Hearing Julian's words, Coach Carter's eyes narrowed.
Could this be a coincidence?
Is this truly God's doing?
... Shit!
How is this possible?
Coach Carter sneered, then glared at Julian. "Boy, if I'm not mistaken, you said that because you want to join the school team, right? Haha, such a trick is child's play to me. It's useless. So, before I get really angry with you, I suggest you leave quickly."
Wow, he saw right through it?
This coach is too sharp!
But I can't admit it!
If I do, my chances of joining the school team are gone!
Julian composed himself, showcasing his acting skills. "No, coach, I'm telling the truth. I can really play left back. If you don't believe me, I'm willing to be tested."
In his past life, Julian played as a striker on the field team, with his left foot being his weaker foot. However, in the street soccer team, he frequently played as a left forward, a position similar to the one Ronaldo played in his early days.
Many top forwards are essentially left-footed, including the likes of Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, and Robben.
Messi, in particular, is a right-footed player, but his left foot is legendary. Known as the "Golden Left Foot," Messi often cuts in from the right side of the field, his preferred area, to the front of the penalty box before scoring.
This move can't simply be called an inside cut anymore; it's a cross-cut with his left foot, hence the term "Messi Corridor."
While Julian's experience playing as a left-footed striker doesn't guarantee his skill as a left back, it's not entirely false either.
The school team's current need is for a left back, not a forward. If Julian claims to be a forward, Coach Carter would likely show no interest.
Julian's plan is to join the team as a "left back" and gradually work his way back to his preferred position.
Similar to the "Great Saint" Bell from Southampton, Bell initially debuted as a left back but was later transformed into a forward under Coach Boas' guidance.
In short, Julian's strategy is to first secure a spot on the school team, and then work patiently to achieve his goals.
Julian felt relief when he saw Coach Carter's expression waver. "Okay, I'll give you a chance. But remember, what I need is not just any left back. I need a qualified one. I don't expect you to be as good as Orin, but if you can prove yourself, I might make an exception."
Julian nodded solemnly. "Thank you, coach."
Coach Carter spoke coldly, "Don't thank me yet, Asian kid. Our school team is the top high school football team in the UK! We've defeated over a dozen teams in the Southern Division qualifiers and earned a spot in the top 32 of the national group competition. Getting into our team isn't easy; our selection process is strict and thorough."
Julian replied with sincerity, "I understand, coach. I respect the achievements of the Bucks Steel Horns, which were all accomplished under your guidance."
"The career in my previous life wasn't in vain!"
This is the art of workplace language that is a mandatory course in social universities!
How can an Englishman with limited knowledge in this field compete with such art?
Coach Carter's usually serious face relaxed slightly.
His disciples are all Rusty Stripes. They have a robust exterior with a tall chassis and flashy lights, but their inner CPUs are only at a 286-level.
How can this Asian kid speak so eloquently? And be so right?
Coach Carter nodded in satisfaction towards Julian, "Listen up, in the past, we'd spend at least two weeks on team entry assessments, but due to special circumstances, I'll simplify it. You'll have a one-on-one confrontation as a defender - you can pick any opponent from my school team at random."
"Thank you, Coach, for this opportunity."
Julian calmly indicated Rusty Stripe, who was wrestling with his teammates in the distance, "I choose Rusty Stripe as my opponent because we agreed to a one-on-one confrontation earlier."
Selecting Rusty Stripe as an opponent was not only to honor their agreement; Julian had more profound thoughts.
Rusty Stripe's strength is indeed formidable, and their defensive skills such as tight marking, rushing, intercepting, and tackling are considered good in high school amateur games.
However, Rusty Stripe's starting abilities, dribbling, speed, and agility are all weaknesses and can be said to be their downfall.
Since Julian was participating as the defensive player, he chose Rusty Stripe, who would be the one to attack.
Rusty Stripe is primarily a defender, and their strength lies in defense, not offense.
With Rusty Stripe on the attack, it would be challenging for them to fully exhibit their skills in interception, stealing, and blocking.
The only advantage Rusty Stripes could display was collision.
Julian also had the skill of reasonable collisions now, and with the strength he's acquired and the experience of playing street soccer in his previous life, he was more than ready for it.
If Julian had chosen any of the school team's forwards or midfielders, he would have shown his lack of confidence with his current defensive ability.
Therefore, it was the most intelligent choice to pick Rusty Stripe as his opponent.
"You picked Rusty? Are you certain?" Coach Carter sneered, "Boy, I don't care about your personal issues, even if you had a falling out with his mother, it's none of my business. But let me tell you, you're choosing a very dangerous opponent."
Julian's mouth curved up in confidence, "Coach, I'm not afraid of danger. Besides, the more dangerous it is, the more interesting, right? I'm sure. I want to go one-on-one with Rusty Stripe."
Coach Carter's brows knitted tightly, worry etched on his face: "You...haven't really messed with his mother, have you?"
What the heck!
Julian quickly clarified: "No, no! There's absolutely nothing like that!"
"Good..."
Coach Carter murmured to himself: "Then it won't result in anyone's death..."