Following a straightforward signing ceremony, Su Luo officially joined the Union Berlin U18 youth team. Head coach Uwe Neuhaus remained absent, leading the first team's training elsewhere. Instead, it was director of football Nick Shaffer and director of youth training Andreev who oversaw Su Luo's signing.
After the signing, Shaffer offered a polite smile before hastily departing, leaving only the lanky Germain Andreev, who appeared genuinely pleased.
Daniel had previously mentioned that he had strongly advocated for the club to sign Su Luo.
"Welcome to the team! Let me show you around the training base. The boys are training today," Andreev welcomed.
"You can call me Germaine. The atmosphere here is relaxed. We're all one big family."
It seemed peculiar to Su Luo that they were a fighting nation yet bore the name "German" and had resided in Berlin for nearly 30 years.
As they conversed on the way to the training base, Su Luo learned more about the terms of his contract. Initially signed as a "young player," he would receive a modest weekly salary of 1,100 euros. Currently renting a 60-square-meter apartment for a monthly rent of approximately 430 euros, Su Luo found it sufficient for comfortable living in Berlin.
However, to earn more, he would need to play more games and score goals. Appearance fees and goal bonuses could increase his weekly salary to 1,300 euros after 30 appearances. Yet, the real opportunity for substantial earnings lay in playing for the first team.
The top earner in the first team was Swiss international Mario Ejman, with a weekly salary of around 12,000 Euros. While this might seem substantial, it paled in comparison to top league teams. Nonetheless, Union Berlin, a club belonging to the proletariat, operated within modest financial means.
"I wonder if the club's situation will improve after competing in the Champions League," Su Luo mused.
Germain Andreev appeared momentarily taken aback. Union Berlin remained mired in the Bundesliga Bundesliga and had long been unable to ascend to the Bundesliga. However, he didn't dismiss Su Luo's impracticality; instead, he offered an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"Su, the task of reaching the Champions League rests on you! Your talent will greatly benefit the team!"
"Don't worry, Germaine, I'll do it," Su Luo affirmed confidently.
As long as they didn't forbid him from visiting nightclubs.
Little did Germaine Andreev suspect that this polite young man before him would lead his youth team astray.
Time flew by, and before Su Luo knew it, the 2013-2014 Bundesliga season had commenced. Head coach Uwe Neuhaus wore a perpetual frown, his once-black hair now streaked with gray.
The club's stadium repairs were solely contributed by the fans, leaving them with scant resources to acquire players. With the current lineup comprising either free transfers or youth team players, Union Berlin struggled with a dearth of offensive prowess.
The team's top scorer, Simon Trode, was the most expensive striker at 1.9 million euros. However, the team's offensive capabilities remained lackluster, with most games ending in narrow victories or draws.
Coach Neuhaus was keenly aware of the team's limitations but felt powerless to effect change. Despite their unwavering unity and commitment, Union Berlin lacked the finesse required for scoring goals.
As the Bundesliga season progressed, Union Berlin secured three wins, two draws, and suffered five losses, placing them 14th in the Bundesliga Bundesliga, a mere three points above the relegation zone.
With the team's main striker, Stephen Skzybski, sidelined due to injury, Neuhaus grappled with mounting frustration.
"It's unbelievable! Absolutely ridiculous!" he exclaimed in frustration, his temper flaring.
Struggling to find a replacement, Neuhaus addressed his coaching staff, desperately seeking a solution.
However, the suggestion to switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation was met with skepticism, as Neuhaus preferred to stick with the familiar 4-4-2.
Amidst the impasse, youth training director Andreev tentatively proposed a solution.
"I have a promising talent in mind. He's excelled in the youth team and could seamlessly transition to the first team. It's just..."
Andreev trailed off, a wry smile playing on his lips.
Neuhaus immediately understood, realizing who Andreev was referring to.
After only two months with the youth team, Su Luo remained relatively unknown within the club.
"The young man from the East...Yes, perhaps it's worth a try," Neuhaus conceded.
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