The last week of special training was an endless torment for Lin Feng. Goethe's demands grew stricter, and the intensity of the training increased linearly. Every day, Lin Feng struggled with pain and exhaustion, but he never gave up.
Lin Feng's body seemed to have surpassed its limits, his muscles aching as if they had been hammered. But he gritted his teeth and persevered. He knew that all this pain and effort were for his dream of becoming a top center-back.
After the training, Lin Feng sat on the ground, utterly exhausted, drenched in sweat, almost finding it difficult to even breathe. His clothes were soaked, clinging to his body, outlining his physique.
Goethe walked over to Lin Feng, nodding in satisfaction: "Kid, you did well this week!"
Lin Feng looked up at Goethe, his eyes filled with a hint of stubbornness and determination: "I know, I will continue to work hard."
Goethe grinned, revealing a mouth full of yellow teeth: "Good, you have backbone. Not many professional players can last a week under me. I look forward to seeing your performance on the field."
Lin Feng took a deep breath and tried to stand up: "I will show you a better me."
After this week of special training, Lin Feng was no longer the weak, helpless teenager. His body had become stronger, and his will more resolute. He learned how to face challenges and pressure, and how to remain calm and focused in adversity.
The two-week special training in Miami finally concluded, and Lin Feng and his agent Snyder embarked on their journey back to Villarreal. During these two weeks, Lin Feng underwent comprehensive physical and mental tempering, with every step full of challenges and sweat.
Upon returning to Villarreal, Lin Feng did not get much time to rest.
The international break had just ended, and he missed Villarreal's third-round match against Málaga.
This match was crucial for the team, but Lin Feng also understood that the special training in Miami was equally important, as it concerned his future and dreams.
Despite not being able to participate in the match, Lin Feng did not feel lost.
He knew that this trip to Miami had given him a qualitative leap in physical fitness. His muscle definition was more pronounced, and his body fat percentage had dropped to an astonishing number.
His speed was faster, his strength greater, and his reactions more acute. All these changes were the result of the sweat and effort he put into the special training in Miami.
In the early morning, sunlight shone on the Villarreal sports city, and the training ground was already bustling. Players, dressed in the team's uniform, were either training alone or in groups, busy with their respective tasks.
When Lin Feng appeared on the training ground, a sound of surprise erupted. His teammates looked at the huge changes in his physique, their faces filled with shock. His previously slender body was now firm and strong, with clearly visible muscle lines.
"Lin Feng, what happened?" his teammate Pato couldn't help but ask, "Did you go to the gym?"
Lin Feng smiled and nodded: "Yes, I went to Miami for some special training."
"Special training?" another teammate Castillejo repeated in surprise, "You underwent special training behind our backs?"
Lin Feng shrugged: "I didn't want to distract everyone. But now, I think sharing this change is a good thing."
His teammates gathered around, carefully observing Lin Feng's changes. They felt the confidence and strength emanating from him, as if he had become more mature and steady.
Head Coach Escribá also noticed the change. He walked over and patted Lin Feng's shoulder: "Young man, you look in good shape."
Lin Feng looked gratefully at Escribá: "Thank you for the compliment, Coach. I will continue to work hard and live up to your expectations."
During these two weeks, in addition to Lin Feng's special training in Miami, something else worth celebrating happened at Villarreal: two days prior, the team's defensive rising star Pau Torres made his first professional start and helped the team secure a 2-0 victory against Málaga.
The Villarreal First Team players finally welcomed a long-awaited victory, which, like a fresh breeze, dispelled the gloom that had hung over the team.
Before this, the team had gone many matches without a win, and the players' pressure grew, affecting their performance on the field. However, this victory was like a ray of dawn, illuminating the path in the players' hearts and helping them regain their confidence and motivation.
Although the players cheered for the victory, their joy did not last long. Because very soon, they would face an even more severe challenge—the Europa League group stage.
With only a few days separating the La Liga match, the First Team Head Coach Escribá faced a difficult decision: whether to rotate some players, allowing them to rest and prepare for the upcoming Europa League.
On this matter, Pau Torres was undoubtedly the starting choice. As the team's rising star, his performance had already won over the coach and fans. Escribá believed that the Europa League matches were a rare opportunity for tempering, which could help Pau Torres further improve his level.
However, regarding Lin Feng, Escribá was hesitant. He clearly remembered the immense effort Lin Feng had put into the special training in Miami, but he also worried whether Lin Feng's body had fully recovered. He was concerned that Lin Feng's physical condition might not yet be sufficient to cope with high-intensity matches.
After careful consideration, Escribá decided to have Lin Feng undergo recovery training first during today's session. He hoped that through this arrangement, he could ensure Lin Feng's body was fully adjusted, so that he could perform at his best in the Europa League group stage.
Tomorrow, Lin Feng will officially join the First Team's training. Escribá understood that whether Lin Feng was suitable to start would require comprehensive consideration of many factors. In addition to physical condition, there were also tactical needs, player form, and the opponent's situation, among others.
However, time was tight, and the Europa League group stage was imminent. Escribá did not have enough time to wait for the results of the medical department's physical assessment. He had to make a decision, one based on his many years of coaching experience and his assessment of the players' abilities.
At this critical moment, Escribá's heart was filled with anxiety and tension. He knew that his decision could affect the team's overall performance and Lin Feng's future development. But he also understood that, as Head Coach, he had a responsibility to make the best choice for the team's interests.
Nevertheless, Escribá still included Lin Feng in the Europa League squad for the away match this weekend, at least providing an extra layer of assurance for Lin Feng's potential appearance.