Chapter 996: Intelligence about Borussia Dortmund!

Well, the relaxed day lasted only a few hours before Higo and the others had to gather in the meeting room the next morning to prepare for Borussia Dortmund.

The atmosphere was solemn, as, just like always, facing Borussia Dortmund was a matter of pride for this team. No one could afford to slack off, or they would be sure that the head coach would hang their head mercilessly for that.

"Okay, forget everything that you know about Dortmund this season, because they sure as hell have already changed!" Frohling began his speech by pointing out two figures on the screen.

"Due to their terrible performance in the first half of the season, only managing to get sixth place so far, they finally changed their head coach from Lucian Favre to Edin Terzic. The man is their interim head coach, promoted from the assistant role to fill the gap."

If it was any other team, the players would’ve been relieved when they heard that their opponent’s head coach was an interim one.

However, that didn’t work for Schalke. No, if anything, they were way more wary than usual. After all, most players here knew what kind of an effect that an interim coach could have, as Frohling was also one last year when the team was in its dark age.

If the same case applied, they had to be ready for anything, as an interim coach could inject more spirit into the team, either from a motivational aspect or even a tactical one.

"Well, you can expect that they will be a different team on Sunday," Frohling added.

"Edin Terzic is not someone who is like Lucien Favre. He is more pragmatic, more aggressive, not willing to wait and build up patiently. No, they are going to come for our blood from the beginning, and you guys have to be ready for everything."

"They will try to put pressure on us even in our own territory, wanting to take us out of our usual defensive shape. This time, I don’t know how he did it, but everyone on his team is willing to follow Terzic’s instruction to always run without stopping to chase the ball like a bunch of mad dogs."

"As for their offense, Terzic has been utilizing Haaland’s role as the ultimate transition weapon. Get ready for a vertical through ball to the channel, as they would always try to find him when he tries to make a run."

This time, Higo couldn’t help but stare at Haaland with a solemn gaze. After all, the boy was still the biggest anomaly for his clairvoyance ability, as his brain always shut down whenever the boy tried to threaten him.

’This time, he will also come with the intention to kill. I have to be ready to stop any attack from his side...’ He murmured, clenching his fists secretly.

"Still, the problem is not just Haaland here." Frohling slapped the board in front of him loudly.

"No, somehow, Terzic manages to unlock Sancho’s talent. If before, Favre always kept the winger strictly to the wingside, this time, he allows Sancho to roam freely, letting him drive inside the channel area."

"This allows him to connect with Haaland better, even linking up with Reus who is behind the striker as well. This gives them more focal points to attack on the frontline, overloading our territory with an overwhelming number."

"This has been their weapon since Terzic came into their team, and it works well so far, as in January, they became the most productive team besides Bayern Munich with 12 goals out of 4 games!"

Once again, Higo frowned, as this was truly related to him as the goalkeeper. If he couldn’t maintain his defensive line’s discipline, the duo of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho would definitely punish him in that game.

"No, I have to make sure that Malick and Benjy-san follow my lead." The boy glanced at the two defenders slightly, taking note in his head.

"Still, that doesn’t mean that they are a perfect team. No, if anything, their weakness is also glaring, as they have already lost two games out of the six that Terzic commanded so far, and those two revealed a big weakness on their side!"

Now, everyone leaned forward quickly. If before the atmosphere was heavy since the coach emphasized how Dortmund was getting better, this time, some excited eyes could be seen among the players, as they finally felt like they had a chance for the next game.

"Their tactic relies heavily on discipline, especially in their midfield. However, Delaney and Dahoud often forgot to track back once they were joining the high press, leaving a space in front of their defensive line completely vacant."

"Not only that, but they are also pulling more risky passes with higher turnover rates, and sometimes, it gives their opponent a chance to launch a counterattack."

"So, Morita!"

"Yes, Sir!" Morita straightened his back immediately, knowing that the arrangement for him was about to come.

"You will do as usual, but once you see the possession is in our hands, make sure that you attack that little space! Everyone, pay attention to his movement as well! The moment you get the ball, make sure you always find him first!"

Realizing that the team’s focal point had shifted to him, Morita could feel his face turn red in excitement.

"Don’t worry, Sir! I will not disappoint you!"

"That’s what I hope for." Frohling nodded in approval.

Then, his gaze swept through the entire team once again, enough to silence them all in one go. He took a deep breath, and in a solemn tone, he gave a final message to the players here.

"Lastly, let me tell you this. They will try to put heavy pressure on us, watching every little movement like a starving beast. So, don’t hold the ball for too long! Remember, safety comes first! Don’t do anything reckless, and in defense, always follow Higo’s order!"

This time, everyone nodded together, shouting simultaneously, "YES, SIR!"