My Girlfriend Wants Victory

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***

Meanwhile, at the moment when Son Jinho and Jürgen Klopp gripped their faces and roared.

Alex Ferguson, who had opened his arms expecting Son Jinho to run to him, couldn’t hide his flustered feelings.

Well, who the heck would dash into the arms of the opposing team’s coach?

A player from our team embracing the coach of the opposing side was a scene so unfamiliar that even 40 years seasoned coach Alex Ferguson had never experienced it.

Anyway, using the wisdom of age, Alex Ferguson swiftly raised his embarrassed hands high in a moment of improvisation.

“Ahem.”

Having successfully navigated the embarrassing situation with brilliant improvisation, Alex Ferguson chewed gum while trying to calm his flushed face.

Gazing back at the awkwardly smiling Son Jinho and Jürgen Klopp, he thought,

‘It’s fine.’

Ferguson nodded with the expression of a talent scout who had discovered a gem.

In fact, Alex Ferguson and Manchester United had been troubled for some time.

As retirement loomed, there had been no coach he felt confident to trust with the reins of the club.

– David Moyes? Not bad at all. But….

– What’s the problem again?

There were plenty of managers showing good tactical prowess in the Premier League.

– But can Moyes really win over the squad?

It was uncertain if he could win over a locker room filled with star players at Manchester United.

– You should respect the coach! I am a legendary Manchester United figure who has lifted countless trophies under Ferguson.

– A little voice within me said to kick out players who aren’t up to Manchester United’s name.

The biggest concerns were Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie, and Son Jinho.

Honestly, where would you find a coach who could manage those three players?

It would be a miracle if the next manager didn’t end up living in the emergency room after enduring stress-induced gastritis right when they took office.

Moreover, the contract details with Son Jinho were also tying Manchester United’s hands, making his intentions crucial in the selection of the next manager.

Jürgen Klopp, who proved his tactical capabilities at Dortmund and appeared to have a good rapport with Son Jinho, started to look like the perfect candidate for Manchester United’s next commander.

‘…If I just keep that guy, the other two shouldn’t be a problem.’

At the moment Alex Ferguson completed his thought and began to sketch a rosy future for Manchester United.

He spotted Jürgen Klopp urging the away fans to applaud Son Jinho.

‘What is this… is he crazy?’

Ferguson couldn’t help but think that his beloved Manchester United could become a madman’s den.

***

As Jürgen Klopp, who was laughing awkwardly with Son Jinho, suddenly felt ashamed of liking Son Jinho’s scoring.

So he urged the away fans from Dortmund to applaud.

It was a simple thought that he could share his embarrassment with the Dortmund fans.

It was truly a rare sight for a team’s coach to urge applause for a player from the opposing team who scored, and if he were an ordinary coach, he might have been met with harsh criticism.

“Get a grip, Kloppo! Jinho is on the opposing side right now!”

Because it was Jürgen Klopp, the fans of Borussia Dortmund understood and accepted it.

“Kloppo, if we lose this match, I’ll not help you find your wedding ring next time!”

He was known for his eccentric antics and, after the financial bankruptcy, Jürgen Klopp had been like a savior for the struggling Dortmund.

“Damn it! Jinho! So when are you coming home?”

And with Son Jinho scoring, he was also a legend of Dortmund.

Anyway, as a few of the away Dortmund fans smiled at Klopp’s urge for applause and stood up to applaud.

Manchester United fans also stood up in response.

Soon, the sound of clapping began to echo throughout Old Trafford.

To an outside observer, it was indeed a romantic scene.

***

[Ah! Applause has started to erupt from Old Trafford.]

[This is a scene of fair play and recognizing the opponent! Isn’t this the romance of sports? Truly a pleasing sight.]

[Indeed. And now the home fans at Old Trafford are also standing up, applauding the players of both teams who are showcasing a wonderful match.]

[In such a romantic match, I hope the players can finish without injuries.]

[Yes. At this moment, Dortmund’s kick-off resumes the game. Lewandowski sends the ball into Dortmund’s territory.]

[Speaking of Lewandowski, romance cannot be overlooked here!]

[Indeed, during the summer transfer window, despite receiving an offer from his dream club Bayern Munich, Lewandowski readily stayed for another season at Klopp’s request….]

[Ah. At this moment! Dortmund is getting a great chance! Lewandowski connected the ball to Marco Reus!]

[Marco Reus!]

[Oh!! Marco Reus’s shot goes just wide by a hair’s breadth, and the first half ends.]

[It was a nail-biting match that had sweat on hands! The first half ends with Manchester United leading 1-0!]

***

The first half ends with Manchester United leading by a single goal, and the second half begins.

The match kicks off with Borussia Dortmund.

Both teams continued to face off tightly just like the first half.

Dortmund, trailing by a goal, first played their substitute card and made a change.

In the 20th minute of the second half, Jürgen Klopp opted for change and brought on Kevin Kampl instead of the visibly tired Nuri Sahin.

‘Being too friendly with the players might undermine authority… but for our team, this might actually be beneficial.’

Alex Ferguson nodded at Klopp’s timing of the substitution and rated him positively for easing the tension of the promising young player with a joke.

Evaluating Jürgen Klopp in his mind, Alex Ferguson also prepared a substitution card.

Replacing the physically tired İlkay Gündoğan, Michael Carrick was brought onto the pitch, forming a double pivot as the second half officially commenced.

***

As the match continued to progress tightly.

In the 28th minute of the second half.

Kevin De Bruyne’s pass reached Son Heung-min.

Heung-min found himself at what was known as Heung-min Zone and attempted a shot immediately.

His shot just barely missed the goal.

As Heung-min clutched his head in disappointment.

“Don’t back off when defending! Your first touch isn’t the best! Press harder!”

I reminded the defenders about Heung-min’s weaknesses that I had shared before the match began.

It seemed that he glared at me for suddenly exposing his weaknesses, but.

It couldn’t be helped. The world of competition is a harsh one.

Anyway, the match continued, and as the ball headed towards Heung-min again.

This time, Sami Khedira applied strong pressure, winning in the shoulder battle and successfully reclaiming the ball.

In the ensuing Manchester United counter-attack.

Virgil van Dijk’s long pass accurately fell into the back line of Dortmund.

With a steady first touch, Sadio Mané started sprinting down the touchline towards Dortmund’s territory.

As Robin van Persie and Cristiano Ronaldo served as decoys, pulling defenders away.

Sadio Mané charged into the penalty box and took a shot.

If Mané’s shot had been well-placed, it could have led to a goal.

However, unfortunately, Sadio Mané’s shot headed straight into the goalkeeper’s arms.

“Get down!”

Just as Mané’s shot was caught by the keeper, Manchester United began to quickly return to their defensive line.

On the other hand, Dortmund needed to quickly arrange their counter-attack while Manchester United’s defense was still unorganized.

Roman Weidenfeller passed the ball to Kevin De Bruyne, who had dropped back to help guard against United’s attacking play.

Kevin De Bruyne’s pass split the Manchester United players and went straight to Robert Lewandowski.

Having showcased excellent scoring touch since last season, Robert Lewandowski did not miss the opportunity that came his way and successfully shook the net of Manchester United.

“It’s okay! Lift your head! Let’s score another one….”

Just when I was about to clap to encourage the young players.

“Heja BVB!!!!!”

Scoring, Robert Lewandowski ran over to me with a bright smile near the touchline.

“Heja BVB?!”

“H, Heja BVB!”

In an instant, I found myself surrounded by Dortmund players undergoing an ideological examination.

Among the players surrounding me, I spotted Jürgen Klopp.

“Of course, Jürgen came to rescue me!”

I displayed an expression of being moved.

“No, I’ve been caught too.”

But at Jürgen’s next words, I was left speechless.

‘No, you’re the coach!’