For three whole days, Su Bai lived like a robot, following a strict routine of training, eating, training, and sleeping. His life had become extremely monotonous.

Even when Ben Casey invited Su Bai out for a drink, Su Bai politely declined. Right now, his mind was entirely focused on how to quickly improve his ball control skills. Not only that, but he also needed to enhance his offensive awareness and speed—essential attributes that required improvement.

In short, for Su Bai at this moment, nothing else mattered except training.

On Friday morning, Su Bai woke up at five o'clock as usual to start his training. However, ever since Ben Casey accidentally learned from the assistant coach about Su Bai's dedication, he decided to join Su Bai in training.

What puzzled Ben Casey was that Su Bai spent his days tirelessly practicing the most basic skills, even juggling the ball, something Ben had only done as a child. Although they were roommates, Ben, who lived in Gelsenkirchen, rarely stayed at the dormitory, so he wasn't very familiar with Su Bai.

Despite waking up much earlier because of Su Bai, they had little interaction on the training field, each focusing on their own practice.

At 8:30, Su Bai and his teammates quietly stood on the training ground, waiting for Daniel's arrival. Today was a special day for the season. Saturday marked the first match of the 3rd Division league, and the head coach would determine the starting lineup for tomorrow's game during the team scrimmage.

Right on time, Daniel and Wycliffe entered the training ground. The players' guesses were correct. Wycliffe held a black notebook in his hand, which would decide the 18-man roster for tomorrow's match. Schalke 04 U18 had a total of 32 players, so this list was essentially the final rotation roster for the season. If you weren't on this list, unfortunately, Schalke 04 wouldn't need you this season, and you'd have to find your own path.

Especially for those who had only signed apprentice contracts, everyone eagerly watched the notebook in Wycliffe's hand. Some were even trembling, not wanting to leave in disgrace.

"Tomorrow afternoon is our league opener!" Daniel announced. "Last season, we finished fourth in the league! Not bad, but our main striker and attacking midfielder have left; they're now competing in the 2nd Division! If you can prove yourself, even if Schalke doesn't have a spot for you, we'll find a suitable team for you! Even if you're not on the main roster, don't be discouraged! As long as you keep working hard, the future is bright!"

Daniel's words were grandiose, but no one truly believed them. What is professional football? It's not about effort leading to a bright future; that's for fools to believe. Without talent, no matter how hard you train, you're destined to be cast aside.

After his impassioned speech, Daniel turned and left the field. As the head coach, he didn't have the responsibility to read out each player's name. With Daniel's departure, Wycliffe opened the notebook and stood at the front. Staff members pushed a cart filled with yellow vests beside him.

Wycliffe looked up at everyone and began reading the names from the notebook.

"Bobby Edgar!" A tall figure, standing at 1.9 meters, stepped forward expressionlessly to take a yellow vest. As last season's main goalkeeper, Bobby Edgar had been worried about his starting position from the start.

"Esther Scott!" The team's main center-back!

"Webster Jeffrey!" Also a main center-back!

"Morton Jim!" Main left-back!

"Sidney Parker!" Main right-back!

"Lloyd Anquiro!" Main defensive midfielder!

"Hardy Hunt!" Left midfielder!

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"Wheeler Anquiro!" Right midfielder!

"Ben Casey!" Attacking midfielder!

"Halim O'Shea!" Also an attacking midfielder!

Forward Whit Benedict!

The eleven starting players were announced! Those whose names were called stood opposite the rest of the team. Out of thirty-two players, only twenty-one remained. Now came the most brutal moment. Among these twenty-one, only seven could make the roster, and the rest could either stay or leave. If luck was on their side, perhaps one of the eighteen might get injured or perform poorly, allowing them to step in. But they'd have to wait.

Wycliffe adjusted his glasses and looked at the remaining players. He had seen this scene many times before; there was nothing to lament.

"Smedley Lev!" Hearing his name, Smedley Lev clenched his fists tightly, his flushed face revealing his excitement. As a goalkeeper, making the list meant he still had a chance to play for Schalke 04 this season!

Unlike him, the other goalkeeper, Hancock, lowered his head in disappointment. At twenty years old, despite his efforts, his height of 1.85 meters put him at a disadvantage in the goalkeeper competition. Unlike other positions, as a goalkeeper, even being the second choice rarely offered playing opportunities, let alone being the third choice.

...

One by one, names were called. Some were overjoyed, others saddened. After the sixth name was called, the remaining fifteen anxiously awaited the final name. Wycliffe paused, as if building suspense, and deliberately looked at Su Bai standing at the back of the group. He wondered if the Yan Country kid was also nervous.

But to his disappointment, the Yan Country kid seemed indifferent, causing Wycliffe to shake his head helplessly. It seemed that those with talent were always this confident.

"Su Bai!" Wycliffe finally announced Su Bai's name without further delay.

At that moment, many on the field were surprised. Although Su Bai was talented, he had only been with the team for less than five days. How could someone who had been here for less than five days make the roster? Could he possibly play in the match?

Those not selected began murmuring among themselves, but their murmurs had no effect. After the names were called, Daniel returned to the field.

"This is the roster for the first match. If anyone wants to leave, you can immediately handle the paperwork; the 3rd Division registration hasn't closed yet! Maybe you'll find an opportunity with another team! As long as you make contact, the club will release you according to the contract!"

This was the final ultimatum. At this moment, if you left the team, you might still find an opportunity with some weaker 3rd Division teams. If you didn't leave, you'd have to sit on the bench for the entire season.

The remaining players looked at each other. Eventually, two of them stepped forward. Daniel said nothing, smiling as he shook hands and bid them farewell.

Su Bai watched as those who were his teammates just moments ago packed their bags and left, feeling a sense of melancholy. Professional football was indeed this harsh.