novelraw Chapter 296 - 72: Absolute Domain! The 11th Passive Skill! Klopp Syndrome Is Here Again! This Is the Ruhr Derby
Chapter 296 - 72: Absolute Domain! The 11th Passive Skill! Klopp Syndrome Is Here Again! This Is the Ruhr Derby
Wang Shuo also had a chance in the first half.
He took a long shot from 20 meters out, but Neuer saved it.
He had been consistent with his extra training every day, especially his physical conditioning, which he never skipped.
His physical fitness was definitely improving, but it would still take more time.
But to Wang Shuo’s astonishment, during halftime with the score at 0-0, Magat subbed out Raphinha for the Greek fullback, Pulicicas.
The 21-year-old fullback had also joined Schalke 04 this season and could play both as a fullback and in a deep-lying midfield position.
His defining trait, much like Moritz and Schmitz, was his incredible tenacity during a match.
Clearly, Magat was unhappy that Dortmund had created multiple chances down Schalke 04’s right flank in the first half.
Raphinha was a Brazilian player, strong in attack, but he wasn’t very willing to commit to defending.
This substitution seemed to turn Schalke 04 into an impenetrable fortress.
"Is he kidding me?"
On the sidelines, in the home team’s technical area, Buvac couldn’t believe Magat’s substitution.
"He’s supposed to be a top European manager, one of the best in the Bundesliga. How can he be so conservative?"
Klopp was also at a loss for words.
"It’s like... the whole world is just waiting for us to run out of stamina..."
Buvac, Krawietz... everyone on the coaching staff looked on, completely stunned.
They didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, unsure of how to react.
It was a genuinely awkward situation.
Klopp was sure that Magat was also waiting until after the 60-minute mark to make a sub and strengthen his attack.
"So what do we do now?" Buvac was getting anxious.
More than fifty minutes had passed in the second half.
Time was running out for Dortmund.
"Don’t panic yet. Look at Wang. He’s been more active than usual today, and he’s still full of energy."
Klopp, however, remained completely calm.
As long as Wang Shuo was okay, he was okay.
"Now that you mention it, with him leading the line, Schalke 04’s defenders are having a rough time."
"By the time our stamina runs low, they probably won’t have much left in the tank either."
At this, Buvac himself started to laugh.
What would it be like when Magat finally decided to launch his counterattack, only to find his own backline was out of gas?
"No, no, no, Zeliko. Wang’s most dangerous moment is just about to arrive!"
At Klopp’s words, Buvac, Krawietz, and the others all nodded in agreement.
Anyone who hadn’t witnessed it several times could never truly understand how immense Wang Shuo’s stamina was.
He was like a tireless water buffalo!
Especially when you think he’s finished—that’s precisely when he’s at his most threatening.
More importantly, Wang Shuo was the type of player who, the bigger the stage, the calmer he became and the better he performed.
They believed his incredible activity today was all because of the Ruhr Derby!
This was one of Dortmund’s most important matches of the season!
In last season’s two derby matches, both games between Dortmund and Schalke 04 ended in a draw.
The season before that, Dortmund was crushed, losing 1-4 away and 2-3 at home.
If their past head-to-head record could be considered a mixed bag, Dortmund had clearly been on the losing end in recent seasons.
Schalke 04 had started to shit all over Dortmund.
How could the Bumblebee fans stand for that?
"Listen to the roar of over 80,000 fans here at Westfalen Stadium!"
As he spoke, Klopp strode out of the technical area, turned to the Dortmund supporters in the stands, and began waving his arms frantically, urging them to get even louder.
To give the players on the pitch more support!
’Come on, Bumblebee fans! Let our arch-rivals feel what the hell of Westfalen Stadium is all about!’
Inspired by Klopp’s passionate display, the fans were instantly roused.
The roar from the stands was overwhelming, sweeping across the entire stadium.
The visiting manager, Magat, sitting on the bench, glanced at Klopp and let out a disdainful snort.
He turned his head and spat on the ground, not wanting to look at that scruffy, ungentlemanly oaf again.
He glanced up at the time on the big screen. It was almost the 60-minute mark.
"Quick, get Sanchez and Asamoah to warm up now!"
Magat yelled at his assistant coach.
"Dortmund’s stamina is almost gone. By the 65th minute, at the latest, they’ll crack and be forced to fall back!"
"When that happens, we’ll hit them with everything we’ve got, press high, and fucking crush them!"
As he finished speaking, Magat clenched his fists and spat out the curse through gritted teeth.
He couldn’t help it. The mere sight of Klopp pissed him off!
’What gives him and his Dortmund the right to be at the top of the table?’
At that thought, Magat couldn’t stay seated.
He shot up from his seat, strode to the sideline, and began shouting at his players, signaling for them to hold firm.
’Dortmund’s about to break!’
’Just weather this attack! Hold on until their stamina is gone, and the rest of the match will be ours!’
But how could Magat know that, at that very moment, Schalke 04’s defenders were also under immense pressure?
Especially Zambrano.
The Peruvian center-back was already gasping for air.
But Wang Shuo was still moving as if he were fresh.
On one occasion, when Wang Shuo dropped back to receive a pass, Zambrano was a fraction too slow and failed to get tight on him immediately.
As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Wang Shuo calmly turned after receiving the ball.
The moment their eyes met, Zambrano noticed the look Wang Shuo gave him.
It was like a hunter with a gun, staring down a beast caught in a trap.
As Wang Shuo started to dribble, a chill ran down Zambrano’s spine.
He felt like a fly caught in a spider’s web, watching the spider slowly close in.
’Damn it, why do his eyes look so excited?!’
Zambrano sensed danger.