The Nation's Call (Not the Army) (Part 2)
Graham Porter, head coach of the Sweden national soccer team, has drawn attention with his unexpected move. It's been reported that the coach, who recently visited Korea, watched the FC Seoul vs. Gimpo match live from the stands, sparking widespread interest in the background.
(Omitted)
Coach Porter extended his contract until 2030 and has the board's trust, but the national team's atmosphere isn't stable. Sweden faces Ukraine in the World Cup European qualifier playoffs on March 26. It's too early for optimism.
(Omitted)
Thus, it seems he visited Korea with Olmunt's starting spot in mind amid Isak's absence and Jökereš's dip in form. It's hard to confirm, but the possibility that Olmunt is in the national team candidate pool is far from slim.
Will we get to see Sweden's—and Olmunt's—World Cup run?
Haah…
National team. World Cup. Playoffs, no less.
This is a route I never even considered. National team call-up before heading to Europe?
The article doesn't look like a prank. Is this legit? How'd they know he ate yakisoba at the Seoul stadium—and that it was tasty?
I kept reading the article. Why is this real? The ex-Chelsea and Brighton coach came to watch me?
Call it repetition, but it still feels like hidden camera TV.
Still, with Jökereš around, maybe he just came to check things out?
I wore the youth Taeguk mark as a kid, but Sweden's national team?
Sure, I have zero Swedish patriotism, but if I get picked? I'd run my heart out. Free chance to impress every soccer insider in Europe.
I'd instantly become Sweden's Klose, Sweden's Podolski.
Ding!
Agh, that's unfair.
But hey, you called me an Eastern European journeyman striker. Even steven. I inwardly cursed Ethan Ross as I shut my phone and went to sleep.
And the kimchi soup I chugged on February 28 turned sour by March 2—no contact at all.
Made me feel like a total fool. If the coach watched the game, shouldn't he at least reach out?
"Hey. Mr. National Team. You didn't get too hyped, did you?"
"Nah. No call yet. How's that national team? Probably just scouting attacking options."
I threw myself into training, brimming with grievance at Kim Donghan's teasing. Truth is, I was hyped—but I played it cool.
"Whoa!"
"Min-su, you still shoot like that? If your shots were decent, Coach Hong Baemyeong would've come watch you ages ago."
"Definitely hyped, huh?"
"Yup. Crystal clear."
Min-su and Lee Junkyung were chattering, but it went in one ear and out the other.
My mind's all over the place. Back in my FC Dongdaemun Seoul days, all the hotshots got tense around senior national team call-up season.
I wondered what the big deal was then. Now I get it.
Even I, with zero ties to Sweden, am buzzing and nervous just knowing Porter came for me. Imagine representing your own country.
Still. Even if I don't make it this time, if Porter sees me as a candidate, consistent performances will get me there eventually.
Miss this World Cup? Fine. Next one, I'm playing.
"Olmunt. Before training, Coach Nam Suhyeon wants you in his office."
The unexpected summons hit right as I arrived at the training ground. Straight to the office.
Knock knock!
"Olmunt, come in."
I eased the door open at his voice. Even as captain, sudden calls are scary.
The coach sat with a faintly bitter expression.
"Can't have the world's eyes on you just yet."
That hit like a gut punch.
"Did you hear from Coach Porter?"
"Yeah. Wants to pick you for the next national team match—asked the club's stance."
He read my excitement and chuckled.
"A-match window overlaps, so he just wanted your take and said he'd follow up. Expect Porter's call tonight."
"Thank you!"
"Grateful? Stick around through next season, then head to Europe, kid."
He waved off my thanks with a dismissal.
"What? Where you been?"
"Answering the nation's call."
"Huh? You enlisting or what?"
I brushed past Jo Giwon's baffled face and headed to training in high spirits.
"Heh heh heh."
"What the hell's up with him?"
Lee Junkyung asked worriedly, but…
"Heh heh heh heh."
Too embarrassing to say I made the national team. I mumbled through it.
"Giwon, he okay? Something happen?"
"Uh… Do they have military in Sweden?"
"They probably do. That explain it?"
I threw myself into training, puzzled by their pitying looks from Kim Kyungjun and Jo Giwon.
"Min-su, Olmunt enlisting?"
"Huh? No way. Military what?"
"Then why's he grinning like an idiot, all fidgety?"
"Just bummed no national team call. That's all."
"Aw. He was hyped."
Their pity intensified for some reason, but whatever.
After intense training, the call I'd been waiting for buzzed that night.
Vrrr! Vrrr!
Unknown number. But starts with +46. Straight-up Swedish.
"Yeah. Olmunt? Got your number from Coach Nam Suhyeon. Heard you speak English."
"Yes, it's me. Coach. Club just contacted me. Heard you came to watch…"
"Hahahahaha. Always amazes me. How do cameras spot me so well?"
"I was shocked too, seeing it in the news. Didn't expect you in Korea."
"A coach goes anywhere for good talent. My situation's desperate right now."
Porter caught his breath, then continued.
"Calling about your schedule ahead. Association will brief you, but figured you're new to national team stuff."
Whoa… More interest from Porter than expected. Kinda touching.
"Match is in Spain. Ukraine's home is a warzone, sadly. Roster drops the 18th—head to Valencia on the 23rd."
"Isn't that tight?"
"No choice. Playoffs. Beat Ukraine, next one's right after. Probably Poland. That'll be in Sweden."
Lewandowski? Gotta beat Ukraine first.
"See you in Spain. Hope we meet in the US again too."
"Sure. Anything I need to do till then?"
"Keep form up? Rack up at least 5 attacking returns. Next two games."
"Easy. See you the 23rd."
Click.
"Hoo…"
I exhaled the breath I'd held since hanging up.
Even with his recent career slump, this guy's the one who shook up Brighton, then landed Chelsea. Disaster there, sure.
But him flying from Sweden for me, personally calling with details…
Previous life? Never dreamed of it. National team means facing Europe's elite.
Will my talent hold up against them?
A fiercer rivalry burned than against Ethan Ross. Time to show 'em. Prove my past failures were that lunatic Lee Youngik's crazy tackle.
And 5 attacking points? Piece of cake now.
"That pass was insane? Through three defenders."
Paulo interrupted his celebration to thumbs-up and charge me.
"Whatever, just focus on runs. Second division top scorer, then first? Epic."
He looked genuinely moved. Fine, I'll chase assist crowns in both too.
Paulo bagged 2. I got 1 goal off Park Jaeyoon's cutback, 2 assists. 3-0 thrashing of Incheon.
Incheon Pelicans fans eyed me like "Him again?"… But I felt solidarity. Promoted guys gotta shine.
Next: Pohang Iron FC. Where Eunsang screwed us over.
But no Eunsang. Dropped from the squad.
"If he'd gone, he'd have played. Poor guy."
Lee Junkyung nailed it—bittersweet.
"He not playing at all lately? He's better than that."
"Pohang's using a foreign winger. Prospects popping up like weeds—no room for Eunsang."
Kim Donghan explained crisply to Yoo Dojin's question.
Was in the bench rotation late last season. Now fully sidelined. Explains the radio silence—embarrassed.
Still, we avenged him on Pohang Iron FC. Not a blowout, but a win.
1 goal off Lee Minjae's pass. 1 assist cutback to Park Jaeyoon. Mission accomplished: 2 games, 2 goals, 3 assists.
And Coach Porter's reply?
Attackers: Jökereš / Isak / Olmunt / Elanga / Kulusevski
"Tonight, meat's on me!"
I boasted to the team. Regretted it exactly 2 hours later. But still thrilled.
"Olmunt. Bench next game. Off to Spain on the 23rd, right?"
Coach declared boldly.
"Don't I need to play?"
"Uh… Probably. He looks pissed."
Jo Giwon and I eyed the coach from the bench. Subbed on at 60'.
Scraped a 2-goal comeback draw vs. Ulsan Blue Tigers.
'Europe-bound, and Gimpo gets relegated?' The worry crept in.
But hey, big transfer fee—should be fine.
First, Madrid. Beat Ukraine. Then think.