Chapter 53 Guardiola And Klopp Looting Chinese Talents?
German Cup quarter-finals saw more than just Leverkusen vs Union Berlin.
Frankfurt 0:1 Dortmund!
Dortmund was juggling three competitions, including a win against Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League. As per expectations, their next opponent in the top 8 would be the formidable Real Madrid! In the Bundesliga, Dortmund trailed Bayern by 8 points, dimming their title hopes. Their focus shifted to the German Cup.
Hoffenheim fell 2:3 to Wolfsburg.
With Wolfsburg set to face Dortmund in the semis, the stage was set for Union Berlin's stunning 3:1 upset against Leverkusen to dominate headlines.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich showcased their dominance, thrashing Hamburg 5-0 away.
Next up for Union Berlin? A daunting showdown with Bayern Munich in the semis!
This season, Bayern, under Guardiola, aimed for the Triple Crown. Union Berlin, to them, was merely a stepping stone.
Addressing the draw, Guardiola emphasized, "Union Berlin is formidable and shouldn't be underestimated just because they're a Bundesliga team. They ousted Leverkusen! We've closely studied Su Luo; this young Chinese player is remarkably talented. We're even considering bringing him to Bayern. Su Luo could elevate our offense significantly."
Guardiola's words made waves in the media:
"Guardiola: Bayern Eyes 16-Year-Old Chinese Talent"
"Mandzukic's Replacement? Chinese Teen Targets Top Striker Spot?"
"Ribery: Su Luo Welcome at Bayern!"
This stirred a frenzy, even among Bayern fans.
"Who's Su Luo?"
Klopp added fuel, saying, "We're also keeping an eye on this Chinese teenager. Dortmund's atmosphere suits Su Luo better. If he joins, he'll integrate perfectly into our tactics. I believe this young man can work wonders with us."
Thanks to Guardiola and Klopp, the entire Bundesliga was buzzing about Su Luo, with media hype amplifying their impact.
Su Luo, clueless about the commotion, was ambushed by reporters after training one day.
"Su, Berlin Daily here. Are you leaving Union Berlin next season?"
"Bayern or Dortmund—which one are you eyeing?"
"Word is Manchester City and Chelsea are interested too. Will you stay?"
Stunned by the questions, Su Luo stammered, "Wait, I never said I'm leaving."
"But Guardiola and Klopp mentioned bringing you in."
A newspaper thrust into his hands revealed reports of his transfer.
What? Is this real? Why wasn't I informed?
Su Luo, facing the reporters, declared firmly, "Firstly, I'm committed to leading Union Berlin to the Bundesliga and Champions League next season. I'm not going anywhere. As for Bayern or Dortmund—"
Champions League?
The reporters were taken aback.
"You mean you want Union Berlin in the Champions League?"
"Yes."
"This Union Berlin?"
Su Luo, growing impatient, cut in, "Alright, that's it for today's press conference. Please step aside."
He revved his Porsche and sped off, leaving the reporters bewildered.
"Did he really say he'll lead Union Berlin to the Champions League?"
"I heard him loud and clear. Is that even possible?"
"Su's pretty clear about it."
"Is Su Luo crazy or are we?"
Amidst the confusion, Guardiola's smoke bomb, coupled with Klopp's comments and media frenzy, sparked a storm.
Who would've thought Su Luo would drop another bombshell?
"Bundesliga Top Scorer: I Aim to Lead Team to Champions League"
"Union Berlin in Champions League? Farewell, Star Striker!"
On Twitter, Bundesliga fans weighed in:
"I thought Guardiola was onto something, turns out it's just hot air."
"Probably just inflating his value or setting up an exit."
"If he joins Bayern, maybe there's a chance. But for a newly-promoted team, avoiding relegation would be an achievement."
"I'd love to see his face if Union Berlin gets relegated next season."
Among the commenters, mostly Bayern, Dortmund, Schalke, and Leverkusen fans, the sentiment was clear: Union Berlin's aspirations seemed far-fetched.
However, Hoffenheim fans, recalling their own miraculous Bundesliga run, harbored a sense of hope for Union Berlin.
"Maybe Su Luo's not talking big. Let's wait and see."
A lone Hoffenheim fan's comment, drowned in the sea of the internet, might one day be hailed as prophetic.
For Union Berlin fans, Su Luo's leadership mattered more than Champions League dreams.
As Su Luo left training, he was met by a group of fans holding a banner.
"Su, you're our Iron Alliance hero. Please stay!"
Touched, Su Luo approached the fans—Uncle Hans, Bud, Hogan, and Anya—regulars in the stands.
"I want to wear Union Berlin's jersey in the Champions League!" he declared. "I won't leave before that. I promise to lead us there!"
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