Chapter 53: Rejuvenation Squad

After the match, Kazuki was brought by coach George to the post-match press conference for the first time. Kazuki felt nervous, even though he had a calm nature, but this was Kazuki's first time facing the media directly. Previously, he was always represented by Furochi. While coach Nigel Pearson also brought in a player at the post-match press conference, he brought on Maddison instead of Mahrez who scored twice in this match.

After everything was ready, the press conference started.

Journalists from The Guardian started the press conference, "Congratulations on Southampton's win over Leicester City, Mr. George. It was a very exciting game, I really enjoyed watching this game. What do you think about this match?"

George adjusted the mic, he then said "It was a tough game even though we won in the end. In the first half we were lucky Leicester was less efficient in finishing their chances, otherwise, we played very efficiently. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the Southampton player performance."

"How about you, Mr. Pearson?" asked The Guardian reporter.

Nigel sighed as he said, "We wasted too many chances in this match, especially in the first half. However, we did our best, we were just unlucky in this match."

The Sun glanced at Maddison, he smirked and asked, "Do you agree with Mr. Pearson's statement, Maddison?"

"I think that rather than being unlucky, we were more like not good enough. Unlucky can only be used in one condition, but if that condition happens again and again, then some players are not good enough," said Maddison, while Nigel Pearson stared at him in disbelief.

Maddison's words were sharper than he expected. Pearson's trying to cover up the player's mistakes. Nigel cleared his throat to give code to Maddison to stop his bullshit talk. However, Maddison did not respond to Pearson's code.

The reporters were also excited to hear what Maddison had to say. The Sun asked again, "So you're saying that some players just aren't good enough to play at Leicester?"

"I just think if Leicester wants to get better then we need a good striker like him," Maddison pointed at Kazuki. He then continued, "Of course this is just my opinion, it's all up to the coach, I can't decide it."

The reporter kept asking Maddison, but Maddison immediately took the mic away and didn't answer the other reporters' questions.

After they realized that Maddison wouldn't be answering their questions anymore, the reporters turned their attention to Kazuki.

"Kazuki, you played well today. Recently, you had a problem between you and your teammate, Denilson. Do you feel you are in the right position on that matter?" asked The Independent Reporter.

Kazuki was silent for a while before finally answering, "Look at me, do you know why I am here?"

"You're here because the coach chose you instead of Denilson."

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Kazuki explained, "The coach has chosen me over him. It shows that I am better than him. My teammates at Southampton have no issue with me, the fans are still there supporting me, with all of that you are still asking if I am in the right position? Of course, I am. I was right on this matter."

The Independent Reporter did not expect Kazuki to give such a confident answer. However, the reporter also couldn't refute Kazuki's words, because what Kazuki said was right. George had selected Kazuki over Denilson, that's means Kazuki was better than Denilson.

The Southampton Daily reporter raised his hand, he asked Kazuki, "You have scored 10 goals in 9 matches. Do you have any secret that allowed you to achieve this?"

Kazuki replied, "There is no specific formula on how one can become a good striker."

"Didn't you do any special training or something?"

Kazuki explained slowly, "Guess, do you think I had practiced ki or chakra? Neither. Everyone knows to be a good striker you have to practice your kick, running ability, physical ability, etc. Hundreds of strikers around the world train in that way every day, including me. However, in reality, only a few top strikers are known worldwide. It's because they are talented and lucky. Likewise, with me, you ask me why I can score 10 goals in 9 games? The answer is because I'm talented."

After the interview, the press conference went smoothly. The Southampton players got on the bus and left the King Power stadium.

Meanwhile, Maddison's words at the press conference were widely discussed. The topic replaced the news regarding Kazuki and Denilson that had been circulating for the past few days.

Meanwhile, The discussion regarding Mahrez might increase if he can maintain good performances in every match like Kazuki.

After the match, Denilson never went to the training ground again, his agent also didn't talk offense to Kazuki anymore. They both seemed to just disappear. Everyone wonders what happened? Meanwhile, Southampton's players know that Denilson has decided to make a move in the summer window. Southampton asked Denilson to apologize to Kazuki, otherwise, Denilson would have to agree to a transfer to another club in the summer. Denilson preferred to move on rather than apologize to Kazuki.

***

After Denilson never showed up for daily training, George decided to call Rustan to the first team. Why did George call Rustan who is a winger to the first team instead of any other player? Because Hugo and Ryan are flexible players, both players can fill the position left by Denilson. Meanwhile, Rustan could focus on competing with other players in the wing position.

After Rustan recovered from injury, his performance in the reserve team was quite good. Now, Rustan didn't just rely on speed alone, he also had trained his passing and kicking ability.

With the arrival of Rustan, Southampton's forwards in a 4-4-2 formation are Kazuki, Osmund, Crage, Ryan, Anthony. Meanwhile, the position of the left-wing will be filled by Kounde, Wright-Phillips, and Simmic. Wright-Phillips could also play in the middle, replacing Rudolf or Simone. The right-wing position will be filled by Hugo and Rustan.

Although Southampton still lacked a target man striker type, so far Kazuki's ability to score goals against defending teams is still good. On the other hand, Southampton's wing and front positions were filled by players who have qualified individual skills such as Hugo, Kazuki, Ryan, Wright-Phillips, and finally Crage. Rustan and Osmund were less skillful than the others, they both rely more on speed.

With the inclusion of players such as Kazuki, Ryan, and Rustan, Southampton began to experience a squad rejuvenation.. George, as a coach, must be able to guide these young players as well as possible.

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