Grass roots glory

Chapter 318 Sign: Locker Room Leader
Due to the impact of the World Cup, the start of the new season of the Bundesliga has been postponed for half a month from the beginning of August to the end of August. Therefore, before the new season, Schalke has nearly 20 days to prepare for the season.Under normal circumstances, it should be enough, but it is not a small challenge for Schalke right now. The standard of the season is not easy to do homework.

However, Magath has his own way. Putting aside the degree of tactical adaptation, everyone must first pass the physical level, that is, daily devil training.

Zhou Tiancheng already knew this set of procedures by heart, and it was a compulsory course for every winter training and summer training.On the way to the locker room, he leaned over to Raul and kindly reminded him: "Adjust yourself and be mentally prepared."

Raul smiled: "It's just training, I won't be nervous in the game, Zhou, you should remind those young people."

Zhou Tiancheng said in a low voice: "Because this is training, I feel the need to remind you that the training here... Well, it is generally difficult for newcomers to understand. In short, quickly adjust your state. After you have experienced it, you will understand." .”

"Hmph!" The two were talking, when a cold snort came from behind, Zhou Tiancheng turned his head and saw Uchida Atsuto's expression of disapproval, obviously he also heard what Zhou Tiancheng said to Raul, although There was no tit-for-tat, but there was a look of indifference on the expression.

Zhou Tiancheng knew that he probably cared about his attitude just now, but... well, Zhou Tiancheng also glanced at him coldly, I hope you can hum it later!

Every time in the physical training camp, Magath can play some new tricks. This time he looked at many rookies in the team, placed a basket of medicine balls that were close to the size of a basketball, and said to everyone: "Whether it is an old player or a rookie, This time we will play something new, and if we want to play here, everyone must break through their physical limits!"

This physical training subject is medicine ball exercises.But it is not a medicine ball in the general sense, which is too simple for professional players.As a physical training expert among the head coaches of the Bundesliga, Magath can naturally change his moves to increase the difficulty.Hold the medicine ball between your hands to complete the turn-back run; hold the medicine ball between your legs to complete push-ups to enhance the core strength of the legs and upper limbs.

Schalke's pre-season preparations are very open, and physical training does not involve tactical secrets, so many reporters are watching from the sidelines of the training field.But the intensity made them all speechless.No one is allowed to be lazy if he does not complete the required amount, and even Raul is not given any special treatment, but he is still the one who is the most closely watched by Magath.

Now Raul doesn't feel that Zhou Tiancheng's reminder is superfluous anymore. After the training session, he collapsed on the ground directly, and he didn't even have the strength to breathe heavily.

Zhou Tiancheng's condition is alright, at least he can drag his legs and walk slowly to Raul's side: "Raul, are you alright?"

"It seems to be okay... Zhou... I'm still alive." Raul said in a somewhat intermittent voice.

Zhou Tiancheng stretched out two fingers: "Tell me, how much is this?"

Raul chuckled: "It's not one anyway."

Zhou Tiancheng nodded lightly: "It's okay, I have a clear mind."

"Hey, Zhou, you're playing with me and treating me like a fool!"

Zhou Tiancheng waved his hand: "This is science, at least it proves that you don't have the risk of excessive overdraft shock."

As Zhou Tiancheng said, he glanced around, and to his surprise, Uchida Atsuto persisted, the situation was not too bad, he sat on the ground and kept stretching his legs.

Zhou Tiancheng was a little surprised: this little Japanese's physical fitness is quite good, similar to his reaction after the first practice.

……

Before the official start of the new season, Schalke has three pre-season warm-up matches. The opponents are all low-level league teams, the Bundesliga team Cottbus, and the regional league teams Oberhausen and Hamburg Victory.

Although there is no suspense and nothing to do with the pre-season warm-up, since this is the first appearance of the new lineup, even if it is an away game, a small stadium that can only accommodate more than 1 people has a lot of media follow-up reports.

Before the first warm-up match, Schalke released the jersey numbers for the new season on their official website. The most notable change was that Zhou Tiancheng changed his jersey from No. 12 to No. 10.The media unanimously believed that this number was finally "returned to its original owner". Zhou Tiancheng has always played the role of a playmaker on the court. If it wasn't because he arrived in the first team later than Rakitic, this jersey might not be used by Raki at all. Tiki wears two seasons.Now that Rakitic is gone, Zhou Tiancheng should take over.

However, when Zhou Tiancheng got the new jersey, he didn't think it was a transfer of responsibility. He has always assumed the same role in the team.

What really surprised him was that Magath announced in the training session before the away game that starting from this season, he officially took over the role of Westerman and became the team's first captain, wearing the captain's armband in every game play.

The teammates burst into applause, but Zhou Tiancheng himself was taken aback. Why didn't the coaching staff discuss with him about such a big matter, and just decided like that?

After the training was over and everyone left, Zhou Tiancheng did not leave, neither did Magath, and said with a smile: "Zhou, I knew you had a problem, and I admit that I didn't discuss this matter with you, because we feel You've always been prepared for that."

"Uh..." Zhou Tiancheng held back the complaints in his heart, and expressed his opinion: "Boss, I don't think this is good? Manuel is the second captain. Heike is gone. The captain's armband should belong to him." , such a decision, I am worried that he has an idea."

Assistant coach Hollerbach smiled next to him: "This is not something you should worry about at all, Zhou, just accept it, and Neuer agrees. He said that his position on the field is not conducive to leading the team at critical moments, and you are the last Suitable."

Zhou Tiancheng said dumbly: "Well, it seems that I really can't push it away, haha! I still have to digest well."

"You don't need to take this matter seriously, it's just a formality, Zhou." Magath said: "The captain's armband is just a sign. In fact, you are already doing what the captain should do. You didn't Do you think? Whether it is on the field or in the locker room, you have enough convincing power in everyone's hearts. Of course, many people in this team don't know you well, so I did this, and I have the number and captain that symbolize the core Armband, you can justifiably become the leader of the locker room. Don't feel that you can't control the field. In fact, except for the new players, no one dislikes you, and I believe you will make everyone obey you soon. The current team has only You can do that. Besides, isn't there me?"

(End of this chapter)