Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 48

──Monday, October 30, 2028

After the Champions League Round 3 (vs. Liverpool) and Bundesliga Round 8 (vs. Mainz)

That day, Ren’s name was featured in the headline of the local newspaper’s sports section.

📰 “The heart of Augsburg, Naoe Ren – A brilliant flash in the match against Liverpool”

“Although he lost the match, Ren’s calmness and ball-keeping ability were outstanding.

Especially in the second half, when the team was on the verge of falling apart, the way they managed to regain their rhythm was impressive.

There is no doubt that he has shown signs of being able to play on the big European stage.”

A commentary in the same paper stated:

– Renao Naoe (Lotus)

Score: 7.0

Comment: “He was the player who fought the best even in an isolated situation.

He may be the only man who can talk tactics in this situation.”

Clubhouse.

A closed-door evaluation meeting with the manager and coaching staff.

Highlights from the matches against Liverpool and Mainz are shown on the big screen.

“…In the end, it’s Ren who is somehow the ‘starting point’.”

“We’re number one on the team in terms of the number of passes made and the success rate.

He was in the right position in both defense and attack. He was also 50/50 against Liverpool. Without him, things would have been much worse.

Also — the frequency of collaboration with players is increasing.”

“Yeah, Himmel seems to talk about Ren as if he were his master.”

“Until last year, the team was in sync with the captain Philip, without Ren having to say anything. The new players have potential, but many of them have very strong habits and problems with the basics and mentality…”

“There are still a few people who look down on Ren as an Asian. I’ve tried to warn them, but it’s not easy. If it gets too much, I’ll have to take him out.”

“It’s a matter of whether the other players can accept Ren’s tempo or give themselves the leeway to do so.

If that happens, the team will undoubtedly be better, just like when Ren came.

The problem is that teams have yet to catch up with his speed and tempo.

One coach muttered.

“Ren is trying to adapt, and he’s getting better, but that’s not good enough.

He’s a player who can play in a way that brings out the maximum potential in his teammates.”

“…But the question is, can the team keep up with his style of football with these members?”

At that time, among the supporters around the stadium,

A certain “sensation” was beginning to emerge.

“Ren, you do run in every game.”

“Even though he can’t win, he’s the only one who feels like he’s fighting.”

“I would like him to go to a big club.”

“But… there’s a part of me that wants to see more of Ren’s soccer with this team.”

Ren himself had never heard such a voice.

But, as a sensation–

“Something is starting to change.”

That was one thing I was certain of.

Correspondence within the team.

A running athlete.

Young people are listening carefully to what is being said.

Time to deposit the ball.

And the quiet gaze of the head coach off the pitch.

(Everything is starting to connect.)

At night, on the field after practice.

Ren was the last one to roll the ball.

Coach Behle, who was watching from a distance,

She said softly to Meyer next to her.

“After all, he is the center.

In play, in awareness and… in existence itself.”