GOAT: All Football Talents Are Mine

"Are they using the 4-2-3-1 formation during their special training?"

"If so, I'd like to play the role of inside forward on the left," Woo Ho-young remarked.

Ronaldo chimed in next, while Douglas, who was less experienced, remained quiet, absorbing their conversation.

Scolari stepped in to clarify.

"I'll explain the division of roles later. For now, let me introduce a training method we'll begin immediately."

"Is it linked training?" Ho-young inquired.

"Not yet. First, we'll focus on something called 'Chaser Training.'"

---

Offensive training often lacks the dynamism of defensive drills. Even innovative methods sometimes fail to translate effectively into live matches.

As such, attackers usually stick to basics: dribbling, shooting, and set-piece routines. Occasionally, linked and positional exercises are added to prepare against highly organized defenses.

Scolari, however, proposed an additional layer of preparation, showcasing his confidence.

"Chaser training?" Ho-young repeated. It was an unfamiliar term for someone who had played soccer for eight years.

---

Scolari elaborated.

"Last year, Barcelona's pressing game was outstanding. Bernd Schuster employed a runaway or bystander strategy to counter it, suppressing their momentum. That tactic was your idea, wasn't it, Ho-young?"

"Yes, I contributed to it," he admitted.

"It was brilliant. But Barcelona has evolved. As Messi hinted, they've worked to overcome last year's weaknesses. Guardiola surely won't have left anything to chance."

The trio nodded in agreement. Scolari continued.

"This time, we won't rely solely on reactive tactics. We'll build upon our current system while incorporating rapid escapes from saturated zones, opening spaces, and fostering complex, organic movements. That's what 'Chaser Training' entails."

---

The next two weeks were dedicated to this new regimen. Despite looming salary issues, the team's morale remained intact, buoyed by a focus on El Clásico preparation. Scolari planned to test adventurous strategies in their upcoming match against Racing Santander, treating it as a precursor to the main event.

For the first phase of chaser training, Ho-young, Ronaldo, and Douglas formed one group, while Raul, Benzema, and Higuain rotated in the second phase.

Ho-young's experience and leadership shone throughout, earning him respect even from Ronaldo, who was enjoying an incredible season with 16 goals in 15 games.

Ho-young's approach combined the discipline of Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Park Ji-sung with the boldness of Wayne Rooney. His open-mindedness and collaborative spirit impressed his teammates, especially Douglas Costa, who watched in awe.

---

November 21st. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Real Madrid faced Racing Santander in a league match. With Racing employing a defensive 5-4-1 formation, Real Madrid countered with a flexible 4-3-3, testing experimental tactics ahead of El Clásico.

---

From the start, Real Madrid dominated. Lassana Diarra held the defensive midfield, while Xabi Alonso and Yoann Gourcuff orchestrated the build-up.

The front trio—Ronaldo, Raul, and Ho-young—constantly shifted positions, disrupting Racing's defensive structure.

The breakthrough came from Xabi Alonso's precision. Ronaldo's fierce strike was deflected by the goalkeeper, only for Ho-young to capitalize on the rebound, scoring his ninth league goal.

---

Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory. After the match, however, Ho-young bypassed celebrations and headed straight to Scolari's office, his expression troubled.

"What's on your mind, Ho-young?" Scolari asked, setting down his water bottle.

Ho-young took a deep breath.

"I have a suggestion about our tactics."

Then, even the face of Scolari, who was drinking from a water bottle, became complicated.

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