บท 13: Chapter 13: Guardiola's Personal Visit
Werder Bremen is the northernmost team in the Bundesliga, located in the state of Bremen. Their home ground is the Weserstadion, situated along the banks of the Weser River, which runs through the city center.
The team's training base is right next to the stadium, making it easy to find.
Lin Quan and his companions landed at Bremen City Airport.
Unlike other airports, Bremen City Airport is only 3.5 kilometers from the city center.
So, after getting off the plane, they arrived at their destination in just over ten minutes.
Guardiola's sudden visit surprised everyone at Werder Bremen, from top to bottom.
Many staff members couldn't contain their surprise upon seeing Guardiola. Could it be that the next destination for this legendary coach would be Werder Bremen?
Upon careful consideration, it didn't seem entirely impossible.
This season, due to poor team performance, club manager Allofs had intentions of leaving for another Bundesliga team, Wolfsburg.
And Allofs' close companion, the head coach Thomas Schaaf, who had been coaching the team for thirteen years, also entertained 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 akin to a severe earthquake for Werder Bremen.
Therefore, the club needed to start looking for a new head coach and club manager.
Fed up with the declining performance of the team, the fans and the club's top management decided to spare no expense and try to bring in the hottest legend in football management: Guardiola. It didn't seem entirely impossible.
Considering Guardiola's achievements in the past few seasons, if he were to come and coach Werder Bremen, the fans would probably feel like they were living in a dream.
Upon receiving the news, Werder Bremen's club president Klaus Fischer, along with vice president Hesgru Neuwald, sports director Esin, and club manager Allofs, personally went out to greet Guardiola and his entourage.
"We never expected Coach Guardiola, who the whole football world is searching for, to visit us here in Bremen. It's truly a pleasant surprise!" President Klaus greeted Guardiola politely, shaking his hand, before introducing the other members of the club's management team.
Guardiola also took this opportunity to introduce his own family. After both sides had finished introductions, President Klaus asked with some confusion, "I wonder, Coach Guardiola, is there a specific reason for your sudden visit?"
He was sure that they hadn't extended an invitation to Guardiola to coach, as Werder Bremen was just a mid-table club and couldn't afford a coach of Guardiola's caliber. Just his salary alone was beyond their means.
Werder Bremen's total revenue last season was only €73 million, while Guardiola's salary alone was €10 million.
This kind of salary was simply beyond their budget.
Furthermore, Guardiola wouldn't possibly be interested in a small club like theirs!
So, he was very curious about the purpose of Guardiola's sudden visit!
The most likely possibility was that Guardiola had taken an interest in one of their young players, prompting him to personally come and recruit them.
But now, it was already the end of May, and the Bundesliga schedule had ended a month ago.
Werder Bremen had been on vacation for half a month already, and the players had all gone back home.
Coming to the club at this time to find a player, wasn't that 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. Fortunately, his arrival was sudden, and it didn't alert the press. Otherwise, there would likely be many unfounded reports the next day.
So, he immediately explained, "Well, Werder Bremen previously submitted a loan application to Barcelona, and I'm here for that matter!"
"A loan application?"
Klaus looked at the sports director Esin, who recalled and nodded.
"Indeed, that's the case. Our team lacks depth in midfield substitutes. According to the head coach's instructions, we submitted loan applications to six top clubs. In the end, only Chelsea and Barcelona responded to our request and agreed to loan players to us."
Hearing the mention of Chelsea, Lin Quan's heart skipped a beat, and he interrupted, asking, "What's the name of the player Chelsea is loaning?"
Esin glanced at Lin Quan, then looked to the club president, seeking approval.
Loan deals like this are uncertain until the player reports to the team. The home team could change their mind at any time, and other teams could swoop in during the transfer window. Since the new season hasn't started yet, they don't want to reveal too much information prematurely, as it might adversely affect their team's preparations.
So, Lin Quan's question was actually a bit taboo.
However, Werder Bremen's president, Klaus Fischer, generously waved his hand and said, "The player's name is Kevin De Bruyne, a 21-year-old midfielder."
Hearing this name, Lin Quan's face showed a hint of a smile.
Sure enough, it's that guy, De Bruyne. Lin Quan remembered that he couldn't quite fit into Mourinho's tactical system after joining Chelsea. So, he spent some time on loan in the Bundesliga. And it seemed like Werder Bremen was the team that loaned him. Now, it appeared that his memory wasn't wrong; De Bruyne was indeed coming on loan.
Thinking about cooperating with this future top midfield maestro in the next season, Lin Quan felt even more confident about the upcoming season.
Seeing Lin Quan's happy expression after hearing De Bruyne's name, the people from Werder Bremen were a bit puzzled, not understanding what he was so excited about.
Could it be that he's a fan of De Bruyne and came all the way to Werder Bremen just to see him?
No way, right?
Although De Bruyne has some fame, it's not to that extent, is it?
"Ahem, well, President Klaus, the midfielder that Barcelona is loaning to your team happens to be my eldest son!" Seeing the conversation veering off track, Guardiola coughed lightly and quickly brought the topic back.
He solemnly introduced his foster son to the people at Werder Bremen:
"He plays as a defensive midfielder in the youth team, possessing the delicate footwork and excellent vision typical of La Masia players. Before I left Barcelona, I was grooming him as Xavi's successor. And today, I entrust him to you earnestly, hoping that you'll nurture him well and not squander his talent. Trust me, you'll be proud to have him!"
After Guardiola finished speaking, everyone from Werder Bremen was stunned.
Seriously?
The legendary coach of football, specially coming over just to advocate for his own son?
This background is too strong!
(End of chapter)
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