Lazy Genius Striker [EN]: Chapter 102

< Master Class >

The rivalry between England and Germany is deeply rooted in history.

Historically, there’s World War II.

The two teams have often clashed at crucial moments in major tournaments.

The head-to-head record between them is remarkably close.

England holds a slight edge.

The overall record stands at 15 wins, 3 draws, and 14 losses.

It’s a mere one-game difference, but contrary to the common perception of Germany being the stronger team, England has proven tougher in direct encounters.

However, Germany’s greater recognition on the world stage stems, of course, from their superior collection of major trophies.

Germany has won the World Cup four times.

And the Euros three times.

In total, Germany boasts seven major trophies.

England, on the other hand, has only one trophy.

Even that one, the World Cup, was quite controversial.

The World Cup was held in England at the time, and a decisive misjudgment occurred in the final.

Moreover, that was over 60 years ago, in 1966.

So, what value does a superior head-to-head record hold?

English fans can’t shake off a sense of inferiority towards Germany.

They may lead in head-to-head matchups, but the number of trophies is vastly different.

Conversely, German fans taunt and dismiss England with that very fact.

They say, ‘Why are those whose last victory was in the 20th century pretending to be rivals?’

Head-to-head record?

So, how many World Cup wins do you have?

How many Euro wins?

English fans have no retort to this.

They can only seethe.

That’s why they desperately want to win this quarterfinal match.

Of course, the same sentiment prevails in Germany.

“Today, we’ve invited an expert who can provide the most accurate analysis of this game. Hello, Manager.”

“Hello.”

Ahead of the quarterfinal match between the two teams, Manager Schmidt was interviewed by a German broadcaster.

Manager Schmidt is undoubtedly an expert on this game.

That’s why many outlets sought his insights.

In particular, Germany was eager for information on Johan.

“Since this tournament isn’t ending here, I won’t ask overly difficult questions. However, I’d like to hear as much as you’re willing to share.”

“Yes.”

“Do you believe Germany’s current defense can stop Johan?”

“Hmm…”

Manager Schmidt appeared somewhat troubled by the host’s question.

“First of all, I must state that I want Germany to win more than anyone else. I want to avoid any misunderstandings about what I’m about to say.”

“Of course. Please speak candidly.”

“Honestly, it’s impossible to completely stop him for the entire 90 minutes.”

“Is that so? I consider this national team’s defense to be excellent, though.”

“Indeed. It’s top-tier in Europe. There’s no question about that. However… Johan is a striker who defies conventional expectations. There was this one time…”

Manager Schmidt began sharing anecdotes about Johan that he had never revealed to the media before.

Like how he was called up to the first team less than a month after joining the youth team, how he single-handedly dominated the starting players in a practice match on his first day of training, how he scored a hat trick when promised a break from training for recording an attacking point, and how he recorded 4 assists when told assists would count double, and so on.

“…Is that real? This isn’t some amateur league, it’s the Premier League?”

“Of course.”

“He certainly possesses remarkable talent.”

“He’s the best player I’ve ever seen. I can say that with certainty. His talent is unparalleled.”

“Then, how does he compare to our Florian Stauter?”

“Hmm…”

When the host mentioned Florian Stauter’s name, Manager Schmidt became more cautious.

This is a sensitive topic.

Florian Stauter, Bayern Munich and Germany’s young star.

From his debut, he was hailed as the greatest talent of his generation and indeed won the Golden Boy award [an award given to the best young football player in Europe].

Moreover, he continued to perform as expected and was considered to have reached world-class status.

In fact, he received the Weltklasse (World Class) rating for two consecutive years in the ‘Kicker’ rankings, a respected German football publication.

In the Bundesliga [Germany’s top football league], where many talented players compete, Stauter was the only attacking midfielder to receive a World Class rating.

Thus, his popularity in Germany is at its peak.

He enjoys the unwavering support of German and Munich fans.

So, the answer required careful consideration.

But, that means…

Ultimately, Manager Schmidt had no intention of ranking Stauter above Johan.

“Actually, comparisons are meaningless. They don’t play in the same position, and they play in different leagues. However… if we’re purely assessing talent, I’ll be honest. I believe Johan is superior. This isn’t just about Stauter; my answer would be the same regardless of the player you mention.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course, this is just my personal opinion. But, I’m speaking honestly for the sake of Germany’s victory. You must prepare thoroughly to beat England and advance to the semifinals.”

“Thank you for your insights.”

Manager Schmidt, who struggles to lie.

He gave an honest response during the interview.

However,

The repercussions were greater than anticipated.

“Manager, you’re receiving a lot of hate, aren’t you?”

“What?”

“Judging by the German internet reaction, everyone is cursing you.”

“…Really?”

Jamie, the coach who is fluent in German and assists Manager Schmidt, reported that German fans were overwhelmingly critical of Manager Schmidt after the interview aired.

Well, I expected some backlash.

But I softened the story considerably.

“To what extent?”

“Um… I’d rather not read it to you directly. Would you like to see it yourself?”

“Give it to me.”

Manager Schmidt put on his magnifying glasses and read the laptop that Coach Jamie handed him.

Manager Schmidt soon let out a hollow laugh.

└What does a manager who has never won the league know?

└He’s getting paid in England, so of course he’s watching his step.

└Stauter is above him just because he had one good season? Is a two-time Langliste World Class [a ranking in German football] a joke?

└Traitor

└A terrible manager who ran away from the Bundesliga

└His true colors will be revealed next year.

└Nonsense.

The reaction is no laughing matter.

It wasn’t a German public broadcast; it was just an interview with a small sports channel.

I didn’t expect the repercussions to be this significant.

“Umm.”

Seeing these reactions, Manager Schmidt felt a strange sense of defiance.

Nonsense?

Is that really so?

We’ll see. We’ll see.

Who’s talking nonsense.

‘If possible, I’ll show them.’

Manager Schmidt suddenly felt a strong desire to support Johan and England.

ㆍㆍㆍ

The most frequently asked question to Johan before the game was, of course, about Florian Stauter.

“Do you know Florian Stauter?”

“I know. My dad likes him.”

“Oh, is your father a fan of him?”

“If he likes it, he likes it. He drinks it often.”

“…Drinks?”

“Aren’t you talking about beer?”

There was no way Johan would know Florian Stauter.

He only knew about Stout beer that his dad sometimes drinks.

Because of Johan, the German reporters were dumbfounded, and an impromptu briefing on who Stauter was followed for Johan.

Even though he wasn’t curious.

“You’re going to face such a player; are you confident you can win?”

“Yes.”

“…But Germany is a strong team. They’ve won the Euros three times. England has no wins. Are you still confident?”

“Um… I’m not interested in previous records. It’s my first appearance.”

The hotel where the team is staying and the training ground.

Johan couldn’t have liked the German reporters who were camped out in both places and bothering him, and naturally, his answers were sharp.

Thanks to that, they got a decent headline from their perspective.

-Johan Ban “Stauter? The beer my dad likes.”

-Doesn’t know who Stauter is? There’s no way he wouldn’t know… Johan Ban’s excessive bluffing

-Johan Ban “The reason England has no Euro wins is because this is my first appearance this year.”

Of course, the England fans cheered.

Until now, no player had expressed such confidence against Germany.

Even if the wording was a bit strong, it would be something like, ‘Germany is strong, but we can win too.’

That’s the truth.

Who in the football world can ignore Germany?

Only Johan, who knows nothing, is capable of such confidence.

England fans sent endless cheers to such Johan.

As Johan’s words became a hot topic, it was natural that the story reached Florian Stauter’s ears.

“What do you think about this?”

“Um…”

Stauter also wasn’t the type with a humble and gentle personality.

A player who unreservedly reveals confidence and spirit befitting his skills, appropriate for his young age.

“From what I hear, he’s a player with not much experience. I was like that too back then. I thought I was the best in the world. Until I played in the Champions League [Europe’s top club competition] and the World Cup.”

When he won the Golden Boy in ’26.

Stauter thought he had reached the top of the world.

But, the world was vast.

Now it was his turn to teach what he had realized to a junior who was walking a similar path to him.

“This game will be my master class. I’ll teach him a lesson.”

Anyway, with this, the game was bound to catch fire even before it started.

A crucial juncture called the Euro quarterfinals.

A match between the historically deep rivals, England and Germany.

Interviews with Manager Schmidt, Johan, and Stauter.

It would be an important game where the winner would take a lot.

ㆍㆍㆍ

July 2nd, Croke Park, Ireland.