Celebration

Richard and Coach Schmidt stepped into the media room after practice, the air still buzzing from their hard-fought Union Berlin match. The room was set up with a semicircle of chairs facing a sleek desk, microphones arranged neatly, and cameras capturing every moment. It was time for their joint interview.

A reporter with a crisp notebook and a focused expression began, "Coach Schmidt, Richard, congratulations on tonight's performance. Coach, can you walk us through your thoughts on tonight's game?"

Coach Schmidt leaned forward, his voice calm yet measured. "Thank you. It was a tough match, but we managed to hold our nerve. Union Berlin pressed us hard, and every player had to give their all. Richard, in particular, showed great composure under pressure—dropping deep when needed and linking up our play beautifully."

Richard smiled modestly as he added, "Coach was right. Tonight was all about adapting to the intensity. I learned a lot out there, especially with the relentless press from Berlin. I just tried to keep the ball moving and take advantage of the moments when space opened up."

A second reporter jumped in, "Richard, you've been under a lot of pressure since your debut. How are you handling the Bundesliga intensity, and what does tonight's performance mean for your future at Dortmund?"

Richard's eyes glimmered with determination. "Every match in the Bundesliga is a lesson. Tonight, I realized that it's not just about making plays—it's about doing so under intense pressure. I'm learning quickly, and with the support of my teammates and Coach Schmidt, I believe I can take on anything. This performance is just one step in my journey."

Coach Schmidt nodded approvingly before adding, "We know the season is full of challenges. Dortmund is fighting to climb the standings, and every point matters, especially with tough fixtures ahead. Richard's role will be crucial as we look to turn our form around."

The cameras panned as the conversation shifted. One final question came from a well-known sports journalist, "With Dortmund facing an uphill battle in the league and the Champions League still in sight, what do you both expect moving forward?"

Coach Schmidt responded, "We have a lot of work ahead. The key is consistency. Richard and the whole team need to maintain this level of focus game after game. It's a long season, and every training session, every match, counts."

Richard added, "I'm here to give everything on the pitch. I'm focused on improving, and I'm excited to face the challenges ahead. This is just the beginning, and I'm ready for it."

As the interview wrapped up, the room erupted in applause. Coach Schmidt and Richard exchanged a quick nod—a silent acknowledgment of the hard work ahead and the promise of what was to come. The interview not only captured the determination and unity of the team but also set the tone for Dortmund's challenging season ahead.

Outside, as they left the media room, Coach Schmidt remarked quietly to Richard, "Keep this up, and you won't just be part of the team—you'll lead it."

Richard smiled, feeling the weight of expectation balanced by the thrill of opportunity. The intensity of the Bundesliga was only growing, and he was ready to face it head-on.

After the interview, Coach Schmidt and Richard walked back to the locker room, the mood still electric from the post-match media praise. As they stepped inside, the sound of laughter, cheers, and clanging lockers filled the air. The team was already gathered—teammates draped in sweat and relief, celebrating their hard-fought 1-0 win against Union Berlin.

Marco Reus and Adeyemi were at the center of the room, clapping Richard on the back and teasing him about his "magic touch" on the pitch. Lukas and Raphaël Guerreiro exchanged playful jibes, while even Mats Hummels, who had been skeptical at first, offered a rare, approving nod.

"Man, you really brought the heat tonight," Reus exclaimed, a broad grin lighting up his face. "I knew you had it in you!"

Richard chuckled, feeling the warmth of camaraderie. "I just did my job," he replied modestly, though the pride in his eyes was unmistakable.

Coach Schmidt entered the fray, his stern demeanor softened by genuine pride. "Great work out there, lads. Richard, your performance was key to our victory. Enjoy this moment—you earned it."

As teammates gathered around for a quick celebration, someone from the back of the room fired up a portable speaker, and soon a catchy tune filled the locker room. The team began to toast with water bottles and sports drinks, laughter mingling with clapping and shouts of encouragement.

In one corner, Lukas hoisted Richard onto his shoulders as a playful, celebratory gesture, while Chidi and a few younger players danced around, joking about how the "new star" would soon have to lead the team to even bigger wins.

Richard took a deep breath, savoring the moment—a mixture of adrenaline, relief, and excitement for the future. It was in these raw, unscripted moments that the real spirit of the team shone through, and he knew that, together, they could overcome the challenges that lay ahead in the brutal world of Bundesliga football.

In that celebratory chaos, Richard's phone buzzed with messages—congratulatory texts from his agent, Evan Cadwell, and excited notifications from fans on social media. He smiled at the digital affirmations, feeling both the weight of responsibility and the joy of shared success.

With the echoes of cheers still resonating, Richard clapped his hands to quiet the room for a moment. "Tonight was amazing. Let's enjoy this win and get ready—tomorrow, we push even harder. Thanks, everyone, for being part of this journey."

As laughter and applause erupted once more, the team's unity and determination were palpable. In that locker room, amidst the celebrations, Richard knew that every victory—big or small—was a step toward the legacy he was determined to build.

In the bustling locker room after training, a few players gathered around a tablet as one of the senior team members scrolled through the latest Bundesliga stats. The screen flashed the current league leaders in goals and assists—a snapshot of the season as it stood in February 2025.

"Check this out," Lukas said, handing the tablet to Richard. "According to these numbers, here are the top five goal scorers in the Bundesliga right now:

• Erik Hofmann from Bayern Munich leads with 18 goals.

• Jens Müller of RB Leipzig is close behind with 16.

• Alexander Schmidt from Bayer Leverkusen has netted 15.

• Fabian Weber from Dortmund has 14 goals, showing our potential despite our struggles.

• And Lucas Fischer of Union Berlin rounds out the top five with 13 goals.

And for assists, listen to this—

• Thomas Becker of Bayern tops the chart with 12 assists.

• Marco Reus from Dortmund isn't far behind at 11.

• David Lang of RB Leipzig follows with 10 assists.

• Lukas Werner from Union Berlin has 9 assists, and

• Christian Schmitt from Bayer Leverkusen closes the list with 8.

There was a mix of excitement and determination in the room. Richard absorbed the numbers, aware that while these statistics were for the entire league, they also set the standard for what players like him were aiming to reach. Even in a season where Dortmund was fighting to climb the table, these stats reminded everyone of the fierce competition and the heights that could be achieved.

Lukas clapped Richard on the back. "One day, you'll be up there, Blake. Just keep pushing."

Richard nodded, feeling both inspired and challenged by the benchmark. In that moment, the statistics weren't just numbers—they were the targets he'd aim for as he continued to work hard on the pitch.