Chapter 629: A Break, A Different Style in Coaching

"Okay, good job for the first half, everyone! I like what we were doing there!" Frohling applauded the team excitedly, which was followed by the rest of the players there. "The lead is nice, but the way we are playing is definitely the highlight here! We press far, not giving them any time to breathe, and everyone is ready for the killing move! A special shoutout to Higo for his bold move in intercepting the ball! That was what I expect from Neuer, not you!"

Some of them chuckled when they heard the last part. Higo himself just rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, yet still couldn’t hide the big grin on his face. While he had heard about this so many times from the supporters on the stand, it was always nice to get acknowledged by the boss himself.

"Still, this is just the first game, so they will also be highly motivated to start the season well. So, next, we will face a more fierce attack from that side, so get ready, everyone! The wave is coming!"

"Yes, Sir!"

After that, the big meeting was over, being replaced by several small meetings between some specific players with the staff to check their condition. The coach also came to several players, explaining some matters to them while also drawing a scheme on his whiteboard, giving clear instructions there. However, those who didn’t have any business to know wouldn’t really know what the man was saying there.

As for the players who didn’t have any business here... Well, they were either chatting with each other or just taking this sweet time to relax, and that was exactly what Higo was trying to do. He let out a deep sigh while also leaning back against the bench, observing this absurd scene in bewilderment.

Honestly, this was the first time he had seen this kind of management. Instead of talking to the group collectively, the head coach approached the players one by one, giving feedback for their performance in the first half and also telling them what to do after the break was over.

The man didn’t even do that during the pre-season, which showed that he was here for business right now.

"So, how is it going, Higo? Satisfied with your performance?" The coach asked when he was finally next to him.

"Yeah, I can say that I am ecstatic here." Higo smiled while taking a sip of his bottle of water. "Anyway, haven’t you gotten tired or hoarse after chatting with the players for so long?" He asked, couldn’t help but feel curious.

"Eh, I have been doing this for eight years; this is nothing for me." Frohling waved off the concern casually. "The only downside here is that it takes the whole break for me to do this, and if things didn’t go well for the team in the first half, I will abandon this approach and just start talking to the group collectively like usual. Anyway, let’s not dwell on this matter too much. Any thoughts on your performance so far?"

Well, honestly, Higo could think of several more downsides of this approach. However, since the coach wanted to drop it, he decided not to bring it up again.

"Well, this is the first time I intercept a pass without using my hand, and this is also the first time I control it with my feet outside of the penalty box, so my heart is still beating fast right now," Higo admitted truthfully. "I cannot believe that some players outside are so used to it and even making a living through this kind of playing style. I mean, they should be maniacs, right?"

Frohling couldn’t help but snort when he heard that. "Yeah, that was exactly what people said about Neuer when they saw him playing, and now, look where he is in his career. Just because you don’t get used to it right now doesn’t mean you will be the same for the rest of your career. Make a change appropriately, but don’t forget one thing. As a goalkeeper, never hesitate when you make a choice!"

Higo nodded solemnly, remembering that this was also what the captain said earlier. Even though he still didn’t know why they emphasized it, the boy still saved it on the back of his head, intending to ask Kumiko about it once the game was over.

Soon enough, the referee visited the locker room, asking them to get ready for the second half. The guys left immediately, starting to do a little warm-up session to heat their bodies after sitting for quite a while during the break. Once they were out, they were greeted by the cheers from all over the stadium, as everyone had been waiting for the game to be continued again.

"Oh, yeah! Finally!"

"Hey, that’s Morita, right? Does he have an official jersey already?"

"No, not yet. He will spend the first two months in the second team, so just wait patiently."

"Come on, Hofmann! Don’t embarrass your old man here!"

It was still such a bizarre experience to be greeted with this kind of enthusiastic cheer when they entered the pitch, making them feel like they were superstars. Well, that was what they got as a reward for their good performance.

Even though so far, they had only led the game by one point, everyone could see that they were dominating their opponent today. They were just unlucky in the first half, failing to convert so many chances in front of the opponent’s goalkeeper.

However, they wouldn’t always be like this. Sooner or later, either the opponent’s goalkeeper would crumble, or their luck would pick up, but nevertheless, they would add more goals in this game. This conviction, based on how dominant the team’s performance was today, was enough to get everyone excited for the second half.

Soon enough, everyone was finally ready, with Fabian and Luca Schuler standing in front of the ball. Facing such great enthusiasm from the fans, it would be a lie if they weren’t getting excited as well.

Once the referee confirmed that everything was ready...

FWEEE!

The whistle was blown, starting the second half of the opening game here.