Chapter 41: One Sword Seals the Throat (Two-in-One)

Brainslait tried to calm himself down.

Players can panic.

Assistant coaches can panic.

The club head coach cannot affect morale.

He quickly waved to call Goretzka, Meyer, and Sané.

"Lewokusen's number 10 has weak ball control and dribbling! Keep attacking their wings!"

"The positioning of the opponent's three midfielders will definitely create width in defense; then we'll exploit their ribs..."

"Lewokusen can't withstand our attack; forget the score for now, guys!"

Brainslait patted the players' heads.

Schalke 04 never lacks talented youngsters.

Goretzka is 20 years old.

Meyer just turned 20.

Sané is only 19.

Of course.

The blue-and-white squad's finest youth product is still the current top goalkeeper in football: Noah.

Tuopu Laotou made three gestures towards the field.

Kramer understood instantly.

He immediately passed the signal to his teammates.

Dino asked, puzzled:

"Boss, we're already up by two goals, there's plenty of time left, why tighten the back line? Schalke 04's defense isn't that good."

"If we give up possession, Schalke 04 is best at exploiting the width on both flanks; their long-pass transfer success rate is high!"

Tuop shook his head and smiled: "Exactly, it's because we're leading by two goals."

The game restarted from the center circle.

Huntelaar passed sideways to Sané.

Schalke 04 reorganized into a fierce attack.

The stands of the Veltins Arena also erupted with waves of cheering.

"We saw both head coaches make tactical adjustments to their respective players."

"The positions of Hojbjerg, Ritt, and Ogo have also been pushed up!"

"Still play the wings!"

"Let's take another look at Lewokusen's side... what's the situation?"

In the shot.

Lewokusen's formation steadily withdrew.

The midfield and forward players did not press forward to intercept.

Bendel dropped back to the center-back position.

Li Kang and Kramer maintained parallel positions.

They quickly retreated to the thirty-meter zone in their own half.

Sané carried the ball forward frenetically, encountering no resistance!

He lifted his head to observe Lewokusen's defense, feeling a bit dazed.

Six defenders?

Three defensive midfielders?

Big guy Kiessling also dropped back to the edge of the penalty area!

What the hell?

"We saw Lewokusen's backline stacked with nine players!"

"Only Son Heung-min remained roaming Schalke 04's high defensive line up front..."

"This is very rare in their past Bundesliga matches."

"Indeed, changing coaches is like changing blades; Coach Tuop has injected something different into this club that loves attacking football!"

Dragon Kingdom livestream.

The fans also didn't quite understand.

-【Lewokusen's new coach... too cowardly?】

-【Correction: it's not a new coach; Tuop, when he coached Lewokusen in 2002, after taking the lead played this sneaky style—'Sanya King' played like that!】

-【Parking the bus? The match is still long. Can we hold it?】

Schalke 04's overall formation almost pushed past the halfway line.

Sané couldn't find a chance to break through or shoot on the right flank; this kind of human-wall dense defense can only be penetrated by Messi and Griezmann!

He decisively passed the ball to Goretzka.

The ball speed was very fast.

Goretzka touched the ball with one foot.

He slipped a diagonal pass to the advancing Meyer!

Meyer had just stopped the ball, preparing to pass it to Schopf-Morting on the left flank.

His movement was not slow.

He pushed with the instep.

But one foot had already stepped in front of the ball.

Thump!

The football bounced back to the rib area.

Gelezika had to restart organizing the attack.

"It's Li Kang again."

"This forward press is very aggressive!"

"His vision, awareness, and game-reading ability are not just shown on the offensive end."

Match time passed minute by minute, second by second.

Schalke 04 had no chance to penetrate the ball into Lewokusen's penalty area.

The fans also looked a bit anxious.

The scene seemed to be pressing Lewokusen to play, but there were hardly any kicking opportunities!

Bulaitenglaite couldn't hold back, pacing back and forth in the technical area.

In his eyes.

Kelamo's tackles and interceptions are strong.

Li Kang's frontal defense and one-on-one steals may be weak, but his positioning and ability to anticipate the ball's trajectory are abnormal—he's practically a human shield!

This duo's midfield barrier, while not always able to cut off Schalke 04's passing links, did to some extent restrain Schalke 04's attacking rhythm.

Not to mention Lewokusen's temporary formation change to a 'six-defenders' setup!

Especially that heading monster, Jislin.

His ability to clear high balls in defense is also top-notch!

Too disgusting.

Too vulgar!

It's practically an insult to attacking football!

Schalke 04's head coach had already cursed Tuopu Laotou ten thousand times in his mind.

On the other side.

Dino muttered: "Boss! I've never seen you so... pragmatic in the youth league!"

Tuopu Laotou furrowed his brows: "Are you fucking praising me?"

Beep! Beep-beep~

The main referee blew the whistle signaling the end of the first half.

Schalke 04 players walked off the pitch with their heads down, dejected.

Although Leverkusen players expended stamina faster in defense, their faces were brimming with confidence.

Bellarabi sprang from the bench, holding a dry towel and a bottle of mineral water, and ran toward Li Kang.

He earnestly said: "Li, drink water! Wipe your sweat! Your two-footed assist is absolutely wonderful... I've only seen that in cartoons."

Li Kang nodded.

The change in attitude of this black teammate was somewhat unexpected.

Brandt jabbed Li Kang's chest with his elbow, laughing: "I've agreed with Sun that the goal bonus from us two will buy you a car! Don't refuse—your feed of assists, even my grandma could kick the ball into the net."

Son Heung-min nodded, saying seriously: "Score another in the second half, and I'll get you a better car."

Goalkeeper Lai Nuo stepped forward: "You kid, you've defused several of their attacks—I'll chip in for the car too!"

Everyone burst out laughing.

Li Kang laughed and shook his head, still not having truly won the match... This halftime celebration mindset is easily overturned by the opponent.

In the distance.

Corner of the bench.

Calhanoglu's complexion was complicated: the youngster he once looked down on... had now genuinely integrated into the team.

Shortly after.

Leverkusen locker room.

Dino was reviewing the first-half tactical details for everyone.

Tuopu Laotou pulled Li Kang aside and said seriously: "Li, in positional defense, you don't need to stay too far back, nor do you need to deliberately help cover teammates! I won't assign you a specific man-marking task!"

Li Kang pondered for a moment, then nodded.

On the other side.

Schalke 04's locker room.

It also erupted in a unified roar of anger.

It startled the cleaning aunt outside the door.

"Welcome back, viewers; we are now broadcasting the second half of the 2015/16 Bundesliga's fourth round."

"We saw both head coaches make personnel adjustments during halftime."

"On Schalke 04's side, Gais replaced Ho Yin Bie Er."

"On Leverkusen's side, Bellarabi replaced Son Heung-min."

"Two like-for-like substitutions!"

"Let's look forward to the upcoming match!"

With the referee's whistle,

the second half officially began.

The Veltins-Arena echoed with slogans.

Schalke 04 players reignited their fighting spirit.

They continued to maintain an aggressive pressing posture.

The number of committed attacking players kept increasing.

They tried to completely crush Lewokusen's piled-up defensive line.

Minute 52 of the match.

Sane kicked a cross from near the byline.

The ball fell toward the penalty area!

Klasic outjumped Huntelaar and headed the ball away!

Goretzka wanted to challenge for the second ball and continue organizing the attack.

Li Kang judged the ball's landing more accurately, shoved aside the opponent, and cleared the ball out of play early.

"This clearance was crucial."

"Li Kang's position seems to have changed."

Minute 58 of the match.

Gais made a mistake.

He had intended to pass the ball to Choupo-Moting on the left flank.

The pass was too weak.

As a result, the ball's speed was too slow.

Li Kang suddenly surged forward and intercepted the ball!

He then lifted his left foot and delivered a long pass!

Bellalabi, who was trash-talking with the Schalke 04 defender, immediately sprang into action!

"Nice!"

"No offside!"

"Oh! What a shame!"

Bellalabi trapped the ball and made a burst forward!

But he was blocked in position by Matip.

The one-on-one chance was thwarted.

Bellalabi helplessly gave Li Kang a thumbs-up.

Match time ticked by second by second.

The spectators suddenly noticed:

Lewokusen's number 10 is not really a traditional central midfielder.

In positional play, he does not drop back to the defensive line.

Instead, he constantly shuttles back and forth, disrupting Schalke 04's attacking rhythm.

Although his one-on-one defending is weak,

but the aggressiveness he displays is too strong.

Especially the slender Schalke 04 players are completely overpowered by him.

What kind of midfielder is this?

Finally.

The head referee blew the whistle signaling the end of the match.

The score remained unchanged.

Schalke 04 hardly had any shooting opportunities.

Lewokusen maintained their two-goal lead until the final whistle.

"Congratulations to Lewokusen, congratulations to Coach Tuop, they have won this match!"

"Dragon Descendant youngster Li Kang produced two assists in this match! We look forward to his growth!"

-【Schalke 04 fans are of high quality—they don't curse players or coaches, and they leave the stadium quickly!】

-【What do you think they're going to do? Schalke 04's matchday losing activity! They gather at various transportation hubs in the Ruhr area and brawl with Dortmund fans!】

-【Aren't Dortmund fans passionate and good at fighting?】

-【Their fighting styles differ—Schalke 04 fans prefer close combat, while Dortmund fans like long-range projectile attacks.】

-【German fighting strength is strongest... it's gotta be Stuttgart's fans.】

Security personnel escorted the Lewokusen fans out of the venue.

Dino also hurriedly called for the players to quickly enter the passage.

Winning at the Veltins-Arena, don't even think about lining up to thank the fans in a long dragon.

Even the referee crew didn't have time for the post-match handshake ceremony, scrambling back into the passage.

Post-match press conference.

Media reporters fired questions at the Lewokusen head coach.

Every sentence was inseparable from Li Kang.

Tuopu Laotou's expression was complex as he slowly said: "Highest rating? Li is a very promising talent midfielder; in positional defense he can use his aggressiveness to win the backline a chance to adjust defensive positioning... He still needs time to grow, and Lewokusen will provide the best soil."

The implication was obvious.

Such a talent is not a must-have for you giants!

Can't you let Li stay at Lewokusen over the winter break!

Braithwaite timely added: "His attacking talent shown is enough to stand firm in a giant club!"

The reporters all nodded and said, "Yes!"

Tuopu Laotou's expression grew even more unpleasant.

The entire team returned to Lewokusen.

Bendel and Kramer exchanged a mysterious smile toward Son Heung-min.

Son Heung-min strained to control his expression, picked up his phone: "Dad, I'm doing extra training at the club tonight; I'll head back later!"

The three left the training base, arms slung over each other's shoulders.

Brandt handed over the phone, swiping the screen, and asked eagerly: "Li, which one do you like? We'll go buy it tomorrow!"

Li Kang smiled and shook his head.

He knew Brandt's wish was to save money to buy a big house for his family.

He returned to the first-team dormitory.

A system notification chimed.

【Ding! Congratulations, Host, on winning the Bundesliga!】

【Personal performance rating: SSS】

【Mission reward upgraded: Golden Chest → Schalke Legendary Golden Chest!】

Schalke Legendary Golden Chest?

Li Kang quickly glanced at the prize pool.

【Noerin 'Striker' module (defective).】

【Leman 'Penalty Kick Maniac' module (defective).】

【Dog 'Fake Run' module (defective).】

【Rakitic 'All-round Engineer' module (defective).】

【...】

The remaining rewards were a series of question marks.

Why does Schalke 04's legend have so many goalkeepers?

The modules must be limited by the Golden Chest, leaving only defective versions.

【Chest opening...】

【Congratulations, Host, for triggering the hidden reward! Obtained: Raul 'One Sword Seals the Throat' module (defective)!】

【Additional attribute: Shooting increased by 2%!】

There was no time to be happy.

Li Kang felt a sharp pain in the back of his head.

He never expected Raul to also be counted among Schalke 04's legends.

The Golden Chest began to turn into golden powder.

It floated in the air and merged with his feet.

In his mind, a basic action kept replaying.

Receiving the ball and shooting.

No.

It is the connection between receiving the ball and shooting.

The next morning.

Lewokusen Club.

Wo Le Er sat in his office, having just lit a cigar.

The assistant rushed in with a fax, excited: "Director! The Feltins Group gave us... no! It gave Li Kang a sky‑high endorsement!"

Wo Le Er thought for a moment and refused: "Feltins Group? No, Bayer Group already has a deal with me—if Li performs well in the Champions League, he'll get a sky‑high endorsement! He can't endorse a bottle of liquor and then a hangover cure!"

How awesome is Bayer? They invented the century‑drug aspirin and the devil‑incarnate ***.

The assistant hesitated, then said: "Feltins Group... you should first look at their quote."

Wo Le Er took the fax, his face changed: "Good heavens, they're offering way too much!"