Chapter 38

The first half of the training match ended with a score of 2-2. All four goals were scored after Wang Bo came onto the field. The players went off to rest and replenish their fluids, discussing the recent plays.

Now, everyone was convinced of Wang Bo's abilities. Coach Zhang saw in him qualities that some players lacked, such as a sense of the bigger picture and a wide passing vision. Given time, he could definitely become the team's organizing core.

The goals scored by the first team seemed more like lucky shots, with a lot of chance involved, while the second team's goals were the result of solid ground play and individual skill, making them of higher quality.

Coach Zhang had already made up his mind. Wang Bo was fully qualified to join the team. On Saturday, he could be a wildcard, coming on as a substitute and surely making a significant impact.

For the second half of the training match, he let the original midfielders of the second team play, and called Wang Bo over. Since the recruitment assessment was over, it was time to give him an answer.

"Wang Bo, welcome to the football team. From today, you are the nineteenth member here," he said simply, then extended his hand for a handshake. "As far as I know, you are also a member of the track and field team. According to the rules, you cannot participate in two sports teams at the same time, but I can make an exception. You don't have to attend the track and field team's training sessions; you can train at home on your own. However, if there is a competition, you still need to participate with the team. Can you accept these conditions?"

"Sure," Wang Bo nodded. "Thank you, Coach."

"There's nothing to it," Zhang said. In the sports department, he had the final say, and a little favor here and there wasn't a big deal. "The match is at 2 PM on Saturday at the district sports center. The team will gather there an hour in advance. Is that okay with you?"

"No problem, but the jersey..." His current blue jersey was just a temporary purchase and couldn't be used in official matches.

"The jersey is not a problem. The school will provide one for you. You'll wear number 19," Zhang said, waving his hand. "I want to ask you, if I decide to put you on the field, do you have the confidence to complete the match tasks?"

"Of course!" Wang Bo responded loudly. "Coach, you can put me on the field anytime, even as a starter. I'm just worried that others might not follow the instructions. If no one cooperates, it will be hard for me to perform."

Zhang understood that the number of players who could save a match by themselves was very small, but he wasn't worried about this issue. "Don't worry. As long as I make the tactical arrangements, the players will definitely follow them. On the field, as long as you follow my instructions, others will cooperate with you to complete the match tasks."

Hearing this promise, Wang Bo felt more at ease. As a new member, he didn't want to strain his relationship with his teammates. If he was isolated on the field, even with outstanding skills, his impact on the game would be limited. So, for now, he would leave the task of managing the players to the coach.

Looking back at the training match, it had turned into a series of long passes, with no smooth play. This was partly due to the small number of players on the field.

Wang Bo heard Coach Zhang sigh faintly. These players relied on individual skills, with no real team coordination. But how could he not want to build a team with excellent technical and tactical levels? Unfortunately, the conditions were not in place.

"Coach, I think the team needs to expand quickly, at least to 22 people. Otherwise, the situation next year will be even worse."

Coach Zhang agreed, frowning deeply. "My requirements are already very low, but no one is coming forward. Do you have any recommendations?"

Wang Bo thought for a moment and shook his head. "Not yet, but I still suggest that the teachers look for potential players during the first-year PE classes. If we can cultivate them, they can play for two more years."

The third-year students were about to graduate, and the second-year students would soon be in their third year. If they were to expand the team now, the best choice would be first-year students.

"Then what type of players do you think we should look for?" Coach Zhang felt he had found a kindred spirit who could offer advice, so he asked.

"We need a midfielder who can do the dirty work. Preferably someone who is physically strong and has good endurance. The ball skills don't have to be high; even if they can't dribble, as long as they can pass, that's fine," Wang Bo said after some thought. "We also need a center-back. The current defenders are too slow in turning, and while they are tall, they lack agility and have rough passing skills. We need two players who are fast and agile, and don't have to be too tall, but must be serious and able to maintain focus for a long time."

Coach Zhang carefully considered his words and found them reasonable. He decided to ask the first-year teachers to look out for students with these characteristics at the next faculty meeting. He was currently teaching third-year classes, so he wasn't familiar with the first-year students.

Suddenly, Wang Bo, watching the match, said, "Hey... I think the second team's striker is pretty good. He could play as a man-marker."

"Hmm?" Wang Bo's unusual idea caught Coach Zhang's attention. He looked at the field and saw the second team's striker constantly trying to create space by moving around, always paying attention to his team's offensive routes. When the ball came his way, he would react immediately.

Although he was accurate in judging the ball's landing points, he was at a disadvantage in physical confrontations with the tall and strong Lu Guanghe, being about ten centimeters shorter. Despite his efforts, he never succeeded, but he never gave up, always running actively and looking for opportunities. Whenever the ball was at the feet of the opposing defender, he would aggressively press, forcing them to quickly kick the ball away.

"Good speed, agile turning, the ability to change position based on the opponent's positioning, high concentration, and a good physique. The only weakness is in aerial duels. He could play as a man-marker or a full-back," Wang Bo analyzed. "I just don't know how his tackling skills are. Coach, do you have any impressions of him?"

"Good," Coach Zhang muttered, not sure if he was agreeing with Wang Bo's assessment or answering his question. "This kid became a substitute striker because his footwork was a bit lacking. But now that you mention it, his strengths really do suit him for a man-marker."

"Wang Bo, do you often watch football?" he suddenly asked.

"Often when I was young, occasionally now," Wang Bo said honestly. He rarely had the chance to watch football since high school, but his football IQ was built from watching matches when he was younger.

After 15 minutes of the second half, the score became 3-2, with the first team leading. Coach Zhang called a halt to the match after the first team scored, starting the summary early.

First, he announced Wang Bo's entry into the team, which was expected, and everyone clapped in welcome. Then, Coach Zhang went through a small notebook, commenting on each player's performance, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. Everyone listened humbly. After the comments, with only about ten minutes left before the end of the class, he kept the second team's striker, Liu Haichuan, behind, while the others were dismissed early.

Wang Bo returned to the classroom with Lu Guanghe. He guessed that the coach would have a serious talk with Liu Haichuan about switching to a defender. If Liu Haichuan knew the idea came from him, he wondered if the younger student would try to fight him. Not everyone could easily accept the transition from an attacker to a defender.

On the way, Lu Guanghe said admiringly, "You really have the skills. I misjudged you and said some disrespectful things behind your back. I'm sorry. From now on, we're brothers. If you have any problems in the team, you can come to me."

The current captain of the team was the third-year goalkeeper Ge Zhen, but Lu Guanghe was the vice-captain and the next in line, so he had influence in the team.

"Let's not dwell on the past. I don't mind what you said," Wang Bo said kindly. "I hope we can all work together and achieve good results for the school team."

Lu Guanghe nodded. He was straightforward and didn't hold grudges, so his attitude changed quickly. Wang Bo's skills had earned his respect, and as a fellow team member, he wouldn't create conflicts with him, so he took the initiative to make peace.

"By the way, I still owe you a favor." Lu Guanghe had also participated in the previous bet, so he admitted his loss honestly. Wang Bo chuckled, "I haven't even played yet."

When they returned to the classroom, the classmates, who had been waiting for the results, immediately started shouting. Lu Guanghe was very straightforward: "Wang Bo is a real man. He said he would make the team, and he did! He won, so you softies should admit defeat."

Others were a bit surprised by the result, but someone called out, "Is it because the team is so short of players that anyone can join? We don't even know if he'll play in Saturday's match, so how can he be considered the winner?"

"Rubbish," Lu Guanghe waved his hand. "If you don't believe it, come watch the match on Saturday. I wouldn't be surprised if Wang Bo starts as a starter. He's better than two of our midfielders!"

Welcome to Chinese Literature Network for a wide range of the latest, fastest, and hottest serialized works!

Previous Page AD Start

Previous Page AD End