Dynasty Awakening: Building My Own Football Empire-Chapter 275: Don’t worry Boss

Victor Osimhen was essentially the most lethal all-round striker on the team, and he was only in his first season of English football. Just imagining what kind of absolute monster would be unleashed on the pitch if his full chaotic potential was unlocked by the new tactical system gave Kaito goosebumps.

Now that he thought about it, Victor never made it to the Champions League final in his previous club either.

Kaito’s thoughts were broken by the Boss who looked like he was about to speak.

"We’ve been training hard for the past week, and now is the time to test out how far we’ve actually come as a squad." Michael Sterling said, looking over all of his players with his hands in his expensive suit pockets.

"In the 3 game lead up to the Champions League qualifications we’ll be playing top-six rivals almost every weekend."

He continued, "We’ll talk about our tactical opponents later, but I wanted to announce the first team for the crucial Etihad clash."

A wave of excitement fell upon the players, or at least those who were not already guaranteed starters in the first squad. Diego subconsciously gravitated towards Kaito, gripping onto his arm and showing his anxiety about facing Erling Haaland.

"If I call your name, step forward..."

"Goalkeeper: Jan Visser. Defense: Vladimir Petrovic, Sergio Ramos, Jean Luc Dubois, Luke Shaw. Midfield: Mateo Vega, James Ward-Prowse, N’Golo Kante."

Kaito nodded, these were the standard first squad members for a high-press game. He wasn’t surprised that the Boss was keeping the same defensive line up in this high-stakes situation.

"Left Winger... Leo Stone. Substitutes for the attack: Kaito Tanaka, Amara Kone."

The manager’s next words caused every single player on the training field to look around with utter confusion. There were even some players such as Mateo who audibly let out their shock at the omission.

However, Leo was the most shocked out of everyone. He knew that Kaito was a million times better than him, which was why he had been working so hard to improve his own pressing game in the last month.

’So the Boss hasn’t given up on me just yet.’

Tears began to form at the corner of his eyes as he was filled with intense gratitude. He inwardly vowed to change his ways and run himself into the ground, thanking the manager for his belief in him.

Michael’s gaze fell on Kaito who seemed to have absolutely no reaction. His expression was completely unflappable, as if nothing in the football world could effect him.

"Boss, I thought Kaito was already cleared as our main starter?"

Victor voiced his concerns aloud, taking it upon himself to address the tactical issue as the main striker.

However, the manager shook his head. "I said this is the starting line up for the Manchester City match. I won’t be accepting any feedback or complaints."

A small, knowing smile crept onto Kaito’s face as he was able to read between the tactical lines.

’The Boss wants to keep me a secret by the looks of it. But I should probably get some play time against the tired legs of the City defenders.’

Since they would only see the full devastating depth of Guardiola’s defense in the final thirty minutes, it would be inconsequential if Kaito played against those defenders when they had no chance of being fatigued. It seemed that the Boss had this planned from the beginning.

The less data the Manchester City analysts had of Kaito’s magically healed hamstring, the better their chances of advancing to the Champions League in the first place.

Of course he wanted to play from the first whistle, but he would do absolutely anything in order for the team to win at this point.

After shutting down Victor curtly, the manager continued.

"Bench players: Arthur Melo, Kalvin Phillips, Diego Nunez. That is all."

Kaito felt the heavy grip on his arm tighten. When he turned around he saw Diego’s ugly crying face, causing him to recoil subconsciously.

"I-I’m so happy" He said, tears and snot covering his bearded face.

Since he was still kind of out of breath from the intense rondo warm-up, Diego looked like a sick patient in the hospital who was afflicted with some kind of terrible disease.

"D-Dude stay back." Kaito said as he saw Diego inching closer to him for a sweaty hug.

Sarah, Arthur and Kenji who were off to the side watched on with mixed emotions as the manager gave the shocking announcement.

The billionaire owner looked worriedly at Kaito who was currently backing away from Diego. He had watched him since the manager said he’d be a substitute winger, yet his expression was as stoic as ever.

He expected to see some pain or disappointment on his features, especially since he had been working so hard in rehab over the past month. However, he was like a machine instead, showing no emotions.

For some reason this made him feel deep sorrow on his behalf.

Kenji thought back to their meeting this morning where he seemed to be more genuine in front of him and felt an ache in his rich heart.

"Don’t worry Kenji, I’m sure Michael has his genius reasons for making Kaito the backup winger." Sarah said, placing her hand on the owner’s silk-suited shoulder.

"Y-Yeah. See even Kaito doesn’t appear to be upset about it." Arthur pointed out, trying to cheer him up while eating a jelly baby.

"Yeah..." Kenji said after a while, letting out a heavy sigh.

"Let’s go get the towels and water bottles and cheer everyone up." He said a moment later, leaving the scene.

Unaware of the concern being shown his way, Kaito had managed to finally avoid the snot demon Diego and was about to head over and begin his shooting training.

"Kaito, do you have a moment?"

"Hmm?" Kaito spun around, hearing the manager’s voice.

He quickly followed the Boss, having a strong inkling about what he wanted to talk about.

Once they were far enough away from prying ears, Michael Sterling turned to Kaito and spoke. "I know I said that I would make you the main weapon of the team, but you need to trust me okay?"

Hearing this, Kaito could only smile in response. Despite his chaotic outward appearance, the manager always looked out for his players, even going so far as to pull Kaito aside after such a controversial announcement.

"Don’t worry Boss, I would have done the exact same thing." He said confidently.

"Oh? And why is that?" Taken aback, the manager asked.

With a smirk, Kaito replied. "It makes sense to keep your best weapon hidden until the Manchester City legs get heavy, right?"

Michael Sterling blinked a few times before scoffing.

"Fuck, just make sure you’re fast when I need you." He said, waving off the cocky winger. However a small smile crept onto his face the moment he turned his back.