Football Card System

Gao Bo walked onto the training ground with his coaching staff.

Today, two new members joined the team: goalkeeper coach Danny King and the Japanese team doctor, Haruko Sakuragi. Surprisingly, when Gao Bo approached Haruko to explain his intentions, she agreed immediately, making all the persuasive arguments he had prepared unnecessary.

With the addition of these two, the coaching staff now consisted of five people and was taking shape. In the future, Gao Bo planned to bring in a technical analyst, an intelligence analyst, and preferably a scouting head to complete the team.

As the coaches appeared, the players on the training ground quickly gathered and formed a line. The players stood in a circle while the coaches stood at the center.

Gao Bo scanned the players, his heart racing with excitement. This was his first team as a head coach. It was the starting point of his journey in football—a critical step in building his career and shaping his future.

He was eager to evaluate his players' abilities, but unfortunately, his skill that allowed him to assess players could only be used once a day. For now, he had to rely on observation during training and matches.

While Gao Bo studied his players, they were also sizing him up. At 27 years old, Gao Bo looked more like one of them than their coach. His youthful appearance left some players disappointed, as they doubted his ability to lead.

"Many people say we're going to be relegated this season," Gao Bo began, his voice cutting through the silence.

Even Kevin Keane, the captain, remained silent, though his expression was grim.

John Aston, a member of the coaching staff, quietly admired Gao Bo. After reviewing Gao Bo's training plan, John was impressed by the young coach's clear tactical vision, which was built on the foundations laid by legendary managers. John believed Gao Bo had the potential to leave his mark on European football, but as an academy coach with no professional playing experience, his tactics would only succeed if he could earn the players' respect.

To succeed, Gao Bo needed more than tactics—he needed to inspire and lead.

Looking at the players' somber expressions, Gao Bo suddenly smiled.

"Yes, I think so too," he said, surprising everyone.

The players glared at him, their pride wounded. How dare he underestimate them?

"But after seeing your angry eyes, I've changed my mind," Gao Bo continued. "It seems none of you want to be relegated."

Who would want to play in the non-professional leagues?

"Since we share the same goal, it's time to start working hard. We've been deducted 30 points. To stay up, we need to earn 78 points this season. That's the standard for promotion-level performance, not just survival. So, this isn't a relegation battle—it's a fight for promotion!"

His words began to resonate with the players.

"Let me be clear: today marks a new beginning. I don't care who was a starter, a substitute, or a reserve last season. The past is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is your attitude—your attitude in training and in matches. That's the only criterion for earning a place in the starting lineup. Anyone who slacks off will find themselves on the bench—or worse, in the reserves."

The younger players, especially those recently promoted from the academy, were energized by Gao Bo's speech. For them, this was a fresh start—a chance to prove themselves.

Meanwhile, Sam Parker smirked, unconvinced. He believed that with no other experienced forwards available, Gao Bo would have no choice but to rely on him.

Gao Bo noticed Parker's attitude but chose to ignore it for now. Instead, he continued outlining the pre-season training plan.

"First, we'll start with physical evaluations. If your weight isn't back to last season's levels, you won't participate in team training!"

The players groaned, but Gao Bo's expression made it clear there was no room for negotiation.

When they entered the rehabilitation center, however, their spirits lifted. Haruko Sakuragi, with her youthful face and cheerful demeanor, instantly brightened the atmosphere. The players, full of energy and testosterone, were suddenly eager to visit the infirmary.

Pre-season training focused heavily on physical conditioning. Gao Bo's tactics required a strong physical foundation, and he intended to model his approach after the counterattacking style that Ranieri's Leicester City famously used.

With Kante, Drinkwater, and Vardy already in his squad—the core of that legendary Leicester team—Gao Bo was confident.

He couldn't wait to get started, to mold his team, and to lead them to glory.