Football Philosopher
New Face Recognition

James signals David to issue a contract.

David then spoke to Ralf. "We have prepared this contract for you. Although you won't be working too much in the first team next season, but we have to start planning from now on for the future, we want to confirm the signing. Please, read."

Ralf just sat there in surprise.

"What, you're not sure about this? If you want more time to think about it, we'll be willing to wait." James said to Ralf in a somewhat gloomy tone as he felt David's gaze as if telling him to shut up.

"No, I was just surprised. I think it was an interview and you guys will contact me after that. And now I'm sure of your seriousness." Ralf said as he began to read the contract.

He was further shocked when he saw that his salary was 500,000 pounds a year. It was higher than Ralf expected, and there was also a 10% salary increase per year. The contract is also five years long. It was a show of trust. Ralf weighed in with anticipation, but he was also challenged with this responsibility.

After reading the contract, Ralf did not hesitate and wrote his name down on the paper.

"Welcome to the club. I'm sure this will be the beginning of a successful partnership." James said to Ralf Rangnick who was feeling excited about the future.

James returned to Manchester feeling good about the deal.

This is just the beginning. James thought to himself. In the coming days, an extensive search for new managers and players begins.

Sir Alex Ferguson will retire next season and due to considerations about his health as well, he is a very capable manager and also a legend of the Manchester United team.

Dozens of trophies have been awarded to this team. Although he had a bad performance at the beginning of his training with Manchester United even had relegated, but he rose and brought success to this team.

James began to prepare himself for something that he would face today. Today was another press conference he had to attend where he would announce a slight change in club management with Ralf Rangnick and David taking over their offices. Ralf and David were already present around the Stadium first. Ralf had just arrived from Germany today and David went to pick him up at the airport.

John was thinking about something when he got to Manchester United. James went straight to his office. In his office, Ralf and David were already waiting for him.

"Hello, Ralf. I'd like to welcome you to Manchester." James greeted Ralf as he shook his hand.

"I'm happy to be here, James." Ralf answered enthusiastically.

"I'd like to talk to you further, but we have a press conference to attend. Are you ready?" James asked Ralf.

"Of course I'm ready, I'm even very excited." Ralf said with excitement.

"Good then, you should familiarize yourself with the situation around." James said with a relaxed face.

"Let's go" James said as they went to the press conference room, ready to face whatever was thrown at them.

The reporters were waiting to ask questions about the new stranger when James tapped on his microphone to draw everyone's attention towards him.

"Before starting the press conference, I was happy to announce the appointment of Mr David May as the club's new director of finance" James said as reporters stared at him.

It produced some murmurs but not too surprising, it was already speculated by the reporters before.

James waited for the murmur to subside before continuing, "and Mr Ralf Rangnick as director of football and new technical director of the Reds Devils."

This news is like a bomb dropped. Not many of the reporters present know who Ralf Rangnick is because he is only based in Germany and not so well known outside his country. Some reporters even started asking their colleagues if anyone knew who he was.

James was happy to let them off guard and he pressed his advantage and said, "You can start asking questions now"

All the reporters raised their hands and one person was chosen by James to start the press conference.

"Mr Packer, what do you want to tell us about the new Director?" ask a reporter from the Manchester Evening News.

He has already told the club about the questions he will be asking so they can prepare a proper answer. James is very young, and from his previous press conference, he can clearly say that he is not used to dealing with the media. So he took this opportunity to help her.

"Ralf Rangnick, our new director of football and technical is from Germany and worked as the coach of the Bundesliga side, Schalke 04 before joining us. Ralf impressed us in the interview that led us to recruit him. He has a vast knowledge of football and his vision and thoughts on building our squad in the future are very much in line. Although he is still very new in England, I see he will quickly adapt to the new environment in England. As for Mr. David May, as you know, he is my confidant. So, we are confident to build an exciting team here that will take us back to the highest glory."

"I want a few words from Mr. Rangnick." he immediately continued the follow-up question. It's not easy being a major reporter covering a team as big as Manchester United, his professionalism has brought him here, and he won't let his feelings as a Manchester United fan influence him.

"First of all, I thank Mr. Packer for giving me this opportunity. Manchester United is a big club and has a long history and I am very happy to be here. I hope to live up to the expectations of the fans and everyone who loves Manchester United" Ralf said as all eyes were on him.

The reporter sat down when it was another reporter's turn to ask the question.

"Mr Packer, we've seen Manchester United spend their money over the last few years very well. What is your transfer strategy and how much do you want to invest this summer?"

"We had a transfer budget of 50 million pounds this summer, but it's not a difficult limitation. If the right players are available, we are willing to exceed that amount. As for the players we are targeting, it will depend on Sir Alex Ferguson. " James answered.

The press conference then continued without much intrigue. A few questions were asked of the three, but it was a common question. After half an hour of questioning, it was finally over.