Players Like Players, Association Like Association
"Players should act like players, and the association like the association." I opened my mouth without hesitation.
"I'll give you the specifics on the so-called faction leaders in the national team."
"Mo Chanhee, Ha Dohyeon, Park Jeongu…."
Lee Cheolwoo's pen tip danced busily across the page as the names poured out. Once I finished, he set his pen down and fixed me with a sharp gaze.
"So, the national team currently has this so-called Mo Chanhee faction and Ryu Rion faction standing in opposition?"
Section Chief Lee's question felt sly, like he was trying to frame this mess as mutual fault.
I shook my head firmly. "No. I haven't formed any faction, and I have no intention of doing so."
"But isn't it true that players are gathering around you, Ryu?"
"That's not a faction. I just believe the national team needs to be one unit. There are teammates who share that mindset and support me because of it. If you want to call that a 'line,' then sure, call it that."
Association President Kim Myeonggyu stroked his chin with interest and nodded. "Hmm. So there's no unofficial organization led by Ryu right now—just teammates who share his views…."
He paused for a beat before continuing. "In that case, do you think reconciliation is possible if they just aligned on principles with the Mo Chanhee faction?"
What a political question. Was he pushing for peace, or testing my capacity?
I thought for a moment, then answered honestly. "I can't say for sure. The rift's too deep already. But it'd be better than the backstabbing and politicking we have now. Assuming they promise to focus solely on football."
"Heh, I see."
"Mo Chanhee faction…."
Kim Myeonggyu murmured the name, stroking his chin again. His eyes darkened deeply.
He probably already knew. Who was playing kingpin in the national team and who was sucking up to him.
But hearing it confirmed straight from a player's mouth—mine, the hottest name right now—carried real weight.
"Alright, we've noted that clearly. Anything else?"
I caught my breath at the president's question.
Should I bring this up or not?
But if you're drawing the knife, you cut out all the rotten flesh.
I nodded. "Yes."
"Speak."
If I let this chance slip, when would I get another shot to say this to the president's face?
"I'd like to address the rampant sense of entitlement among the players and the association's negligence in overlooking it."
Kim Myeonggyu looked puzzled. "Sense of entitlement?"
"Yes. To put it bluntly, skill doesn't determine rank in the national team anymore—it's age and factions."
I pressed on without hesitation. "We can't keep tolerating some players' constant overreach."
The room's air chilled instantly. Lee Cheolwoo's brow furrowed, and Kim Myeonggyu leaned back, eyeing me sideways.
"Overreach… strong word."
"Isn't it true?"
I met their stares head-on and continued. "You know it too, President. Some veteran players keep overstepping."
The butterfly effect of ignoring that overreach was the factions plaguing the national team now. I had to call out the association's mishandling before even touching on foreign coaches. A Korean coach wouldn't change a thing if this persisted—the team would be pointless. No matter who came, if we just fought and split into factions, people would get hurt, disillusioned with the association, and leave. The root fix started with the association.
Silence hung in the room.
"…."
Lee Cheolwoo scowled. "Isn't that for the coach to control?"
"And this meeting is the result."
I alternated glances between Kim Myeonggyu and Lee Cheolwoo, driving the point home. "What I'm saying is, faction fights are just symptoms. The real cause is the false belief we've fostered: throw a tantrum, and the association caves."
"…Heh."
"Players who break rules should face discipline, no matter their fame—and the association should back the coach's authority. Covering it up as 'no big deal' has led them to think they're above the national team."
I locked eyes with Kim Myeonggyu. "Make it clear now. The national team isn't a player's private club—it's a system representing the nation. Discipline firmly, draw lines sharply. Only the association can reset the board, not the coach."
Kim Myeonggyu clamped his mouth shut. I'd nailed their habit of pandering to players' popularity.
The smile vanished from his face.
After a moment, he spoke heavily. "So you're saying we should use this chance to excise those bad habits and factions entirely?"
"Yes. The national team picks by merit, not who yells loudest. Principles first, then football follows."
I kept laying out my views on the association's attitude.
"The association needs to hold the center."
"The center…." Kim Myeonggyu sighed.
"…Fine. What do you want, then? Discipline them all?"
"Restoring principles matters more than punishment."
I delivered my prepared line. "Stop turning a blind eye. Sanction anyone overstepping the coach without mercy, and protect the association's own authority. That's your job, President."
"…."
"It'll be the same no matter who coaches. If the association bends principles to appease players, even a legend will burn out in a year. Laying the groundwork is the association's role."
I exhaled deeply, done saying my piece.
They were the pinnacle of Korean football power. Whether my words earned resentment or sparked change hinged entirely on that old man's judgment.
Kim Myeonggyu slowly tapped the desk. Tok, tok, tok. The rhythmic sound filled the room.
Finally, he chuckled. "Heh, impressive. You grasp the situation better than our PR chief."
This reaction?
"Not a wrong word. We've spoiled them rotten. Tantrums work here now, like you said."
He leaned forward, eyeing me with interest. "I like your boldness. How about leading the charge to uproot that rot this time? I'll back you."
Inside, I cheered. Exactly the picture I wanted.
But outwardly calm, I replied, "Uprooting isn't my role. I'm just a player who runs on the pitch."
"Then?"
"I'll stick to football. You do your job, President—be the unbreakable dam so they can't mess around off the field."
Kim Myeonggyu burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Bold and clever. Got it loud and clear."
Greed flashed in his eyes. He'd calculated how to use me to solidify his position and offload the faction headache.
Fine by me. If it normalized the national team, win-win.
"Chief Lee."
"Yes, President."
"Do as Ryu says. From now on, manage the national team strictly. Reject anything bypassing the coach, and send discipline violators to the committee—no exceptions for fame."
"Understood. But public opinion…."
"Public opinion? With Ryu Rion on our side, what's to worry?"
Kim Myeonggyu pointed at me with a grin. "He delivers results, and it'll follow. Right, Ryu?"
Sly old fox. I nodded steadily. "Don't worry. Results on the pitch are my specialty."
All I wanted was for anyone joining the national team to focus on football, not factions. That was my verdict after watching this mess.
The second I stepped out of the president's office, I bolted down the hall. Mid-jump, I threw both hands above my face, crossed them briefly, then inhaled deeply. Uncrossing, I slammed them down forcefully and yelled.
"Siuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"