Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

53 – The Lions Die Löwen

053

It was the day they first went to the training ground after signing the contract.

Also the day they met the coaching staff and players for the first time.

Sitting in the car driven by the interpreter provided by the club, Jo Jaeshin and Ju Jitae, each in their own way, showed different attitudes.

In the passenger seat, Jo Jaeshin, teasing the driver, was earnestly learning German—

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> (Photo)

> I bought this, how is it? Is it okay?

In the back seat, Ju Jitae, alone, casually played with his smartphone.

“Ugh. More clothes again?”

It was Chae Yeojin.

Again, a picture of unfamiliar clothes, presumably bought during another round of shopping.

Ju Jitae sighed with a sense of frustration.

Somehow, after the gloomy atmosphere since the first day, it seems like casting the spell that made women feel better on the first encounter worked too well.

“After the gift offensive, she’s now sweeping through shopping malls.”

Thinking that the good mood from the gift offensive would continue, but now seeing her shopping all day, he couldn’t help but comment.

< Pretty

< It would look good on you when you wear the coat I gave you yesterday

< Wear it when we meet

Regardless of Ju Jitae’s intentions, his fingers automatically type out the ‘correct answer.’

Exiting the conversation with a reply, he notices another overwhelming flood of messages in the meantime.

> Today was the first training, right? Work hard in your training.

> Greet everyone diligently.

> What did you have for breakfast?

> I’m on my way home after schoolㅜㅜ

> I want to eat tteokbokki for dinner, but my mom wants me to eat a proper meal.

—

“Can I upload the photo I took last time to the fan page?”

“If you don’t want to, you don’t have to upload it.”

“But honestly, wouldn’t it be okay if it gets out?”

Under that relentless pressure, Joo Ji-tae felt suffocated.

“….”

“What’s with this, a diary?”

“This is my training ground now.”

“If you want to upload a picture, go ahead.”

…these messages kept flooding in, and in the midst of it all, another string of texts poured in.

“What’s this? Am I bothering you with my texts!?”

Yes, it’s bothersome. Very.

“I wanted to have these little conversations when I get a boyfriend, you know!?”

Little conversations?

Where do you see little conversations in this? It’s a diary.

“Already? Germany is a huge country, isn’t it? But why did you arrive so quickly?”

Because I came by car.

“Yes! Gotta upload the photo~”

Sure, do whatever you want.

In the unattainable energy, Joo Ji-tae just closed his eyes quietly.

Is this the power of a middle school girl?

One high school girl equals two special forces members, and to face three high school girls, you’d need a state-of-the-art tank… even though it’s not the final evolution yet, they’re already this strong. What are we supposed to do in the future?

As Joo Ji-tae, exhausted since morning, closed his eyes, Cho Jae-shin glimpsed him and clicked his tongue.

“It’s the first day participating in training after signing the contract, and you’re feeling sleepy? Maybe you should learn German like me.”

“It’s okay. Unlike you, who only knows ‘guten tag’ in German, I can understand a bit more.”

“Interpreter! Did you hear? Test him.”

At the unbelievable request of Cho Jae-shin, the interpreter spoke in German, but Joo Ji-tae’s three years of experience in Germany was not in vain.

“Got it? Tut-tut. You’ll have to test if it’s poop or soybean paste to know. Jae-shin, let’s study hard.”

“…Is this a dream? Why do I understand it for real? I’ve never seen you studying German despite hanging around me all the time!”

“I studied secretly before going to bed. That’s the difference between you and me, Jae-shin. Slowly admit it.”

Only three years of living in Germany during the first round.

—

I wasn’t actively trying to learn the language, but after spending three years in the military, your ears can’t help but become attuned.

Especially when you hear the lively chatter of German women day after day, even if you lack any talent for languages, your ears start to pick up. Thanks to that, Ju Ji-tae learned that being talkative is a universal trait, whether it’s Korean, German, or even Spanish or English women. Useless knowledge, but knowledge nonetheless.

While Ahn Mun Jo-sin was busy recruiting interpreters, Ju Ji-tae casually switched to the sports news.

Lo and behold, the first face he greeted on the news homepage was none other than the imposing figure of Ju Ji-tae, plastered alongside Jo Jae-shin.

Ju Ji-tae clicked on the ‘Foreign News Translation’ section.

“Two Heroes of the World Cup Head to Germany!”

“In the history of South Korean football, 2031 can be considered a landmark year. Following the long-awaited U-20 Asian Cup victory, South Korea achieved a historic triumph as the first Asian and South Korean team to win the U-20 World Cup.”

“These two young players, Ju Ji-tae and Jo Jae-shin, played a crucial role in this monumental achievement for South Korean football. Despite their impressive performances in various age-group national teams, these 17-year-old players failed to capture the attention of the public until now.”

“Now, they have transcended Korea to emerge as superstars on the global stage. Football fans’ attention shifted to the dazzling performances of these two players in the Asian Cup and the World Cup, where they outshone everyone.”

“Manchester United, thirsty for future star players, along with many other clubs, including Manchester City in need of talented rotation members, chased after the stars of Asia.”

“Jo Jae-shin, a skilled technician and a natural goal-scorer—”

“Ju Ji-tae, approaching his 18th birthday, recalls the greatness of the legendary defender Franz Beckenbauer. Although he still has much to prove in terms of skill and talent, there was no teenage center-back who surpassed his performances this season. Korea’s defender undoubtedly showcased the best talent among teenage defenders.”

“The two players, attracting the interest of numerous clubs, made a decision faster and more unexpected than anyone anticipated.”

“How much more they will shine as Asian stars in Germany—”

Honestly, at this point, I must admit that I expected my parents’ choice to be either Hertha Berlin or Augsburg.

Hertha Berlin or Augsburg, at least these are somewhat recognizable names compared to TSV 1860 Munich.

Considering the time spent in the Bundesliga, Hertha Berlin or Augsburg, with many Korean players having played there, seem more familiar than TSV 1860 Munich, a club whose name is unfamiliar.

When you think of Munich, who would think of TSV 1860 Munich instead of Bayern Munich from the Bundesliga? Well, maybe a local fan might think differently… I wonder? Even TSV 1860 Munich fans probably think of Bayern Munich first when they hear Munich.

Anyway, both of the previous clubs may be the weakest link when they say, “Ah, that guy is the weakest among us,” but they are better than TSV 1860 Munich.

After all, 1860 Munich is more accustomed to the second and third divisions than the first division.

In fact, wasn’t TSV 1860 Munich in the second division until last year?

In simple terms, they’re a newly promoted team.

Hertha Berlin and Augsburg may be considered mid-tier teams in the Bundesliga, but when compared to the teams in the second division, they are powerhouses.

Even among the weaker teams, there is quality. While the first two teams can be likened to regular coffee, TSV 1860 Munich is the T.O.P.

Consider the coaches. Is it the director of Hertha Berlin, Lars-Musen Sorensen, who is known for producing good results even in unexciting matches, or is it Augsburg’s ‘professor’ Schwebelik, recognized as one of the best tacticians among young coaches? Or perhaps, the wild Willem Van Rodebeek with his ‘just attack’ philosophy is the better choice.

If you aim for team performance and individual stats, Hertha Berlin, led by Lars-Musen Sorensen, is the one to follow. If you want to learn more, especially as a promising teenager, then Augsburg, led by the ‘professor’ Schwebelik, is ideal.

And Munich?

They are weaker than the two supposed weak teams, practically holding the position of the weakest team. Which parent would prefer a team led by a madman proclaiming ‘just attack’?

So, the parents naturally anticipated choosing a more stable team, one where they could learn more. But the response was unexpected.

“Choose where your heart leads you. That’s enough for me.”

“A team where you can enjoy playing football. Regardless of results or stats, a team where you can enjoy playing is a good team. Objective conditions are not necessary. It’s a good team if you find it fun and enjoyable.”

The parents’ response was completely different.

Thus, the team they ultimately chose was the promoted team that had just moved up from the second division.

The team that ranked first in relegation this season and is considered the weakest.

It was TSV 1860 Munich.

“We have arrived.”

At the words of Joshua Kim, the interpreter and guide provided by the club, Jo Jaeshin took a deep breath.

“Phew. Alright. I won’t be surprised even if there’s a welcoming ceremony waiting for us. Hey, Juji. It seems less embarrassing to do the welcoming ceremony together. How about we do it together? You sing, and I’ll dance—”

“Hey.”

“Dance… huh? Why?”

“Haven’t you figured out the situation yet?”

“What situation? What’s going on…”

They followed the interpreter into the training ground.

There, in addition to the players who were at least a head taller than Ju Jitae, and twice as large sideways, led by a black man—a dozen or so players were lined up.

“The youngest lions have finally arrived. Who are we?”

“The lions! Die Löwen!”

“Good. Lions! Prepare for the welcome ceremony!”

“Ja!!”

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In the majestic momentum, Jo Jaeshin’s mouth hung open.

“What’s this? Hey, Juji. I think we might be in big trouble.”

“Hey, Asian! Where did you come from? China? Ni Hao? Or Japan? Konnichiwa?”

In the midst of this feverish atmosphere, at the center of the bustling crowd, a black man in Gyeonggi bursts out.

“Ah, we’re Korean—”

“I couldn’t care less about nationality!!”

Oh, damn.

Then why did you ask?

“Here, nationality and skin color are useless. The only thing that matters here, in the lion’s den, is skill!! Show that you have the qualifications to be part of the pride!”

In response to that thunderous voice, Jo Jaeshin turned to Ju Jitae.

“What?”

“What. Show some skills.”

“Ah. Skills.”

A confident smile spreads across both their faces without anyone needing to say who goes first.

“If it’s about that, I’m confident. Are you ready, Juji?”

“Yeah, of course, damn.”

The black man from Gyeonggi, Munich’s coach, Willem von Rodebeyk, watched the two men with a proud laugh closely.