Chapter 1021: Preparation Against Wolfsburg

Now that Higo was finally back on the team, everyone couldn’t help but feel excited for the week ahead, wanting nothing more than to bounce back to the top ten in the table.

Hell, based on their hungry gaze, it seemed like they had already forgotten the two consecutive defeats that they had just suffered in the league.

Now, they didn’t think about the past anymore; instead, they focused on the next game week, where they could improve their position again and fight for one European spot in the league.

Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be an easy task to do, especially since their next opponent would be a tough one.

Five days from now, they had to travel to the east, going straight to the middle of the country to face Wolfsburg there, the team that was currently sitting in fourth place in the standings.

This was also a rematch after Wolfsburg beat them in the DFB Pokal a few weeks ago. So, for Schalke, this wasn’t just a game to bounce back, but also to avenge themselves for that defeat.

Still, that didn’t mean they were going to be an easy team to beat. No, Wolfsburg was a far better team than them this season, hanging in the top four of the table currently.

They would never let a game against a team outside of the top ten slip away from their grasp easily, especially since the gap between each team on top of the standings beside Bayern Munich was still so tight, and one win could make a big change in the later stages.

"Moreover!" Frohling slammed the table again as he explained this matter to the team. "They haven’t done well in the last three games, drawing all three of them. They didn’t suffer any defeat, but they will be more than eager to win the next game against us!"

The players nodded along, realizing that the opponent would be as hungry as them when it came to winning the next game. Hell, some even said that Wolfsburg would be more aggressive, especially since they had a bigger chance to play in the UCL next year.

Higo himself didn’t pay that much attention to what the coach said. No, his mind drifted away to one section of the report about the opponent, which was their offensive pattern.

"Wout Weghorst becomes the focal point, and the three attacking midfielders are going to stay narrow and ready to attack the penalty box together, huh? Coupled with Maximilian Arnold, who likes to charge forward out of nowhere, this will give them five players in the box..."

Thinking about this, Higo couldn’t help but frown, glancing around to look at his defenders.

"Malick and Benjy will be okay, I think. However, Rudy hasn’t been at his best, so protecting the right flank will be hard work. Also, what kind of lineup will Sensei put on the pitch? Is it still the same?"

Unfortunately, that was not a question that he could answer by himself, so the boy had to wait until the man finally made his decision about it.

In the end, though, the meeting here was just to introduce the opponent to more detailed information. As for how they should play that game, the coach still asked for more time to ponder, as the team’s problem was complicated right now.

Higo himself just shrugged nonchalantly. In his mind, as long as he could prevent any goal from coming to his side, the offensive line would have a chance to score a goal sooner or later, and usually, that was enough for the team to bring back the victory.

Not wanting to think too much about it, the boy went back immediately, but not before packing some healthy food from the team’s canteen so that he didn’t have to cook back home.

Once he arrived at his own flat, after warming all the food that he brought, the boy couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction when he smelled it all.

"Lean beef strips, mixed vegetables, and brown rice? Damn, Aunty really goes overboard today..."

Of course, he would never eat in silence. No, while the boy sat, he also scrolled through his phone and made a quick call to his girlfriend.

"Hey, Ryukkun! Has the training session ended?" The girl’s voice echoed loudly in his eerie flat, enough to bring a smile to Higo’s face.

"Yeah, I have just arrived here. Want to look at my dinner?" He pointed the camera at the plate in front of him without even waiting for an answer.

"Oh! Is that beef? I miss having one!" Kumiko exclaimed, her tone hungry. "The last time I had one was back in Hakodate! The best place to eat beef here is a kebab stall, but it is far from the campus!"

"Well, maybe you can visit my place so we can try finding a good place together?" An idea popped into Higo’s head as he sounded way more excited than ever.

"Why is it that I have to be the one to go? You have the car, right? Come here and let me guide you through this beautiful city! It is far better than Gelsenkirchen!"

Higo narrowed his eyes a little at this banter.

"Hah! Cologne might be cool, but if you want to feel an authentic German experience, you have to go here, you know?!"

"Those are the words of people coping that his city sucks, and you know it!"

They kept throwing banter, sometimes even laughing at each other’s silliness. In the end, though, as the night got deeper and the call was about to end, Kumiko couldn’t help but ask a question.

"So, you are finally going to play again? Have your fingers truly healed?"

Higo’s gaze softened, knowing that she was still worried about him.

"Don’t worry, I am okay. See?" He showed his hand in front of the camera, moving his fingers one by one to show off its flexibility. "The doctor has already said that I am good to go, so don’t worry! Just sit tight and watch the next game; I will bring back the win for you!"