Chapter 45
Chapter 45
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: Achievements of the Korean Dispatch
-----------------------------------------------------------------
***
The match between Dongnam High School and Jaelim High School continued.
I sat in the stands, listening to the association staff member while eyeing the players.
"Next up, the player we're recommending is Hong Jae-seok. He's a striker, and his finishing is his strong suit."
The association staffer cautiously began explaining the players to me, offering recommendations.
'Hmm... not impressed.'
Unlike the glowing reports, he didn't stand out to my eyes. Even without my Scouter ability, I wouldn't have picked him—his playstyle lacked any real flair.
'And we've got enough forwards anyway.'
Union Berlin's attack line was already half-full.
Great finishing? That meant nothing in front of Yannick Foite and Son Heung-min.
'Honestly, our strikers just need to be pass launchpads.'
Or snag a 'big-game beast' somewhere.
I gave an awkward smile, turning down the recommendation, then shifted my gaze to focus on the defenders.
Personally, I wanted to sign a versatile fullback or two, but oddly enough, Korean players at that position were inexplicably subpar.
'No, that guy's got the defensive stats for fullback—why's he playing winger?'
Most high-potential fullbacks were playing as attackers.
'Well, it's not like I don't get it.'
Unlike the future where fullbacks were key, right now the position was seen as a dumping ground for wingers who got pushed out.
That meant few players went back to defend even when the manager ordered it.
'It really makes that Welsh GOAT who went the reverse route look impressive.'
Come to think of it, maybe Gareth Bale had switched from fullback to winger so willingly for that reason.
And that wasn't the only issue with Korea's promising youngsters.
Whether from misguided youth training like duck walks from an early age...
A bunch had ticking time bombs in their knees, ready to blow at any moment.
For those players, I noted, 'Looks uncomfortable running. Needs thorough medical check,' and passed it to the association staffer. Pinpointing the exact injury would raise eyebrows.
'I wish the youth coaches would study up. Duck walks are bad for knees—research has shown that for ages, and they're still doing it.'
Grumbling inwardly, a player caught my eye: Jaelim High's centerback.
Having steadily shut down Son Heung-min's dribbles, he naturally drew my attention.
Well, Son Heung-min at this stage still had plenty of rough edges.
But his defensive stance looked solid enough.
That aside...
'Sigh. Where do I know that face from?'
He looked familiar.
'Ah, that's the guy.'
The one who'd appear on famous soccer broadcasts in the future.
His story was full of ridiculous bad luck.
Sent to study in Germany, only for his handler to get arrested for theft and leave him stranded.
Then, transferring to the J-League, his home stadium and most of the club's facilities got wrecked by a massive earthquake.
The club he joined promptly declared bankruptcy.
Even back in Korea for training, he got injured.
It was like his prime growth years as a prospect got wiped out.
Any normal player would've crumbled and quit, but he kept pushing for his dream.
He never made it as a pro, but his passion for soccer was undeniable.
[Name: Kim Min-hyuk]
Current Ability: ★☆
Potential: ★★★★
Gritting his teeth in defense, he reminded me of Yannick Foite training like a maniac late into the night.
I decided to select him for the overseas study program alongside Son Heung-min.
'Caution: Avoid excessive training.'
Of course, with a handling warning label attached.
***
After that day, I tagged along with the association staffer to watch two or three more games.
And as a result, I unearthed another four-star talent.
[Name: Kim Hyun-seong]
Current Ability: ☆
Potential: ★★★★
A name I'd never heard in the future. Meaning he never even debuted in the K League.
'Weird. Four stars should've dominated the K League and gone pro overseas.'
He didn't lack professionalism either.
No mental fragility in sight.
'What's the issue?'
Just that his current ability was so low he was riding the bench.
'Started late?'
Could be. Some guys study hard, then late-bloom their soccer talent.
Anyway, at halftime's end, Kim Hyun-seong subbed in for the second half.
His play on the pitch was impressive enough—I'd call him a 'budget Park Ji-sung.'
I decided to take him for the program.
Naturally, some with higher potential got cut due to professionalism or mentality issues.
Even geniuses rarely unlocked their full potential.
Personally, I don't think even Lionel Messi, the 'God of Soccer,' maxed his out.
Cristiano Ronaldo might be the one who pushed it to the limit.
'The ultimate primate GOAT.'
There was a reason Asia's GOAT recognized him.
***
Sure enough, being a golden generation, Korea had talent to spare.
Even after picking three for the program, I asked the association if I could take one more.
Leaving my little treasure chest behind to head back to Germany felt like a waste.
They approved up to four, so I filled the last spot with Seonghak High's midfielder—Lee Sung-jae, who'd shine in the Bundesliga later.
Sure, there was another famous '92-line striker, but...
'...Better steer clear.'
Wisdom in life: Stay a step away from controversy, past or pending.
***
[(Shock) Controversy Over Intentional Sabotage Orders to Disrupt Elite Youth Overseas Study Program Selections.]
└ Those assholes for real?
└ Association invites them, but coaches flip the table lol
└ Traitors? Nah, that's what they look like ㅉㅉ
└ But gotta sympathize with the coaches a bit?
└ Yeah, heard if they don't win the tourney, it hurts college admissions, so they get fired. Prioritize immediate results over developing prospects.
└ Then fix the damn system already...
[Union Berlin Assistant Coach Park Chan-hyuk Selects 4 for Program... "We'll do our utmost to raise Korea's future stars injury-free."]
└ Tough job despite the interference ㅠㅠ Hope it works out.
[Let's Meet the Fab Four Heading to Union Berlin.]
└ Why all freshmen?
└ Probably 'cause it's a one-year program, so starting with first-years.
└ Yeah, second-year abroad means third-year and college entrance exam right after.
└ Whoa, straight to CSAT after Germany.
└ Eh, soccer players don't need CSAT that bad, but still risky af;;
***
Getting passports for the study group took longer than expected.
I decided to wait and head back to Germany with the Korean kids.
Absolutely not because I dreaded facing an angry Thomas Tuchel.
It was my duty as the adult in charge.
While waiting for their passports...
"Please take good care of them."
"Yes, likewise."
I exchanged light greetings with the manager assigned to oversee the students in Germany.
Unlike before, this one's sole job was kid-wrangling.
Everything else, we'd handle directly with me and the association.
Perks of a Korean coach.
'Good pick.'
I steeled myself looking at the study group.
They were Union Berlin players now—I had to treat them fairly.
No reverse discrimination for the existing youth squad.
That evening.
Korea was airing Union Berlin matches, so I watched comfortably from my hotel.
Imagining Yannick Foite and Son Heung-min cleaning up behind...
My frontal lobe tingled.
'Man, the opponents must be pissed.'
With pass-master midfielder Leon Hahn growing in the youth team.
One more midfielder to ping balls behind, and it'd be perfection.
'Come to think of it, Kevin De Bruyne fits the bill.'
Time to check where the famous players I knew were at.
***
A few days later.
I returned to Germany.
The Korean study group unpacked at Union Berlin-provided lodging, while I headed to the club house for my trip report.
In front of the manager's office Thomas Tuchel used.
Opening the door, a stranger sat there.
'What? Tuchel fired?'
As I panicked, the man spoke.
"You're back?"
Only then did I realize it was Thomas Tuchel.
'A wig?'
For some reason, his hair was thicker and fuller.
"This isn't our manager."
I said it to Tuchel with utter sincerity.