Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

146 – Trust

146

Humans can survive with just their basic needs met, but that’s not enough.

It might be enough for animals, but humans need something more.

That something can be various things.

It could be social relationships, like being called a social animal, or a desire for knowledge or exploration, or an opportunity for self-reflection, or cultural life, or social recognition, such as honor.

“Hey, you won the Asian championship, which is like the Euros. Congratulations. There’s no more glorious thing than achieving success on a national stage.”

“The Euros championship… just thinking about it is thrilling. And didn’t we finish third in the World Cup last year?”

At first glance, being a national representative might seem like a burden to a soccer player.

After all, the salary they receive as a national player doesn’t all come from the club. The national team allowance? It’s not a lot of money, and it’s not even directly related to the player’s salary. It’s really minimal. In comparison, the match fee from the club is several times more.

Of course, being a national representative raises one’s value, but that’s only a matter of transfer fees between clubs, not a direct change in the player’s salary.

However, many players… no, almost all players Joo Ji-tae knows, attach a special meaning to being a national representative.

It’s not just Asian players, but also European, South American, and African players.

Representing one’s country is something that transcends material benefits, something special.

That’s why Joo Ji-tae felt proud to be a national representative again after a long time.

“Ah, representing one’s country is always an honor.”

“But hey, I heard a strange rumor. In Korea, every man has to go to the military?”

“I heard it too. It’s true, so even soccer players have to go to the military in the middle of their careers.”

“What the… That’s a really scary rumor. Just hearing it is terrifying.”

“…It’s not a rumor, it’s the truth.”

Joo Ji-tae’s response made all the players turn pale.

“Ugh… this is the worst. I would have naturalized if I were him.”

“That’s right. I have triple citizenship, but I chose Spain. However, if Spain had a system like that, I would have chosen a different nationality.”

“Hmm… being a national representative is a proud thing, of course. But being forced to go to the military is a bit… I don’t want to do it that badly.”

“…….”

These guys are ridiculous.

Joo Ji-tae had made up his mind. Participating in the next Olympics or Asian Games? That’s a given.

‘I’ll crush them in the A-match.’

Especially Spain.

Let’s meet again in four years at the World Cup.

* * *

While Joo Ji-tae was playing in the Asian Cup, Barcelona was in the middle of their second-half schedule.

Although Joo Ji-tae was the core of the team’s defense and build-up, Barcelona wasn’t a team that would collapse just because one player was missing. So, they started the resumed league game with a good start, winning two games in a row, but…

“Barcelona started the second half of the season with two consecutive wins, but the fans are not satisfied with the team’s performance.”

The fans’ reaction was not good despite the two wins.

“They won, but the performance was not good, so this reaction is expected. Anyway, Barcelona is a team that is expected to dominate, right? They struggled with game operation even against UD Almeria and Cadiz CF, who are at the bottom of the league… Fans who expected a dominating performance in the first half are bound to be disappointed.”

Since they faced teams at the bottom of the league, winning was a given, but the question was how overwhelmingly they would win. However, it seemed like they lacked something compared to the first half.

“Is it due to the fatigue of the players?”

“I think that’s also a factor. If the players’ conditions improve, their performance will also get better. But more than anything, Joo Ji-tae’s absence was crucial.”

People’s attention naturally turned to the difference between Barcelona’s first and second half.

Exactly, Joo Ji-tae.

“This Asian player has been a key figure in Barcelona’s rise, playing a big role in defense, build-up, and even scoring crucial goals. Although we praised Joo Ji-tae’s performance, it seems like it wasn’t enough to evaluate his importance.”

“You mean Joo Ji-tae’s influence is greater than expected?”

“Yes, that’s right. For example, think of Busquets or Xavi.”

If you think of Barcelona’s golden era, you would think of Messi. Or maybe the famous coach Pep Guardiola.

However, people who know football would know that there were players who played important roles, just like the three musketeers, Iniesta, Busquets, and Xavi Hernandez.

Messi is untouchable, but among the three musketeers, there was a difference in attention.

It was only later that their importance was reevaluated, but at the time, Busquets and Xavi’s importance was overshadowed by Iniesta.

“As we all know, Busquets and Xavi were essential players for Barcelona football. Now, everyone knows how important they were, but at the time, they were overshadowed by Messi and Iniesta. I think Joo Ji-tae is similar.”

“You mean Joo Ji-tae took on the role of Busquets or Xavi back then?”

“No, Joo Ji-tae is more than that. It’s hard to compare which player is better, but at least in today’s Barcelona, Joo Ji-tae is a player who combines the roles of Puyol, Busquets, and Xavi. Irreplaceable.”

The declaration was met with a moment of silence.

“Wow, that’s an incredible compliment! You’re saying he’s not just a second someone, but a player who combines the roles of Puyol, Busquets, and Xavi? Is that realistically possible?”

“That’s why this game is important.”

“You mean the Champions League? The round of 16 is coming up soon.”

“Yes. It’s Joo Ji-tae’s first game back, and we have a difficult away game in Italy waiting for us. It will be a tougher game than usual. And for Joo Ji-tae, it will be even more so.”

“You mean Joo Ji-tae will have a harder time?”

“Remember the last World Cup.”

“Ah…”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

It’s been only half a year since the World Cup, where they defeated Italy and even did an interview. And now, an away game in Italy?

“…It’s going to be a tough game for Joo Ji-tae.”

“That’s why this game will be a great opportunity to confirm Joo Ji-tae’s influence in Barcelona.”

* * *

“Are you okay?”

Captain Pablo Lopez asked, and Joo Ji-tae nodded calmly.

“I’m fine. What’s there to be not fine about?”

“…He’s an amazing guy.”

Even veteran Pablo Lopez, with 15 years of professional experience, couldn’t help but nod his head in amazement at Joo Ji-tae’s nonchalant attitude.

Everyone knew that Joo Ji-tae was under immense pressure in this Juventus away game.

The official analysis desk of La Liga, which had a huge influence, had announced that “this game would reveal Joo Ji-tae’s influence in Barcelona,” sparking enormous interest.

Barcelona, a mega club that received global attention, had thrown a huge bombshell by saying that Joo Ji-tae’s role was equivalent to combining the roles of Puyol, Busquets, and Xavi.

Adding to that, Joo Ji-tae’s Italian away game, which had become a public enemy of the Italians since the World Cup.

When Barcelona players arrived in Italy, the customs officials’ laser-like gazes towards Joo Ji-tae were scorching hot.

It even got to the point where the police cordoned off the hotel area where the Barcelona players were staying, and there were protests, noise, and chaos around the hotel at night, disturbing the players’ sleep.

In the midst of this, even the 15-year veteran captain Pablo Lopez, who had experienced many battles, lamented that “this is the worst away game of my life.” But Joo Ji-tae was sleeping peacefully and woke up, stretching his body calmly, which was unbelievable.

Everyone had a tired expression.

However, on the other hand, the thought “But, it’s Joo Ji-tae…” was also crossing their minds.

Although he looked younger than his 20 years, the Barcelona players who had played with him in the first half didn’t think of Joo Ji-tae as just a young player.

It wasn’t just because of his skills.

His attitude and behavior were different from others, and above all, Joo Ji-tae had a special aura around him.

“Okay, did everyone get a good rest?”

“It was too noisy.”

“Honestly, I woke up every hour.”

“Ah… Italy is the worst!”

On the morning of the game day.

Coach Jose looked at the players complaining around him and smiled wryly.

“So, are you anxious?”

“No.”

“Not at all.”

The players’ gazes unconsciously turned to Joo Ji-tae.

Coach Jose, who was watching this unconscious behavior, snapped his fingers.

“I’m the same. For some reason, I don’t think we’ll lose today.”

“Uh… Coach, you too? I feel the same way.”

“Me too.”

“Then… let’s go win!”

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg between Barcelona and Juventus was just around the corner.