Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

155 – Miguel

155

It’s an unexpected fact, but the Champions League quarterfinal draw took place three weeks ago.

Three weeks may seem like a long time, but in reality, it’s not a lot of time.

Therefore, the Barcelona board could still vividly remember the draw that took place three weeks ago.

“What bad luck. Manchester City, of all teams.”

“This is terrible.”

Any team that reaches the Champions League quarterfinals is a formidable opponent, but among them, there are teams that are particularly difficult to face. And among those, there are four teams that are especially dreaded.

The four teams, known as the “Big Four,” are Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, who are currently considered the strongest teams in the world.

In the past four years, these four teams have shared the Champions League title, and they are the most powerful teams in the current era.

And among these four teams, Manchester City is the one that has achieved the best results.

Even while sharing the Champions League title with others, Manchester City has won the title twice in the past six years.

“It’s okay. Let’s face it! We have to beat all of them to win anyway. When did we think we’d only face easy opponents?”

Of course, that’s true.

But that doesn’t mean we have to beat difficult opponents to reach the top.

In the end, isn’t it better for teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich to clash with each other and wear each other out? We’re not going to get to the top by avoiding challenges, are we?

Even though Barcelona has been on a good run lately and is full of confidence, it’s only natural to want to face an easier opponent.

But since the draw has already taken place, there’s nothing we can do but prepare for the game with all our might.

Therefore, Barcelona began preparing for the Manchester City game as soon as the draw was announced.

It wasn’t about immediately starting training specifically for the Manchester City game or preparing a tailored strategy. There were still a few games left before then, and the importance of the league and Copa del Rey couldn’t be overstated.

However, managing the physical condition of the main players for the Manchester City game was definitely possible.

This was the reason for the rotation in the Osasuna game, but after the shocking defeat, Coach Jose became more cautious with rotations, which meant fewer opportunities for the bench players… This was the underlying reason for the team’s gloomy atmosphere, which Joo Ji-tae had noticed.

“What’s with their expressions?”

“I thought I could play in the next game, but I ended up on the bench again.”

“That didn’t work out… But why are they like that?”

“Who? Miguel? Ah, Miguel… The coach has been cautious with the rotation since the Osasuna game, and some people think it’s Miguel’s fault.”

Juzitae furrowed his brows as he listened to Team Manager Mak’s explanation.

Miguel had indeed played disappointingly in the Osasuna game, but he didn’t intentionally sabotage the game or slack off. Everyone has their own worst game, and it’s unfair to blame him too much.

Juzitae thought so, but he didn’t intervene.

He wasn’t someone who believed he could solve all the team’s problems, and even if he could, he wasn’t the type to take on all the responsibility.

Unless it was a serious issue, there was no need to get involved in the relationships between players.

That was Juzitae’s thinking.

“Juzitae, sorry to bother you, but can I talk to you for a bit?”

Just a moment ago…

* * *

Miguel Gomez.

A 30-year-old Paraguayan midfielder.

Five years ago, he was a highly sought-after midfielder who was signed by Barcelona for a hefty 70 million euros. Now, he had fallen to become a benchwarmer.

It was hard to believe that he was once the ace of Benfica, carrying the expectations of Barcelona on his shoulders.

The cause of his downfall was his injury.

Three years ago, Miguel suffered a severe injury that left him with a broken leg, and he still hadn’t recovered his skills. And Juzitae knew that he wouldn’t be able to recover them in the future.

“Maybe he’ll transfer to Hetafe next year and retire after a year?”

It was a vague memory, but Juzitae seemed to recall it.

When Juzitae first stepped onto the professional stage, Miguel was considered one of the best midfielders of the next generation, and Juzitae had heard the rumors about his retirement due to injury.

“What’s going on, Miguel?”

On the empty training ground after practice.

Juzitae turned to the 30-year-old midfielder and asked.

“I’m in the last year of my contract. I signed a five-year contract with Barcelona, and this is the final year.”

While it was a principle for club and player contracts to remain confidential, it wasn’t always the case.

You could easily find out the contract details of any player online. Of course, the really confidential information wasn’t leaked, but the contract period was something that could be discussed.

“You don’t know, Juzitae. The pain of falling from being a star to rock bottom. You’ve always been a star, so you don’t know.”

“I do know.”

Miguel’s eyes widened in surprise at Juzitae’s words.

“Really? Well, you debuted during my prime, so you must have heard of me.”

No, Juzitae also had a time when he shone brightly, and a time when he fell miserably.

That’s why he knew Miguel’s pain better than anyone. …Of course, it was a one-time experience, and Juzitae couldn’t say it out loud now.

“I don’t know if you believe me, but everything is because of my injury. I was diagnosed as unable to continue my player career, but I didn’t give up. I had four major surgeries and took two years to recover, but I eventually came back. …But my skills didn’t come back with me. Like in the last game. If I were my old self, I wouldn’t have had such a crisis. No, I wouldn’t have even gotten injured in the first place. My body is still mine, but it’s not like my body anymore. I always react slowly.”

“Hmm.”

“But I still have to play. I have to keep playing soccer. I have… I have a family, so I can’t quit. I didn’t realize it when I was doing well, but after I got injured and became miserable, I felt the importance of my family. My wife is a good woman. She didn’t leave me when I got injured and became hysterical. And… I have a kid now. I can’t quit soccer.”

“So?”

Juzitae, who had been quietly listening, suddenly cut in.

He understood Miguel’s position. That misery and despair? He knew it all too well.

But what can you do about it.

“I’m sorry, but if you’re complaining about your situation, I want to do it around this point.”

“…Help me.”

“How?”

Joo Ji-tae, who was responding immediately, was met with a question from Miguel.

“Will you help me? Is it that easy?”

“I’m not a heartless person who would turn away someone asking for help. However, I need you to be specific about what you want help with. I’m sorry, but I’m also busy with my own training.”

“Of course. I’m not that shameless either.”

“Good. Tell me once. What do you want me to help you with?”

It might be a bit annoying, but… from a position where I understand his feelings, I think it’s okay to give him a little help.

That was Joo Ji-tae’s thought until he heard Miguel’s words.

“You. Do you know how unusual your gameplay is?”

“Unusual? Me? Hmm… I’ve never heard that before.”

“No. You’re unusual. There’s no word to describe you in today’s football. You don’t fit into being a libero or a ball-playing defender. You’re paving your own way.”

“Hmm… So? What does that have to do with you?”

“I can support you. My body may be like this, but I originally played football with my head. That’s why I can match your style better than anyone else.”

Joo Ji-tae let out a dry laugh.

Who’s helping who now?

“I know it sounds ridiculous. But… I’ll show you. The synergy we can create together. You, don’t you see the path that’s clearly visible? The path that’s obviously connected to the goal? You, who are always holding back because you’re a defender, don’t you see it?”

“That’s true. There are times when I see a clear path that others can’t see.”

“I used to be like that too. Originally, if my body was normal, I would’ve been able to handle it myself, and I’ve been trying to do that until now… but you know my body isn’t cooperating. However, I can match your playstyle. I think we can become the best partners. I know.”

Joo Ji-tae stared at Miguel intently.

There was no sign of lying. If he wasn’t a liar, he wouldn’t be lying in this situation.

However, even if he wasn’t lying, it’s hard to believe it completely. Anyone can say anything.

But… during his prime, his sparkling play was… definitely worth watching. He seemed to see something similar to what Joo Ji-tae saw.

So…

It’s a path that others can’t see.

“There’s a lot to talk about, but let’s go.”

“Where?”

Joo Ji-tae smiled slightly towards Miguel, who looked puzzled.

“The video analysis room. We can’t know for sure with just two people passing the ball at our level, can we? Let’s see if you really understand my vision.”