Before they started moving to their basecamp, though, there was still another meeting that had to be held. This time, it was an intelligence meeting about their first and probably most difficult opponent in the group stage, the one and only Italy.
Not saying that the other teams were weak, but this one definitely held more weight than Mexico and Ecuador combined.
Still, the atmosphere was quite relaxed at the camp. While they didn’t lower their guard, the boys also didn’t lack confidence here. Well, they were the best chosen among all the youngsters in the country, so even though they knew they would face the best among the best here, there was no way they would cower in fright.
Hell, if anything, their teenage spirits would burn brighter than ever, wanting to prove that they could also be considered among the best in the world.
However, confidence was one thing, but a lack of the right attitude was another. Even Higo himself, a player who only trained for goalkeeping, could notice that the last couple of training sessions didn’t go smoothly. Some players deliberately slowed down the pace and tried to do everything casually, just enough not to get punished while also not truly giving their all.
This definitely affected the whole mood in the team, because some of the guys who didn’t know anything about it also got dragged into this wave of laid-back attitude, not treating every training seriously.
Fortunately, Kageyama-sensei also noticed this, as the first thing he mentioned in the meeting was big enough that it could be compared to a fucking nuclear bomb.
"Ayumu Seko, Kanya Fujimoto, Kota Yamada, and Jun Nishikawa, until I can see a change from you guys, don’t expect to step on the pitch in any game of this tournament."
BAM!
The way he spoke it was so casual, as if talking about the weather, but the effect was thunderous. No one expected him to drop such a bomb at the beginning of the game, and those whose names were mentioned had their face turned so pale instantly, as if blood failed to reach their brain straight away.
Kageyama-sensei ignored their reaction completely as he continued, "I know you guys have received some sort of instruction from your club, mainly asking to hold back and not give all your effort to avoid any injury."
Some of the players flinched immediately as this hit straight at home. Well, Higo himself also received the same treatment here, as Torsten Frohling, the coach of Schalke’s second team, gave him a subtle warning in his message.
Besides congratulating him for being chosen to the national team, the man basically tried to paint that if he got injured in the international duty, it would be him who would be at a disadvantage. The club still had so many players to replace him, and the national team would only play again far in the future. As a result, he would suffer alone, being sidelined without getting a chance to prove himself.
Well, Higo had to admit that the message was indeed quite intimidating. However, Kumiko’s words were enough to reassure him.
"Well, this is not the first event for the national team, so this shouldn’t be the first time they handle this situation. The coaching team should’ve already considered this matter since the beginning, and that’s why the training menu is not as loaded as in the club. If you still try to reduce your effort after that, then what are you trying to get in the national team?"
’Fortunately, I followed her suggestion, or my name would also be mentioned here.’ He secretly wiped the imaginary sweat on his forehead, feeling relieved for slipping from a hellhole.
"Well, I cannot do anything if you guys follow that instruction, because the national team doesn’t really provide you with anything else here. You get paid by the club, and you follow their arrangement. I can respect that choice." The man continued. "However, you also have to respect my choice here. I will only put players who are willing to fight and bleed for the badge, so don’t complain to me when you get sidelined like this."
At this point, those players whose names were mentioned looked so dead as if their soul had just escaped their bodies. They didn’t get yelled at here, but somehow, everything the coach said hurt more than anything else.
Everyone just looked at them in pity, but no one dared to console them or say anything else here. No, didn’t get called in this shit didn’t mean they were safe. They still didn’t know what kind of announcement was waiting for them here, so it was better to keep quiet and play it safe.
"Those who are in the same position as them, get ready, because you will have to fight for that spot right now." The man dropped another bomb.
This time, though, the group of bench players who initially thought they didn’t have any chance got excited out of nowhere. Makino was also one of them, since Ayumu Seko was the team’s main center back. While the boy knew that there were still some veterans in this team, that didn’t mean he would stop fighting for that spot here.
Higo himself was happy for his friend, but he couldn’t help but click his tongue here. ’Tch! There is no way I would get that kind of chance. Zion, while goofy, is a perfect embodiment of professionalism. He would never slack off at any chance. It seems I have to fight for another chance.’ He thought while also clenching his fists unconsciously.
"Lastly, listen, guys." Kageyama-sensei’s expression turned solemn enough to silence the boys instantly. "I don’t expect a lot from you guys. I will not ask you to bleed for the team or some samurai shit like that. No, this is not that kind of an era, and you need to prioritize your own career first, I understand."
The way the man spoke was enough to make everyone guilty without even knowing why. It was clear that he was a master of manipulating an emotion here, knowing what button to push to trigger a bunch of teenagers here.
"What I expect, though..." The man continued. "Is that for you to fight for your badge. Losing will suck, but if you don’t even show any attitude, I cannot defend you guys. Remember, you are not here for fun. You are here to represent your country, fighting in the best stage in the world. Try to act as if it matters, okay?"