A week before the match, when Coach Neuhaus brought Su Luo to the first team, the players weren't overly surprised. Su Luo's reputation had preceded him, and everyone knew of his exploits.
Even during training with the first team players, Su Luo was often the subject of banter. Having studied German with his family for two months, he was now proficient in spoken English, able to engage in conversations with ease.
However, professional football is pragmatic. Familiarity breeds comfort, and if you don't demonstrate your value on the field, you won't receive passes.
So, on the first day of the training match, Su Luo struggled to make an impact, barely touching the ball and frequently being outmuscled by opponents.
Assistant coach Hofschneider expressed concern: "Should we give the newcomer some assistance?"
Coach Neuhaus remained unfazed. "I want the Eastern lad to realize that the professional arena demands respect."
The following day, tables turned dramatically. Su Luo showcased his talent, dribbling past opponents effortlessly and scoring a sensational goal.
The first team players were awestruck, and even Coach Neuhaus was visibly impressed.
Assistant coach Hofschneider exclaimed, "We've struck gold this time!"
Neuhaus, however, remained cautious. "The real test will be on the field."
In the subsequent week, Su Luo's performance soared. Lacking physical dominance, he dazzled with his exquisite technique and unpredictable shots.
The night before the game, when Neuhaus announced the 18-man roster, Su Luo's name featured prominently. In less than three months since joining the youth team at 16, he ascended to the first team roster—a meteoric rise.
But inclusion in the roster didn't guarantee playing time. Su Luo might spend the full 90 minutes on the bench.
In this pivotal clash, Union Berlin teetered on the brink. Just five minutes into the game, Sandhausen capitalized on a defensive error, taking the lead.
Union Berlin, unable to afford a home defeat, pressed forward, but Sandhausen dug in defensively, content with their one-goal advantage.
Union Berlin's attacks were thwarted at every turn. Despite fluid midfield play, they faltered in the final third, unable to breach Sandhausen's resolute defense.
Su Luo, watching from the bench, furrowed his brow at the team's rigid approach. He had gleaned tactical insights from his youth team experience and nightclub illusions.
Union Berlin's dilemma lay not in effort but in inflexibility. Players adhered strictly to predefined movements, lacking spontaneity.
Meanwhile, Sandhausen's occasional deviations from convention posed a threat, unsettling Union Berlin's defense.
Coach Neuhaus, visibly tense, paced the sidelines, while Sandhausen's Schwarzer exuded confidence.
Amidst the halftime break, with Union trailing 0-2, Su Luo sensed the team's despondency. Neuhaus, instead of berating, meticulously dissected tactics, but the players seemed disengaged.
Su Luo identified the issue—an atmosphere lacking in morale—but refrained from speaking out. As a youth team player yet to establish himself in the first team, he lacked authority.
The second half saw no improvement in Union Berlin's performance. Sandhausen grew bolder, nearly extending their lead.
Su Luo, called to warm up regularly, awaited his opportunity patiently.
Finally, in the 80th minute, Neuhaus beckoned Su Luo.
"Su, prepare to enter."
As Su Luo donned the Union Berlin jersey, excitement coursed through him. His alter ego, "Big Luo," stirred within, brimming with anticipation.
"So, you're eager for game time?"
Su Luo chuckled, a steely resolve in his eyes.
"In that case, let's make an impact!"
"The home team Union Berlin request a substitution!"
"No. 23 Silvio, off!"
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