Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 34

The moment I got off the plane, the temperature of the air changed.

Germany – Cloudy skies and cold air.

The lingering echoes of the applause he received in Saitama are fading into the distance.

“I’m counting on you to bring the clubs, Naoe.”

Ren returned to the Bundesliga stage once again, keeping those words that were spoken to him at the airport when he returned to Germany from the national team deep in his heart.

──Saturday, August 26, 2028 Bundesliga Round 3

*Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Augsburg (away)

Frankfurt finished 9th last season

Augsburg’s record against Borussia Mönchengladbach last year was 1 win and 1 loss.

Afternoon kickoff.

The sky in northwestern Germany was covered in a dull grey.

“…It’s tough after all.”

After finishing his warm-up, Ren let out a short sigh.

He has had to play the full 90 minutes in two international matches, travel long distances, and experience unfamiliar weather.

It’s the third day. I feel heavy. But…

(It doesn’t matter. I don’t need to rely on anyone. I’ll do it.)

Borussia Mönchengladbach dominated the game from the start.

The possession ratio was 7:3.

They were pushed back and had to fight an endurance battle in their territory.

The CB liner came out and was skillfully replaced by the opponent, resulting in a goal being conceded.

0-1.

Immediately after the restart, an unbelievable pass mistake led to a counterattack.

The defender is outmaneuvered in a 1-on-2 situation.

0-2.

(…I should be used to this place by now.)

In the center of the pitch. Even though this is his third season in Germany, he felt the most pressure in all of his matches against Borussia Mönchengladbach so far.

Ren looked around repeatedly, covering himself and calling out repeatedly.

“Reiner, get closer to number 9! Leave it to the side!”

The young man turned around at the sound of the shout and was confused for a moment.

But immediately after that, Ren ran over to cover.

They stole the ball with a double tackle and moved it to the left wing.

However, there was no one to rush there.

In the second half, the team managed to get one point back, but that was it.

The result was 1-4.

It was a crushing defeat.

Locker room.

Everyone has their heads down, and there is no conversation.

Even the movement of my hands while changing clothes felt heavy.

Ren quietly closes his eyes as he takes off the sleeves of his uniform.

(No matter how much I run… It’s not enough.

As a member of the national team, I felt a sense of connection.

However, he is still not “attaining” his potential at the club.

More than fatigue, it was this unrequited love that weighed heavily on Ren’s heart.

As I was leaving the stadium, I suddenly heard a voice from behind me.

“Nao-ei!”

A small group of supporters waved.

“I saw you working hard on your own!”

“Next time, please win!”

…Ren stopped and raised his hand slightly in response.

For just a moment, his cheeks relaxed.

(It’s just the beginning)

Next time → Episode 35 “Just what’s left behind”

The Champions League for the second year in a row. What did Ren feel at this point?

——–

*Borussia Mönchengladbach

–Commonly known as “Borussia MG”, this is the team to which Japan national team player Itakura Ko belongs.

✨In one word…

“A local prestigious school that combines elegance, intelligence, and pride”

Borussia Mönchengladbach values ​​romance and aesthetics over enthusiasm.

In recent years, the team has advanced to the top of the table and competed in the Champions League, yet still maintains a certain “anti-establishment freedom.”

🟢⚪ Culture, atmosphere, and characteristics of Borussia MG

1. The legend of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Football”

– In the 1970s, they were a strong team on par with Bayern Munich and made a name for themselves with their “aggressive, flowing football.”

-Their nickname at the time was “Fohlen-Elf” (young horses).

– The team is made up of mostly young players and plays speedy, free-flowing football.

-That style is still the club’s philosophy today.

② An unusual, “free and cheerful atmosphere”

・It is a somewhat easygoing culture that values ​​humor.

– Their team colours are more like a rock band, rather than the “hot-blooded” colours of Dortmund or Schalke.

・”We’re a local club, but we’re proud” — that’s their stance.

3. Strong sense of unity with fans

– On match days, the stadium, Borussia Park, is filled with such excitement that it feels like a small city.

・Fans are called “Fohlen” (young horses), and there is a deep-rooted culture of families cheering together.

– The team has many friendly yet passionate fans, and there is a strong sense of unity even away from home.

④ Emphasis on the academy + pride as a development club

– In the past, the club has produced players who have gone on to play for big clubs, including Marco Reus and Ter Stegen.

– The club takes pride in “developing players at its club and sending them out into the world,” and is well-respected locally.

5. A club in the “country town” of Mönchengladbach

– Although it is a small city club, it is a legendary club that won the league championship five times in the 1970s.

Although it is currently a mid-sized club, its appeal lies in its relaxed atmosphere and intellectual flair, which is different from clubs in big cities.

– The residents and players are close to each other, and the players often live in a natural environment.

⑥ A consistent fusion of “modern and classic” style

– He is known for being relatively smart when it comes to recruiting players and hiring managers, and for not being too aggressive.

・However, they also have a scheming side that sometimes causes upsets against larger clubs.

🏟 Stadium: Borussia-Park

– Capacity: Approximately 54,000 people.

・A compact and beautiful stadium. The fans are close to each other, and their cheers echo throughout the stadium.

・As the name “Park” suggests, it has an open atmosphere.