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Luka hopped onto the examination table, rolling up his pant leg. "Better, I think. Still a bit stiff in the mornings, but it loosens up pretty quickly."
Dr. Braun nodded approvingly as he began to examine Luka's ankle. His fingers probed gently around the joint, testing for any signs of swelling or tenderness. "The inflammation has definitely gone down. You've been sticking to the exercises, I take it?"
"Religious about it," Luka confirmed. "Three times a day, just like you said."
"Good man," Dr. Braun said, moving Luka's foot through various ranges of motion. "Any pain when I do this?"
Luka shook his head. "No, it feels okay."
Dr. Braun continued his examination, occasionally making small sounds of approval. After a few minutes, he stepped back with a satisfied nod. "Well, Luka, I have to say I'm impressed. You're making excellent progress. The ligaments are already showing signs of improved stability."
A wave of relief washed over Luka. "So I'm on track for the World Cup?"
"Absolutely," Dr. Braun assured him. "If you keep this up, you'll be in top form by the time the tournament rolls around. But remember, we can't slack off. Consistency is key here."
Luka nodded earnestly. "Don't worry, Doc. I'm not taking any chances with this."
As Dr. Braun began to re-tape Luka's ankle, he noticed a slight tension in the young player's demeanor. "Everything else alright, Luka? You seem a bit... preoccupied."
Luka hesitated for a moment, then sighed heavily. "It's just... this whole situation with Rose. I thought it was behind us, but it feels like he's still trying to make an example out of me or something."
Dr. Braun raised an eyebrow, inviting Luka to continue.
"It's like he's gone out of his way to criticize every little thing I do in training," Luka explained, frustration evident in his voice. "And he still hasn't acknowledged that I was the one who told Haaland, Bellingham, and Reyna to change our approach in that Ajax game. He's taking credit for the tactical shift, but it was my idea!"
Dr. Braun listened attentively as he continued working on Luka's ankle. "That must be very frustrating for you. Have you tried talking to him about it?"
Luka shook his head. "What's the point? He's made it clear he thinks I was out of line. And maybe I was, a little. But it's not like I insulted him or anything. I just didn't agree with what he wanted"
"Sometimes," Dr. Braun said carefully, "in the heat of the moment, things can be perceived differently than they were intended. Perhaps Rose felt challenged in front of the team?"
Luka scoffed. "So what? He's the coach. He should be able to handle a suggestion from a player without taking it personally."
Dr. Braun nodded thoughtfully. "You're not wrong, Luka. But remember, coaches are human too. They have their own insecurities and pride to contend with."
"I get that," Luka conceded. "But I've kept my head down in training, haven't said anything to him about it... What more does he want from me?"
"Have you considered that maybe it's not about what he wants from you, but what you want from him?" Dr. Braun suggested gently.
Luka looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Dr. Braun explained, finishing up with the tape, "it sounds like you're feeling unacknowledged. You want recognition for your tactical insight, for your contribution to the team's performance. That's perfectly natural, Luka. We all want to be seen and appreciated for our efforts."
Luka pondered this for a moment. "Maybe you're right. But it's not like I can just go up to him and demand credit."
Dr. Braun chuckled. "No, perhaps not. But there might be more subtle ways to address it. Have you thought about having a calm, private conversation with him? Not about the incident itself, but about your role in the team and how you can contribute more?"
Luka sighed. "I don't know, Doc. Part of me just wants to let it go, focus on my game. But another part..."
"...feels like it's a matter of principle?" Dr. Braun finished for him.
Luka nodded. "Exactly. I know I'm being a bit prideful, but I also feel like I shouldn't have to apologize for trying to help the team win."
Dr. Braun stood up, patting Luka on the shoulder. "Pride isn't always a bad thing, Luka. It's what drives us to excel, to push our limits. But it's a double-edged sword. It can also blind us to opportunities for growth and understanding."
Luka hopped off the table, testing his freshly taped ankle. "So what should I do?"
"That's something only you can decide," Dr. Braun said. "But if I may offer a piece of advice? Don't let this fester. Whether you choose to address it with Rose or find a way to let it go, make a decision. Carrying this frustration around with you isn't good for your mental or physical well-being."
Luka nodded, absorbing the doctor's words. "Thanks, Doc. Not just for the ankle, but... for listening."
Dr. Braun smiled warmly. "Anytime, Luka. That's what I'm here for. Now, let's go through those new exercises I want to add to your routine."
For the next hour, Dr. Braun guided Luka through a series of new proprioception and strength training exercises designed to further stabilize his ankle. As they worked, Luka found his mind clearing, his focus sharpening.
As Luka exited the medical room, his mind still swirling with thoughts from his conversation with Dr. Braun, he caught sight of Rose at the end of the corridor. For a brief moment, he considered approaching his coach, perhaps attempting to clear the air once and for all. But as Rose turned and their eyes met, Luka felt a familiar tightness in his chest. With a barely perceptible shake of his head, he turned away, deciding that now wasn't the time. He had a game to focus on, after all.
The days flew by, and before Luka knew it, it was match day against Arminia Bielefeld. As he sat on the bench, watching his teammates warm up on the pitch, he felt an unusual sense of calm wash over him. The frustration and anger that had been simmering for weeks seemed to have dissipated, replaced by quiet determination.
In the commentary box high above the pitch, the pre-match discussion was in full swing.
"Welcome back to Signal Iduna Park, where Borussia Dortmund are set to face Arminia Bielefeld in what promises to be an intriguing Bundesliga clash," the lead commentator, Hans Mueller, began.
His co-commentator, former Bundesliga player Thomas Weber, chimed in, "That's right, Hans. And one of the big talking points leading up to this match has been the apparent tension between young star Luka Zorić and manager Marco Rose."
Hans nodded, his eyes scanning the bench where Luka sat. "Indeed, Thomas. It's been days since that heated exchange during the Ajax match, and there's been surprisingly little said publicly about the incident. One has to wonder if there are tensions brewing behind the scenes."
Thomas leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "It's interesting you say that, Hans. Because if you look at Zorić on the bench right now, he seems remarkably relaxed. There's none of the visible frustration we might expect from a player who's fallen out with his manager."
"You're right, Thomas," Hans agreed. "Zorić's body language is calm, almost serene. It's very different compared to the passion and frustration we saw during that Ajax game."
As the commentators continued their discussion, down on the pitch, the match was about to begin. Rose had opted for a starting lineup that didn't include Luka, not unusual, but certainly raising eyebrows.
The whistle blew, and the game was underway. From his position on the bench, Luka watched intently, his eyes following the ball as it pinged back and forth across the pitch.
Dortmund started brightly, with Haaland and Reus linking up well in the early stages. But Bielefeld, fighting for survival in the Bundesliga this season, were no pushovers. Their compact, well-organized defense was proving difficult to break down.
As the first half wore on, Dortmund's frustration began to show. Passes that would normally find their targets were going astray, and the usually fluid attack looked disjointed.
In the commentary box, Hans and Thomas were trying to make sense of Dortmund's struggles.
"Dortmund are really struggling to find their rhythm here, Thomas," Hans observed.
Thomas nodded in agreement. "Indeed Hans, this is where someone like Zorić could make a difference. His ability to find those killer passes, to unlock tight defenses, is exactly what Dortmund seem to be missing right now."
Down on the bench, Luka remained focused on the game, his expression neutral. If he was frustrated by his omission from the starting lineup, he wasn't showing it.
As halftime approached, Bielefeld struck against the run of play. A quick counter-attack caught Dortmund's defense flat-footed, and Bielefeld's striker, Fabian Klos, found himself one-on-one with the keeper. With a cool finish, he slotted the ball home, sending the away fans into raptures.
The halftime whistle blew with Dortmund trailing 1-0. As the players trudged off the pitch, the commentators shared their thoughts.
"Well, Hans, that was certainly not the half Dortmund would have wanted," Thomas said. "They've dominated possession, but they've lacked that cutting edge in the final third."
Hans agreed, "Absolutely, Thomas. And you have to think Rose will be considering his options now. Could we see Zorić introduced in the second half?"
As the teams emerged for the second half, there was indeed a change for Dortmund. But it wasn't Luka. Instead, Rose had opted to bring on Thorgan Hazard, pushing Reus into a more central role.
The second half began much like the first, with Dortmund pushing forward but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Bielefeld, buoyed by their lead, were defending resolutely and looking dangerous on the counter.
In the 60th minute, Rose made another change, bringing on Youssoufa Moukoko for the ineffective Malen. Still, Luka remained on the bench, his expression inscrutable.
"Interesting decision from Rose there," Thomas commented. "Moukoko certainly offers a different dimension to the attack, but you have to wonder why Zorić continues to be overlooked."
Hans nodded, "Indeed, Thomas. Especially given how well Zorić had been playing before that Ajax match. It does make you wonder if there's more to this situation than meets the eye."
Down on the pitch, Dortmund's fortunes were finally beginning to turn. In the 68th minute, a moment of brilliance from Reus unlocked the Bielefeld defense. A quick one-two with Haaland put him through on goal, and he made no mistake, slotting the ball past the keeper to level the scores.
The stadium erupted, and suddenly the momentum was with Dortmund. They poured forward, sensing that Bielefeld were on the ropes.
In the 78th minute, Rose made his final substitution. To the surprise of many, it was Luka who was called upon, replacing the tiring Reus.
As Luka jogged onto the pitch towards the left wing position, and Hazard into central midfield, the commentators were quick to react.
"Well, Hans, it looks like Rose has finally turned to Zorić," Thomas said. "It'll be interesting to see how he fits into this game."
Hans agreed, "Absolutely, Thomas. And look at Zorić's body language as he comes on. He seems focused, determined. There's no sign of any lingering tension with Rose."
Indeed, as Luka took his position on the pitch, his face was a mask of concentration.
The impact was almost immediate. Luka's first touch was a perfectly weighted through-ball that split the Bielefeld defense, sending Haaland clear on goal. The Norwegian made no mistake, smashing the ball into the net to give Dortmund the lead.
The stadium exploded with joy, and Luka was mobbed by his teammates. Even Rose, usually reserved on the touchline, allowed himself a small fist pump.
"What an impact from Zorić!" Hans exclaimed. "That's exactly the kind of vision and execution Dortmund have been missing all game."
Thomas was equally impressed. "It just goes to show, Hans, that whatever issues may or may not exist off the pitch, Zorić is still a tremendous asset to this team when he's on it."
With Dortmund now in the lead, Bielefeld were forced to come out of their defensive shell. This played right into Dortmund's hands, and in particular, into Luka's.
In the 88th minute, Luka received the ball in midfield, turned, and spotted Moukoko making a run behind the Bielefeld defense. Without hesitation, he lofted a perfect pass over the top. Moukoko brought it down with his first touch and slotted it past the onrushing keeper with his second.
3-1 to Dortmund, and the game was effectively over.
As the final whistle blew, the Dortmund players celebrated a hard-fought victory. Luka, despite his match-winning cameo, remained subdued in his celebrations. He exchanged handshakes and brief hugs with his teammates before making his way towards the tunnel.
In the post-match interviews, all eyes were on Rose and Luka. Would either of them address the elephant in the room?
Rose spoke first, praising the team's resilience and singling out Luka for his impact off the bench. "Luka showed today why he's such an important player for us. His vision and passing ability changed the game."
When it was Luka's turn to speak, he kept his comments focused on the team's performance. "It was a tough game, but we showed great character to come back and win. I'm just happy I could contribute to the victory."
Back in the commentary box, Hans and Thomas were wrapping up their coverage.
"Well, Thomas, what do you make of all this?" Hans asked. "Zorić comes off the bench to turn the game around, but there's still this underlying tension that no one seems willing to address directly."
Thomas pondered for a moment before responding. "It's a complex situation, Hans. On one hand, you have a young, talented player who clearly has the ability to change games. On the other, you have a manager trying to assert his authority and maintain team discipline. What's clear is that when they're on the same page, as they seemed to be today, Dortmund are a formidable team."
Hans nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Thomas. It'll be interesting to see how this situation develops in the coming weeks. But for now, Dortmund can celebrate a crucial victory, one that keeps them in the thick of the title race."
As the stadium began to empty and the lights dimmed, Luka made his way to the parking lot, his mind already turning to the Puma meeting scheduled for the next day. Whatever issues existed between him and Rose, whatever frustrations still lingered, he had proven once again that on the pitch, he could make the difference. And for now, that was enough.