Chapter 93
Translator 8uhl
Chapter 93
Chapter Title Bayern Munich in the Round of 16
Is it because I was hyped about the FIFA and FM stats?
I got an ad offer.
FIFA World Online.
It was an online game made in Korea using FIFAs engine.
Doesnt this game make you blow cash like crazy too? Maybe thats why the ad fee was insane.
Even for a oneoff, theyre paying this generously and coming all the way to England to shoot it. No way I could turn it down.
I passed it on to Anna.
Meanwhile, our team wrapped up the group stage with a match against Linz.
Qualification was basically locked in, so I didnt play, but the team still won.
A tough group, and we went undefeated in all six games.
People were already calling Artelli a legendary manager.
While we were sweeping the group, Milan and Barcelona battled it out fiercely, with Milan snagging second place and knocking Barcelona down.
Barcelona headed to Europa.
Feels kinda fitting for Barcelona, but thats probably just my imagination?
Anyway, everyone thought wed drop, but seeing Barcelona fall instead feels pretty good.
Barcelona wasnt the only shock knockout from the group stage.
Dortmund got edged out by Galatasaray and crashed out.
Well, a upset or two keeps things interesting.
Anyway, the grueling? group stage wrapped up, and it was time for the round of 16 draw.
I watched the draw at home with the family.
Son, which team do you wanna face?
I shrugged at Dads question.
Doesnt matter to me.
Kuuh, my boys got that fire. Looking good.
Still, an easy team would be nice.
First up Galatasaray. Wonder who theyll draw? Chelsea popped up.
Chelseas out.
Yeah.
Chelsea advances.
Galatasarays run probably ends in the round of 16.
Next Milan vs. Man City.
Can Man City beat Milan? Theyve been trash lately.
New manager, though. Hes got a knack for tournaments.
Yeah? Oh, Atalanta. Gotta draw a team like that, huh?
Yep.
Atalanta got lucky, honestly. They lucked into an easy group.
We shouldve drawn a team like that.
Too bad Atalantas opponent was PSG.
Man... Atalantas funeral atmosphere right now.
Yeah.
Of all teams, PSG.
Unlike Man City, who still hasnt won the Champions League, PSG broke their duck with the 2829 title.
They followed it up with the 3132 win, grabbing two Big Ears.
Next PAOK vs. Sevilla, then Inter vs. Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid vs. Man Utd.
More watchable matchups than expected.
And now...
Munich.
One of the Champions Leagues absolute powers Real, Madrid? No, Bayern Munich.
Ah, this feels bad.
We havent come up yet, so its either Juventus or Munich.
Juventus is no pushover in the Champions League, but Munich scares me more.
But...
Ah.
Damn.
Bayern Munich VS Newcastle UTD
Of course Munich draws us.
Whyd they finish second in the group... Son, what now?
Yeah.
Ill just run my ass off, but the gaffers gonna have a headache.
Well, no guarantee we cant win, right? And even if not this time, plenty more Champions Leagues ahead.
I tried to stay positive for Dad, who was full of worry.
He ruffled my hair and said,
Yeah, your playing careers just getting started.
Exactly.
Saying that, but damn, I want it.
The Big Ear.
Every footballer dreams of it.
The Champions League round of 16 draw done, the league marched on.
Newcastle faced Brentford in round 15 and won thanks to Illinyus goal.
Starting round 16, Newcastle hit a brutal schedule.
Three days later, Boxing Day round 17, and the next two opponents? Arsenal and Liverpool.
Facing two of the Premier League Big 7the socalled Seven Princessesbacktoback aint easy.
Even going allout, beating thems tough, and with the packed schedule? Forget it.
Already a nightmare slate, and to top it off, key loanee Zenas picked up a monthlong injury.
Newcastles available defenders now just Arnold, Dida, Gabriel, and Singo.
Didas past his prime, bumped by loanees Gabriels 21, still growing slow with no experience Singos a misfit, shopped since last season but still unsold deadwood.
Worstcase for a team already shaky at the back.
Artelli, who never touched booze during the season, lit a cigar with wine and brooded.
The office filled with hazy smoke, but no answers.
Well, one answer.
Attack, attack again.
Right now, thats all this team has.
Genius Yoon Taeyang, Serie A top scorer Illinyu, Omar, Redley, and Silva to cap it.
Backed by attacking mids and fullbacks mostly.
Whew.
Not ideal for Artelli, who obsesses over defensive tactics.
Club knew the defensive shortage, prepping full tilt for the winter window.
Just sucks we gotta face Arsenal and Liverpool first.
Dylan Monroe Time to avenge last seasons loss.
Arsenal boss reflects on defeat, prepping hard. Ready to thrill fans with a show.
Yoon Taeyang, who hattricked Arsenal last timewhats in store this season?
Fuck Taeyang, still pissed thinking how that bitch cost Arsenal Champions League
Crazy fucker badmouthing our great Taeyang
Yeah dont diss our Crown Prince
Crown Prince my ass wtf
Nickname from Taeyangs fan cafe, sun means Taeyang
Little Prince so Crown Prince?
Yeah
Lmao go clown in the fan cafe why bring Crown Prince shit here
Crown Prince take me away sob
Look at Crown Prince smiling heart stop
Why the hell is comms exploding
Nowhere else easy to snag Taeyang gifs or pics so sis says they post here too
Your sis a palace maid too?
Yeah you?
Yeah lmao
Palace maid wtf
Taeyangs Crown Prince so fans are palace maids
Lmao
Anyway Arsenals sharpening knives proper
Have to. Hattrickd and CL out, teeth grinding
Fr lmao same
Back in London.
Goddamn London.
Airs so filthy.
Hate this place, but its the capital, teams everywhere.
Gotta come to London way too often.
Still, this ones worth it.
Emirates Stadium.
The unbeaten champs ground turned 4senal hellhole.
Home sweet home for some, but to one manager? Just another stadium.
Nah.
Even locals might curse it.
Tickets are fucking pricey.
Londoners, thoughprice probably no issue?
Hey, whatre you brooding about solo?
Saviola nudges me.
Just cursing this shithole in my head.
Why? Its London? Should be great?
You like this smoggy air?
I like cities.
Then transfer here.
Saviola flinches, glances around.
What, did I hit a nerve?
She whispers,
Hey, talk like that and people freak. How could you say it?
For real.
Hey, nobody cares if you transfer. Not like me.
You little... cocky bastard.
Cocky? Name a better 16yearold.
Annoying, but cant argue.
Hmph.
I ignore Saviola, tuck my shin guards in my socks, lace up my boots.
Ah, craving banana.
Sugar low today?
I stand, peel one, pop it in. Sweet, softmood boost instant.
Hmm, how to fuck em up today?
Weirdly, I prefer away games over home.
The boos? Delicious.
Emirates Stadium! Arsenal vs. Newcastle about to kick off. Arsenals probably been counting down the days.
Right. Comet Yoon Taeyang hattricked em and stole their Champions League spot.
Crowd roaring boos as players enter.
Most would shrink, but Yoon Taeyang? Stonefaced, unfazed.
Wheres that barking coming from?
Taeyang stands at his spot, expression screaming that.
As players settle and pick sides, commentary runs the lineups.
Arsenal
FW Betrancourt Dylan Monroe Barrow
MF Akaydin Robella
DF Molles Redchart Kozak Hunkett Reynoso
GK Broric
Newcastle
FW Yoon Taeyang Illinyu
MF Redley Menendez Boxall Omar
DF Bandia Arnold Dida Sanchez
GK Ricella
Lineups done, whistle blowskickoff.
Arsenal starts with the ball, slamming into Newcastle like a cannon.
Newcastles 442 shifts to 622 against the press, locking down the back.
Dida and Arnold hold the line firm, never pushing up past the box.
Arsenal grits teeth, driving the ball forward at fully prepped Newcastle.
Lose and were fucked.
Win this.
Beat these shit Newcastle this time.
Make that brat cry home.
Arsenal was locked in.
Hattrick from a kid bruised egos bad.
Milan, Barca, Manchester boys took worse since, toned down the talk, but back then? Roasted alive.
Remember those barbscant lose today.
No, gotta dominate.
Even if its hotshot Newcastle.
Good, keep it up.
Arsenal boss nods, pleased.
Newcastle brought out Artellis least fave 442.
Basic formation, looks simplenot.
Spacing tough, swaps constant.
Theyre deep now, hanging on, but cracks coming.
Now!
Like right there.
Barrow skins Redley guarding halfspace between Arnold and Bandiachance opens wide.
Barrow threads it through.