The God of Football Starts With Passive Skills

Chapter 466 - 97: Face of the Bundesliga! Scoring Madly for the Title! Heynckes: Wang Shuo, I’m a Dog If I Praise You Again

"You’ve won the Golden Boy Award, the Bundesliga title, and the UEFA Europa League. I look forward to hearing the good news of you winning the Champions League, the European Golden Ball Award, and the World Footballer of the Year!"

Hearing this, Wang Shuo suddenly felt a sting in his nose.

This was the first time Gao Huairen had spoken to him in such a tone, one filled with anticipation and pride.

After the black Mercedes-Benz MPV departed, Wang Shuo remained standing there, gazing in the direction it had disappeared.

"Back when we were in China, we all respected Coach Gao, but we always thought he was long-winded and strict, always lecturing us with all sorts of grand principles."

"But now, after not seeing him for so long, hearing him talk like that again... it’s suddenly a little touching."

Shen Qinghe turned her head, glanced at Wang Shuo, and chuckled. "Maybe this is what they call ’distance creates beauty’!"

Wang Shuo snorted, unable to stop himself from laughing along.

...

marked the first year of the German Super Cup’s revival, and it still drew intense attention from the German football scene.

Dortmund’s 2-1 comeback victory over Bayern and Wang Shuo scoring yet another brace—these two headlines sparked heated discussions among everyone.

After the match, Bild published a commentary arguing that Dortmund remained the title favorite for the new season.

The reason was simple: Wang Shuo was as lethal as ever!

"There’s a lot to take away from this German Super Cup match."

"Neither team was in peak condition. This was especially true for Bayern, with key players like Ribery, Robben, and Gomez all absent. Meanwhile, Dortmund was still working on team chemistry and getting back into form."

"But based on how the match played out, Dortmund’s prospects for the new season look absolutely promising!"

Although Dortmund’s two goals were scored within a two-minute span, Wang Shuo was the most dangerous player on the pitch throughout the entire game.

"Every touch he took sent Bayern’s defense into a panic!"

After the match, Süddeutsche Zeitung interviewed Bayern captain Lahm.

Regarding the loss, Lahm stated that there was no need to take it to heart.

"For us, it was just a friendly match. We performed well, and even against an opponent that was going all out, we played our own game and stuck to our style."

Lahm was confident that with the return of their internationals who had played in the World Cup—players like Ribery, Robben, and Gomez—Bayern’s overall strength would see a significant boost.

And the one credited with bringing this improvement and change was head coach Van Gaal.

"He’s given our back four more possession. It completely subverts the way we used to play, introducing a brand-new football philosophy that gives us more control during the match."

Lahm also mentioned Schweinsteiger.

After his performance last season, Xiao Zhu’s repositioning earned him a great deal of praise, though it also sparked some controversy.

"He’s become the team’s conductor. During a match, he knows exactly when the team needs to pick up the pace and when to control the tempo. That’s incredibly important for us."

"When he’s on the pitch, it means stability and security!"

At the end of the interview, Lahm also laid down a challenge to Dortmund.

Having lost the Champions League final last season, Lahm said that Bayern would be even stronger this season.

"Right now in the Bundesliga, there are probably four teams capable of winning the title. Each of them is a force to be reckoned with and a serious contender for the championship."

"But we’re Bayern. Our goal is crystal clear: we want to win the title, and nothing else!"

Lahm stated that this season, Bayern’s goal was not only to reclaim the Bundesliga title but also to challenge for the Champions League.

"It’s in Bayern’s DNA!"

"When you play for this club, you know that you have to fight for the title every single season!"

"It’s a tradition, but more than that, it’s a mission!"

Lahm’s words undoubtedly reflected the lofty ambitions of the entire Bayern club heading into the new season.

Bayern had missed out on the Bundesliga and Champions League titles last season, but that was largely due to their own internal problems.

Now, with the addition of proven stars like Tony Kroos and Gustavo, and the development of players like Badstuber, Thomas Müller, and Konstantin, their overall strength had improved by leaps and bounds.

The only real cause for concern was the locker room!

Kicker Magazine suggested that the German Super Cup could very well be a bellwether for the new Bundesliga season.

Dortmund had the ability to keep their edge over Bayern, but the question remained: could Klopp’s team sustain their success?

To what extent could the ’Klopp Syndrome’ be overcome?

...

With the German Super Cup over, the start of the new Bundesliga season drew ever closer.

Wang Shuo’s workload grew, and his schedule became increasingly packed.

It even started to conflict with his training schedule at times.

"This Wednesday morning, after training, we have an exclusive interview with Bild. It should take about two hours."

"Then, from the afternoon into the evening, we need to be at a taping for a German Television talk show."

Wang Shuo stopped in his tracks and turned to Shen Qinghe, who was walking beside him.

"I have training this afternoon."

"You already have leave."

"You requested it?"

"No, Klopp did."

Wang Shuo was completely dumbfounded.

"Why?"

’Since when does a head coach request leave for a player?’

"Because he’s going too. The German Professional Football League arranged it, since we’re the championship team."

It was a powerful reason, and Wang Shuo couldn’t really argue.

"We won’t be able to make training all day on Thursday, either."

"What is it this time?"

"Official business. The German Football Association and the Professional Football League have a tradition of shooting an official promo video every season. It’s only thirty seconds long, but it features the biggest stars and coaches of the upcoming Bundesliga season."