27 Prologue to Hellfire

As the news of Vladimir Coufal's signing for a modest fee of 5 million spread through media outlets, Kai couldn't help but feel a mix of conflicting emotions. On one hand, he couldn't deny the defensive prowess and experience that Coufal would bring to the team. On the other hand, he still harbored reservations about the transfer, given his earlier concerns and desires for different players to bolster the right-back position.

The media frenzy surrounding the signing only added to Kai's internal struggle. Headlines celebrated the club's shrewd deal and praised the ownership's ability to secure a quality player at such a reasonable price. Journalists and pundits lauded Coufal's impressive performances at previous clubs, highlighting his solid defensive skills and attacking contributions.

While Kai recognized the positive attributes that Coufal would bring to the team, his earlier frustrations resurfaced. He couldn't shake the feeling that his own recommendations had been overlooked and that the transfer decision had been made without his full endorsement.

The football world seemed to view the signing as a masterstroke, but Kai's conflicted emotions left him questioning his own influence over the team. He wondered if his desires and opinions held weight in the grand scheme of things or if he was merely a figurehead, powerless to shape the club's transfer strategy.

"I must set aside my personal frustrations and focus on maximizing the potential of the players we have," Kai reaffirmed, determined to overcome his internal conflicts. "Coufal is now part of our team, and it's my responsibility to integrate him effectively and make the most of his strengths."

As the transfer of Vladimir Coufal to West Ham United was completed and media outlets buzzed with excitement, another intriguing rumour began to circulate. Speculation grew that Tomáš Souček, Coufal's international teammate and an industrious midfielder, might also be on the verge of joining West Ham.

The news sent shockwaves through the football world and West Ham fans alike. Souček had gained recognition for his exceptional performances in the midfield, showcasing his work rate, physicality, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His potential addition to the team would undoubtedly be a —— as one pundit stated—— "significant" boost to West Ham's midfield capabilities.

Kai couldn't help but feel a mix trepidation. He recognized Souček's qualities and the immense value he could bring to the squad. The prospect of pairing Souček with his international teammate Coufal in the West Ham midfield was enticing to some extent. On the other hand, Kai still grappled with the question of how much influence he truly had over the club's transfer decisions.

And not to mention Kai had full knowledge of Soucek's strengths and weaknesses. Afterall, Kai had to pleasure to personally witness the most technically unskillful player in the Premier League in his past life —— Tomas Soucek, playing for West Ham.

If he remembered correctly, Soucek averaged 52% pass completion rate in the Premier League. You know what that means? If Soucek has the ball at his feet, half of the time he would pass straight to the opponent! Kai's headache is getting worse, and the fact he's facing Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool next is making it even more unbearable.

~~~

Liverpool.

Meeting Room

His thick, tousled hair, often styled in a carefree and windswept manner. His salt-and-pepper hair, with streaks of gray, hints at his years of experience and wisdom in the footballing world.

Jurgen Klopp's brow furrowed as he sat at the head of the table in the Liverpool meeting room, his fingers rhythmically tapping against the wooden surface. The room was filled with an air of anticipation, his coaching staff respectfully waiting for him to break the silence.

The tapping of his fingers gradually slowed as Klopp's focus intensified. His eyes fixed on the tactics board in front of him, filled with formations, arrows, and notes of their next opposition. He thoughtfully considered each player's role, their attributes, and how they could collectively maximize their potential.

"West Ham's counter-attacking ability is something we need to be wary of," Klopp warned. "They are organized at the back and have dangerous and physical players who can punish us if we're not careful."

Klopp's voice carried a mix of seriousness and determination as he continued to address his coaching staff. His thick, tousled hair added to his distinct appearance, with strands of gray peeking through, symbolizing his experience and knowledge in the footballing world.

"We need to be disciplined in our gegenpressing," Klopp emphasized, his brow furrowing even deeper. "Their quick transitions can catch us off guard if we're not focused. Our midfielders must be proactive in cutting off passing lanes and disrupting their rhythm."

He paced back and forth, his animated gestures reflecting his passion for the game. The room was silent, with his coaching staff attentively absorbing his every word.

"Our defense needs to be compact and organized," Klopp continued, his voice resonating with authority. "Their attacking threats will test us, and we must be prepared to handle their pace and movement. Communication and coordination will be key."

As he spoke, Klopp's commanding presence filled the room. His salt-and-pepper hair, styled in a carefree and windswept manner, added to the aura of a seasoned and wise leader.

"We know West Ham is a resilient team, so we must be patient and maintain our focus throughout the match," Klopp stated firmly. "Our attacking approach should be precise and relentless, exploiting their vulnerabilities while staying alert to their counter-attacks."

He looked around the room, making eye contact with each member of his coaching staff. The determination in his eyes mirrored the passion he had for the game.

"Remember, every single player has a vital role to play," Klopp concluded, his voice filled with conviction. "We win as a team and we lose as a team. Let's go out there and leave nothing on the pitch. We are Liverpool, and no one walks alone."

The room erupted with a renewed sense of energy and purpose. Klopp's presence and words had ignited a fire within the coaching staff, setting the tone for the upcoming match against West Ham. They left the meeting room with a shared understanding of their collective responsibility and a clear vision of how to approach the game under Klopp's guidance.

~~~

London

Dempsey's Alehouse

Kai and Brooklyn found themselves enjoying a solitary moment as they enjoyed each other's presence. The dimly lit pub buzzed with the conversations of fellow fans, the air thick with a scent of alcoholic beverages and cigar. The clinking of glasses and lively banter surrounded them, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Kai took a sip of his drink, the bitterness of the ale momentarily distracting him from the thoughts that had been weighing on his mind. He glanced at Brooklyn, his trusted confidant and fellow West Ham enthusiast, who seemed eager to engage in conversation. They had known each other for little less than a month, yet the regularity they meet and occasional chatter fostered a bond between them.

Unknowingly, Brooklyn and Kai shared a mutual friendship stemmed from their connection to West Ham. Brooklyn's face was always present in the crowd, and Kai would always make his presence known when they meet at Dempsey's Alehouse.

"Brooklyn, how are you feeling about Liverpool?" Kai asked, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and fatigue. The recent transfer intertwined with club politics weighed heavily on his mind.

Brooklyn leaned back in his seat, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Honestly, Kai, it's going to be a tough one. Liverpool is a formidable team, and we know how relentless their attack can be," he replied, taking a sip of his own drink. "But you know what? We've faced tough opponents before, and we've come out on top. It's all about belief and resilience."

Kai gave a bitter laugh as he thoughts about what his West Ham must play against.

Everyone must have at least heard of Barcelona's MSN right? The golden attacking trio consisting Messi, Suarez, and Neymar? They were legendary force that captivated the footballing world with their mesmerizing skills, extraordinary chemistry, and prolific goal-scoring ability. Their partnership on the pitch created an attacking trident that struck fear into the hearts of their opponents.

But the second most prolific attacking trio was undoubtedly Liverpool's attacking trident, consisting of Sadio Mané, and Roberto Firmino, and the Egyptian Pharaoh: Mohamed Salah! The trio was renowned across the footballing world for their electrifying pace, exquisite skill, and clinical finishing. Each player brought a unique set of attributes that, when combined, formed a formidable force capable of dismantling even the most resolute defenses.

Mohamed Salah, with his lightning speed and impeccable dribbling ability, was a constant threat on the right wing. His quick bursts of acceleration left defenders scrambling to keep up, while his precise finishing made him a nightmare for goalkeepers. Salah's ability to cut inside onto his left foot and unleash powerful shots into the top corner of the net had become a trademark of his game.

On the left wing, Sadio Mané's blistering pace and close control made him a nightmare for any full-back. His direct style of play and intricate footwork allowed him to breeze past opponents with ease. Mané possessed a natural instinct for positioning himself in goal-scoring positions, making him a reliable source of goals for Liverpool. His ability to combine pace, skill, and intelligent movement made him a constant threat in the final third.

At the heart of Liverpool's attack was Roberto Firmino, a versatile forward known for his selflessness, intelligent link-up play, and knack for scoring important goals. Operating as a false nine, Firmino's role was more than just scoring; he acted as the catalyst for Liverpool's fluid attacking system. His ability to drop deep, create space for his teammates, and provide crucial assists showcased his exceptional vision and understanding of the game.

Together, Salah, Mané, and Firmino formed a symbiotic relationship on the pitch. Their seamless interplay, telepathic understanding, and impeccable timing made them a nightmare for opposing defenses. The trio's ability to rotate positions, confuse markers, and exploit spaces created an unpredictable and devastating attacking force that struck fear into the hearts of their opponents.

Their accomplishments spoke volumes. They had led Liverpool to numerous victories, including a historic Premier League title and Champions League triumphs. Their exploits had garnered them admiration and accolades from fans and pundits alike, solidifying their place among the elite attacking trios in the history of the sport.

Kai nodded, but his gaze betrayed him as he gazed at his booze. "You're right, Brooklyn. We've had our fair share of challenges this season, but this would be my greatest challenge yet. I have never faced such a fearsome opponent, and the mere thought of my West Ham defending against them send shivers down my spine.... and just when I requested a new Right Defender, they ignored my suggestion and...."

Kai shook his head in bitterness. He drank another sip of ale whilst staring off into the distance. Liverpool was arguably at the peak of their power under Klopp. And it wasn't just their attacking trio that made Liverpool a force to be reckoned with. The team's overall cohesion and defensive solidity were equally remarkable.

Virgil van Dijk is currently regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, anchored the backline with his commanding presence, aerial dominance, and exceptional reading of the game. Supported by the likes of Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Liverpool boasted an impregnable defense that Kai only dreamed to be the manager of.

Kai shook his head as he took a big gulp of liquor. "Liverpool, Liverpool... how can I defeat the master of gegenpress?"