The Man Everyone's Watching (11)
Swell dreams and ambitions inevitably shrink when they crash into reality. Back in elementary school, my studious friends all aimed for Seoul National University. Even in middle school, they at least targeted Yonsei or Korea University. But by high school—excluding the real brainiacs, who I wasn't close with anyway—everyone was just grateful to get into any Seoul school.
The kids playing elite youth soccer followed a similar path. In elementary school, they dreamed of breaking into Europe and starring in the big leagues. By middle school, reality hit, and they hoped to become starters in the K League. Then in high school, realizing even that was a tall order, they set pro contracts as their ultimate goal.
I was no different. In college, you truly grasp how amazing pro players are—especially the starters. If a classmate made it pro, you'd look up to them without even realizing it. Once you debut pro yourself, new dreams emerge: wearing the Taegukgi badge on your chest, donning the Red Devils' uniform. In other words, getting called up to the national team.
It's like dreaming of the presidency or Seoul National University as a kid; after going pro, national team selection becomes that beacon. When I was at Gimpo United, the reason players desperately wanted to move to K League 1 teams was exactly this. A K League 2 player getting national team duty? It happens once in a blue moon, if at all.
"Whoa... the national team? Congrats, Theo."
"Our team's got a national team player now. Makes me proud."
"Great news, Theo. Congratulations."
I achieved it. Less than a year after getting released from Gimpo United. No prior heads-up, and I didn't even know when the roster would drop, so the call-up felt like a secret Santa gift. And not the U-23s—it was the senior team.
Of course, with my monster performances in La Liga 2, it wasn't a total shock. I half-expected it soon. Just didn't think it'd be this September's A-matches.
"Congrats, Theo. I'd love for you to rest fully during the international break, but... making the national team is every player's dream. Representing your country and all."
The day after the announcement, not just teammates but even coach Jordi Calavera congratulated me. The Korea Football Association reached out too. They'd cover all expenses—business class flights—and we sorted the travel schedule before hanging up.
"You look thrilled."
"Yeah. Like the clouds have parted."
"Clouds parting, huh? Wish I could feel that someday. Haha!"
Coach Jordi Calavera patted my shoulder enviously. It wasn't empty flattery. Sure, nailing my lifelong dream of national team selection was huge, but an even bigger factor loomed: next year's Asian Games.
If I kept performing like I did at AD Alcorcon, U-23 selection would be a lock. Then I'd make the Asian Games squad and chase gold. Hang that medal around my neck, and military service exemption solves everything via special provisions.
Silver or bronze won't cut it. Olympics are flexible, but Asian Games demand gold. Worst case, if I flop this time, I could target the Olympics in three years... but tying it up next year is ideal.
Resolve service, and my value skyrockets. Sure, 1.5 million euros is a steal now, but a big-club move would multiply it dozens-fold. Then transfers get tricky—high fees plus potential K League return for service. The only way to extend your career? Join the Sangmu FC military team. But that requires two full K League seasons minimum.
Another option: snag permanent residency elsewhere. That delays service indefinitely until age 37, when the cutoff kicks in. Downside? No more national team—and Korean fans would turn on me. Can't have that.
I'll handle it my way. Confidence? Check.
"Just don't get hurt. This joy could turn to disaster with one injury. Stay cautious off the pitch too."
The goblin gifted me god-tier soccer skills, but injury resistance? Untested at superhuman levels. I shared the coach's worry, nodding gravely. No injuries allowed. But slacking? Not an option. Give 100%, dodge risks. Now and always.
◆ AD Alcorcon's fourth-round opponent was Burgos CF—one of La Liga 2's designated weaklings, tipped for relegation. They didn't earn that label lightly: three losses in three games—two home, one away—tying them for last with SD Ponferradina and CD Lugo.
And this match? On the road against Alcorcon, riding a three-win streak since opening day. Few bet on Burgos.
Pang!
No surprise—the early game saw AD Alcorcon dominating possession. True to weak-team form, Burgos dropped deep, defending compact to minimize goals. Their aim: grind to 0-0 for a precious point.
But.
Pang!
[Alcorcon building patiently from the back.]
[Passes flowing smoothly today from defense to attack. Experience cracking Espanyol's low block last game has them confident.]
AD Alcorcon stayed cool against the park-the-bus tactic, playing their soccer. Arms crossed in the technical area, coach Jordi Calavera looked brighter than before.
'My tactics aren't fully embedded yet...'
He knew his system had gaps. The first three games hammered home his shortcomings.
'Without Theo... this vibe wouldn't exist.'
The stands brimmed with fans—no empty seats—belting chants, heating the stadium. Just three games in, but Alcorcon supporters brimmed with promotion hopes. The coach wanted to gift them that historic run. And he believed it possible.
Thud!
[Theo turns!]
[That first touch shakes the press and spins toward goal—Cha Tae-oh's signature!]
[Defenders swarm! But a quick change of direction leaves two in the dust!]
[Chance! Chance!]
[And shoooooot!]
Wham!
Clang!
[Goooal! Cha Tae-oh!]
[Ice-cold at the death. His shots almost always find the net—a terrifying finisher.]
[7th minute, opener! 1-0 Alcorcon at Santo Domingo—roar erupts!]
With a striker shredding dense defenses via crisp touches and physicality, slotting an early goal? Anything seemed possible. Coaching such a player? Pure blessing.
But Cha Tae-oh's impact went beyond goals.
Pang!
[Alcorcon probing patiently, pressing as one!]
[Triangles everywhere today—organic passing looks natural.]
[Theo drops deep for it...]
Wham!
[Switches far side!]
[What a pass. Pinpoint.]
Not just poaching, he linked play with vision and precision, elevating the team.
'Theo could score whenever he wants.'
Yet he prioritized team play, demonstrating runs for teammates, adding tactical smarts. He even nailed details the coach missed, steadying the system. His presence polished the raw tactics fast.
Thud!
[Miguel Amaro on the flank! Dribbles past, cuts back!]
[Theo dummies it back...]
Wham!
[Maurinho finishes!]
Clang!
[Goooal! Alcorcon adds another via perfect teamwork! 2-0, 18th minute—they're cruising!]
Plenty to refine, but seeing his soccer take root quicker than expected brought a satisfied smile. At the center? Cha Tae-oh.
Bliss. Guiding genius like that? Heavenly luck.
Bittersweet too.
'Won't coach him forever.'
Transfer window closed, Theo stayed—but big clubs salivated. Winter exit possible. Could loyalty hold him?
'No.'
Maximize points while he lasted. Unite the team so they wouldn't crumble post-Theo. Maybe that's why he leaned team play over forced shots.
'No coach luckier than me.'
♬We'll always be together♬
"Alcorcon!"
♬In life and death, forever♬
"Alcorcon!"
♬Singing victory to the end♬
"Alcorcon!"
The fans' chants stirred joy and heavy duty in coach Jordi Calavera.
'Promotion. Let's do it.'
No matter what comes. We will.