Free Web NovelAt my offer to give him full authority, Hiddink ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ looked at me with doubt in his eyes.
“Full authority...?”
“Yes. Over recruitment and player release, and you can bring in any coaching staff you wish. The club will not interfere in any way.”
Hiddink didn’t answer immediately. He seemed lost in thought for a while before finally shaking his head.
“I’ve heard that promise from clubs before. But the moment results falter, I become the target of ridicule and blame. Of course, a coach should take criticism—that’s part of the job.”
I understood exactly what he meant. Even just earlier this year, talk of firing Hiddink had been everywhere.
Fans always demand results. What they never have is patience.
They want immediate, visible success—or they riot.
“I can endure the fans’ criticism. That’s fine. But what about the club, which is supposed to support me? They cut off the tail and pin all the blame on me. And now you ask me to manage a club while claiming you’ll grant me full authority? How do you expect me to react? The greater the authority, the heavier the responsibility.”
His tone revealed the exhaustion of a man who’d suffered deeply.
“The Korean Football Association has at least trusted me completely. But if the results go wrong, I’ll still be the one they blame. I’d rather return to the Netherlands and end my football career there.”
“Hmm...”
“Thank you for the offer, but I must decline.”
He rose from his seat after rejecting the proposal.
But I still had a weapon powerful enough to stop him.
“Then, Coach, we’ll put it in writing. The contract will state explicitly that you’ll have full authority. Regardless of the results, you’ll have complete control for three seasons. If we break that promise, there will be a penalty—liquidated damages paid to you. Please, give me—no, give Leeds—a chance.”
Hiddink paused, then sat back down.
“I was under the impression that the owner of Leeds United is a man named James. Do you even have the authority to make such an offer?”
“It’s a complicated story, but to put it simply—James only lent his name. Leeds is, in truth, my club.”
It would be hard to believe that someone he’d never heard of was the true owner.
So his suspicious expression made perfect sense.
“I won’t ask you to take my word for it. But you must have researched Leeds United before coming here, yes? Then you’ll know what’s happened over the past year. We gave the new general manager full authority—and we kept our word.”
If Hiddink truly meant to reject me, he would’ve found an excuse not to attend this meeting at all.
But he came. That meant he could be persuaded—and I had to make him mine.
“I believe a club’s front office should handle management, and the coach should handle the team. As long as both sides respect that boundary, they can work together successfully for a long time.”
I went on to explain our plans for a new stadium and the future of the club.
Hiddink listened silently, his expression thoughtful and complex.
I laid all my cards on the table.
“Now, Coach, I’d like to hear your true answer.”
“...Give me time to think.”
“How much time? I can’t offer too much. I’d appreciate your decision before the next friendly match.”
Hiddink nodded quietly.
That was enough for now. I stood and smiled softly, extending my hand.
“I hope this was a good meeting for both of us.”
Hiddink rose and shook my hand.
“It wasn’t bad. When you spoke about the club’s future, even my heart started racing a little.”
“You’ll achieve something extraordinary in this World Cup—something that will shock the world. Today’s draw was only the beginning.”
At my firm words, Hiddink smiled brightly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
That was how our first meeting ended.
His answer came sooner than I expected.
Before the final friendly against France, Hiddink accepted my offer.
We agreed that the contract would be signed after the World Cup, once his duties with the Korean national team ended.
I passed the news to Ellen and instructed her to prepare the contract.
She had no objections to bringing Hiddink on board.
Time passed quickly.
Finally, the day of the World Cup opening ceremony arrived. The stands were filled with people gathered to witness the grand event.
Korean President Kim Hak-kwon and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi were present, as were FIFA President Sepp Blatter and key figures from around the world.
But perhaps because of the Iraq War, the heads of the U.S., Russia, China, and Western Europe were absent.
China’s President Jiang Zemin hesitated until the last minute before declining. Putin personally called me.
— Muhyuk, I won’t be able to attend. I was planning to visit and watch with you, but... I’ve just sent troops to Chechnya. I can’t leave the country right now.
When I relayed this, President Kim Hak-kwon seemed disappointed. But honestly, I didn’t care who attended.
“They’ve already launched an internal investigation into Yukos,” said Roman, who had come to Korea for the opening ceremony.
I turned my head.
“Really?”
“Yes. What happens next depends on Putin, but they’ve already gathered enough evidence of tax evasion.”
With the Chechen War still ongoing, Putin wouldn’t act immediately. Maybe next year?
“What about Chairman Khodorkovsky?”
“He plans to run in next year’s parliamentary election.”
“Insane...”
Khodorkovsky must have lost his mind. I couldn’t tell if he was arrogant or simply overconfident.
“He’s trying to build political standing to secure his own safety.”
“Putin won’t sit by and watch.”
“He’ll restrain himself while the war lasts. But once it’s over, Khodorkovsky will be dealt with.”
I couldn’t understand why Khodorkovsky would pick a fight with a tiger like Putin.
“Seems he didn’t learn anything from Berezovsky’s fall.”
“Chairman Mikhail believes his wealth gives him leverage. And if he wins a seat in the Duma, he thinks he can become the rallying point for anti-Putin forces. Other oligarchs tried to dissuade him, but he won’t budge.”
Listening to Roman’s account, I nodded. Like a racehorse wearing blinders—charging forward without seeing anything else.
“When a man believes he can seize power, nothing else matters. But Putin isn’t someone who plays by common rules... Roman, you know that better than anyone. That’s why you’re sitting here with me right now, watching this ceremony.”
Roman said nothing, only responding with a faint, bitter smile.
“Well, all right. Thanks for the information.”
“It’s nothing compared to what I owe Charlie. Remember, I’ll always be on Charlie’s side.”
I grinned and nodded. Promising young men like him were always worth keeping close.
I glanced toward Sepp Blatter, sitting beside Song Chanhyuk.
“When the ceremony’s over, go talk to Song Chanhyuk over there.”
“Song Chanhyuk... you mean the FIFA vice president?”
“Yes. He’s an ambitious man—dreams of becoming FIFA president.”
“A FIFA president from Asia... quite a fantasy.”
My expression froze instantly. Another one of Roman’s casual remarks belittling Asians.
Noticing my face, he quickly tried to explain.
“I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that FIFA’s always been dominated by European influence.”
A smooth excuse, but I kept my face firm as I replied,
“I understand. But winds of change can blow at any time. Go talk to him.”
“Understood. I’ll have a word with him.”
“He’s a better fit for you than for me. The man genuinely loves football.”
FIFA had more member nations than the UN.
Wherever he went, its president received treatment on par with a head of state—and wielded power just as great.
It was only natural that the prestige-hungry Song Chanhyuk dreamed of that position.
“He’s also one of Korea’s leading conglomerates. It wouldn’t hurt to get acquainted.”
The magnificent opening ceremony of the Korea–Japan World Cup ended, and I introduced Roman to Song Chanhyuk.
“Assemblyman Song, this is Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea.”
They shook hands and began chatting in a warm, congenial tone.
Watching them talk, I turned away. But someone called out to me.
“Mr. Kim.”
It was FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
“You know me?”
“You’re the hidden owner of Leeds United in the Premier League, aren’t you?”
“...”
“Your acquisition, along with Roman’s, has attracted considerable attention from both FIFA and UEFA.”
Noticing his name mentioned, Roman glanced over briefly, then turned back to his conversation.
“I’ve already spoken with Mr. Abramovich, but today I’d like to have a word with you. Do you have a moment?”
I checked my watch, then nodded.
“I have another appointment, so I can’t give you much time.”
“...Excuse me?”
“I said I can’t spare much time.”
“...”
Blatter’s face twisted with irritation.
“Is every Korean so rude, or are you the only one who thinks it’s fine to slight me? Fine then. But let’s move somewhere more private.”
Whatever he wanted, Blatter still stood up despite my attitude.
As he did, Song Chanhyuk approached and whispered in Korean so others couldn’t hear,
“Be careful with President Blatter. He’s no different from an old political fox. He never calls someone over for good reasons.”
If even Song said that, the man must be quite the snake. I gave a faint nod and followed Blatter.
We sat facing each other in a small office inside the stadium.
Blatter sat with arms crossed, glaring at me.
Apparently my “busy” comment had gone in one ear and out the other. I tapped my watch deliberately.
“I don’t have much time. Please get to the point.”
“I’m a busy man too. Show some respect.”
“Everyone knows you’re a busy man, Mr. President. Unfortunately, I have a very important engagement today, so I can’t stay long. Please state your business.”
“...What’s your relationship with Vice President Song Chanhyuk? You seemed quite friendly.” ƒгeewebnovёl.com
Out of nowhere, Blatter asked about my ties with Song.
I frowned slightly.
“Why does that matter to you?”
“You own a Premier League club now—you’ll soon be at the center of European football. But being close to someone like Song Chanhyuk could cost you dearly.”
I knew about the bad blood between Blatter and Song, but for him to bring it up the first time we met... the grudge ran deep.
I furrowed my brow and replied,
“President Blatter, watch your words. That’s offensive.”
“If you plan to enter Europe’s football circles, you’d better cut ties with Song Chanhyuk.”
“I’ll handle it myself.”
Arrogant bastard. I spoke firmly, and Blatter shrugged.
“If that’s your choice, so be it. But whether that choice leads to good results... we’ll see.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Of course not. I’m not that stupid. Who would threaten one of the richest men in the world?”
“...”
What the hell is this about?
I forced down my irritation and studied him carefully—though I kept my expression tense to lull him into complacency.
Thinking he’d gotten a rise out of me, Blatter looked triumphant. And then I saw it—the glint of greed in his eyes.
Sure enough, he finally revealed his true purpose.
“Tell me, Mr. Kim—have you heard of ISL?”
“ISL?”
“Yes. The company that handled FIFA’s marketing. It went bankrupt last year.”
“I’ve heard a bit about it.”
“It collapsed because Vice President Song raised corruption allegations. FIFA suffered heavy losses as a result.”
So that was it. Blatter, famous for his nose for money, must have caught a whiff of it from me.
