章節 14: Chapter 12: Journey to Bremen
Chapter 12: Journey to Bremen
"Luis, have you gone mad? Offering him ten times the bonus is almost on par with what a backup player from the first team would earn!"
After Luis left, Zubizarreta angrily confronted Enrique.
Enrique, however, remained unperturbed and smiled as he replied, "Mr. Zubizarreta, please don't get so worked up. Luis plays as a defensive midfielder in the youth team, not as a forward. Scoring goals isn't easy for players in that position. Although his stats were impressive for the team last year, remember those were just youth team matches. When he steps into a high-level league like the Bundesliga, he won't have a guaranteed playing time, so expecting impressive statistics is unrealistic."
"Moreover, Werder Bremen is a team in decline, facing financial struggles and losing star players. They lack competitiveness in the Bundesliga and won't win many games in a season. Consequently, with fewer goals, assists, and victories, most of those bonuses won't be relevant to him. Even if we offer higher bonuses, it won't matter much."
Zubizarreta listened to Enrique's explanation and calmed down.
"So, you're saying you're painting a pretty picture for him, but it's a pie he's unlikely to taste?"
Enrique grinned triumphantly, "Heh, I wouldn't put it exactly like that. If, by any chance, he truly manages to deliver an outstanding performance, then of course he'll earn those bonuses. So, it all depends on whether he has the ability!"
"Haha, do you even believe that yourself?"
Zubizarreta, having been a professional player, found it hard to believe that a young player under seventeen could lead a declining team to great achievements. Even Messi, at that age, hadn't shown such capabilities, let alone an ordinary player. Such an argument might fool someone inexperienced, but it was a far cry from deceiving an old fox like Zubizarreta.
Enrique nodded, "He is too young. He probably doesn't realize just how brutal the professional sports arena can be."
The two of them, using their professional experience, manipulated a young talent. Though such actions might be considered shameful, they had fulfilled the club president's task and now felt a sense of relief.
So, Enrique suggested, "How about relaxing after work today? I know a few good places..."
...
After signing the loan contract, Luis bid farewell to several friends from the youth team.
Deulofeu, in particular, felt a bit reluctant to see his friend leave. However, upon learning that Luis was being loaned to a Bundesliga team, he couldn't help but feel a touch of envy.
"Darn it, why didn't any teams take notice of me? Aren't I strong enough?"
After all, he had represented the first team a few times and believed he had a higher profile than Luis.
Yet now, with Luis loaned out and no interest shown in him, Deulofeu found it puzzling.
"Gerard, if you really wanted a loan, you could've applied to the club. I'm sure they'd have let you go!"
Barcelona is very willing to let young players who are temporarily unable to play in the first team go out for training.
Moreover, Deulofeu is a highly regarded prospect at Barcelona, and if he applies voluntarily, there's a good chance Barcelona won't refuse.
"Actually, forget it. I still want to stay and continue wearing the red and blue jersey to play for Barcelona. It's been my dream..."
Hearing Luis's words, Deulofeu hesitated once again.
It's clear that he was just saying that and didn't actually want to leave Barcelona, even if there's no spot for him in the team right now.
Helplessly shaking his head, Luis knew that Barcelona had many options for the winger position.
Messi, Sanchez, Pedro, along with Villa who can also play as a winger—considering these choices, it's nearly impossible for the young Deulofeu to snatch their positions.
...
This season is coming to an end, and the new season's training usually begins in July.
As a result, Luis has ample time to prepare.
"I'm a bit worried about you going to Germany alone."
During dinner, Serra expressed her concern:
"I heard the weather in Germany is very cold, and their dietary habits are completely different from ours. I'm worried that you won't be comfortable living and eating there. Also, sending you to play for the senior team so early, I'm afraid you might get injured..."
After saying that, Serra glanced at Guardiola with a hint of complaint, seemingly blaming him for not discussing Luis's loan with her beforehand.
A mother worries about her child, especially when it's the first time he's traveling far, and to a foreign country thousands of miles away.
This concern greatly worried his foster mother.
Guardiola awkwardly cleared his throat; after all, he didn't decide this matter himself. It was Luis's own request.
"I also know some people over in Germany. I'll talk to them and make sure they take care of Luis. You can rest assured!"
After Guardiola announced his resignation from Barcelona and received numerous coaching offers from various clubs, many of which were Bundesliga teams, including even the dominant Bayern Munich.
Because of this, he knew quite a few management personnel from Bundesliga clubs.
As long as he asks, those people would be willing to help him.
Serra, who had known Guardiola's network for many years, had no doubt about it.
Hearing Guardiola's words, she breathed a slight sigh of relief, but still felt uneasy.
"Can those people be trusted? They might promise to help but not actually care!"
Uh... Guardiola was at a loss for how to respond to this statement.
He also couldn't guarantee that those people would definitely fulfill their promises.
Seeing her partner's worried look, Guardiola had no choice but to continue, "How about this? After this season ends, we'll go to Germany together and make sure everything is settled there for Luis. We can also talk to the higher-ups at Werder Bremen, and you can see if that works?"
With Guardiola's proposal, Serra finally showed a satisfied smile.
"That's more like it. Luis, what do you think of Pep's plan?"
Luis nodded repeatedly; after all, Guardiola himself had stepped in, so what else could he say?
At the mention of going to Germany, Guardiola's eldest daughter, eleven-year-old Maria, brightened up. She immediately started clamoring to go to the Alps in Germany for skiing.
The ski resorts in the Alps are among the best in Europe.
For a summer vacation and a getaway from heat, it's a fantastic choice.
As a result, the whole family excitedly made plans for their trip to Germany.
Twenty days later, at the Calderon Stadium, Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 with goals from Pedro and Messi, winning the Copa del Rey championship.
This marked the 14th championship trophy Guardiola won after coaching Barcelona, and it was also his last.
After the season ended, while the world's media speculated about which team Guardiola would coach next season, his whole family secretly boarded a plane and arrived in the northwestern German city of Bremen.
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