Chapter 62
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: How to Boost the Team's Morale from the Outside
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Ahead of the 15th round match against Derby County, I was in the middle of work.
In my office, handling the club's budget, Section Chief Park knocked and came in.
"Vice Chairman."
"Ah, you got them?"
"Yes, a ton of them."
He dragged in an airport carry-on and placed it in front of me. I opened it myself.
Inside were gifts for the players, sourced from Daeyang Global's connections here and there.
"Good work."
"No problem."
I opened a drawer, took out an envelope, and placed it on the table.
"Special bonus."
"Oh, no! I just did it in my spare time."
"Section Chief Park, you've been helping with football matters while running Daeyang Global's sales division. Your role here is ambiguous, so you deserve a bonus at least."
I'd stuffed it generously with pounds sterling, more than enough to cover his personal errand expenses.
"Thank you, Vice Chairman."
"What's the business deal this time?"
"Blackburn's famous for its textiles, and even if it's declined, there are still plenty of factories. I'm thinking of using British fabrics for a premium line in Daeyang Sports apparel. Planning some brand marketing around 'Premier Wear.'"
"Price will be key. After the foreign exchange crisis, clothing businesses took the biggest hit among the basics."
I decided to back the sales team's push on that project.
After Section Chief Park's report and departure, I inspected the gifts one by one.
Christmas was still a month away, but these were early gifts from Club Owner Klaus.
15th round.
Derby County match.
The first half ended 1-1, and as the second half kicked off with everyone on the pitch, I quietly grabbed the carry-on and headed to the Blackburn locker room.
"Stop, this is the players' waiting area."
"It's me."
"Ah, Boss?"
Even the security guards now called me 'Young Boss' no more—just Boss for real.
"Hoping to leave some surprise gifts in the locker room if it's empty."
"Got it. I'll unlock it for you."
The security guard used his key to open the locked locker room.
I'd already cleared it with Heynckes.
'Can I do a surprise event in the locker room after the match today?'
'Mid-season?'
'It's important. Essential for boosting team morale.'
Heynckes nodded and gave his approval.
But he emphasized doing it 'when no one's around' during the match.
In the sweat-soaked locker room after the first half, I opened the bag and unpacked the gifts.
Then I found each player's locker and used the spare key from security to open them.
Luis Figo.
Neatly hung over family photos were top-brand luxury clothes. But what's this, hair gel?
I placed a gift in Figo's spot first.
"Marlon Broomes."
The fourth-option defender this season who'd requested a transfer; I'd promised to approve it at season's end.
I slipped a gift in for his special occasion too.
"Alf-Inge Haaland."
The hard worker I'd hijacked from a free transfer to Man City.
His wife had just given birth in England, and the baby's 100-day milestone was recent.
I prepared a traditional Korean gift for it.
And for the remaining lockers, I placed matching gifts one by one.
"Win and have fun."
I patted a locker and left with a light heart.
By the time I reached the VIP seats, Scott Parker passed to Duff, who dribbled in and delivered a perfect assist to Kevin Phillips for the goal.
"Wild Rovers!!!!!"
Not quite his insane 30-goal pace from last season, but already 9 goals in the first half of the season.
He was on track for a solid 15-20 this year, and partners Baggio and James Beattie showed solid scoring too—no worries about the attack line.
That day's game saw Nordic center-back duo Olof Mellberg-Henning Berg lock it down tight, with Phillips wearing the armband instead of Southgate and roaming everywhere.
Full time.
Blackburn won 2-1, securing 3 points.
With monster Man Utd leading at 36 points, we sat at 33, chasing Arsenal in 3rd at 30.
Leeds had lost 4th to Leicester and were wobbling; they'd snap the rope pulling them into Champions League spots any day now.
Players swapped jerseys, managers shook hands, and the Derby match ended on a high note.
Seeing the team head to the locker room after exiting, I stood right up.
"Victorious Blackburn~ Wild Rovers~"
"Everyone did great today!"
I knocked on the rowdy locker room door and opened it to warm welcomes.
"Mr. Lee!"
"Whoa, long time no see and you show up."
Gattuso rushed over first, grabbing my hand, followed by Yoo Sung-chul bowing politely.
Figo and Haaland peeked out from showers, waving, while Heynckes caught my eye with a knowing glance.
"Alright, everyone, listen up! Today we're celebrating the win right here with a gift-giving ceremony!"
"?"
"I was gonna sneak them in secretly, but I'm too much of an attention hog for that."
As players finished showers or changed to leave, I pointed at Luis Figo.
"Luis, open your locker."
"What's inside...?"
Figo, towel around his waist and puzzled, opened it—and a sweet aroma wafted out.
"Huh?!"
"Happy birthday to you~ Luis~"
Figo awkwardly smiled, holding the massive cake like 'what's this?'
"Blackburn lads, today we're throwing a birthday party for our star, Luis Figo!"
"My birthday's in two days..."
"Yeah, I'll drop by then too."
"Ha, hahaha... Thanks anyway."
"Light the candles!"
Gattuso jammed in the candles, and as players opened their lockers, confetti, socks, and gloves popped out.
"Happy birthday~ Luis Figo~"
We lit them up, sang happy birthday to Figo, and Gattuso plopped a party hat on his head.
Figo blew out the candles with a grin as confetti burst.
Taking care of birthdays and anniversaries is the leader's job.
A few players smeared cake on Figo's face by hand, and as he laughed tasting the chocolate cream, I handed over the locker gift.
"Figo, this is from me."
"Besides the cake?"
Inside was an album—his favorite.
"What?! Queen?"
"Heard Portuguese Luis Figo loves British rock band Queen."
I'd dug into his personal life via close contacts: he listens to Queen on his home stereo all day, strums guitar and hums along sometimes.
Queen's greatest hits collection, signed by the members.
"Freddie Mercury's signature came from a collector since he's passed."
"Freddie, Roger, Deacon, Taylor—all here... Mr. Lee, this is the best gift ever."
Figo was genuinely moved, shaking my hand firmly.
I told the others to check theirs too.
Marlon Broomes pulled out a box: tulips and a cutlery set.
"Mr. Lee!"
"Wedding anniversary, right? Saw it in your file and prepared. Wife's not allergic to pollen, is she?"
"My god, how did you..."
Heynckes chuckled from behind.
"That sub I made for you last game? All planned."
The bench defender got subbed for Mellberg that day and played...
"Congrats everyone—I didn't play today, but Blackburn's one team."
Southgate, who'd warmed the bench, showed captain's class congratulating all.
"Mr. Lee, got one for me?"
Next, Alf-Inge Haaland.
A tiny box emerged.
Inside, gleaming gold.
"Gold? A gold ring and bracelet!"
"Haaland, in Korea, we give babies gold rings at birth. Your July boy just hit 100 days, right?"
A dol ring, basically a 100-day gift.
I barely stopped Haaland from biting it to test—it's pure gold, don't.
"Truly grateful, Mr. Lee. Ten years in football, first club owner like this."
"I run a generous hand."
"Real club boss vibe."
Haaland gripped my hand in his massive paw.
"Third one's a boy, right?"
"Second boy—eldest son Aritor, daughter Gabriel, newborn third Erling."
"Erling Haaland! Great name, takes after dad—bound for soccer stardom."
"Hahaha, if he wants football, straight into Blackburn youth!"
Whoa, I'd take that deal.
Historic bargain-bin signing for football history.
"Alright, with winter coming, socks and gloves two pairs each for players and staff. Stay warm, gear up for the next one."
[Wild Rovers!!!!]
The locker room was buzzing, especially Figo and Haaland nodding with moved faces.
Even distant observer Baggio smiled, clapping vigorously like he was swept up in the vibe.
And so we awaited the December UEFA Cup group stage Round 1 draw.
Whoever it is, please not Figo's or Baggio's old teams...