"Lin, come sit over here!!"
"Over here—Firmino stinks, I smell great!"
At the tactical meeting on the morning of August 16, the moment Leo Lin stepped into the conference room, the Liverpool players immediately called out to him.
Every face was lit with smiles. The squad took special care of the young player, admiring and respecting this rising talent who was drawing more and more attention from fans.
Klopp and Krawietz both smiled as well. This kind of unity was exactly what a head coach cherished most.
Only when a team was truly united could players build strong connections and produce fluid, effective combinations on the pitch.
Leo Lin smiled and quickly took a seat, keenly aware of the trust surrounding him from all sides. He was integrating into the first team step by step through his own ability. Turning his head, he noticed that Ocho was no longer beside him.
Ocho had only been temporarily called up to the senior squad. Liverpool weren't short on center backs—the main pairing was Lovren and Matip—and there were already reports that the club planned to spend money in the winter transfer window to bring in Van Dijk to strengthen the squad.
Firmino sat down next to Leo Lin, with Mané taking a seat on his right soon after. Most of the Liverpool players clustered in the first two rows, waiting for the meeting to begin.
Klopp had a habit of holding a formal morning meeting every training day. He rarely focused on tactics here, instead emphasizing execution and the importance of the match itself.
Once everyone had arrived, Klopp switched on the projector behind him. The next opponent appeared on the screen.
The Champions League playoff opponent: Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Because of their underwhelming performance last season, Liverpool had only just secured a place in the playoffs. To reach the Champions League group stage, they had to get past Hoffenheim.
"The importance of the match the day after tomorrow needs no explanation," Klopp said. "If you want to be a player watched by the entire football world, then you have to play in the Champions League."
"When people vote for Player of the Year or Team of the Year, they only pick from those who shine in the Champions League. This is the highest level of club football."
With that, Klopp handed the laser pointer to Krawietz. It was time for Hoffenheim video analysis.
Widely regarded as one of the best video analysts in football, Krawietz could zoom in on a single mistake in a clip, uncover hidden patterns, magnify them endlessly, and turn them into lethal weapons Liverpool could use to tear open an opponent's defense.
As Krawietz spoke, the Liverpool players were completely absorbed.
Not only was he highly professional, he was also witty and humorous, always using his delivery to keep the players engaged.
Listening along, Leo Lin couldn't help thinking that if his teachers lectured like this once school started, life would be a lot better.
With the season underway, Leo Lin's final year of studies was about to begin as well. Because of his status as a professional footballer, he'd heard from Ocho that he wouldn't have many classes to attend.
And Liverpool's youth academy had a fairly relaxed academic environment to begin with—the entire campus gave off an easygoing atmosphere.
Aside from young footballers, many of the academy students were children of local elites and influential families.
As Leo Lin was lost in thought, Krawietz suddenly noticed that Firmino was zoning out. He aimed the laser pointer at Firmino's forehead like a sniper locking onto a target.
"Tell me," Krawietz said. "What was the last point I just made?"
Firmino had no idea that Leo Lin was covering his mouth and whispering beside him.
"Krawietz said we're definitely going to beat Hoffenheim," Leo Lin murmured. "We need to maintain blind confidence."
Firmino immediately shot Leo Lin a grateful look, then stood up and answered loudly.
"We're definitely going to beat Hoffenheim! We need to maintain blind confidence!"
Krawietz practically sprayed saliva.
"Blind—"
"Blind my ass!"
"After the meeting, five extra laps on the training ground. Punishment!"
Leo Lin laughed. Firmino slumped back into his seat, miserable. Leo Lin leaned over and whispered again.
"Honestly, I wasn't listening either. Man, thanks for trusting me that much."
...
Liverpool entered an intense period of preparation. Leo Lin trained relentlessly, knowing that only through training and matches could he strengthen his Star Path abilities. The stronger his Star Path power became, the faster his attributes would improve.
Still, Klopp had been troubled these past few days by a question Krawietz kept raising.
Should Leo Lin start?
Klopp's answer never changed.
"Of course he should start. He's the player we need, and his performances have been excellent. He deserves to be in the starting lineup."
With Henderson injured and Emre Can out of form, Liverpool were extremely short-handed in midfield. And in just 45 minutes off the bench, Leo Lin had delivered a performance that completely convinced Klopp.
The more Klopp replayed Leo Lin's showing against Watford, the more determined he became to start him.
...
August 18, Hoffenheim's home ground.
The ESPN broadcast went live early. Ever since Leo Lin emerged, Jon Champion hadn't missed a single opportunity to commentate on one of his matches.
Even though this was only the first leg of the Champions League playoff, Jon Champion persuaded the network to carry the match and had the stream up well ahead of kickoff.
"Football fans, the first leg of the Champions League playoff is about to kick off!"
"Premier League side Liverpool take on Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim. The winner on aggregate over two legs advances to the Champions League group stage!"
"Qualifying for the Champions League means more revenue, greater prestige, and increased exposure for players. It also makes the club more attractive to other talents—a triple win."
"That's why this is an opportunity neither side can afford to miss. Both teams will have to give everything they've got."
The livestream was packed, with most viewers tuning in specifically for Leo Lin.
"After how well he played last time, Klopp will probably bring Leo Lin on as a substitute again."
"Please, just let Leo Lin play! I'm here only for him!"
"I heard Leo Lin's highlights are going crazy overseas—tons of likes!"
Jon Champion was chatting casually with the fans when, an hour before kickoff, both teams submitted their starting lineups as required.
He was humming to himself, sipping coffee, when suddenly—
Jim Beglin slammed the table.
"It's here!"
Jon Champion nearly jumped out of his seat.
"Hey, Beglin!"
"What's gotten into you?"
"We've both been commentators for years—what could possibly get you this excited—"
Before he could finish, Jon Champion froze. Jim Beglin was already holding up the lineup sheet.
Snatching it at lightning speed, Jon Champion's pupils widened instantly.
Three seconds later, a trembling voice rang out across the broadcast.
"Football fans!"
"This is without question a bold gamble—but I believe many Liverpool supporters will love what they're seeing!"
"Klopp has named Leo Lin in the starting lineup!"
"Leo Lin's first-ever career start is about to begin!!!"
...
(60 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser