Chapter 65
Chapter 65
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: vs Cologne -2
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***
For soccer teams, the most important thing is victory.
But not every club can win.
Naturally, each club has its own goals.
Some aim for survival, others for promotion, and some for the title.
The variety of goals stems from differing fan expectations and the teams' varying capabilities.
A club's capabilities aren't judged solely by the manager's skill.
It could be the players' quality or the staff's competence.
Or even the size of the fanbase.
In any case, Union Berlin's goal this season was survival.
It wasn't publicly stated to players or fans, but after discussions with chairman Dirk Zingler and considering various factors, that was the conclusion.
Union Berlin currently faced numerous internal and structural issues.
First off, the squad still carried heavy traces of Thomas Tuchel's influence.
That was only natural, in a way.
Most of the players who had followed Tuchel's instructions remained. The only new additions this season were Son Heung-min and Lewandowski.
Even though I'd served as assistant coach under Tuchel, our styles differed from the start.
Unlike Tuchel, who demanded blind obedience, I preferred a democratic approach.
"Yes, I've heard what you have to say, Mr. Kim Sun-myung. And about needing more staff for the IT team."
"So, you'll approve the additional hires?"
"No, I just said I heard you."
"You son of a—"
"You can do it."
Unlike Tuchel, my biggest difference was listening attentively to others.
"A lot more staff whose names I don't know these days."
And over the past two years, Union Berlin had grown too quickly.
Having plummeted to the fourth division and teetered on the brink of financial collapse, Union Berlin had not only survived but climbed back to the second division, its historical peak.
Once in the 2. Bundesliga, the limitations of staff across departments became apparent.
Union Berlin had no choice but to hire more employees.
The club's size had naturally expanded.
Such rapid growth inevitably brings problems.
Union Berlin saw the emergence of internal cliques, seniority issues, and more.
The fans were no different.
The sudden influx of new fans caused friction between newcomers and veterans.
Most reactions to the standing section inscribed with fan messages were positive, but some frowned and voiced opposition.
They argued it damaged the club's traditions and the stadium's aesthetics.
Of course, satisfying everyone would be ideal, but there's no way to please all in this world.
All we can do is carefully package things to minimize complaints.
In any event.
With the stadium under remodeling, squad issues, fan conflicts, staff problems, and more.
Union Berlin needed time to sort out its internals.
'Well, that doesn't mean we don't want to win.'
Survival was the top priority, but we'd still chase promotion.
'All or nothing.'
Regrettably, in pro sports, it's victory or nothing.
Right on cue, in Union Berlin's corner kick scramble, the ball finally ripped into Cologne's net.
'Who scored that?'
For reference, I held off on celebrations.
We'd just equalized; it didn't feel right to celebrate yet.
***
Meanwhile, at that moment.
The mood at SBK's sports division was pretty good.
Viewership ratings for the 2. Bundesliga broadcast they'd snatched up were surprisingly solid.
After losing Premier League rights to rivals and hastily securing 2. Bundesliga rights, it had turned into a windfall for SBK Sports. Considering the broadcast fees for the Premier League versus the 2. Bundesliga, it was a jackpot.
Obviously, it wasn't on the level when Park Ji-sang started, but they had a steady core audience.
Koreans who'd followed Union Berlin's climb from the fourth division to the second and become fans along the way.
Most overseas soccer fans tuned in until Park Ji-sang appeared on the subs bench.
Some kept watching even after his sub appearance.
Probably fell asleep with the game on or became Union Berlin fans.
It was amusing, really.
This was bordering on a massive success.
"Huh? Whoa?! It's in!!"
"Wow... They actually got it in."
The main PD and assistant director, watching the broadcast, jumped up cheering.
Covering the games had naturally turned them into Union Berlin fans, rooting for the team.
"GOOOOOOAL—!"
"It's in! Union Berlin equalizes from a corner kick scramble! But who scored? In that chaotic goalmouth melee... The equalizer comes from Niklas Eisen!"
"Whoa—! That's the kind of defender who scores! Solid at the back and a threat up top! A manager's dream player!"
The main PD and assistant director, listening to the commentators, started chatting as they watched.
"What if we did a documentary on Union Berlin?"
"Come on, they're just a 2. Bundesliga team. Isn't that pure fandom?"
"That's exactly why there's so much material."
"True, but it's too late for this season."
"We negotiate to film next season or the one after."
"Shooting their first-ever promotion would be huge for a doc."
"Quiet, we're going up this season. Then film their historic debut top-flight campaign next year."
"That works too. But what if we go film and they flop?"
"...I believe. Revolution..."
As the two conversed, the first half between Union Berlin and Cologne ended.
***
Thomas Maier stared straight ahead.
During halftime, Park Chan-hyuk was passionately explaining tactics to the players.
'Dedicated, huh...'
Re-energized while listening to Park Chan-hyuk's instructions, Thomas Maier recalled the recent media label attached to him.
Dedication isn't an action done for reward.
Thomas Maier had realized this from a young age.
'Goodwill born of selfishness holds no value.'
Yet nothing felt as empty as unrequited dedication.
In soccer, most attention goes to the goalscorers.
Naturally, switching from forward to midfielder is tough.
It means fewer chances in the spotlight.
But Thomas Maier accepted Park Chan-hyuk's proposal.
He trusted the conviction in his manager's eyes that he'd succeed as a midfielder.
'Chan-hyuk... no, Boss now.'
To him, Park Chan-hyuk was a peculiar figure.
The boss's gaze held unshakable faith in his players' success.
Thomas Maier remembered a conversation with Yannick Foight once.
- When you get eyes like that, you can't help but give it everything.
Deep trust in a player's potential.
The moment a manager shows that gaze, players turn into warriors on the pitch.
They don't want to disappoint someone who believes in their abilities.
Thomas Maier locked eyes with Park Chan-hyuk then.
"Thomas, nice play. You were top-notch today."
And praise poured from him.
'My dedication is being rewarded.'
Thomas Maier had no intention of leaving the club until his boss kicked him out.
***
The second half between Union Berlin and Cologne continued.
Both teams clashed fiercely for the win.
But neither found another goal.
Time ticked away quickly.
Now, with the clock nearing full time.
Yannick Foight hadn't given up.
Only his second pro season, but he knew.
How precious a first league win was for the team.
Breathing heavily, he glanced at Thomas Maier.
'Still running like mad. Doesn't he get tired?'
Even as stoppage loomed, Thomas Maier sprinted relentlessly. He'd run till his heart burst for victory.
And Thomas Maier stole the ball from Cologne's striker.
"Thomas!"
Yannick Foight sprinted forward, calling for it.
Thomas Maier's rough pass went long.
'Longer than I thought...'
Thomas Maier was tiring too, apparently.
But Yannick Foight pressed on.
A ball painstakingly won by a teammate.
He couldn't waste the attack just because he was gassed.
'That'd be too embarrassing.'
He powered his thighs and charged.
He just managed to keep Thomas Maier's pass alive.
Defenders scrambled back as Yannick Foight bolted for the box.
Entering the area, he saw the keeper drop low.
'Hup...'
Lungs burning, he stayed focused and swung his leg.
Thwack—.
A focused, clean strike.
Clang—.
But Yannick Foight's shot smashed the post.
His heart sank.
The ball spun off the bar, whirling—
'Please, inside!!!'
Yannick Foight prayed desperately.
"Jaaaaaaaa—!"
Luckily, it curled over the line, and Yannick Foight thrust his arms skyward, roaring.
And at that moment.
Shwoooosh—!
"Whooooooo—!"
An epic knee-slide celebration from Park Chan-hyuk at the corner flag.
"Jaaaaaa—!"
Union Berlin's players, unaware, rushed toward Park Chan-hyuk.
On the pitch, Yannick Foight's hollow mutter echoed.
"...Wait, I scored it."
Once again, Union Berlin's players had their highlight stolen by the manager.