Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 231: Post-match Interview

Chapter 231: Post-match Interview

The post-match conference room buzzed with the low sound of journalists setting up their recording devices, flipping through notes, and exchanging quick glances.

Cameras were positioned, microphones adjusted, and the scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air.

Gertjan Verbeek walked in first, his usual sharp gaze scanning the room. Benjamin followed closely behind, still riding the high of the match.

He adjusted the sleeves of his tracksuit, exhaling slowly as he took his seat beside the coach.

The AZ Alkmaar media officer gave a brief nod before signaling the start of the conference.

A journalist in the front row wasted no time, leaning forward as he spoke into his mic.

"Coach, a hard-fought victory tonight for your team. What are your thoughts on the team’s performance?"

Gertjan Verbeek clasped his hands on the table, his expression composed.

"I think we showed resilience. It wasn’t easy coming here against a strong Udinese side, but the players stuck to the plan. We were aggressive, we pressed high, and we took our chances when they came. That’s what you need in these kinds of matches."

Another journalist raised his hand. "Coach, Udinese had their moments, especially in the second half. How crucial was Altidore’s penalty in the final minutes?"

Gertjan Verbeek nodded slightly, his tone firm.

"Crucial, of course. But we earned it, no doubt. We didn’t sit back to defend; we kept pushing, and when Benjamin won the penalty, Jozy stepped up with confidence. That’s what I want from my players—to take responsibility in key moments."

The journalist turned to Benjamin, his eyes sharp with curiosity.

"Benjamin, you played a big part in that moment. Take us through it—what was going through your mind when you made that run into the 18 yard box?"

Benjamin straightened in his chair, gripping the microphone lightly.

"I saw space open up and knew Henriksen would find me. Once I got the ball, I wanted to keep my composure, but Domizzi came in late, and I felt the contact. After that, I just waited for the whistle."

Another hand shot up from the second row.

"Benjamin, this was your first Europa League group stage match. How did it feel stepping onto the pitch in such an intense game?"

Benjamin took a second before answering.

"Amazing," he admitted, a small smile forming. "The atmosphere, the pressure—it’s something every player dreams of, whether young or older. But once you’re in the game, you don’t think about it too much. You just focus on playing."

A different journalist shifted forward, directing the next question at Gertjan Verbeek.

"Coach, this win puts AZ Alkmaar in a strong position in Group A. How important was it to start the campaign with three points?"

Gertjan Verbeek leaned back slightly, his expression unwavering.

"Very important. The group stage is about momentum. We’ve set the tone, but there’s still a long way to go. We need to keep our focus and keep improving."

A journalist from the middle row raised his voice. "Coach, with Liverpool winning their match convincingly, how do you see the group shaping up after this first round of games?"

Gertjan Verbeek nodded, already expecting the question.

"It’s only the first matchday," he said. "Liverpool had a strong result, and we got an important win away from home. But there’s a long road ahead. Every game will be a battle, and we’ll take it one step at a time."

The questions kept coming, touching on Udinese’s missed chances, AZ Alkmaar’s tactical approach, and individual performances.

Gertjan Verbeek answered with his usual directness, while Benjamin kept his responses measured, choosing his words carefully.

After nearly fifteen minutes, the media officer checked his watch before stepping forward.

"Last question," he announced.

A journalist in the back raised his voice.

"Coach, what’s the message to the team after tonight’s victory?"

Gertjan Verbeek didn’t hesitate.

"Enjoy the win, but stay hungry. This is just the beginning."

With that, the press conference wrapped up. The murmurs of the journalists filled the room again as Gertjan Verbeek and Benjamin stood, shaking a few hands before making their way toward the exit.

The two exchanged a quick look before heading toward the exit.

Outside the room, a large screen displayed the updated Group A standings:

[Group A Standings]

1. Liverpool | P(1) | GD(+5) | Pts(3) |

2. AZ Alkmaar | P(1) | GD(+1) | Pts(3) |

3. Udinese | P(1) | GD(-1) | Pts(0) |

4. Young Boys | P(1) | GD(-5) | Pts(0) |

Benjamin’s eyes lingered on the table for a second.

Second place with three points on the board. It was a strong start, but nothing was settled yet.

As Benjamin and Gertjan Verbeek made their way down the corridor, the noise from the media room faded behind them.

The adrenaline from the match still pulsed through Benjamin’s veins, but the exhaustion was starting to creep in. His body ached from the intensity of the game, but the result made it all worth it.

Gertjan Verbeek walked with his usual composed stride, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Good answers in there," he muttered, glancing at Benjamin. "Straight to the point. You’ll get used to these press conferences."

Benjamin nodded. "Yeah... It’s different from just playing. You have to be careful with what you say."

Gertjan Verbeek smirked. "Exactly."

As they neared the dressing room, the muffled sound of laughter and celebration filtered through the door. Benjamin pushed it open, stepping into a scene of pure relief and excitement.

Jozy Altidore had his boots off, leaning back against the bench with a grin. "Took your time in there, huh?" he joked.

Henriksen tossed Benjamin a water bottle. "Media duties. Welcome to the real side of football."

Benjamin chuckled, taking a sip. Around the room, players were still coming down from the high of the victory.

Some were already getting changed, while others sat with their legs stretched out, replaying moments from the match in their heads.

Viergever clapped a hand on Benjamin’s shoulder as he passed. "Good work winning that penalty. That run was perfect."

"Thanks," Benjamin replied, feeling a small swell of pride.

Alvarado, who had made crucial saves throughout the match, was still processing Muriel’s late miss. "I swear, I thought that shot was in," he said, shaking his head.

"You weren’t the only one," Adam Maher muttered. "The whole stadium did."

The mood in the dressing room was light—victory had that effect. But beneath the smiles and jokes, everyone knew this was just the beginning.

The Europa League campaign had started well, but tougher challenges lay ahead.