THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
chapter-682

682 Zachary’s Gradual Integration at Liverpool

When the referee finally blew the final whistle, the stadium vibrated with even more intense explosions of delight. The fans yelled and celebrated Liverpool's resounding 4-0 victory in their season-opening game. As he took in the sights and the atmosphere, Zachary couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and anticipation for the season ahead.

A bit later, Ray led Zachary down to the dressing room as Klopp had invited. The atmosphere inside was jubilant, with players celebrating and congratulating each other.

Klopp spotted Zachary almost right away and waved him over. "Welcome to Anfield after a win, Zachary!"

The other players noticed him, too. "Great to have you here, mate!" Henderson said, clapping him on the back.

"You'll be out there with us soon," Firmino added, his smile infectious.

"Thanks, everyone," Zachary replied, his voice full of gratitude. "It was amazing to watch you all play."

As the celebrations continued, Zachary felt a deep sense of belonging. He knew his journey with Liverpool had only begun, but he was already an integral part of the family. Just then, Klopp requested everyone's attention and commenced his post-match address.

"Okay, lads, gather round," Klopp started, his voice carrying authority and warmth. "First off, fantastic job out there today. You were all brilliant. Mo, that first goal set the tone. Well done."

Salah nodded a modest smile on his face.

"Sadio, Roberto, your pressing was relentless. That's what we need in every game. Keep it up."

Mané and Firmino exchanged a nod of acknowledgment.

"And Sturridge, great impact off the bench. That's what we expect from everyone, coming in and making a difference."

Sturridge grinned, clearly pleased.

"But," Klopp continued, "we're not perfect yet. Firstly, we need to tighten up a bit at the back. For instance, there were moments when we could have been punished today. Such moments could jeopardize our season later—when we are up against stronger opponents. And in midfield, we need to move the ball quicker at times. Keep working on those transitions, and let's try to always unlock defenses before they reorganize..."

The players listened intently, soaking in every word.

"Remember," Klopp concluded, "this is just the beginning. It's a long season, and we need to keep this level of performance if we're to have any chance of toppling Man City this season. Stay hungry, stay humble, and keep pushing."

13:14

Zachary listened, feeling a mix of admiration and motivation. Klopp's words were inspiring, and his clear, straightforward feedback resonated with Zachary's desire to improve and contribute.

After Klopp finished his speech, Zachary said his goodbyes to his teammates and left the dressing room under the guidance of Ray. The post-match atmosphere was electric, with fans still chanting and celebrating inside the stadium.

The laughter and the hum of excited conversation among the Liverpool staff and media people echoed through the hallways. The adrenaline from the just-concluded match was still high, and Zachary couldn't help but feel a part of it, even though he hadn't played.

As they exited Anfield, Zachary glanced back at the stadium. He felt determined and eager to contribute to such a winning atmosphere.

He and Ray then made their way to the car, and soon, they were driving through the bustling streets of Liverpool. The city was alive with post-match celebrations, fans in red jerseys flooding the streets, singing and chanting in joyous unison.

Ray, ever caring and attentive, drove him back to his new mansion in Woolton. They didn't talk much as Zachary was still immersed in the game that had just concluded, replaying crucial moments in his mind.

He visualized how he would tackle certain situations, anticipating how he could help Liverpool win even more. The drive gave him time to reflect and strategize, his reinforced mind spinning with ideas and possibilities.

As they neared his mansion, Zachary's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Kristin. Answering, he heard her cheerful voice.

"Zachary! I've made all the arrangements in Turin. I'm ready to move your important belongings to Liverpool."

"That's great, Kristin," Zachary replied, his tone filled with gratitude.

"Thank you for handling everything so efficiently. I really appreciate it."

"It's my pleasure," Kristin said. "I've scheduled everything, and I'll oversee the packing myself to ensure nothing is missed. Is there anything specific you want to be done?"

"You can coordinate with Ray, Liverpool FC's player liaison officer. He can help with any logistics here in Liverpool."

"Of course. I'll contact Ray before the day ends," Kristin assured him.

"Thank you, Kristin. You're becoming much more than a PA to me. Your attention to detail is incredible," Zachary said sincerely.

"That means a lot, Zachary. I'm here to make your life easier, and I'm happy to do it," she responded warmly.

After the call, Zachary felt a sense of relief. His complete relocation to Liverpool was finally underway, and he could focus entirely on his new journey. When Ray dropped him off at his mansion, he turned his gaze to Zachary with a smile.

"Do you need the club to organize a chef or any other staff to help you manage the house?" Ray asked.

Zachary shook his head. "No, thanks. I'm starting to get used to staying alone, and I usually eat most of my meals at Melwood. I'm good for now."

Ray nodded understandingly. "Alright, but don't hesitate to ask if you change your mind."

As Ray drove away, Zachary walked into his mansion, exhausted yet contented. That aside, Ray's last question had reminded him of something he had been neglecting.

He needed to decide whether to keep the services of Coach Bjørn Peters, his fitness trainer, and Inger, his chef. The club's professionals were already offering him similar services, so he wondered if he still needed the extra help.

He thought about the high standards of Liverpool's coaching staff and the club's top-notch facilities. It seemed redundant to keep external help when he had access to the best resources. Yet, a sense of loyalty and familiarity with Bjørn and Inger had repeatedly made him hesitate.

While contemplating his next steps, he finally arrived in his kitchen. The kitchen was a modern masterpiece, with sleek granite countertops, state-of-the-art appliances, and an expansive island in the center. The large windows let in the last of the evening light, casting a warm glow over the space.

The place felt luxurious and welcoming—yet there was a sense of emptiness that Zachary couldn't shake off. He was still adjusting to his new mansion in Woolton, Liverpool.

He poured himself a glass of juice, savoring the freshness. Glancing at his watch, he noticed it was just about 5:30 PM. Deciding it was a good time, he picked up his phone and dialed Bjørn's number. Bjørn answered almost immediately, his voice filled with warmth and enthusiasm.

"Zachary! Congratulations on your transfer to Liverpool. I watched the game today. What a fantastic start for the team!" Bjørn said.

"Thanks, Bjørn. It's been quite a journey so far. How are you and Inger doing?" Zachary replied.

"We're doing well and getting used to the new routine without you here in Turin. How are you finding Liverpool?"

"It's been good. The city is vibrant, and the club is amazing. The facilities here are top-notch. I'm really excited to be a part of this team," Zachary said, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

"That's great to hear. Have you decided what you'll do with your mansion in Turin?" Bjørn asked.

Zachary paused, thinking about the spacious villa he had left behind. "I think I'll keep it for now. It's a beautiful place, and who knows? I might need it for holidays or off-season retreats. Plus, it holds a lot of memories," he said.

"That makes sense. It's always good to have a place to return to," Bjørn agreed.

After a few more minutes of chitchatting about Liverpool, Turin, and life in general, Zachary took a deep breath. He was about to bring up the topic of continuing their professional relationship, but Bjørn beat him to it.

"Zachary, there's something I need to tell you," Bjørn began, his tone more serious. "Inger and I have decided to stay in Turin. We've settled well here. We want to start building our family. Relocating to Liverpool at this point would be too disruptive for us."

Zachary felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had been wrestling with the troubling decision of letting go of Bjørn and Inger's services, and now it seemed the decision had been made for him. "I completely understand, Bjørn. You've both been incredible, and I'm grateful for everything you've done for me. I wish you all the best in Turin," he said sincerely.

"Thank you, Zachary. It's been a pleasure working with you. I'm sure you'll do great things in Liverpool. We'll always be cheering you on," Bjørn replied.

They then chatted for a few more minutes, reminiscing about their time together and sharing good wishes for the future. The call ended on a positive note, leaving Zachary feeling lighter and more focused.

Placing the phone down, he looked around his kitchen and exhaled. Now that the matter of Bjørn and Inger was resolved, he could focus entirely on his football. Tomorrow was a day off for the team, but he knew he had to train individually—if he wanted to make the starting lineup as soon as possible.