0 4 – Mansfield’s New Manager (1)

---

"It's a disaster. It's terrible. Gives me chills."

I lowered my voice.

I couldn't let the young players, who were celebrating their goal like maniacs, hear me.

But I couldn't suppress it entirely.

"Passing, physical battles, speed, clearances—nothing is working."

At best, the winger's aggressive movement and the fullback James' reckless overlapping—without even looking back—somehow led to a goal.

But I couldn't relax.

"It was offside, wasn't it?"

The striker who scored with a header was clearly offside.

But what could I do? There was no referee here.

"And when a fullback overlaps, someone has to cover the space."

Despite the obvious overlapping, no one covered the open space.

It was wide open.

If the overlapping failed and the ball was lost, a single pass could create a perfect counterattack opportunity.

"Though, to be fair, the other team doesn't seem capable of executing a counterattack either."

A wry smile crept onto my face.

One thing was clear.

"There's no way any of these kids are getting called up to the senior team."

I hadn't watched this training match and given a few instructions for nothing.

Given the club's thin squad, we were at the point where we needed to pull up youth players.

But it was obvious at a glance.

There was no one worth using. I hadn't fully grasped the level of League Two yet, but this wasn't professional-level football.

I had to understand. They were just kids.

'But still...'

---

"Are you the new manager?"

A man with a stern face and heavy presence.

John Jenkinson.

Captain of Mansfield Town and a one-club man who had never left the team.

Also known as Mr. Mansfield.

"I'm John Jenkinson."

Jenkinson extended his hand. Instead of shaking it, I placed both hands on my hips.

"Yes. But tell me, was today's training session canceled?"

"...You could say that."

"It wasn't that training was canceled and the players didn't show up. The players didn't show up, so training was effectively canceled."

Jenkinson's expression shifted slightly as he withdrew his hand.

I didn't care and continued.

"What about the coaches? According to the paperwork, there are two remaining coaches. Why don't I see them? There are no coaches, no team doctors—who decided to hold this training match?"

"...Is there something wrong with the way we're training?"

"Yes. There is."

Jenkinson didn't respond. He simply stared at me.

Standing at 194 cm and weighing around 90 kg, his presence was intimidating.

Yet, somehow, he didn't give off the oppressive aura I expected.

"If there are no coaches, no team doctors, no physical trainers, what do you do if someone gets injured during training?"

"...!"

"A coach doesn't just stand on the touchline with arms crossed, hands in pockets. They check on the players, monitor for injuries, and step in when things get too heated. That's why coaches are in charge of training."

Jenkinson's face turned slightly red.

---

"The coaches... came, but when the players didn't show up, they canceled training and went home."

"And what about you?"

"Training must be done."

"I know. Players need to train. But my question is—why did you stay behind instead of following the coaches' orders?"

"!"

"Is it because you think, 'I'm different from those who refused to train'? That 'I alone hold this team together'?"

"That's a bit much for a first meeting, don't you think?"

"A first meeting, huh..."

I let out a bitter laugh and shook my head.

"Players who refuse to show up for training and players who ignore the coaches' instructions are both disobeying orders, aren't they?"

"That's—"

Jenkinson opened his mouth as if to argue but then let out a sigh to suppress his anger.

He shot me a cold glare before turning away without a word.

I watched his retreating figure for a long time.

Suddenly, I felt a heavy weight in my chest.

I instinctively picked up my phone.

---

—Have you already checked the clubhouse?

"Didn't take long."

—Huh? But a lot has changed since you were last here.

"Yeah, a lot's changed. Like players not showing up for training."

—Ha… That's really frustrating.

"I figured this wasn't the first time."

—Did you meet the coaches?

"They canceled training and left early."

—As expected.

Lily's reaction suggested she already knew this was coming.

—So, you haven't met anyone else?

"Jack, and John Jenkinson."

—Ah! You'd definitely remember them! They've been with the club since we were kids. So, how was Jenkinson? From what I hear, he was the only senior player who showed up, right?"

---

"Well, my thoughts? Time has been cruel to him."

—Huh? What do you mean? Oh, are you saying his skills have declined compared to his prime?"

"It's not that he's worse. It's just… he's too much of an adult now."

—I don't get it.

"He's aged. He's too patient now."

—What, are you planning to retire him?

Lily sounded alarmed. I shook my head.

"No, nothing like that. It's just… the Jenkinson in my memories feels so different. He holds back too much."

—Ugh, can you stop using that cryptic speech? You're the manager now, and I'm the owner, remember?

"Ah, yes, Madam President. Since we have a lot to discuss, shall we have dinner together?"

---

"Did you set the date?"

"Yeah, next Thursday."

"That's fast."

"I just want to get it over with. There's too much to do."

Lily glanced at the surrounding tables, her eyes lingering on one spot.

"What's with the deer-in-the-headlights look over a glass of wine?"

"It's not just a glass of wine. It's market research. We only produce whiskey, but that doesn't mean I don't understand wine."

"You won't be able to taste anything for a while, though."

"It's fine. The old-timers at the distillery have everything under control. The real problem is… our club."

"We need surgery."

"Huh? My surgery is next week."

"Not yours. The club. We need to operate."

Lily's tired eyes suddenly sharpened.

"You mean starting with the coaching staff? The ones who just canceled training and left?"

She pulled two résumés from her bag.

One was of a middle-aged man with a thick mustache. The other was a relatively young, handsome man.

"The mustache guy is Alop McGinn, our tactical coach. He's been with the club for eight years. Despite multiple managerial changes, he's stuck around."

"Eight years? So, he was here when we were in the Championship?"

"Yep. We signed him back then."

"And he's still here even after dropping to League Two? Loyalty?"

Lily gave a bitter smile.

"No. A huge severance clause."

---

As we analyzed the club's internal dysfunction, I could already see the factions forming within the squad.

This was going to be a tough operation.

But one thing was certain—the old ways had to go.

---

Lily glanced at me as she spoke.

"If you think he should go, I can make it happen."

The severance package was expensive, but typically, when a manager changes, so does the coaching staff. Paying compensation to fire coaches was standard practice.

However, in this case, the severance was abnormally high, and given the club's financial situation, even that was a burden.

Still, Lily looked like she was willing to endure it.

"Looks like you've already considered firing him multiple times."

"Of course. Yesterday wasn't the first time this happened. He wasn't always like this, but after so many managerial changes and dropping to League Two, plus the constant news about our club being on the brink of collapse… he's just looking to coast until his contract ends. Like a leech! And when he gets fired, he'll cash in on his severance!"

I nodded, then turned to the second résumé.

"And this guy?"

"Ah, that's Alensky. Our fitness coach. He's been with us for two years."

"Short tenure."

"He came with the previous manager. His severance is pretty high too."

"How's his performance?"

"The players speak highly of him, but…"

"Usually, when players say a coach is 'great,' it doesn't necessarily mean he's actually good."

"Exactly. On the bright side, he's a friendly, easygoing coach… but on the downside, he's a bit of a slacker."

"Drinks and parties?"

"Even with the players."

My brows furrowed involuntarily.

"He enjoys drinking and partying with the players. He also meets a lot of women."

"Alcohol and women? With the players? That's a disaster. How does he even manage that?"

"Well, he's good-looking."

"Good-looking?"

"Yeah. He's quite handsome."

"He looks too greasy to me."

"That's what most people consider attractive."

"…"

"Wait. Why are you looking at me like that?"

Lily smirked and rested her chin on her hand. I spoke nonchalantly.

"He's gotta go."

"Whoa. That level of jealousy?"

"What are you even talking about? Have you already been sedated for your surgery? There's an old saying—'New wine in new wineskins.'"

"Did you just use a liquor metaphor with a distillery owner?"

Lily chuckled but then her expression turned serious.

"It won't be easy to fire them—not just because of the severance."

"I figured. It's a faction issue, right?"

"!"

"There are only two coaches, so it's not a rivalry between them. Instead, the players are split into groups loyal to each coach, aren't they?"

"Exactly. The veteran players are incredibly loyal to Alop McGinn. Some even call him 'dad.' The younger players, naturally, favor Alensky. But… how did you know?"

"Because I couldn't believe they'd just be sitting around, waiting for their contracts to end. They must have some leverage. And well… let's just say it's a gut feeling."

"A gut feeling?"

I exhaled slowly.

This wasn't just a simple restructuring.

It was a full-scale operation.

---

"They call them 'Coach, Coach' everywhere and treat them like royalty."

"Is that really a thing?"

Surprisingly, in life, things like that matter a lot.

"There's no manager, the club owner is a rookie, and the club's management is just a supporter's association with no real power. In this situation, who do you think knows the most about running the club?"

"…The two coaches."

"Do you think the players don't know that?"

"!"

"Any manager coming to a club like this isn't likely to bring an entire coaching staff of their own. So, they naturally rely on the existing coaches for advice."

"Are you saying the players are aware of this and are siding with them?"

"Well, partly. They're picking sides, getting close to them isn't a bad idea, and on top of that, they don't have to endure tough training sessions."

These coaches don't warn players for skipping training; they simply cancel it altogether.

For professional athletes, that kind of behavior is downright disgusting. But in this failing club, discipline had long since disappeared.

"Then we have to fire them. Coaches who replace a manager's authority are a problem."

"First, we need to meet them in person."

"Huh?"

When I pulled out my phone, Lily's eyes widened in surprise.

"Right now?"

"Yeah, right now."

"Here?"

"Here."

"Weren't we supposed to be having dinner?"

"We're almost done, aren't we?"

"There are only a handful of decent restaurants in Mansfield, and this is our first proper dinner together in years… and you want to work?"

Lily looked flustered. I just shrugged.

"I even dressed up for the occasion."

"Good job."

"Huh?"

"Because this is the perfect setting. The atmosphere matters. It subtly puts pressure on people. Imagine being suddenly called to a fancy restaurant at night by the new manager and the club owner. How do you think they'll feel?"

"!"

Even so, there was an inexplicable hint of disappointment on her face.

I responded firmly, making it clear there was no room for discussion.

"Since you dressed up so nicely, we should make use of it. You look like a successful, high-powered businesswoman."

"Hmm, hmm… Well… fine."

With Lily's approval, I immediately made the calls.

Coach Alop was caught off guard at first, but in less than three seconds, he flipped his attitude completely.

— "Oh, of course! I'll be there right away! I'm starting my car now!"

But Alensky was more difficult.

— "At this hour? I mean, I heard we have a new manager, but can't we talk tomorrow during work hours…?"

His voice was slurred. I could practically smell the alcohol through the phone.

"Come immediately. The club owner barely managed to make time for this."

In situations like this, you have to use authority.

I ignored Lily's stunned expression as she stared at me.

— "This is ridiculous!"

"What's ridiculous is you leaving work early just because training was canceled. Since when does a coach go home after canceling training? There's at least a mutual duty of good faith, isn't there?"

— "…"

"Then, see you soon."

"Your voice got colder compared to when you spoke with Alop."

Lily smiled faintly. But I didn't have time to respond.

Because, to my surprise, Alop arrived almost immediately.

And he was wearing a full suit.

"Good evening, Madam President. This is our second time meeting. Ah, and this must be—"

"I'm Eugene Fischer, the manager."

"Nice to meet you! I'm Alop McGinn. Haha, you're quite young, Coach!"

Alop McGinn, with his signature mustache, was an incredibly smooth talker.

His voice was calm yet had a magnetic pull.

Even Lily, who had been unimpressed with the coaches up until now, started to soften as they conversed.

The way he naturally steered the conversation was genuinely impressive.

I could finally understand why every incoming manager had chosen to work with him.

"To have a manager from the Bundesliga experience our club's struggles firsthand… truly, what a wonderful selection, Madam President! You must have worked hard to find someone like him."

A silver tongue.

He moved like a tongue inside the mouth—smooth, never clumsy. And it didn't even seem servile.

I watched him with interest. Since I remained silent, simply listening, Alop cautiously changed the topic.

"By the way, since you've called us here, I assume there's something you'd like to discuss…"

"Ah, perfect timing. He's just arrived. It's best to talk when everyone is here."

The man who entered had a greasy look and was clearly intoxicated—Alensky.

As soon as he arrived, Alop's expression changed ever so slightly before returning to normal.

"Ahem, nice to meet you. I'm Coach Alensky."

"Yes. Please, take a seat."

"…"

I didn't stand up to greet him, which made him visibly annoyed.

But seeing that the club owner, Lily, and even Alop were present, he must have sensed that this wasn't an ordinary meeting. He forced himself to suppress his irritation.

For a moment, silence filled the air.

Lily simply maintained a posture of attentive listening, clearly waiting for me to speak.

With the club owner setting the tone, Alop and Alensky also remained quiet, glancing at me.

I tapped my fork lightly against my plate.

Clink.

Instantly, all eyes were on me.

"I'm sure you have an idea why we're here. When a new manager, alongside the club owner, requests a meeting with both coaches, the reason is usually quite clear."

"!"

Alop let out a short sigh, remaining silent, while Alensky openly showed his displeasure.

"Are you here to fire us?"

He tugged at his loosely worn tie as if it was suffocating him.

"What, did you bring in your own staff?"

"No, I have no staff. A rookie manager coming to League Two doesn't exactly have an entourage. I do have my eye on a head coach, but that's about it. Hardly a 'staff.'"

"Then, you're planning to fire us and find replacements? Be honest. Even if you post job openings, you won't find a single applicant. We're the only ones willing to stay in this mess."

For a brief moment, anger flickered across Lily's face.

But I signaled her to stay calm.

I chuckled and met Alensky's gaze head-on.

"I know. You guys are the only ones who'd stick around."

"Then, why fire us? Do you think League Two is easy? You plan to handle a 40-game season without a coaching staff?"

"Who said anything about firing you?"

"…?"

All eyes were now filled with confusion.

"I want both of you to stay."

"!"

"Huh?"

I smiled.

"So, please… let's work well together, seniors."