I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

After personally demonstrating to Gu Ran how to better distribute the ball, Coach Carter spoke with a serious tone:

"Gu, the full-back position is unique on the field—it has the lowest entry requirements yet the highest ceiling of all positions. To play as a competent full-back, all you need is stamina, physicality, and speed. But to excel, to elevate the entire team with your play, this position becomes the most challenging one of all."

Gu Ran humbly asked, "Coach, can you explain in more detail?"

Coach Carter looked at him with growing admiration. "Good, good. Since you have the drive, you can definitely master the full-back position."

"Let's start with what makes a passable full-back."

"First, let's talk about defense."

"When defending, you must always maintain the correct positioning. What is the correct positioning? Specifically, when the ball is in the center, you need to keep a proper horizontal distance from the center-back. If the opponent's forward receives the ball and our center-back steps up to challenge, you must shrink back and cover the space behind him."

"If the ball is on the opposite flank, you have to close down the space behind your center-back. Pay attention—if an opponent is making a run between you and the center-back, you have two options: either assist the center-back in marking the forward with the ball, or follow the runner making the forward run."

"Which choice is correct? There's no fixed answer. It depends entirely on your ability to read the game—your football IQ."

"The only thing I can teach you is this—always stay in line with the defensive formation. If you find yourself out of position, you must adjust immediately."

"If the ball is on your flank, you need to communicate with your teammates. If you press forward to challenge, call out to your teammate so they can cover the space behind you. Otherwise, you'll be caught in a one-two combination and left behind."

"In today's game, you charged forward aggressively to press. That worked because the opposing team was weak, but against a stronger opponent, this kind of reckless challenge will leave you badly out of position."

"Never allow the opposing winger or full-back to easily get behind you."

"Remember this—a full-back's defensive principle is: give up the wings, protect the center."

"A common misconception among full-backs is that they only need to defend the flanks. This is actually incorrect."

"The most important area for a full-back to defend is the central channel."

As he spoke, Coach Carter pulled out a well-worn tactics board, marked with countless lines and notes. He grabbed a marker and circled areas in the center of the pitch.

"Look here—if you fail to position yourself properly in the center, an opponent breaking through can easily switch play to the wing behind you. By the time you turn around to chase, their winger will already be two steps ahead, creating a 2v1 overload."

"But, if their winger chooses to attack down the line, our winger and defensive midfielder can help out. That way, you still have time to close in and challenge."

Coach Carter concluded, "So, defending wide is easy. Defending centrally is hard. Your positional awareness is extremely, extremely, extremely, extremely important."

Gu Ran took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "A full-back's main priority is defending the center... Got it."

Coach Carter continued, "Another key point—if you're unsure, don't stick your leg out recklessly. Especially in our own defensive third. If you get beaten here, it's incredibly dangerous. If you foul the attacker and concede a free kick, that's even worse."

"That being said, don't fear getting dribbled past. Attacking takes talent, and in high school matches, 1v1 dribbles are not as easy as you think. If you don't feel confident tackling, just shadow the attacker, apply pressure, force him to slow down, and wait for him to make a mistake."

"As long as you maintain good positioning and use your body more in challenges instead of blindly sticking out your foot, your defense will be solid."

Damn…

Is this really just a high school coach?

His explanation was so detailed and insightful! This was pure gold!

Gu Ran felt a wave of clarity washing over him!

His understanding of the full-back position had just deepened significantly!

Without hesitation, he asked, "Coach, then what makes a full-back competent in attack?"

Coach Carter's enthusiasm skyrocketed, as if he had finally found someone who truly understood his passion.

"In England, our football style heavily relies on attacking full-backs. In recent years, European teams have started shifting towards possession-based play, but in traditional English football, the full-back is the most important piece of the entire tactical system."

"To become a qualified attacking full-back, aside from fitness, strength, and speed, the first rule is—minimize errors. In simple terms, as long as you can deliver a clean pass, you've completed your task."

"That's why an attacking full-back must have a high pass accuracy."

He returned to the tactics board, sketching again.

"Attacking as a full-back comes down to three key types of passes."

"First: Forward pass—aimed at the forward or attacking midfielder."

"Second: Side pass—either to the defensive midfielder or, after making an overlapping run, a sideways ball to the forward or attacking midfielder."

"Third: Back pass—to the center-back, to retain possession."

"So, you must always be scanning and reading the positions of the forward, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, and center-back."

"Scanning means—you take one quick glance and memorize their positions."

"Reading means—you interpret their body language to anticipate what they will do next."

"These skills require two things—familiarity with your teammates and extensive match experience."

Coach Carter put away the tactics board and said, "Gu, during today's 10-minute match, you played with a strong sense of individual style. Your inverted runs from the wing really caught my attention, giving me new tactical ideas."

"Tonight, reflect carefully on everything I've told you."

Gu Ran, fully convinced, nodded sincerely. "Understood, Coach."

Coach Carter then suddenly asked, "Oh, by the way… do you have a girlfriend?"

"Uh… no… wait, yes." Gu Ran's expression stiffened slightly.

Technically, he didn't, but according to his agreement with Sophie, he was technically in a relationship.

Coach Carter shrugged indifferently. "It's normal for a young guy to have a girlfriend. When I was your age, I had three or four at the same time. I'm not here to interfere in your personal life…"

"But tonight, don't get too… affectionate."

Huh…?

What??

Coach, could you please clarify what you mean by "affectionate"?

I don't quite understand…

Coach, I'm an upright and decent person!

Wait… hold on! Why did you specifically emphasize "tonight"?!

Does that mean…

Tomorrow's group stage match—I might actually get playing time?!

Gu Ran took a deep breath and firmly assured Coach Carter, "Rest assured, Coach! There is absolutely no way I'll be 'affectionate' tonight!"

…

(End of Chapter)

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