Preseason Vibes and a Rookie’s Bold Challenge
The first training session at Manchester City wrapped up today, and the one thing I felt as I stepped away from the pitch was simple but clear.
‘Not bad at all, actually.’
I had expected this season to be a nightmare at the club. After all, I used to be the villain who dragged the entire team down with my arrogance and poor decisions. But after seeing the players in action, breathing the same air as them, the reality felt surprisingly different.
The newcomers’ skills were genuinely impressive. Guerrero, the insane one who had just arrived, showed a level of talent that made me wonder why he had even considered leaving Real Madrid. Castillo and Sanchez were names I hadn’t heard of before the transfer, yet their performances on the field already matched the hype. Castillo’s defensive play had that rock-solid, no-nonsense quality that reminded me of a certain senior I once played with in the national team. Sanchez, despite his smaller frame, was a creative genius with vision that turned every pass into something beautiful.
‘If we can fully implement the tactics Coach told us about, we could achieve something amazing from the very first season.’
Even as a world-class goalkeeper, the position’s limitations meant I could stop goals but rarely win games outright. Peter Guardian’s style wasn’t like Cheon Mu-seok’s, where goalkeepers also join the attack. That’s why I had quietly set my sights on Europa League qualification this first season. Yet looking around at this squad, it felt like the Champions League might not be out of reach at all.
“Hey, you bold rookie! Training’s over—time to head home already.”
That teasing nickname followed me everywhere now. The voice belonged to Mathias, the club captain who had worn the armband since last season.
“Sure thing, captain. I’ll head out with you.”
Mathias gave me that warm, grandfatherly smile. He was exactly the kind of player Premier League clubs would covet—sharp passing, artistic flair, and a heart that refused to leave Manchester City no matter how many big-money offers he received. A true local hero, plus he’d grown up in the club’s youth setup.
“Coming together? I’ll drive you home. You don’t have a license yet, so I bet your car isn’t here.”
Of course I declined politely. “Chan-kyu-hyung is picking me up.”
“Ah, I see. Lucky you, then.”
Mathias nodded and changed the subject smoothly. “But your skills are seriously impressive. Ederson was giving you a hard time earlier. Don’t let it bother you too much—guy’s always been decent, just had some personal stuff lately.”
“It’s fine. I’m not worried at all.”
Honestly, I’d faced jealousy from underperforming teammates so many times that this kind of situation barely registered anymore. ‘In any sport, when you’re fighting for the starting spot, even players who once contributed to the team end up getting pushed aside. That’s just how brutal the reality is.’
I hadn’t experienced it personally—after all, I was always the one pushing others out—but I understood the cold truth perfectly.
The captain kept glancing at me with that concerned look until he finally walked away.
‘He really is a good person…’
As I left the training ground, Chan-kyu-hyung’s car was already waiting. He rolled down the window and waved excitedly.
“Tae-woo! Over here!”
A soft laugh escaped me before I could stop it. This life had brought me far too many kind people—Mathias, Chan-kyu-hyung, and so many others.
“Let’s go.”
“Lulululu~”
I caught the cheerful sound of Chan-kyu-hyung humming and flipping meat on the grill as I pulled out my phone.
Da-min: How was training?
“There was one weird guy, but it was fun.”
‘Seriously, no matter how I looked at it, Guerrero was still the crazy one.’
Who would deliberately throw their face at the team captain right after arriving? And he did it with style. The captain was too decent for that, thank goodness.
Da-min: Anyone bother you?
“Who would dare? If someone tried, I’d be the one bothering them.”
Da-min: Don’t actually bully anyone~
Since we started dating, I’ve been realizing just how much affection Da-min really has. It’s adorable.
“Of course. If anyone bothers you, just tell me. I’ll scold them.”
Da-min: Okay~ Ah, my unnies are calling. I’ll call you tomorrow!
I smiled as I set the phone down.
‘…This is why people say we should get girlfriends. It actually heals me.’
Right then the rich scent of grilled meat hit my nose, sweet and savory, calming my tired body and mind.
“Hyung, is the meat ready?”
I looked up at Chan-kyu-hyung.
“It’s done, so come on!”
We walked into the kitchen, and there on the table sat a feast of traditional Korean dishes—exactly as Chan-kyu-hyung had promised for our first training-party dinner.
In the center, perfectly grilled samgyeopsal and neck meat rested in large platters. Around them were various banchan: crisp lettuce and perilla leaves, spicy stir-fried vegetables, and sweet-and-sour radish kimchi. On one side, the doenjang-jjigae bubbled gently, and the savory smell of kimchi-jeon filled the air.
“Wow, what is all this?”
I stared at the table in surprise.
“Well, we’re going to be here a long time, so I figured you’d miss Korean food. I made the biggest spread I could.”
“Hyung~”
“Hmph, how is it? Impressive, right?”
Chan-kyu-hyung shrugged proudly.
“You went too far, hyung. Let’s live together forever.”
“Nah, I like girls.”
“Tch, I like girls too, hyung.”
“Ah, right.”
Chan-kyu-hyung looked like he’d remembered something and headed to the fridge.
“Why?”
“Ta-da!”
In his hand were two refreshing beer cans.
“S-Surely…”
I stared at him in disbelief. Beer? I really wanted to drink it, but I was still underage.
‘For me?’
“Hehe, you want some? But this is mine, and that one is yours.”
Chan-kyu-hyung reached under the table and pulled out something black.
“Children should drink cola instead.”
‘Well, that makes sense.’
“Ah, hyung… I was really looking forward to this.”
“You’re still a minor. You have to manage your player schedule. We’ll drink together when you’re older.”
I nodded obediently and accepted the cola can.
“Alright, now let’s eat before the meat gets cold!”
We sat at the table and finally began our proper meal.
As I bit into the perfectly grilled meat, savory juices filled my mouth. When I scooped up a spoonful of the doenjang-jjigae, I let out a genuine moan of delight.
“Wow, hyung’s doenjang-jjigae is amazing!”
“Told you. Who made it?”
***
After signing with Manchester City, Jung Tae-woo’s first pre-season opponent was Preston North End from the Championship League.
Every eye in the football world was focused on this one match.
Would Jung Tae-woo even start? And could he prove the bold claims he’d made in the interview—the one that had lit up both Korean and British media?
His Olympic performance had already shattered every stereotype about goalkeepers. Then, right after arriving, he had aimed a provocative interview straight at Manchester United’s fans, turning City supporters into a roaring crowd.
City fans were counting the days until kickoff, eager to see whether the interview would match the field.
Man United fans, however, had a very different reaction. They wanted nothing more than for this arrogant rookie to get destroyed and humbled on the pitch.
Time passed, and the day before the match brought the press conference between the two managers.
First up was Ryan Lowe, the Preston North End manager.
“Coach, there’s a lot of buzz about your new signing, Jung Tae-woo, especially after that provocative interview targeting Manchester United. How do you feel about it?”
Low paused, then spoke with a hint of amusement. “Well, it shows the young player’s spirit, but personally I think it’s a bit immature. The Premier League is a place where one careless word can create a huge stir. Especially for a young Asian player, caution is even more important.”
He let the words linger, eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Of course, if the player backs it up with talent, then it’s different. But I’m predicting that if Jung Tae-woo starts instead of Ederson, City will have to worry about heavy concessions.”
The provocative statement sparked an explosion of questions from the reporters.
“Manchester City is a Premier League team. Do you really have the confidence to play him?”
Low flashed a smug smile. “Pre-season is the final test of tactics and new signings. We’re perfectly prepared. And looking at it, Peter Guardian seems to be taking an unnecessary risk with a young goalkeeper. It’s a heavy burden for the kid. Preston might actually offer him the valuable experience he needs.”
There was a clear edge of mockery beneath the confident tone.
Next, Peter Guardian stepped onto the stage.
“Manager Ryan Lowe said City is taking an unnecessary risk by starting Jung Tae-woo and that we’ll face heavy concessions. What are your thoughts?”
“I heard what you said, but I completely disagree.”
Peter took a breath and spoke with growing passion. “Jung Tae-woo is not just a new signing. He’s the player who stunned the world at the Olympics, the talent we invested in for our future. Skill should always be the deciding factor, regardless of age or background.”
His voice grew stronger.
“Moreover, the players we’ve signed—Guerrero, Castillo, Sanchez—are all exceeding expectations. They’ve already integrated perfectly into the team.”
“So you truly believe we’ll win by default?”
“No matter what preparation Preston has done, we’ve prepared even more thoroughly. We believe in our victory. Whether Jung Tae-woo or Ederson starts, our goal remains the same: win.”
He added with a final, confident smile, “Manager Lowe, tomorrow on the field I’ll show you exactly why we’re in the Premier League.”
The press room crackled with tension from the managers’ rivalry, and every focus turned toward tomorrow’s match.