, the next match is the German Cup.
These next two days, make sure you don’t drop the ball.
If there are any problems, tell me immediately.
Always prioritize the match.” “Yes!
Coach!” Adrian Vandenberg stood by the sidelines, watching the last group of players finish their wrap-up training.
He noticed Saša standing at the other end of the field, hands on his hips, with his characteristic look of determination on his face.
As a veteran of the team, Saša was undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in the locker room.
He was not only a spiritual pillar for the players but also the team’s stabilizing force at critical moments.
In the past two matches, this veteran over thirty had not only shown his efficiency on the offensive end but also contributed a rare level of grit on defense.
For a player over 30, his performance was quite remarkable.
Adrian Vandenberg walked over and spoke in a relaxed tone, “Saša, come over for a chat.” Hearing his name, Saša looked up and saw Adrian Vandenberg waving at him.
He quickly walked over, a hint of curiosity on his face.
“Coach, is something the matter?” Adrian Vandenberg patted Saša on the shoulder and said with a smile, “I wanted to talk to you about your performance in these two matches.
To be honest, you’ve played really well, especially that header in the last game—it felt like a star performance.
Your positioning, judgment, and calmness at critical moments are all very impressive to me.” Hearing Adrian Vandenberg’s praise, a humble smile appeared on Saša’s face.
He shrugged and said, “Thank you for the compliment, Coach, but that’s just what I should be doing.
As a veteran, I can’t let the youngsters feel like I’m dragging the team down.” “Dragging the team down?” Adrian Vandenberg raised an eyebrow and said half-jokingly, “If all veterans could run, fight, and score like you, our job as coaches would be much easier.” Saša couldn’t help but laugh out loud, waving his hand as he said, “Coach, you’re too kind.
But honestly, these two matches have really made me feel like I’m back in my younger days.
This might sound a bit cheesy, but I have to admit, your tactics and control over details make it much more comfortable for us to play.” Hearing this, Adrian Vandenberg’s expression became more serious.
He looked at Saša, his tone carrying a touch of emotion.
“Saša, you are the leader of this team and one of my most important supporters in the locker room.
Your endorsement of my tactics means a lot to me.
I know I’m still young and have much to learn, but with a veteran like you taking the lead to support me, things will be much easier for us.” Saša listened quietly and nodded, a sincere light shining in his eyes.
“Coach, I admit, I did have some doubts about you at first.
After all, you’re younger than many of us and hadn’t coached at this level before.
But now, I truly admire you from the bottom of my heart.
Your professionalism, your decisiveness, and your attention to every player make me realize that you’re not just a coach, but a leader worth trusting.” Adrian Vandenberg was both moved and a bit surprised by these words.
He patted Saša’s shoulder, straightened his collar, and said, “Alright, go back and rest.
Perform well in the next match too.” “Thank you, Coach.” Saša felt happy from the bottom of his heart.
— T/N: Donate Power Stones.