Guardiola's Personal Visit

SV Werder Bremen is the northernmost team in the Bundesliga, located in Bremen state, with the Weser Stadium as their home ground, situated on the banks of the Weser River in the city center.

The team's training base is right next to the stadium, so it's easy to find.

Lin and the others landed at Bremen City Airport.

Unlike other airports, Bremen City Airport is only 3.5 kilometers from the city center.

So, after landing, the group reached their destination in just over ten minutes.

Guardiola's sudden visit surprised everyone at SV Werder Bremen.

Many staff members couldn't contain their excitement. Could it be that this legendary coach's next stop would be SV Werder Bremen?

On second thought, it doesn't seem impossible.

This season, due to the team's poor performance, club manager Allofs intended to leave for another Bundesliga team, VfL Wolfsburg. When Alberts, a close friend of Allofs and the head coach of the team for thirteen years, heard this news, he also had thoughts of leaving.

These two have been the club's veteran leaders since taking over the team in 1999. If they were to leave, it would be like a severe earthquake for SV Werder Bremen.

Therefore, the club needed to start looking for a new head coach and club manager.

Frustrated with the team's declining performance, the fans and club executives were determined to splash out the big bucks to bring in the hottest legend in the football world today. It didn't seem completely impossible.

Based on Guardiola's track record over the past few seasons, if he were to really come to coach SV Werder Bremen, the fans of SV Werder Bremen would probably pinch themselves awake from their dreams.

After learning of this news, SV Werder Bremen club president Klaus Fischer, along with vice president Hesguru Nevallad, sports director Ersin, and club manager Allofs, personally went out to greet Guardiola's group.

"We didn't expect the coach, everyone in football is looking for, to come to Bremen at this time. It's really surprising!"

President Fischer politely greeted Guardiola, then introduced the people around him in turn.

Guardiola also took the opportunity to introduce his family. After both sides had finished introductions, President Fischer asked in confusion, "I wonder what brings Coach Guardiola here?"

He was sure that he hadn't invited Guardiola to coach. SV Werder Bremen was just a mid-table small club and couldn't afford a coach of Guardiola's caliber.

One thing aside, Guardiola's salary was something they couldn't bear.

SV Werder Bremen's total revenue last season was only 73 million euros, while Guardiola's salary alone would be 10 million euros.

They simply couldn't afford such a salary.

Moreover, Guardiola couldn't possibly be interested in their small club!

So, he was very curious as to why Guardiola suddenly visited.

Most likely, Guardiola had his eye on a certain young player from their team, hence why he came to personally persuade the club.

But it was already the end of May, and the Bundesliga season had ended a month ago. SV Werder Bremen had been on vacation for half a month, and the players had already gone home.

To come to the club now to find a player was seeking something impossible.

The more he couldn't understand, the more curious he became.

Guardiola had long guessed that his arrival would bring unnecessary trouble, but luckily, his visit had been sudden and hadn't alerted the media. Otherwise, there would likely have been many speculative reports the next day.

So, he immediately explained, "Actually, Werder Bremen submitted a loan application to Barcelona and that's why I'm here!"

"A loan application?" President Klaus looked at sports director Ersin, who then nodded, "That's true. Our team lacks depth in midfield. Upon the coach's request, we submitted loan applications to six major clubs, and ultimately only Chelsea and Barcelona responded to our request, agreeing to loan our players."

Hearing the mention of Chelsea's name, Lin perked up and asked, "What's the name of the player on loan from Chelsea?"

Ersin glanced at Lin and then at the club president as if seeking permission.

This kind of thing is uncertain until the player reports to the team. The host club may change their mind at any time, and other teams may also hijack the transfer during the transfer period. Since the new season had not yet started, they didn't want to reveal relevant information too early to avoid unfavorable effects on their team's preparations.

So, Lin's question was actually somewhat taboo.

But the president of SV Werder Bremen, Klaus Fischer, waved it off generously and said, "The player's name is Kevin De Bruyne, a 21-year-old young midfielder."

Upon hearing this name, Lin's face lit up with a slight smile.

Sure enough, it was that De Bruyne guy. Lin remembered how he struggled to fit into Mourinho's tactics after joining Chelsea. So, he was loaned to the Bundesliga for a while. And it seemed like SV Werder Bremen was the team that loaned him. Now, seeing his memory confirmed, De Bruyne was indeed coming on loan.

Just the thought of working with this upcoming midfield maestro in the next season boosted Lin's confidence.

Seeing Lin so happy upon hearing De Bruyne's name, the people from SV Werder Bremen were a bit puzzled. They couldn't quite figure out what had him so excited.

Could it be that he was a De Bruyne fan and had come all the way to SV Werder Bremen to idolize him?

No way, right? While De Bruyne had some fame, it wasn't that huge.

"Uh, well, Chairman Klaus, the midfielder Barcelona is loaning to your team is, in fact, my eldest son!"

Seeing the conversation veer off track, Guardiola lightly coughed and quickly redirected the discussion.

He solemnly introduced his foster son to the SV Werder Bremen officials. "He plays as a defensive midfielder in the youth team, showcasing the delicate footwork and excellent vision typical of La Masia players. Before I left Barcelona, I intended for him to be groomed as the successor to Xavi. Today, I entrust him to you with the hope that you will nurture his talents properly. Trust me, you will be proud to have him!"

After Guardiola's speech, the SV Werder Bremen group was left dumbfounded.

Could it be true? The renowned legend in football had come all this way to advocate for his son? What an impressive background!