Chapter 59 Bundesliga First Match Hell Mode? Strong Enemy Schalke!

"...introduce yourself, this is our new player."

"Everyone, be quiet! We have new players joining the team!"

"Training is suspended, the whole team gather to welcome our new teammates..."

As Union Berlin's pre-season training commenced, the players congregated at the training base. Without any internationals involved in the World Cup, there was no need for extended vacations.

The new season hadn't started yet, but the players could already feel the club's tense atmosphere. The Bundesliga demanded a different level of performance, and everyone needed to adapt quickly to the new rhythm and increased pressure.

Some players knew that with their current skill levels, they might end up as substitutes or be let go. Therefore, they trained harder, hoping to impress the coaching staff. Besides Su Luo, the team's star player, everyone else felt replaceable.

Several players began to fade from the lineup. For instance, striker Simon Terodde sought a starting position but couldn't outshine Su Luo and eventually moved to the second-division team Fürth for 4.5 million euros.

Other departures included midfielder Martin Dausch, midfielder Adam Nemec, forward Steven Skrzybski, and winger Christopher Schorch. These players, aware of their limited prospects in the Bundesliga, opted to transfer for better opportunities and to earn transfer fees for the club.

However, some players, like Brazilian winger Silvio, captain Torsten Mattuschka, midfielder Ahmed Madouni, and substitute forward Adam Nemec, chose to stay as substitutes, willing to watch from the sidelines just to remain part of the team.

As old players left, new ones joined during the pre-season training period, bringing fresh faces to the team daily.

"Hi everyone, I'm Łukasz Fabiański, your new goalkeeper."

"Naby Keïta, I'm happy to be here."

"Kieran Trippier, looking forward to working with you all."

"My name is Alexander, but you can call me Alex..."

"My name is Marcel Sabitzer, and I'm excited to join the team."

"Emil Forsberg, nice to meet you."

Swede Emil Forsberg's introduction was as cold as his homeland.

Su Luo expected these additions, as he had suggested these players to the management. But the next two arrivals surprised him.

"Uh... I don't know why the club chose me, but it seemed fun to come to Germany, so here I am. Happy to join the team!"

Su Luo was taken aback when Jack Grealish, with his blond hair and distinct Birmingham accent, introduced himself. Another newcomer was a young Argentine who spoke a lot of Spanish: Lisandro Martinez, the future central defender for Manchester United and World Cup hero.

Coach Neuhaus quickly quieted the team. "Okay, you'll have plenty of time to get to know each other. For now, let's get back to training!"

Pre-season physical training was grueling but essential. Union Berlin needed to build their stamina to endure the fast-paced rivalries of the season.

Despite his curiosity, Su Luo focused on the intense training. By the end of the day, the entire team was exhausted, with even the fun-loving Silvio heading home quietly.

Su Luo planned to go to the nightclub to recover but was approached by Grealish.

"Sue, do you understand me when I speak English? I don't know much German yet."

"Of course, Jack. What's up?"

Grealish, relieved, explained, "I heard you know all the best nightclubs in Berlin. Can you show me around?"

Su Luo wasn't surprised; Grealish was known as the future "Party Prince." "Sure, I'll take you."

"Great! Drinks are on me tonight!"

It wasn't long before Su Luo's nightclub crew gained another member. The coaching staff, however, were concerned.

"Did we just waste 10 million pounds?"

Grealish was Union Berlin's most expensive signing at £10 million. At that time, Aston Villa didn't see much potential in him and loaned him to League One. They didn't expect the Berlin team to spend so much on him.

Despite the doubts, the Union Berlin coaching staff hoped that following Su Luo's lead, Grealish would rise to the occasion.

Before the Bundesliga started, Union Berlin played five warm-up matches in Germany, as they couldn't afford to travel abroad. They faced Hamburg, Werder Bremen, second-division Sandhausen, newly promoted Leipzig Red Bull, and Bielefeld.

Out of five matches, Union Berlin only won against Sandhausen, losing the other three. Su Luo averaged only one goal per game and spent most of the time running around the field. The new players' performances were inconsistent, indicating they were not fully prepared.

The team's struggles were mocked by fans of newly promoted Cologne and city rivals Hertha Berlin.

"Can they even compete in the Bundesliga? They'll be relegated next season."

"Su Luo spends all his time in nightclubs. What a waste of talent."

"They barely held their own against Bayern last season. It's shocking!"

"At least we won't be at the bottom this season."

Fans of bigger clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund didn't even notice this humble newly promoted team. They dismissed Union Berlin's signings as a collection of "losers."

"Su Luo might have won the Bundesliga Golden Boot last season, but with so many strong players in the Bundesliga, he'll find it tough to establish himself," wrote Rudy Wöhler, a columnist for the sensationalist German media outlet "Bild."

According to poll statistics, 80% of readers believed that Union Berlin would be relegated in the 2014-2015 season. Members of the Iron League Fans Association were angered but couldn't refute it.

"Bild is just a trashy newspaper, full of lies!"

"We have changed a lot, and the players haven't developed a good understanding yet. But I believe they performed well on the field," said fan leader Uncle Hans.

"Yes, they need more encouragement," agreed Bud, who had become more tolerant after his father's death. His six-year-old son had become a fan of Su Luo, clamoring to watch games live, prompting Bud to support the team more actively.

"It's a week until our first Bundesliga game. Shouldn't we have a big gathering to show our support?" suggested Bud.

"Yes, let's show the world that the Iron Alliance is the team's strongest backing!" Uncle Hans proclaimed, prompting cheers from the fans.

After the excitement died down, Hogan asked, "What exactly should we do?"

"How about a 'Dead Silence'? We stay silent for the first 15 minutes and then erupt in support!"

"Or a giant tifo announcing our arrival in the Bundesliga."

"Yes, and fireworks..."

The fans buzzed with ideas until Bud silenced them by tapping his glass.

"I think we can get more people involved. I'm sure they'd want to see the team's first Bundesliga game," Bud said, his voice trembling but determined.

With one week left before the first Bundesliga match, Su Luo saw many predictions about the new season on social media. Even Josephine, now a loyal fan, discussed the new season with him.

"Luo, some say we're the worst promoted team in Bundesliga history, with relegation odds of 1.5 to 1..."

"JoJo, don't let it bother you. Just treat it as a joke."

"But there are also news reports from China. Look, your country finally noticed you!"

Curious, Su Luo opened the link Josephine sent. Indeed, Chinese media had picked up on his name after he helped Union Berlin win promotion with his Bundesliga Golden Boot performance.

The official Bundesliga media on Weibo, "Sports Weekly," and "Football News" acknowledged his achievements. Some commentators, like Zhan Jun, Yan Qiang, and Su Dong, were optimistic about Su Luo's future. However, others were skeptical, remembering his past and fearing he might not succeed in the Bundesliga.

Reading the debates, Josephine was annoyed. "They're just so negative!"

Su Luo laughed. "Our Internet is like this. Everything can become a debate."

"Their opinions don't matter. We'll prove ourselves in the first game."

In the first Bundesliga match, Union Berlin faced a strong opponent, Schalke 04. Only one day remained until the game.

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