Football: The British Legendary Manager

The speech was met with another round of applause, this time more genuine. Henry's words resonated with the fans and journalists present.

It wasn't just empty rhetoric; he had shown a deep understanding of the team and its culture.

Even those who were skeptical of his appointment had to admit he had a presence about him, a confidence that was infectious.

After a brief pause, one of the journalists, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a sharp gaze like a blade (pun intended), stood up with a microphone in hand.

"Mr. Walker, welcome to Rome. Your appointment came as a surprise to many, given your age and the fact that you haven't coached at this level before. How do you respond to concerns that you might lack the experience to manage a club of this stature?"

Seeing the age of the old man, it isn't that surprising, especially in Italy, which is known as a conservative society. But at least, that question isn't difficult.

He smiled, his expression not defensive but even; he appeared a little bit confident. "I completely understand those concerns. It's true that I am not a former world-class player, nor have I managed a club in the Champions League before."

"But football is not won on paper or by reputation alone. It is won through preparation, strategy, and execution."

"I have spent years studying this game, working behind the scenes in different clubs, analyzing every detail from tactics to player development. And now, I have the privilege to put that knowledge into practice at one of the greatest clubs in Italy."

Some nodded while others were taking notes. Don't think that these notes are just for show; they are really writing something, well, probably what he said but in a more distorted way.

"My role is not to be a superstar name that excites people with my past achievements. My role is to ensure that this team plays to its full potential, that the players grow and develop, and that we build a team that not only wins but plays in a way that makes the fans proud."

"I don't expect anyone to trust me blindly. I only ask that you judge me by the results on the pitch."

These reporters were really surprised by Henry's confidence, especially by him saying that he doesn't need anything apart from being given a chance to prove himself.

You know, when other coaches sign, they would say they need time to adjust the team and implement the tactics so that in the first few games, fans wouldn't blame them even if they lose. But Henry was different; he seems to be confident that the fans would like seeing his game.

Henry's confidence not only surprised the reporters and fans on-site but also the people watching live. Among these people, there were two who were especially different due to the fact that they are not just fans.

One was a man with golden hair, a face that screamed, "I'm mature," especially since he wasn't smiling, while the other was a little bit younger. The two special individuals watching the live broadcast were none other than Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, legends of AS Roma and icons of the club.

Both had spent the majority of their careers at Roma, even when they received better offers than in Rome, especially Totti, who was once known as the last puzzle of the peak Real Madrid Galacticos. They represent the heart and soul of the team.

Their connection to the club is very deep, and their opinions carry immense weight among the fans and the football community of the city.

"Hmm, the new head coach seems to be very interesting," Totti was the first to break the silence, obviously liking Henry's attitude.

Although he is in his twilight, he believes he can contribute, but if the team can't win or he becomes a drag, he is ready to make some concessions, which was also the reason he was more relaxed than De Rossi.

He likes people who speak with results instead of empty talk. At least, Henry just asked to be given time to prove himself and nothing more.

De Rossi, who was sitting beside him, didn't reply immediately. His connection to the club is as deep as Totti's, but he still hasn't completely passed his peak.

Over the years, what kind of coach hasn't he seen? Therefore, as a warrior on the pitch, he was more pragmatic.

Totti didn't take De Rossi's act of not replying as an offense. How to say, the relationship between the two is a little complicated.

Everyone knows that if there wasn't Totti, De Rossi would be the indispensable soul of Roma, but in fact, the two respect and trust each other very much.

Along the way, what kind of temptation, what kind of low point and difficulty haven't they seen, but in the end, they still stayed in Rome.

Henry didn't know that Totti and De Rossi were together watching him, but he can more or less guess it. In fact, many Roma players would definitely watch it to have some understanding of the new manager.

At this point, the conference had long surpassed the state of formality, with journalists asking questions like what new players would be introduced and who is leaving the team.

"I know that every team has areas that can be improved, the same goes for us, but I think this isn't the most important."

"What is important is the fact that this team only needs players who can understand this shirt. I think our players are very talented; we shouldn't rush to introduce mercenaries but rather give these people some chances and tap their potential."

Henry's answer was very clear. Anyway, he doesn't have any power over transfers, and unless he proves himself, he probably wouldn't have it, so it's better to earn some favorability from the fans.

Sure enough, the people present applauded again. As a conservative country in terms of football, they are confident in their tactics and players. Henry's act of approving the current players did earn some respect among the fans.

Totti nodded approvingly as he listened to Henry's response. "Smart," he murmured. "He's not overpromising, not making excuses, and most importantly, he's backing the players already here."

De Rossi also nodded. It was basically saying that he approves of the current players and reassures them not to worry because he would reuse them.

In fact, when a new coach arrives, basically every player would worry about how the coach would use them or who he would introduce.

Even Totti and De Rossi couldn't guarantee that their positions are stable. What if the new coach tries to use them as a scapegoat to establish his prestige and power in the team?

Meanwhile, back at the press conference, another journalist raised a hand. This one, younger, perhaps in his early thirties, with an eager expression.

"Mr. Walker, you speak about trusting the current players and not bringing in 'mercenaries.' Does this mean we won't see any major signings this summer?"

Henry's smile didn't falter. "Football is unpredictable. If the right player becomes available, and he fits our team's needs, then of course, we will consider it. But I will not chase names for the sake of it. We have a strong squad, and my priority is to make sure every player here knows they have a role to play."

After all, he couldn't guarantee what the plan of the management was. It's better not to promise something and later be slapped in the face.

"You talk about maximizing the squad's potential, but last season, Roma struggled in key matches. You are so confident in the current team; is this suggesting that Enrique wasn't good enough to tap the potential of the team last season?"

This question was asked by a more aggressive journalist. For them, it didn't really matter what kind of plan Henry or AS Roma had; what matters is what kind of hot news would they produce?

Henry, however, remained composed. He understood the game being played here; journalists loved controversy.

A careless response could spark unnecessary drama, alienating not just the former coach but also the club's upper management and even some players.

He took a moment, then leaned slightly forward, his expression calm but firm.

"I have immense respect for Luis Enrique," Henry said, his voice steady. "Football is a dynamic sport, and a coach's success isn't measured solely by one season. He is a brilliant tactician with a clear philosophy, and I know his work here laid a foundation."

Some reporters nodded, while others waited for the inevitable pivot. Henry didn't make them wait long.

"That being said, every coach has a different approach. What I aim to do is bring out the best in these players in my own way."

"Football is not just about tactics; it's about mentality, cohesion, and belief. I believe in this team, and I trust that we can take the necessary steps forward together."

With the system, this is his coaching philosophy. He doesn't need talented, arrogant, or lazy players; he only needs players who are willing to work hard and fight. With the system, it doesn't matter; sooner or later, he would find a way to improve their strength.

The aggressive journalist, clearly hoping for a more direct opinion on Enrique, frowned slightly but didn't push further. Instead, another reporter took the chance to ask, "You emphasize mentality. Can you elaborate on what changes you plan to introduce in that regard?"

Henry smiled slightly, tapping his fingers on the table. "Mentality is the foundation of success. Talent alone isn't enough; you need hunger, resilience, and the willingness to fight for every ball, every game."

"That's what separates good teams from great ones. We will work on instilling that competitive edge in training, making sure every player understands their role and responsibility. When the players believe in themselves, that confidence will translate onto the pitch."

"Never say die. I want this sentence to represent my team. It means no matter how many goals we concede, how many players are injured, or how many minutes are left, my team would always fight. I want every team to feel fear if they score against us because they know our team would retaliate even further."

Yup, basically, Henry has explained his skills to everyone but in a smart way. One can imagine how legendary this conference would be later when the team succeeds; this sentence would definitely follow him for life.

"One final question," a journalist called out. "What should Roma fans expect from your team this season?"

Henry's eyes spoke with confidence. "Progress. Passion. Football that excites and makes them proud. We'll definitely achieve this season. With the team's current foundation, we would be here to compete for the league with a football that would make fans proud."

With that, the conference came to an end, but of course, Henry's answer, especially the last one, would definitely cause some news in the next few days.

END OF THE CHAPTER

"At that time, I knew my choice was right. I was sure that Henry was the man who could lead Rome to its peak. After that conference, everyone in the team was infected by his confidence." —Thomas Di Benedetto's biography.

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