章 15: Chapter 13: Guardiola's Personal Visit
Chapter 13: Guardiola's Personal Visit
Werder Bremen is the northernmost team in the Bundesliga. It's located in the state of Bremen, with its home stadium being Weser Stadium, situated by the Weser River that runs through the city center.
The team's training facility is right next to the stadium, so it's easy to find.
Luis and the others landed at Bremen City Airport.
Unlike other airports, Bremen City Airport isn't far from the city center; it's only 3.5 kilometers away.
Therefore, after landing, it took them just over ten minutes to reach their destination.
The sudden visit of Guardiola's group left everyone at Werder Bremen club feeling surprised and shocked.
Many staff members, upon seeing Guardiola, couldn't hide their expressions of joy:
Could it be that the next destination for this legendary coach is Werder Bremen?
Upon closer consideration, it doesn't seem entirely impossible.
This season, due to the team's poor performance, club manager Allofss had thoughts of leaving and joining another Bundesliga team, VfL Wolfsburg.
And his close partner, the head coach Thomas Schaaf, who had been leading the team for thirteen years, also had thoughts of leaving after hearing this news.
These two were veterans who took over the team in 1999. If they were to leave, it would be like a major earthquake for Werder Bremen.
Hence, the club needed to start looking for the next head coach and club manager.
Fed up with the declining performance of the team and under mounting pressure from the fans and club executives, they were willing to spend a lot of money to bring in the hottest and legendary coach in today's football world. It didn't seem entirely impossible.
Considering Guardiola's achievements over the past few seasons, if he were to come and coach Werder Bremen, the team's fans would likely be overjoyed beyond their dreams.
Upon learning the news, Werder Bremen's club president, Klaus Fischer, along with the first vice president, Hesgru Neuwald, the sports director, Esin, and the club manager, Allofss, personally went out to greet Guardiola's group.
"We never expected that Coach Guardiola, who the entire football world is looking for, would come to our Werder Bremen at this time. It's truly a surprise for us!"
President Fischer politely shook hands with Guardiola and then introduced the management members around him.
Taking this opportunity, Guardiola also introduced his own family. After both sides finished introducing themselves,
President Fischer, with a hint of confusion, asked, "I wonder if Coach Guardiola's sudden visit has a specific purpose?"
He was sure that he hadn't sent any coaching invitation to Guardiola. Werder Bremen was, after all, a mid-tier club that couldn't afford a coach of Guardiola's level.
Without discussing anything else, Guardiola's salary alone was something they couldn't afford.
Werder Bremen's total revenue last season was only 73 million euros, whereas Guardiola's salary alone was 10 million euros.
This kind of salary was simply beyond their means.
Moreover, Guardiola couldn't possibly take an interest in a small club like theirs!
So, he really wanted to know, what was the reason for the sudden visit from the other side!
The most likely scenario was that Guardiola had taken notice of one of their young players and had personally come to persuade them because of it.
However, it was already the end of May, and the Bundesliga schedule had ended a month ago.
Werder Bremen had been on vacation for over half a month, and the players had all gone back to their respective homes and dispersed.
At a time like this, coming to the club to find players was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
The more he couldn't understand, the more curious he became.
Guardiola had long anticipated that his visit would cause unnecessary trouble. Thankfully, his arrival had been sudden, not alerting the press. Otherwise, there would likely be many baseless speculations reported the next day.
Hence, he immediately explained:
"It's like this, Werder Bremen had submitted a loan application to Barcelona before, and I've come regarding this matter!"
"A loan application?"
President Klaus looked at the sports director, Esin. The latter recollected and nodded:
"Yes, that's the case. Our team lacks depth in midfield. According to the head coach's intention, we submitted loan requests to six top clubs. Only Chelsea and Barcelona responded and agreed to loan players to us."
Upon hearing the name Chelsea, Luis's heart skipped a beat, and he interjected:
"What's the name of the player Chelsea is loaning?"
Esin glanced at Luis and then looked at the club president, seeking his approval.
Loaning players is something uncertain until the players report to the team.
The home club could change its mind at any time, and other teams might intercept during the transfer window.
And since the new season hadn't started yet, they didn't want to reveal related information too early, as it might adversely affect their team's preparations.
Therefore, Luis's question was actually a bit taboo.
However, Werder Bremen's president, Klaus Fischer, was generous and waved his hand, saying:
"That player's name is Kevin De Bruyne, a 21-year-old young midfielder."
Hearing this name, a faint smile appeared on Luis's face.
It was indeed De Bruyne. Luis remembered that after joining Chelsea, he struggled to fit into Mourinho's tactical system.
So he was loaned to the Bundesliga for a period of time.
And it seemed that Werder Bremen was the team that loaned him. Now it seemed that his memory was correct – De Bruyne was indeed coming on loan.
Thinking about working with this future midfield master in the upcoming season, Luis felt even more confident.
Seeing Luis's happy expression upon hearing De Bruyne's name, people from Werder Bremen's club were a bit puzzled, not understanding what made him so excited.
Could he be a fan of De Bruyne and specially came to Werder Bremen to meet his idol?
That couldn't be, right?
Although De Bruyne had some fame, was it really to this extent?
"Cough, well, the thing is, President Klaus, the midfielder that Barcelona is loaning to your team is my eldest son!"
As the conversation went off track due to Luis, Guardiola coughed lightly and quickly redirected the topic.
With a serious tone, he introduced his adopted son to Werder Bremen's representatives:
"He plays as a defensive midfielder in the youth team, possessing the refined technique and excellent vision typical of La Masia players.
Before I left Barcelona, I intended to groom him as Xavi's successor. Today, I'm entrusting him to you with sincerity. I hope you can nurture him well and not squander his talents.
Believe me, you will be proud to have him!"
After Guardiola finished speaking, the Werder Bremen side was utterly bewildered.
Really?
The mighty legend of the football world had specially come to act as a spokesperson for his own son?
His backing was truly strong!
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