Chapter 368: I’ll Handle It

Hiddink looked at me with a skeptical gaze at the proposal to grant him full authority.

“You’re saying you’ll give me full authority…?”

“Yes. You can oversee signings and departures, and bring in any coaching staff you want. The club won’t interfere in any way.”

Hiddink didn’t respond right away. He seemed to be deep in thought, delaying his reply for quite some time before finally shaking his head.

“It’s not that I haven’t heard of clubs granting full authority, but if the results are even slightly below par, ridicule and criticism come pouring in. It’s true—coaches are often blamed. It’s something you have to endure.”

I understood what he meant. There had been talk earlier this year about sacking Hiddink without needing to look far.

Fans always want results. But they don’t have the patience to wait.

It’s the fans who demand instant results while lashing out.

“Fans’ criticism? I understand that. But what about the club that should defend me? They shift all the blame onto me as if it were some kind of scapegoat. And if you offer me full authority while asking me to take charge, what kind of reaction do you think I’ll have? The greater the authority, the greater the responsibility, after all.”

Perhaps due to the mental toll he had endured, Hiddink’s expression darkened as he spoke.

“At least the Korea Football Association has fully trusted me, but if results aren’t favorable, they’ll still lay all the blame at my feet. I just want to return to the Netherlands and gracefully conclude my football career.”

“Hmm…”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to decline it.”

After turning down the proposal, Hiddink stood up.

But I knew of a powerful weapon to keep him from leaving.

“Coach, then I’ll specify in the contract that you’ll have full authority. No matter what results you bring in, you’ll get at least three seasons to do as you wish. There should be penalties for breaking that promise. If you breach it, we’ll have a compensation fee. Just give me—no, give Leeds United a chance.”

At my words, Hiddink sat back down.

“I believe the owner of Leeds United is a man named James. Do you have the authority to make such an offer to me?”

“The details are complicated to explain, but to put it simply, James merely lent his name; Leeds is practically my club.”

It would be hard to believe someone whose face and name he hardly knew was the real owner of Leeds.

So, I could understand the doubt that now appeared on Hiddink’s face.

“I won’t say believe me. But you must have done your homework about Leeds United before coming here, right? You know our journey of acquiring the club and all that’s transpired over the past year. We granted full authority to the newly appointed general manager, and we adhered to that.”

If Hiddink truly intended to refuse, he wouldn’t have shown up here, no matter the excuse he might have made.

However, he came to meet me. So it was only right that I should secure him as the coach of my club.

“I believe that as long as the club management handles the operations and the coach manages the team without infringing on each other’s authority, we can maintain a good relationship for a long time to come.”

For a while, I explained the plans for building a new stadium and the club’s future.

Hiddink listened to me with a contemplative expression.

I laid all the cards on the table that I could offer.

“Now, please tell me your real answer.”

“…Give me some time to think.”

“How long do you need? I can’t offer too much. I hope for your answer before the next friendly match.”

Hiddink nodded silently in agreement.

That should suffice. I stood up, smiled softly, and extended my hand.

“I hope this meeting was fruitful.”

Hiddink stood up as well and shook my hand.

“It wasn’t bad. When you spoke about the club’s future, I could feel my heart racing too.”

“There will be great results in the World Cup. The world will be amazed. Today’s draw is merely the beginning.”

Hiddink’s bright smile showed his approval of my firm statement.

That’s how my first meeting with Hiddink concluded.

It didn’t take long for his response to come back.

Before the last friendly match against France, Hiddink eventually accepted my offer.

The contract would be signed after the World Cup, once the agreement with the Korean national team ended.

I relayed this to Ellen and instructed her to prepare the contract.

Ellen did not oppose the hiring of Coach Hiddink.

Time passed quickly.

Finally, on the day of the World Cup opening ceremony, many people attended to witness the event.

Among them were Korea’s President Kim Hak-gwon and Japan’s Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro, alongside major figures from around the world, including FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

However, perhaps due to the Iraq War, leaders from the U.S., Russia, China, and Western European countries were absent.

Chinese President Jiang Zemin weighed his options until the last moment but ultimately decided not to attend, while Putin called me directly.

— Mu-hyeok, I’m afraid I can’t attend. I was planning to visit, but… I recently sent troops to Chechnya. It seems difficult for me to be away right now.

When I conveyed this, President Kim Hak-gwon expressed his disappointment, but I wasn’t too concerned about who showed up.

“They say there’s already been an investigation into Yukos.”

Roman mentioned this while attending the opening ceremony.

I turned my head away from the ceremony.

“Is that so?”

“How it’s handled will depend on Putin’s decision, but it seems they’ve gathered enough evidence for tax evasion already.”

With the ongoing war in Chechnya, I didn’t expect Putin to take action any time soon. Maybe next year?

“And what about Khodorkovsky’s movements?”

“He plans to run in next year’s elections.”

“Crazy…”

Khodorkovsky wasn’t in his right mind either. I couldn’t tell whether he was underestimating Putin or simply overflowing with confidence.

“It seems he’s trying to increase his political standing to ensure his own safety.”

“I can’t imagine Putin will sit idly by.”

“He may restrain himself for now due to the war in Chechnya, but the moment the war ends, he’ll take action.”

I couldn’t understand why Khodorkovsky, who was no fool, would dare take on a monster like Putin.

“It seems he hasn’t learned from Berezovsky’s downfall.”

“Chairman Mikhail seems to believe that with his wealth, he has a fighting chance. Moreover, he seems to think that if he gets elected to the Duma, he could become a focus of the anti-Putin forces. Other oligarchs have tried to convince him, but he won’t budge.”

I nodded while listening to Roman’s explanation. He was like a racehorse with blinders on, blocking all awareness.

“He won’t see anything. If he thinks he can grasp power, he should be aware that Putin doesn’t play by the rules… Roman, you know, right? That’s why you’re able to be here with me watching the opening ceremony.”

Roman didn’t reply but gave a wry smile instead.

“I understand for now. Thank you for the information.”

“It’s nothing compared to the favor I owe Charlie. Just remember, I’ll always stand with Charlie.”

I nodded with a bright smile. That’s why the promising sprouts must be nurtured.

I gestured to Song Chan-hyeok, who was next to Bltter.

“After the opening ceremony, make sure to have a chat with Song Chan-hyeok over there.”

“Are you talking about Song Chan-hyeok…? The FIFA vice pesident?”

“Yes. He’s quite ambitious. He dreams of becoming FIFA president one day.”

“An Asian president… How fantastical.”

His expression hardened instantly. It stemmed from yet another subtle dismissal of Asians by Roman.

Noticing my stiff demeanor, Roman quickly attempted to explain himself.

“I don’t look down on Asians; it’s just that FIFA is heavily influenced by Europe.”

His excuse sounded plausible, but I maintained my hard expression as I replied.

“I know. But winds of change can blow in at any time. So, have a chat with him, even if it’s just a few words.”

“Understood. I’ll speak to him and see how it goes.”

“He fits better with you than with me. He’s genuinely passionate about football.”

FIFA had more member nations than the UN had recognized states.

No matter where I went, I received treatment akin to that of a national leader, and with it came immense power.

It was only natural that Song Chan-hyeok, with his ambition,would dream of the FIFA presidency.

“He’s a member of our chaebol. Knowing that wouldn’t hurt.”

The grand opening ceremony marking the start of the Korea-Japan World Cup came to an end, and I introduced Roman to Song Chan-hyeok.

“Mr. Song, this is Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea.”

The two shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, initiating a cheerful conversation.

As I watched them converse, I turned away. But someone called out to me.

“Mr. Kim.”

It was Blatter, the FIFA president.

“Do you know who I am?”

“Aren’t you the hidden owner of Leeds United in the UK Premier League?”

“…”

“The acquisition of Chelsea by Roman and your Premier League club is garnering significant attention from both FIFA and the European Football Association.”

Hearing his own name, Roman turned away from his conversation with Song Chan-hyeok to look at me.

Seeing that Blatter was involved, he turned back to his conversation.

“While I’ve already greeted Roman separately, today I’d like to have a word with you. Is this a good time?”

Checking my watch, I nodded.

“I can’t spare long due to another appointment.”

“Pardon?”

“I said I can’t linger for too long.”

“…”

Blatter didn’t hide his displeasure.

“Are all Koreans this discourteous, or are you simply ignoring me? Very well then. However, I would appreciate it if you could accommodate a change of venue.”

Blatter, regardless of his motives, stood up, even in the face of my impolite demeanor.

At that moment, Song Chan-hyeok approached and whisered in Korean so that others couldn’t understand.

“Be cautious around President Blatter. He’s no different from a seasoned politician. He probably isn’t suggesting this meeting with pure intentions.”

If Song Chan-hyeok was saying that, Bltter must be quite cunning. I nodded slightly and followed Blatter.

Blatter and I faced each other in a small office within the stadium.

Blatter glared at me with his arms crossed, seemingly frustrated about something.

Did my comment about being busy just fly over his head? He purposely tapped his watch and said.

“We have limited time. I’d like you to get straight to the point.”

“I’m busy as well. Please maintain some decorum.”

“Everyone knows that you’re a busy person. Unfortunately, I have an important engagement today, so I can’t spare much time. Please state your purpose, Mr. President.”

“…What sort of relationship do you have with Vice President Song Chan-hyeok? You seem friendly.

Blatter suddenly asked about my relationship with Vice President Song Chan-hyeok.

I reflexively looked puzzled.

“Why do you want to know?”

“Now that you’ve become a club owner in the Premier League, you need to be at the center of European football, don’t you? But if you’re close to someone like Vice President Song Chan-hyeok, you might face som disadvantages.”

I was aware of the antagonism between Blatter and Song Chan-hyeok, but to hear such cmments from someone I’m meeting for the first time was a clear indication that the rivalry ran deep.

I frowned and replied.

“Mr. Blatter, please choose your words carefully. It’s disrespectful.”

“If you’re planning to enter the heart of Europe, sever your ties with Chairman Song.”

“I’ll handle it myself.”

What an arrogant person. After my firm reply, Blatter shrugged his shoulders and said.

“If that’s your choice, so be it. However, you will have to see if that choice brings you good results.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Certainly not. I’m not foolish enough to threaten the world’s elite in front of them.”

“…”

What was the point of this? I calmed my emotions and examined Blatter. But to keep him off guard, I still kept my expression stern.

Blatter looked amused, perhaps believing he was getting a rise out of me. In his gaze, I soon discerned lust for power.

As expected, Blatter began to lay bare his true intentions.

“Have you heard of ISL?”

“ISL?”

“Yes. It was a company responsible for FIFA’s marketing. However, it went bankrupt last year.”

“I’ve heard a little about it.”

“It went bankrupt because Chairman Song raised suspicions. FIFA is suffering a significant loss because of that.”

It seemed that Blatter, known for being adept at sniffing out money, had caught a whiff of profits from me.