Chapter 24: Chapter 24 Da Luo Is Possessed, So You Don't Have To Worry About Beating Bayern!
Union Berlin celebrated three consecutive victories!
In the second round of the German Cup, they eliminated Osnabrück with a 4:1 victory away, advancing to the third round. Next, they'll face Bundesliga team Kaiserslautern in early December.
If Union Berlin can pass this challenge, they'll have the chance to meet a Bundesliga team in the quarter-finals or even the semi-finals! At that stage, TV broadcast dividends and home ticket sales could bring significant income to the club.
For wealthy clubs, this might be insignificant, but for Union Berlin, this money means a lot!
Su Luo started the game for the first time, played for 65 minutes, and delivered a perfect performance. He scored three goals with two shots and one assist, earning the title of the best player of the match!
Had it not been for the frequent fouls and rough play from the opponents, Su Luo could have played the full 90 minutes. To protect him, Coach Neuhaus decided to substitute him.
With such an outstanding performance, Neuhaus is now considering Su Luo as a starter in the league. However, the game also highlighted Su Luo's weaknesses, especially his poor physical confrontation.
Defenders can easily disrupt Su Luo's balance with a bit of force. Without Ronaldo's possession, Su Luo struggles to hold the ball and can become invisible on the field. He must run like a madman to get chances, which causes him to expend a lot of energy.
"If this problem isn't resolved, Su will be easily targeted," Neuhaus said seriously.
"But he's only 16 years old. His current performance is excellent. Can't we wait for him to grow slowly?" Assistant Coach Hofstadter defended Su Luo, looking at the head coach with a half-smile.
"Do you also think highly of him, even a bit counterproductively?"
"No, it's just your illusion. I'm just analyzing Su Luo's problem objectively," Neuhaus replied lightly. "However, strength training doesn't produce results overnight."
Hofstadter recalled seeing Su Luo in the youth team. Back then, Su Luo was very thin, like a bamboo pole. Now, some muscles were beginning to show. The recent strength training program was somewhat effective.
"So, in the next game against Cologne, he can start. We'll surprise Cologne. Storger won't see it coming!"
Cologne, the top team in Bundesliga 2, has 7 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses in 12 games, with 25 points, 8 points ahead of Union Berlin. They have the strength of a Bundesliga team and are the toughest opponent Union Berlin has faced so far.
In a past life, Cologne crushed Union Berlin 4-0. If it were the first 10 rounds of the season, Union Berlin wouldn't stand a chance. But now, Union Berlin has a new variable: Su Luo! Neuhaus believes Su Luo's excellent form could have a miraculous effect!
Meanwhile, at the Cologne team's tactical meeting, they were also discussing the upcoming match.
Coach Peter Stöger analyzed Su Luo's strengths and weaknesses meticulously. For this young star, Stöger had a comprehensive understanding. The assistant coaching staff summarized Su Luo's characteristics:
"He's fast but prefers to break through the middle." "His passing is average, with more short, safe passes and fewer creative plays." "His shooting is inconsistent, but he can score spectacular goals unexpectedly. Currently averaging 2.3 goals per game! His efficiency is remarkable!" "Physical confrontation is his biggest flaw. His success rate is less than 30%, and he often avoids physical challenges." "He's active in defense, runs well, but has average stamina and lacks experience. This is common for young players."
After the report, Coach Stöger closed his eyes to ponder, then opened them and said, "They might go on the offensive from the start!"
"What?" The coaching staff was stunned. How did he reach that conclusion?
Stöger explained, "Knowing Neuhaus, he won't bench a player like Su Luo. He'll definitely start him. If Su Luo tires out, he won't perform well in the second half. So, Neuhaus will use Su Luo's impact early on to create threats."
"They'll think they can catch us off guard by doing the opposite."
"Not many teams start aggressively away from home. If we're not careful, we'll get beaten."
Stöger was prepared. As the top team playing at home, he would start with a strong defense, wait for Union Berlin to weaken after a few attacks, and then suddenly apply pressure to defeat them decisively.
If Stöger understood Chinese culture, he would know the saying: "Do it all at once, second time tired, third time exhausted."
...
Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany, is second only to Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. In football, Cologne has had a mixed history, unlike Hertha Berlin, Bayern Munich, or Hamburg.
They were a powerhouse before the 1970s, but after being relegated for the first time in 1998, they became a famous "elevator team," bouncing between the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 for over 20 years. In Bundesliga 2, they dominate, but in the Bundesliga, they struggle.
This season, Cologne should undoubtedly secure promotion. For a "weak team" like Union Berlin, they are a stable source of points!
As the bus crossed the Rhine River, it was Su Luo's second away game. He curiously looked at the unfamiliar city.
Passing by the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the entire team couldn't help but stare from the windows. The cathedral, with its two towering spires, gave off a strong sense of awe.
Su Luo's first thought was, "Climbing up in Assassin's Creed and taking a leap of faith from there must be thrilling!"
Facing the top team didn't pressure Su Luo. With Ronaldo's abilities, even Bayern wouldn't intimidate him.
The key is!
Besides Ronaldo, he unlocked a new role after the last Cup round!
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