I AM the Football Star

Chapter 8: Chapter 3: When a Player Destroyed His Coach

Milan is out of the question; Milan’s performance is just right now.

As for other Serie A teams, there’s a possibility, but... there were rumors before that lower league teams extended invitations to Sotu.

Sotu gave Maniero a grateful look, knowing that this old friend was creating a buzz for him, so he could bring a wave of attention to that team, strengthening his early influence. This is very beneficial for a headstrong coach like himself in centralizing power.

Sotu: ”I’ve already agreed with the Italian D Division team San Remo to become their head coach in the second half of the season. San Remo is a very good team, and I hope to start a new journey there.”

Many reporters were dumbfounded.

San Remo?

Italian D Division?

This... is indeed a bit unexpected.

With Sotu’s standing, it’s not a stretch to say he could become a Serie A coach. At worst Serie B, how could he end up going to the Italian D Division?

Countless people were digesting this news.

At this point, a journalist from ”Live Football Report,” Hans, took a different path and asked, ”Ma Team, we’ve seen in the replay that Lu Yang had a brief conversation with you before that shot. Can you share what you talked about at that moment?”

”Were you inspiring him, encouraging him to attempt the attack, which led to that magical winning goal?”

Drama makes classics more memorable.

This journalist is clearly a good storyteller. His columns must have many readers because he’s so good at weaving tales.

A surprising, brilliant goal, versus a brilliant goal achieved through legendary advice and encouragement, the latter is undoubtedly what fans are more willing to recount.

No sport can ever do without a sense of story; otherwise, it is not far from decline.

Look at the NBA next door; from the era of Jordan’s dominance, countless sagas and rivalries, to today’s camaraderie and bandwagon teams, who knows how many viewers and how much influence have been lost.

”Indeed!” Maniero nodded.

The spectators watching the interview on the big screen at the scene became excited.

A legend, unfolding right before their eyes!

”In fact, Lu Yang is a semi-professional player,” Maniero began, ”And coincidentally... he is a youth training player for the Italian D Division team San Remo, playing in central defense!”

The reporters all showed puzzled expressions like a meme.

What?

Why do I recognize every word, but when put together, I feel confused?

Are you sure Lu Yang is a central defender, not a central forward?

That beautiful goal with theatrical feints and unique dribbling rhythm—is that something a rugged central defender can achieve?

”I told him then, I didn’t want to lose, I wanted to win. If he could help me achieve victory in this match, I’d surprise him by recommending him to his head coach to join the first team!”

After saying this, Maniero put his arm around Sotu and asked, ”So now, Mr. Coach, are you willing to give this young player a chance to join the first team? After all, he broke through your defense twice in this match, created an assist, drew a yellow card against you, and scored a... brilliant goal!”

Boom!

The entire venue was dumbfounded.

Countless people’s mouths dropped open, standing in place.

Three seconds later, the place erupted in the loudest cheer of the day!

”My gosh! Lu Yang is really a professional player!”

”Is he really a central defender? A central defender capable of scoring such a brilliant goal?”

”That’s not the point, mate. The point is that Lu Yang’s head coach will be Sotu! Can you believe it!”

”A youth training player, humiliating his own club’s legendary head coach, achieving an extravagant setup of a goal and an assist from the opponent. I feel like I’m witnessing Goal II in the making!”

”I remember they clashed multiple times during the match, right?”

”Yes, it looked like Lu Yang even trashtalked Sotu.”

”Isn’t that awkward then? Will Lu Yang be targeted by Sotu in the future?”

”Overthink much, Lu is a youth player, and Sotu will be the first-team head coach at San Remo.”

”But I have a feeling the butcher might have a go at Lu Yang.”

In front of the cameras, Sotu also took a long time to digest the news.

Looking at Maniero’s mischievous smile, Sotu knew he had been set up by his old friend.

He was actually outclassed by his own club’s youth player—how the hell could he maintain his iron-fisted image after this?

Does he not want any dignity?

”Good, very good.” Sotu smiled through tears, ”Lu Yang is a very talented young player. I didn’t expect we would have such a connection. Once I officially start working, I’ll consider promoting him to the first team.”

”In my team, there’s no absolute starter. As long as you have enough ability, youth players can start, and central defenders can play forward!”

Wow!

Sotu’s speech won widespread applause.

This kind of open-mindedness in utilizing talent is very popular among young people.

...

After the match, having exchanged phone numbers with figures like Maniero and Sotu, Lu Yang left the stadium and met his buddy Morici outside.

He is essentially just an amateur, and once he changes clothes, no one recognizes him.

Of course, Lu Yang was satisfied with today’s experience.

Not only did he become a semi-professional player and fulfill the football dream he couldn’t achieve in his past life, but he also gained the Legendary Star System.

Opening the system panel, Lu Yang found changes in his data panel.

In the physical attributes, the balance increased from 50 to 55.

Tight ball control increased from 50 to 55.

Speed went from 55 to 60.

Acceleration from 50 to 55.

At the same time, previously invisible offensive and defensive panels also activated some data.

Interception 50, tackle 55.

Dribbling 50, ball control 55, shooting 50.

From the growth in data, the basic interceptions and ball-stopping foundation allowed his tackles and ball control to grow additionally.

Using the Messi moment card, he replicated the classic 2018 Girona match where Messi tricked three players in five seconds. This new experience elevated several of Lu Yang’s stats to 50, activating the panels.

Especially speed, as high as 60, which is relatively top-tier among Italian D and C Division central defenders!

Of course, based on Lu Yang’s understanding of football games, though he has now opened the offensive, defensive, physical, and mental four main panels.

But other than mental, more than half of the data on the other panels are still locked.

Every skill needs to reach 50 to be unlocked.

And 50 is the entry-level standard for professional players.

Judging by a percentage system, below 50 is amateur.

50-59 is professional level.

60-69 is secondary league level.

70-79 is Five Major Leagues level.

80-84 is a starting player in the Five Major Leagues.

85-89 is a star, main player of top clubs.

90-94 is a first-rate star, a main player of top clubs.

95-100 is a superstar!

Whether there’s a higher level, Lu Yang couldn’t guess; he needs to explore more system rules to judge.

”Ding! By winning the Italian Football Legends Invitational, you received 3 random packs.”

”Ding! Obtained player-level competence, Defensive Retreat Step, boosting defensive running ability, and reducing the chance of stumbling during retreating defense.”

”Ding! Acquired player-level skill, V-shaped Pull, quickly pulling and passing the ball, capable of dodging an opponent’s tackle and changing the pass direction.”

Lu Yang resisted the urge for a final draw.

Damn!

Both times landed on player-level skills; why not a star or superstar skill?

Look at Harvey’s God’s Perspective, it directly maxes out the vision.

Whereas player-level skills often only add a few points.

The difference is stark.

At the very least, a moment card would be fine.

A moment card not only allows for a highlight performance but also, after that highlight, leaves residual abilities upon one’s own understanding, enhancing overall strength in various ways.

Looks like Lady Luck’s not on his side today, Lu Yang decided to open the last pack another day.

But even so, player skills are already quite strong.

Italian D Division is among the lowest in professional leagues, where players generally have attributes below 55, while Lu Yang already has several attributes rated at 55, meaning he’s leading in certain aspects at this level.

For example, ball control, speed, acceleration, tackling, balance, tight ball control, etc.

Once he masters the Defensive Retreat Step, it’s likely his ”Defensive Positioning” data can break 50.

The V-shaped Pull is an entry-level skill; while it seems simple, once truly mastered, it can also have a significant impact during matches.