Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 128: Postmatch Interview [Bonus]

Chapter 128: Postmatch Interview [Bonus]

Benjamin stood under the floodlights with his sweat-drenched jersey clinging to him as the post-match interview began.

Cameras and microphones surrounded him, and the sound of voices filled the air as various Dutch media outlets jostled for position.

Despite the chaos, his expression remained composed, though a flicker of excitement lingered in his eyes.

A reporter from NOS Sport stepped forward, holding a microphone inscribed with the channel’s logo. [Benjamin, congratulations on an outstanding performance tonight. A hat-trick of goals and assists—how are you feeling right now?]

Benjamin adjusted his stance, glancing at the roaring crowd in the background. "Thank you. It’s an amazing feeling. Nights like this don’t come around often, and I’m just happy I could help the team. The lads were incredible tonight. None of it would’ve been possible without their support."

The reporter nodded while smiling. [That free kick—it was a masterpiece, i must say. Talk us through what was going through your mind in that moment]

Benjamin paused, the memory of the strike flashing in his mind. "To be honest, I tried to stay calm. I’ve practiced that scenario a lot in training, so it was about trusting my technique. Once I hit it, I knew it had a chance. Seeing it go in... it’s hard to put into words."

Another journalist from De Telegraaf leaned in. [Three games in the Eredivisie, and your stats are already at five goals and seven assists. That’s a remarkable start for someone your age. How do you handle the pressure and expectations?]

Benjamin chuckled lightly, scratching the back of his neck. "I don’t think too much about the numbers. For me, it’s about improving with each game and doing my best for the team. The pressure’s there, sure, but I see it as motivation. I’ve got great coaches and teammates who believe in me, and that helps a lot."

[Speaking of teammates,] a voice from Voetbal International chimed in, [your chemistry with Alvarado and Henriksen was on full display tonight. How important is that connection to your game?]

Benjamin’s face lit up. "It’s huge. Playing with guys like them makes my job easier. They’re always in the right positions, and they understand the game so well. We’ve been working on our link-up play in training, and I think it’s starting to show on the pitch."

A reporter from FOX Sports leaned forward. [Gertjan Verbeek has been singing your praises, calling you a ’special talent.’ How does it feel to have your manager’s trust at such a young age?]

Benjamin smiled, a hint of humility in his expression. "It means a lot. Coach Verbeek has been fantastic with me, always pushing me to be better. Knowing he trusts me gives me confidence, and I want to repay that trust every time I step onto the pitch."

The questions kept coming with each one probing deeper into his thoughts about the game, his rapid rise, and his future.

Yet, Benjamin answered them all with a measured calm that belied his age, his responses were thoughtful but never overconfident.

As the questions shifted toward AZ Alkmaar’s standing in the league, a reporter from AD.nl stepped forward, his notepad already filled with scribbled notes.[Benjamin, with tonight’s win, AZ Alkmaar moves up to fourth in the Eredivisie table. What’s the mood like in the dressing room regarding your chances of challenging for the league title this season?]

Benjamin tilted his head slightly, considering the question. "The mood’s great. We’re taking things one game at a time, but there’s a belief in the squad that we can compete with anyone. The league is tough, and every point matters, but we’re focused on staying consistent and working hard."

Another journalist, this time from Voetbal Primeur, interjected, [It’s been a while since AZ Alkmaar last lifted silverware. Do you think this squad has what it takes to bring a trophy back to Alkmaar?]

Benjamin smiled faintly, his gaze momentarily drifting to the AZ Alkmaar logo on his jersey. "That’s the dream, isn’t it? We’re hungry for success, and there’s a lot of quality in this team. If we keep playing the way we did tonight and keep improving, anything’s possible. But it’s a long season, and we know we’ll have to earn it."

The reporter pressed further. [Are there any specific goals the team has set for the season? A top-four finish, perhaps?]

Benjamin’s tone remained calm. "Of course, we want to finish as high as possible. Top four would be fantastic, but we’re not setting limits. We’re focused on building momentum and seeing where that takes us."

As the questions continued, an official from the Eredivisie walked over, carrying a polished trophy.

The Man of the Match award gleamed under the stadium lights, its engraved lettering catching Benjamin’s eye. The crowd, still lingering in the stands, roared as they noticed the gesture.

The official handed the award to Benjamin with a congratulatory handshake. Cameras clicked furiously as Benjamin held the trophy, posing briefly for photos.

He adjusted his grip on the award, its weight felt satisfying, and offered a small nod toward the photographers.

[Benjamin, holding that MOTM Award must feel special,] one reporter said, grinning as he gestured toward the award. [What does this mean to you personally?]

Benjamin glanced at the award, then back at the reporters. "It’s a great honor, but like I said earlier, this is a team effort. Without my teammates, none of this would’ve happened. I’ll enjoy this moment, but my focus is already on the next game."

The interview began to wind down as the crowd’s chants of "Benjamin! Rijkaard!" grew louder.

A question came from a journalist from Voetbalzone. [Benjamin, one last thing—the fans are calling you a future star. Do you see yourself staying at AZ Alkmaar for the long haul, or do you dream of playing on an even bigger stage someday?]

Benjamin’s expression softened a bit. "Right now, my heart is here at AZ Alkmaar. This club gave me my chance when I was at rock bottom, and I’m fully committed to giving my best for as long as I’m here. The future will take care of itself, but for now, I’m focused on helping this team achieve great things."

Finally, a journalist asked, [Any message for the supporters who’ve been chanting your name tonight?]

Benjamin’s gaze shifted toward the stands, where fans still lingered, waving scarves and chanting. He smiled, the noise clearly resonating with him. "I just want to say thank you. The fans have been incredible since day one, and their energy tonight was unreal. It’s an honor to play for them, and I’ll keep giving my all to make them proud."

The reporters nodded appreciatively while their pens scribbling down his every word. With that, the official signaled that the interview was over.

Benjamin offered a polite wave to the reporters before turning toward the tunnel.