Even without strong backing, Triguera's years of hard work at Sporting CP weren't for nothing.
Once Augusto Inácio gets sacked, Triguera could at least step in as a temporary head coach.
Returning to the first team was only a matter of time.
Coaching U17 this time?
More like a vacation job.
At the same time, he could train Kai and Cristiano Ronaldo, reliving his earlier days of developing top talents.
Isn't that how it worked in ancient times?
Officials would retire, go back home—
and then return stronger later.
When that time comes?
The club might as well send a damn gold-plated carriage to invite him back.
"Then let me congratulate you in advance," Kai said casually, sipping his honey drink.
"I'm fine with whatever. But honestly… U17 doesn't really mean much for me and Ronaldo anymore."
Ronaldo nodded.
"Yeah. Kai's already grown to 1.65 meters—he's only half a head shorter than me now."
Ronaldo himself had shot up close to 1.8 meters.
With that kind of physique, playing U19 wouldn't be a problem at all.
Triguera raised an eyebrow.
"What? You want to play U19? I can transfer there too. But I chose U17 because the physical intensity is lower. At this stage, you should focus on increasing your output."
"If you get injured and end up stuck in bed, it's not worth it."
"To you, U17 and U19 aren't that different. So I chose the safer option."
Kai nodded quickly.
"I think U17 is fine too. If we really push it, Ronaldo could even try U21—but there's no need to jump intensity that fast."
Triguera smiled slightly.
"But…?"
Kai took the cue and spoke more boldly.
"But there's no innovation. It's just repeating last season's path. That's not good for long-term development."
"Look at youth systems—Real Madrid's academy players adapt anywhere, but Barcelona players sometimes struggle outside La Masia. That's why."
"I want to learn more styles from you—different systems, different ways of playing. Not just repeating the same thing over and over."
Triguera took a sip of red wine.
"You just gave me three options. Should I thank you for your generosity?"
Kai grinned awkwardly.
"No need for that… but maybe you could make things harder for us?"
"Put some weaker players into our lineup. That way, even in U17, the difficulty would be close to U19."
Triguera rolled his eyes.
"You really think things through. But young players shouldn't focus too much on comparison. Focus on your own growth."
As he said that, he glanced at Ronaldo.
Because the two of them were complete opposites.
Cristiano Ronaldo thrived on competition.
That mentality helped him dominate within an environment—
but it also meant that without stronger opponents, his growth could stagnate.
Kai, on the other hand, followed his own plan step by step.
No matter the environment, his growth wouldn't slow down.
So for Kai, playing U17 or U19 didn't matter much.
But for Ronaldo?
Staying in U17 might actually slow him down.
Triguera suddenly understood.
Kai wasn't being selfish.
He was worried about Ronaldo getting injured during this physical growth phase.
Better to let his body fully develop first—
then jump through U17, U19, U21, and beyond in one go.
This kid… thinks far ahead.
The dinner ended on a good note.
Triguera didn't keep them around afterward. He said he had work to do and politely sent them off.
On the way back, Ronaldo looked reluctant.
"Coach Triguera's TV is huge! A 36-inch screen! I was planning to watch Tokyo Mew Mew…"
Kai gave him a weird look.
"Don't you prefer Sailor Moon?"
Ronaldo shrugged.
"I already finished it… What a waste. Do you think the coach kicked us out to save electricity? What work could he possibly have now? He's not even with the first team anymore."
Kai sighed.
"I thought a guy like you would watch Neon Genesis Evangelion…"
"As for the electricity bill—he can definitely afford it. He does have work."
And that work?
Kai had just handed it to him.
During their conversation, Kai had subtly proposed ideas about lineup construction.
Triguera never treated him like a kid—
so he immediately caught the deeper meaning.
The moment they left, Triguera picked up the phone.
"Hello… it's me. Tomorrow, send Yu Shihao, Hao Junmin, and Shao Jiawei from U15 to report to U17."
"Yes, I know their level. Don't worry."
The next day—
Alcochete Training Base.
When Yu Shihao and the other two arrived at the U17 pitch, they were still in shock.
Even in last season's championship-winning U15 squad, only the very best got promoted.
So why them?
"You're here."
Triguera appeared early, while the others were still in the locker room.
"I like to be direct," he said.
"I know how to develop young players."
"Calling you up is recognition of your talent. You have the potential to become professionals."
"But let's be honest—you're still lacking in fundamentals and tactical awareness. That should've been polished in U15."
He paused.
"But… Kai recommended you."
"He believes you can quickly adapt to U17."
"And I believe that under his leadership, you'll perform at this level."
That made it crystal clear.
They were here—
because of Kai.
Yu Shihao and the others instantly understood.
They weren't idiots.
Boss Kai is insane.
Boss Kai is god-tier.
Soon, the rest of the squad arrived.
Most players didn't react much to the newcomers.
After last season, no one doubted Kai's ability.
Especially in the European Youth Championship, where he basically carried the team—even overshadowing players like Hugo Viana and Raul Meireles, and only slightly trailing Ricardo Quaresma.
And where was Quaresma now?
First team.
Kai's success had given the club confidence in Asian players—more specifically, Chinese players.
Yu Shihao and the others were the club's first real attempt to explore that market.
But whether it worked?
That depended on performance.
From the first training session—
it was obvious.
Kai was an exception.
Including the others (even Kai's past self before growth), the basic skills of the four Chinese players were clearly below the rest.
But—
each of them showed unique strengths in specific areas.
And sometimes?
That's all you need to start something big.
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