121: "Games" Beyond the Board (Part 2)

“Aerial ball defense, on the surface, looks like a contest of height and jumping ability, but in reality, it’s more about positional sense and judgment.” Lin Feng stood in the penalty area and began his explanation.

He first had several tall players stand in different positions within the penalty area, then pointed to an imaginary trajectory in the air.

“Predicting the landing spot of the ball not only requires observing the passer’s technique but also his body posture and running angle.”

Watson diligently took notes. Lin Feng’s explanation indeed had unique insights, especially his analysis of “landing spot prediction.”

“Traditional defensive methods are simple combinations of man-marking or zonal defense, but I believe the most effective method is dynamic zonal defense.”

Lin Feng drew several lines on the ground, “Each defensive player has his own area of responsibility, but this area dynamically adjusts according to the ball’s trajectory.”

He had Shawcross, Smalling, and Nelson take their positions according to his instructions, then Tinkler was responsible for delivering high balls.

The first time, the three defensive players stood in their traditional positions, and the ball landed in the gap between them.

The second time, Lin Feng adjusted their positions, making them move dynamically according to the ball’s flight trajectory. This time, Shawcross accurately judged the landing spot and successfully won the header.

“The timing of the jump is equally important.” Lin Feng continued to explain, “Many players are used to jumping as soon as they see the ball, but this often causes them to start descending before the ball arrives.”

He introduced some biomechanical analysis, explaining the relationship between the optimal timing for a human jump and the hang time.

“The best time to jump is 0.3 seconds before the ball reaches above your head. This ensures sufficient hang time and maximum power output when contacting the ball.”

Such professional analysis once again left Watson in awe. He had seen many coaches, but few could combine tactics and scientific theory so perfectly.

The assessment lasted a full two hours, covering various aspects such as theoretical explanation, practical demonstration, and on-the-spot problem-solving.

Watson closed his notebook. He knew that the conclusion of this assessment report could only be one word: exceptional. What Lin Feng had demonstrated had long exceeded the scope of a Level 2 certificate.

“Mr. Lin.” After the assessment, Watson privately approached Lin Feng, “With your theoretical level, you should be teaching coaches at UEFA.”

Such a remark surprised Lin Feng slightly.

“I will formally recommend to the FA that you be given a fast track to the UEFA B License.” Watson’s tone was very serious.

“This usually requires at least three years of coaching experience, but I believe you are fully capable.”

Lin Feng nodded in thanks, but his mind was more focused on planning for the future. Coaching certificates were important, but his goals went far beyond that.

In the afternoon, Victoria Park Stadium welcomed a grand signing ceremony.

The contract with Puma was laid on the table, the figure of two million pounds signifying that Hartlepool United finally had the commercial capital to challenge the strong teams in League One.

A temporary signing stage was set up in the center of the stadium, surrounded by bouquets with the club’s logo and Puma product displays.

Media reporters were already in position, flashbulbs constantly flickering.

Lin Feng appeared in a dark blue suit at the signing table, accompanied by James Wilson, General Manager of Puma UK.

“This contract represents more than just a commercial partnership.” Lin Feng said at the signing ceremony, “It also represents our shared vision for the future.”

Wilson also expressed great anticipation for this collaboration: “The vitality and potential shown by Hartlepool United are precisely the spirit that the Puma brand pursues.”

Although the contract amount was not disclosed, media estimates placed the value of this three-year equipment sponsorship contract at least at two million pounds.

For a League One team, such a figure was already astonishing.

But what was even more surprising was another decision Lin Feng announced at the signing ceremony.

“Starting this season, the club will set aside a fixed percentage from ticket and merchandise revenue to establish a ‘Community Football Development Fund’.”

Lin Feng’s voice echoed through the stadium via the loudspeakers, “This fund will be used to renovate local community football pitches and sponsor underprivileged children to participate in football.”

Reporters stopped pressing their shutters, looking at each other. A few seconds later, someone started to applaud, and then the entire signing venue erupted in applause, even more enthusiastic than when the sponsorship amount was announced.

In an era of maximizing commercial interests, few club owners would voluntarily give back to the community.

Lin Feng’s decision undoubtedly earned him and the club immense prestige.

Sophie Green stood in the media section, her gaze fixed on Lin Feng on the stage.

This man always managed to make the right decisions at the right time. Packaging cold business with the warmest human touch—this ability made her both admire and curious about him.

Was he genuinely concerned about community development, or was this just another clever business strategy?

Perhaps it was both.

After the signing ceremony, Lin Feng gave short interviews to several media outlets.

“Mr. Lin, how did the idea for this community fund come about?” a reporter asked.

“Football belongs to the entire community.” Lin Feng’s answer was concise and sincere, “The club’s success cannot be separated from the fans’ support, and giving back to the community is a responsibility we should bear.”

Another reporter asked: “There are rumors that you have passed the FA Level 2 certificate assessment. Does this mean you will consider more direct involvement in the team’s technical guidance?”

Lin Feng smiled slightly: “I believe in Coach John’s abilities. My role is more about providing support and advice.”

This answer clearly did not satisfy the reporters’ curiosity, but Lin Feng was unwilling to reveal more.

As night fell, Phoenix Training Center gradually quieted down.

The players had finished their day’s training, and staff members had successively left.

Lin Feng sat alone in his office, with videotapes of Oldham’s recent matches on his desk.

On the TV screen, Oldham’s players were engaged in an intense confrontation. Their style of play was indeed simple and crude, but the effect was obvious.

Long balls, set-piece tactics, physical confrontation.

These seemingly outdated tactics still held powerful sway in League One.

Lin Feng picked up the remote control, repeatedly watching Oldham’s strikers’ runs and aerial challenges. He mentally simulated various situations that might arise in tomorrow’s match.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated.

Lin Feng picked up his phone, and a new text message appeared on the screen. The sender was an unfamiliar London number.

The message was short, but every word made Lin Feng’s brow furrow slightly:

“Mr. Chess Player, your firewall is quite good. But the real game isn’t online. I’ve arrived in London. — K.K.”

Lin Feng stared at the text message for a long time.

K.K., that signature reminded him of some past events, some memories he thought he had completely buried.

He slowly put down his phone, his gaze returning to the TV screen. The Oldham match recording continued to play, but his attention was no longer there.

The real game, perhaps, was indeed not on the football field.

But no matter what, tomorrow’s match still had to continue. His team needed him, and the city of Hartlepool needed him.

As for those “games” beyond the chessboard, let them come.

He was ready.