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Standing in the press area in the tunnel Rakim stood in front of the league's advertisements as he faced multiple reporters. Since he had made his debut and had been a key player to his team's win the reporters wouldn't let him go without an interview. He had taken out the noble in his hair at this point letting his dreads hang loosely to frame his face.
Adjusting his stance slightly after being almost blinded by a trigger-happy cameraman causing his dreads to sway slightly. Despite the inconvenience of the barrage of flashing cameras and overlapping questions, he retained his composure as he gave the guilty party a deadpan look. That seemed to do the trick as the person in question gave him a sheepish look no longer trying to blind him.
"Rakim, an excellent performance today! How does it feel to have played such a key role in Leverkusen's victory?" one journalist under the banner of ZDF called out. Rakim offered a faint smile, his voice calm as it was quite an easy question. "It feels good to contribute so soon after joining a new team. It was a tough match, but the team stayed focused, and we got the result we wanted. Credit goes to everyone on and off the pitch today."
"Your assist to Havertz was a moment of brilliance. Walk us through what was going through your mind at that moment," another reporter from ARD's sports division said, trying to get his voice heard.
Rakim gave a small nod, acknowledging the compliment. "It was all about timing and trust," he began, maintaining his calm demeanour as he figured out his words. "Bailey, Wendell and I did a good job drawing the defensive pressure to open up some space and it worked. Havertz's got a great nose for goal so the moment I spotted his run I knew I had to deliver the ball, and he didn't disappoint in the execution."
He answered a few more good-natured questions before a Sky Sports reporter stepped forward, his voice sharper than his other colleagues as he spoke in English. The interviews had been in German so far, so hearing someone talk to him in English surprised him but he ignored it as he focussed on his words. "Rakim, this being your debut in the Bundesliga, some sceptics were questioning whether you could adapt to the pace and physicality of German football. Do you think you've silenced your critics today, or do you think they might argue that Paderborn is hardly the toughest opposition?"
"I tend not to focus on the opinions of random people I don't know, all that matters is that we got 3 points, and I fulfilled the mission assigned to me by the gaffer. I hope that answers your question." Rakim calmly responded but the reporter wasn't ready to let things go.
"But considering your move from the Scottish Premiership, where, let's be honest, the level of competition is seen as much lower than the Bundesliga, do you feel you still have something to prove to earn the respect of fans and analysts here?" Despite being annoyed at their English colleague who was taking up the interview the German reporters in attendance who understood English eagerly awaited his response.
"Not really, I believe in myself to an almost unhealthy amount which drives me forward to perform to the best of my ability. Leverkusen saw something in my talent and effort, and I will continue to strive to repay them with my performance on the field anyone else is a moot point. It doesn't matter," Rakim replied with a light-hearted tone not at all flustered.
"Rote Löwen freut euch, denn ich bin hier (Red Lions rejoice for I am here)," he told one of the cameras before walking off ending the interview there as he headed to the changing rooms.
Rakim had found his team mildly celebrating in the locker room, but they kept it to a minimum since it was only the start of a new season. He joined in some of the dances before heading for a quick shower wanting to get rid of the grime and dirt on his body. Even though the win came harder than expected it was safe to say that everyone was happy with the result.
"Well played mate," Diaby said before handing him one of the nutrient smoothies that the club had prepared for them. They had also prepared a variety of food for the players to get a bit to eat after the game allowing them to recharge some of their energy.
Heck, some of the players were even sitting in one of the two hot tubs in the changing room or the few clod tubs. "Thanks, how long until you get back from injury?" the winger asked as he took hold of the smoothie. All this while his movement didn't pause as he continued to get ready donning his prepared fit.
"The docs say I can get back to training in two weeks," he responded with slight excitement as he raised his left foot which was wrapped in a brace. He had suffered a sprain during training resulting in his current state, but the winger was taking it in stride.
Rakim nodded at Diaby's response, taking a sip of the smoothie. The cool liquid was refreshing, cooling down the heat lingering in his muscles from the intense match. "Good to hear. I'd feel bad about surpassing you on speed if you took too much time off,"
Diaby grinned, tapping his brace lightly. "Don't worry, I'd beat you in a race even now," Rakim chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled on his black Who Decides War jacket, completing his casual post-match look. "Alright, we'll settle this once you're back. No excuses then."
Diaby smirked. "Looking forward to it, mate. Just try not to cry when I smoke you." The banter lightened the mood further, as they two continued chatting with each other. As he adjusted his GLD chain around his neck the assistant manager Joachim Wagner, entered the room, clapping his hands to gather everyone's attention. "Alright, lads, listen up!" His voice carried authority, but his tone was relaxed, reflective of the team's positive start.
Gaining everyone's attention Peter Bosz took centre stage, "Good job out there today. We didn't play our best, but we fought hard and got the result. We saw some good glimpses of what we worked on this pre-season, and that's the mentality that will carry us through this season. Celebrate tonight but remember we're back to work tomorrow at 13:00 sharp. No excuses."
As the players murmured in agreement, Rakim gave a quick nod and slung his bag over his shoulder. Helping himself to the buffet table he prepared a quick-to-go bag before making his exit. He exchanged a few more words with Wendell and Bailey before heading out of the locker room, the hum of conversation and laughter fading behind him.
[Ding: Post-Match Review]
>Goals scored: (1) = 10Sp
>Final Match score: 3:2 Win: 30Sp
[Ding Mission: Fans Darling, (completed)]
(It is detected that the host is about to make his debut for a new team, and as a Singularity candidate making a memorable entrance is a must.)
Requirements met: 1 Goal, 1 assist, 7 completed break-through dribbles, and memorable celebration. Rating: B+
Reward: 2,000 SP, 1 A Garde Training potion
[Ding: Shop maintenance is complete, new products are on shelves, and the beginner price period is concluded.]
'Well, Shit!' was the only thing that popped into his mind as he read through all the system notifications.