Dynasty Awakening: Building My Own Football Empire-Chapter 263: Shark

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Michael Sterling yelled for a hydration break during an injury stoppage and walked up to the touchline where Vladimir Petrovic was standing before waving Diego Nunez over.

Diego was still frustrated after he made such a bad clearance attempt and allowed a dangerous shot. They were now in the same situation with Liverpool pressing high and only 10 minutes until halftime, putting significant pressure on the team.

He expected to receive a grilling from Michael, however, it was the opposite.

"Vladimir, why didn’t you step up to the striker?"

’Huh?’ Diego, who was busy looking at his muddy boots, suddenly raised his gaze and looked at Michael oddly.

"A-Ah sorry Boss. Everything happened so fast that I didn’t react in time." Vladimir replied, also a little perplexed that he was the one being scolded.

Michael looked over his shoulder at Jurgen Klopp who was currently chatting with Mohamed Salah near the center circle. His Tactical Insight was telling him that they would likely try the same thing after seeing Vladimir’s hesitation.

He let out a small sigh and turned back to the two giants. "It’s okay. The next attack will go to Salah again. This time I need you to preemptively run to the half-space and block the cut-inside lane. Once you win the ball, send it straight to Kaito."

"As long as we can get this right, we’ll get out of this mess while we’re still level." Michael held out his fist, prompting the other two to bump it.

Neither Vladimir nor Diego said a word of complaint, returning back to their positions. Diego especially trusted Michael’s feel for the game, considering he knew how much of a visionary his manager really was when it came to chaos.

The game restarted. Mohamed Salah received the ball on the wing with a smug look on his face. He had just finished talking to Klopp and couldn’t help but look at the Barnsley defense a few times.

Diego also noticed this and couldn’t help but be amazed at Michael’s ability to predict what the other team was going to do.

Salah requested a through ball to the inside to which the Liverpool midfielder nodded in response. He sent the ball directly to the spot, only for Salah to make contact and drive towards the penalty box.

As soon as the pass was played, Vladimir already sprinted towards the gap, giving him the head start over Salah who still had to control the ball. This, paired with the fact that Vladimir’s legs were longer than a luxury sedan, made it so he arrived way ahead of time.

Vladimir pounced on the ball and quickly tackled with the "Hidden Thorn" technique Michael and Kenji had taught him. Thankfully his tackle was on point, allowing him to send a lightning-fast clearance up the field.

"Ball!"

"Clear!"

"Counter!"

"Nice tackle!" Diego sent a thumbs up to Vladimir before turning to Michael with a smile. Things went exactly how his manager had predicted, allowing them to escape a pinch just before the Liverpool heavy metal band could start playing again.

Mohamed Salah, who had been dispossessed so easily, seemed to be shocked. He slowly made his way back to position with a sour expression, not having expected this outcome from the ’polite’ defender.

Kenji Sato, who was in the VIP Directors’ Box, finally felt as if he could let out his pent-up breath. Now that Barnsley had gotten out of the pinch, he could finally search for the waiter to get another glass of champagne.

He looked around for a little while, only to hear his name called out from somewhere in the luxury suite.

"Hey Mr. Sato, is that you?"

He turned to the sound of the voice and instantly recognized one of the men sitting in the middle of the group of executives.

"Jean-Pierre? Hey what are you doing here?" Kenji replied, adjusting his silk tie and making his way over.

Jean-Pierre Dubois stood up and held out his hand, giving a firm handshake. "I’m here on business, scouting talent for Paris Saint-Germain." He responded, giving a small, shark-like smile.

"How about you? Don’t tell me that the Silicon Valley tech world is so starved for entertainment that they need to come watch a football match in the rain?" At these words, the other two men in suits couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

Kenji also thought it was funny, but he corrected them. "My investments are playing so I’m here to watch them."

"Investments?" Jean-Pierre was a little caught off guard.

"Yeah, Barnsley. I own the Misfits."

The three men’s eyes widened at these words. It just so happened that the most chaotic team in the Premier League belonged to this man.

"It looks like you’ve been funding them well then." Jean-Pierre complimented.

He had been a negotiator for European giants in the past, which was how he knew Kenji from a previous stadium deal. It had been many years since he left the corporate world, hence why he was surprised that Kenji’s "toys" were already playing at Anfield.

Kenji smiled widely. There was nothing that would make an owner happier than hearing his club be complimented in such a way. His mood had improved so much that he had even forgotten he missed the first ten minutes of the game.

One of the men next to Jean-Pierre suddenly spoke up, "Your striker upfront, Victor Osimhen... can you tell me a little more about him? Particularly in regards to his release clause."

Kenji frowned a little, since Michael had told him the PSG rumors were just rumors (until the text last night), he did not want to show weakness. "I don’t discuss contracts unfortunately. You know how agents are with their secrecy and all. But I can say that he is the best striker we have ever had."

His eyes were resolute, implying that he was not selling. Jean-Pierre also knew that when it came to business, Kenji was always a shark.

"Ah what a shame. It looks like his head is already turned though. He isn’t pressing like usual." The man said, shaking his head and pointing at the pitch.

Kenji’s expression flickered for a moment, however, he managed to keep his composure. He looked down and saw Victor walking back slowly after a failed attack, not chasing the ball.

"It’s nice seeing you Jean-Pierre, gentlemen. I’m off to find my seat so I can enjoy the game, best of luck with your... scouting." He said, turning his body and heading in the other direction.

"You can expect a formal offer from us about your winger, Kaito Tanaka." Jean-Pierre called out, wanting to at least give his old acquaintance some transparency.

Kenji stopped in place for a moment. They wanted Kaito? Not Victor? Or did they want both?