Prologue
It was a warm spring day in Nagoya, Japan. Kazuhiro Kimura stood nervously in the auditorium, surrounded by his fellow football coaches and students. They were all gathered to receive their licenses, marking the end of their studies at the football coaching school.
As Kazuhiro looked around the room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. He had always been passionate about football, and the opportunity to study coaching had been a dream come true.
Suddenly, the auditorium doors opened, and a tall, distinguished-looking man walked in. Kazuhiro's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the man as Arsene Wenger, one of the star guest teachers at the school and a legendary football manager.
Wenger approached the stage and began to speak, his deep, gravelly voice echoing throughout the room. "Congratulations to all of you on earning your licenses," he said, a warm smile on his face. "You have worked hard and dedicated yourselves to the beautiful game, and I am confident that each and every one of you has the potential to make a positive impact in the world of football."
As Wenger finished his speech, the audience erupted into applause. Kazuhiro couldn't believe he was in the same room as one of his idols.
After the ceremony was over, Kazuhiro approached Wenger and introduced himself. "I'm Kazuhiro Kimura," he said, bowing politely. "It's an honour to meet you, sir."
Wenger smiled and shook Kazuhiro's hand. "The pleasure is mine, Kazuhiro," he said. "I have been impressed by your dedication and passion during your time at this school, and I know firsthand how much potential you have as a coach. That's why I have a proposition for you."
Kazuhiro's heart raced. Could it be that Wenger was offering him a job?
As if reading Kazuhiro's mind, Wenger continued. "I am the chairman of RB Paris, a new satellite club of Red Bull in France. We are looking to establish ourselves as a top club in the French league, and I believe you have the skills and potential to help us achieve that goal. Will you join me as a coach at RB Paris?"
Kazuhiro was thrilled at the opportunity. He knew that working under Wenger at a club backed by the Red Bull organization was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he didn't hesitate for a second before accepting the offer.
As they walked out of the auditorium, Wenger turned to Kazuhiro with a severe expression. "I know this will be a challenging journey, Kazuhiro," he said. "But I have faith in you, and I believe that together, we can turn RB Paris into a force to be reckoned with. We’ll send you a ticket soon."
Kazuhiro nodded, determined to make the most of this opportunity. He knew it would take hard work and dedication, but he was ready to take on the challenge. He was a coach at RB Paris, and he was determined to make his mark on the world of football.
***
In just a few short days, Kazuhiro found himself back in Paris, the city of his childhood. As he gazed out the window of the plane at the familiar landmarks passing by, memories of his time in Paris flooded back to him. He remembered the sights and sounds of the bustling city, the taste of freshly baked bread, and the warmth of the summer sun on his skin.
But as Kazuhiro stepped off the plane and onto the bustling streets of Paris, he was struck by how much had changed since he had left. The city was still the same, but Kazuhiro was no longer the wide-eyed child he had once been. He was a man now, with a newfound purpose and determination.
As Kazuhiro made his way to the office of RB Paris, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness building inside of him. This was it - the place he wanted to be.
Kazuhiro stepped through the office doors, and he was greeted by Arsene Wenger and legendary ex-football player Thierry Henry, both of whom were board members at RB Paris.
"Welcome to RB Paris, Kazuhiro," Wenger said warmly. "We are thrilled to have you on board."
Henry, tall and fit with a friendly ironic smile, shook Kazuhiro's hand and greeted him warmly. "It's great to have you here, Kazuhiro," he said. "We have big plans for this club, and we believe you are the right man."
Kazuhiro was taken aback by their confidence in him. "Thank you, sirs," he said, bowing politely. "I am honoured to be given this opportunity."
Wenger nodded, his expression serious. "We have big plans for RB Paris, Kazuhiro," he said. "Our goal is to build a team that can reach the French elite in the next 3 to 5 seasons and to eventually compete with the likes of PSG and become a top club in Europe. Not less."
Kazuhiro was impressed. "Those are some very ambitious goals," he said. "But I believe in them if you are, and I am ready to do whatever it takes to help us achieve them."
Henry chuckled and clapped Kazuhiro on the back. "That's the spirit, Kazuhiro," he said. "We knew you were the right man for the job."
Kazuhiro's eyes narrowed as he realized something. "Wait a minute," he said. "Who is the head coach right now?"
Wenger and Henry burst into laughter, and Henry shouted, "That's you, man!"
Kazuhiro had always dreamed of being a head coach, and now, against all odds, he had been given the opportunity.
As Wenger and Henry's laughter died down, Wenger became serious once again. "I do not doubt you are ready for this challenge, Kazuhiro," he said. "I have seen your dedication and passion for the game, and I believe in your potential to lead this club. And when I said to lead the club, I mean to greatness."
Kazuhiro nodded, his resolve firm. "I won't let you down, sir," he said. More to himself.
