Chapter 222 Ultimate Showdown XII
With that goal from Hiro, Kawasaki once again took the lead. And as such, the scoreboard at the 78th minute of match read as such; Kawasaki-2 and Sagan Tosu-1.
At the sidelines while looking at the scene unfolding infront of his eyes, manager of Sagan Tosu was fuming.
Gritting his teeth and glaring at his players with his bloodshot eyes, he was barely holding back himself from letting lose by tightly clenching his fist.
If not for the fact that he was the manager, he would literally thrown a fit right now.
The veins in his hands and neck was bulging because of the raging anger boiling inside of him. Sure enough, he wasn't happy with the outcome.
Just like how Kawasaki had prepared, he had also prepared his team to win the match. Day and night, he had studied and analysed Kawasaki's previous matches.
He knew that his team's chances of winning against Kawasaki was slim. But still, he formulated his plans by relentlessly studying both the matches of Kawasaki and habits of it's players, day and night.
And unlike the star packed Kawasaki, his team didn't have many stars. Infact the only one who could be considered as a star player in his team was Ryotaro Imamura.
There were countless night where he didn't even sleep much because of the analysis. But now that he was witnessing his meticulously crafted plans failing infront of him, he was feeling like all his efforts were going down the drain.
Huff!! Huff!!
Inhaling and exhaling few deep breaths, he then calmed himself. After that he walked towards his assistants and whispered something in their ear.
And as he finished whispering, those assistant of his immediately rushed towards the direction of assistant referee.
Clearly manager of Sagan Tosu was going to change some of his players and most probably also make some strategic changes.
Although his team was playing well, manager Makoto was also preparing to make some player changes.
Especially he had some concerns regarding Tatsuki's performance today. Thus he was currently in a dilemma, whether to substitute Tatsuki or not.
And since he couldn't bring himself to decide, he chose to consult with his assistants regarding the matter.
"I've got some concerns regarding Tatsuki's performance today, so I'd like to listen to all your opinions regarding Tatsuki's substitution" spoke manager Makoto while facing his assistants.
His face was solemn and his voice was calm.
Some were in favour of Tatsuki's substitution while others were against Tatsuki's substitution. Although his performance wasn't satisfactory today, he still was one of the best player of their team.
Thus most of the assistant coaches were reluctant to substitute him.
Taking him off meant losing one of their star player which could inturn put more pressure on Hiro, as with him gone other players focus would point towards him and they'd target him even more.
Right now although Tatsuki wasn't performing well, his presence was still domineering and had also somewhat elevated some burden from Hiro's shoulder.
And even though he wasn't performing as per coaches expectations, he was still drawing some of the attention of the opposing players.
However despite that, manager Makoto still decided to substitute Tatsuki.
"Renji go warm up" manager Makoto commanded Renji who was currently seated at substitution box, itching to play.
Manager Makoto's words were like music to his ears as he excitedly answered, "Yes sir!"
In absence of Tatsuki, during the first half of the season, he had been playing as starter. And although his achievements weren't as impressive as Hiro or Tatsuki, he still had scored decent amount of goals.
Infact even after playing as substitute for most part of the season, he had bagged 11 goals under his name.
Considering not many starting strikers of other team had that many goals under their name, Renji was clearly not a bench warmer.
However his competition was just too tough as he had to compete for his spot against Tatsuki the goal machine.
It was same situation as with Erling Halland and Julian Alvarez.
And thus Renji was forced to stay within Tatsuki's shadow, continuously competing for a spot in the starting eleven.
Given the fact that he could play such well, he would have become starting striker in almost any other team in the league.
Obviously before joining he was informed about the competition he'd have to face for a spot in the starting eleven. But since he chose to sign with Kawasaki even after hearing about his situation, his decision greatly reflected his resolve to compete for his spot.
Now that his opportunity had finally arrived, how could he let go?
While most player's legs would turn numb in such situation, Renji was actually excited at the moment.
"Since senior Tatsuki has failed to score a goal. I'll show them by scoring a goal that I'm better suited to play as a starter"
His eyes glowing with determination and fire raging inside his heart, Renji whispered with a determined look on his face as he stood beside the assistant referee waiting for him to lift the substitution board.
Finally as the ball went out of bounds, assistant referee lifted his substitution board indicating for a player change.
Two from Kawasaki and three from Sagan Tosu.
By that time the match had already started and there were only 7 minutes left for the end of the second half.
But even so, despite knowing that he could only play for some while, Renji wasn't a bit discouraged. Infact he was itching to show his worth on the field.
Although Tatsuki wasn't happy about the substitution, regardless he wished Renji well as he clasped hands with Renji, "Good luck"
Saying so, Tatsuki exited the field as he walked towards Kawasaki's substitution box.
"You played well"
"Well played"
Players seated at the substitution box and coaches complimented his effort as Tatsuki took his seat.
After the substitution, right from the get go, Renji pressured the opposing players. Since he was full of energy, he charged ahead relentlessly, trying to win the ball.
He was determined to display his worth.
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