Volume One: Our Own League 116: The Predicament of the Junior Varsity Team at Chengdu No. 17 Middle School

At Jin’guan City No. 17 Middle School, in the principal’s office, Principal Wang sat behind his desk, smiling warmly at the young man before him.

This young man appeared quite youthful, yet his demeanor was mature, clearly shaped by many experiences. He had healthy, sun-kissed skin and sported a Mohawk haircut, exuding a neat and crisp appearance. He looked like a promising young fellow.

Principal Wang promptly said, “Coach Zheng Xiao, we are very pleased to welcome you to Jin’guan City No. 17 Middle School.”

This young man was Zheng Xiao, the junior student recommended to Principal Wang by Song Yu. Ever since Song Yu had put forth Zheng Xiao’s name, Principal Wang had made inquiries about him through various channels. What he discovered was impressive—Coach Zheng had quite an impressive background.

Though young, appearing only in his early thirties, Zheng Xiao’s experience was remarkably rich, rivaling that of Song Yu. Born in China but raised abroad, Zheng Xiao and Song Yu graduated from the same school and studied under the same mentor. They both earned FIFA’s A-level coaching certificates in the same location. Early in his career, on the recommendation of his mentor, Zheng had taken up a role with a youth team in a lower-tier European mainstream league.

While he had not worked with Europe’s elite clubs, he had left his mark on several teams well-known among Chinese football fans, with notably commendable performances. Before returning to China, he had been head coach of the U15 youth team at Hertha Berlin and led them to a runner-up finish in the U15 youth league—an achievement regarded as a miracle.

By all rights, he should have continued honing his skills abroad. It was puzzling why he chose to return home, especially since he seemed to have attracted little attention domestically. Even the clubs in China’s top two professional leagues appeared indifferent to him. Those professional teams that did extend offers only offered him youth coaching positions, not head coach roles.

This was a significant blow for him. He had returned with boundless enthusiasm, believing he would embark on a brilliant new chapter, only to find himself in this predicament. Perhaps it was this recent neglect that led Song Yu to recommend Zheng Xiao to Principal Wang. Otherwise, how could such a talented individual wind up at a typical middle school team like Jin’guan City No. 17?

While Chinese professional football clubs were skeptical of Zheng Xiao, Principal Wang held him in high regard. He even felt that their school had stumbled upon a treasure. Having such talent join their school seemed almost like a waste. Nonetheless, he earnestly wished to keep Zheng here to lead their school team to shine at national competitions.

Zheng Xiao could sense Principal Wang’s eagerness to recruit him, but he was genuinely reluctant to coach a school team, much less one from an ordinary middle school. However, since this was a recommendation from his senior, Song Yu, he found it difficult to refuse and thus came.

Zheng Xiao smiled and said, “Thank you, Principal Wang, for your kind consideration.”

Principal Wang immediately responded, “Our school is indeed very eager for Coach Zheng to join our team. We are truly desperate for talent.”

Zheng Xiao gave a faint, wry smile at the principal’s bluntness.

Principal Wang continued, “I believe Coach Song has already briefed you about our school’s situation. While we are just an ordinary middle school, we do have many promising young players. Coach Song has great confidence in them. If it weren’t for other commitments, he would have come here himself to nurture these youngsters.”

This was not mere boasting. Song Yu had indeed spoken highly of Xu Donglai, expressing a strong desire to personally coach him. But due to other important matters, he was unable to come and thus recommended Zheng Xiao instead.

Zheng Xiao nodded slightly, well aware that Principal Wang spoke truthfully. Song Yu had already discussed this with him before his arrival, praising the school’s talent pool. Zheng could tell that Song Yu genuinely admired these boys.

Yet, Zheng remained somewhat skeptical. He found it hard to believe that such an ordinary middle school in Jin’guan City could harbor so many outstanding prospects. Moreover, even if such talent existed, he was still reluctant to coach a school team.

Zheng Xiao promptly said, “Principal Wang, before coming here, Senior Song did tell me that your school indeed has many promising players. However, I must say, I don’t think I’m able to take on the role of head coach for your school team.”

Wang Jingkai, presumably another school official present, was stunned. What was going on? If he wasn’t willing to take the helm, why had he come in the first place? Was he here just to ask for favors?

Sensing Principal Wang’s thoughts, Zheng Xiao quickly added, “Principal Wang, I truly apologize for disturbing you today and wasting your time. The only reason I came was to give my senior a proper response. Personally, I have no intention of developing in campus football.”

Upon hearing this, Principal Wang’s enthusiasm promptly waned, though he maintained a courteous and friendly demeanor.

Zheng Xiao continued, “Before returning to China, I had already planned my career path. I intend to develop within China’s professional football scene...”

Principal Wang nodded slightly, signaling his understanding.

Zheng Xiao looked apologetic and said, “I’m truly sorry.”

Principal Wang waved it off, saying, “It’s alright, it’s alright! I fully understand that young people have their own dreams and aspirations. Honestly, I also feel that having you come to our school would be somewhat of an underutilization of your talents. You deserve a bigger stage, and I respect your choice. You’re not wrong.”

Seeing Principal Wang’s understanding, Zheng Xiao’s remorse deepened, and he kept expressing his apologies.

Principal Wang said, “No need to apologize. This isn’t your fault. Before you came, I had already considered this possibility, though I held onto a small hope. Now, looking back, I realize I was a bit selfish. Someone of your caliber should be on a much larger stage.”

These words deeply moved Zheng Xiao.

Yet, in his heart, he had made up his mind—he was determined to pursue a career in the professional leagues.

Principal Wang immediately said, “I wish you an impressive career on the professional stage. I have faith in you. But could you help me find a suitable head coach within your circle? You know our school hopes to make a mark in national competitions.”

Indeed, although Zheng Xiao could not join them, Principal Wang hoped he could recommend a capable coach. After all, Zheng was an insider with connections that Wang, an outsider, lacked. It would be easier for him to find a coach.

Zheng Xiao nodded promptly. “Principal Wang, rest assured, I will help you find a reliable candidate.”

Hearing this, Principal Wang felt reassured.

Of course, truth be told, he was somewhat disappointed. He had placed great hope in Zheng Xiao, only for it to end this way.

He sighed, “Finding a good youth training coach these days is truly difficult.”

Suddenly, Principal Wang understood why Chinese football struggled to rise. Even finding grassroots youth coaches was hard—how could there be enough young footballers? No wonder recent news reported that the national youth team’s talent pool was alarmingly shallow.

Taking a deep breath, Principal Wang thought to himself, “It is truly imperative to vigorously develop campus football now. I hope I can contribute my modest part.”

Principal Wang chatted with Zheng Xiao a while longer, learning about the state of affairs within his football circle.

The more he learned, the more worried he became. Would their club be able to find a suitable head coach? If not, would they have to assign some of the school’s physical education teachers to lead the team? If that happened, the Jin’guan City No. 17 Middle School football team would be doomed.

Now, he pinned his hopes on insiders like Zheng Xiao to help find the right person.

After bidding farewell to Zheng Xiao, Principal Wang turned his attention to the team selection process.

This matter could no longer be delayed. They had to quickly assemble the school team and begin joint training and coordination to prepare for the upcoming national competition. If this was not set in motion soon, it would be too late.

Yet, without a coach, how could they conduct team tryouts? Would the players they selected fit the future head coach’s plans? This was a perplexing dilemma.

Still, Principal Wang knew the selection process could not be postponed. At the very least, preparations needed to start. They had to motivate these young players to ready themselves fully for the tryouts and select the strongest squad.

Therefore, Principal Wang planned to announce the team tryouts school-wide.

He decided to make the announcement at next Monday’s regular meeting—that Jin’guan City No. 17 Middle School would form a football team and hold tryouts soon.

Xu He and the others were unaware of the principal’s decision, but they were already preparing, filled with hopes of participating in the national competition and eager to make the team.

Recently, Xu He had been training diligently, honing his skills in hopes of quickly reaching the level needed for the school team.

Time flew by, and soon it was Friday.

Today marked the much-anticipated match between Class Ten’s football team and Class Sixteen’s. Xu He looked forward to this game eagerly, hoping to earn a spot in the starting lineup.

Of course, Xu He understood his chances were slim. Currently, the team’s forward line was formed by Zhang Zhen and Yang Xin, and Coach Zhu Ge highly favored Yang Xin for his aerial ability. Still, Xu He held onto a glimmer of hope, as his recent form had been strong, giving him a chance to break into the starting eleven.