Football: The British Legendary Manager

"Haha, Henry, it's been a long time since I last saw you. You look more energetic than before. How are you?"

Henry gave Jorge Mendes a hug before smiling. It was like two old friends reuniting after a long time apart.

Henry isn't an idiot. He can tell whether someone is being perfunctory or serious with him, and he can see that Mendes is genuinely investing in him because he believes in his potential.

Not only that, Mendes didn't appear overbearing during their meeting. Even though it was through his help that Henry joined AS Roma, Mendes never mentioned repayment or made any threats, which made Henry feel good.

All things considered, Henry felt a little grateful toward Mendes. If not for him, Henry might have accepted the humiliating contract with Southampton. Now, not only is he coaching a top team, but he is also part of the £1M annual salary coach club.

Henry, who was in a good mood, was obviously more relaxed than the first time they met. "Of course, I have to smile. Now I'm the head coach of a big team and earning good money. Who wouldn't be happy?"

"But speaking of it, I really didn't expect you to come here. It's the transfer window period; you should be very busy."

As an agent and the head of Gestifute, this time of year should be when he is the busiest, but Mendes clearly attaches great importance to Henry. "You're about to lead your first game at AS Roma. Although it's a friendly match, I thought it best to be here."

Henry couldn't help but chuckle at that, though he didn't buy the flattery. "Well, I appreciate it. But you didn't come all the way here just to wish me luck, did you?"

Mendes smiled knowingly, taking a seat across from Henry in the office. "You're right. I wouldn't be much of an agent if I didn't take every opportunity to strengthen relationships and look ahead. First, I wanted to check on you. You're young, coaching a big club in a foreign country—there must be a lot of pressure, right? But my worry seems unnecessary."

Henry thought about the results of the past few days at Val Pusteria. The results were quite good, especially after the system update this morning, which showed that the players had recovered to their peak condition. "It was intense at the beginning, but it's all good now. Anyway, we all have expectations for the new season. If I can achieve good results, I could become a top-level coach overnight."

Mendes nodded approvingly, seeing that Henry was taking it all in stride. "Good. And that brings me to my second reason for coming here. From my interactions with you, I know you like directness, so let me be straightforward: I want to sign a brokering contract with you and become your agent."

From the moment he received Mendes's call, Henry knew this was coming. He had expected some typical agent-like small talk, but he didn't expect Mendes to be so direct.

Nonetheless, Henry appreciated this kind of attitude. "I do plan to sign with an agent. There are many things to discuss, but I don't have time for it. Thanks to your help, you are indeed the one I'm considering. But I hope you can understand—while I'm grateful, I also need to ensure my future is secure."

With the system, Henry had no doubt about one day becoming a world-class coach. Mendes's reputation, both with teams and players, is indeed good. What Henry values most now isn't the agent's ability or reputation but whether he is trustworthy.

Mendes was also pleased by Henry's attitude. Like the evaluation given by his team, Henry is someone who is direct and clear about his requirements. As long as Mendes doesn't cross his bottom line, there shouldn't be a problem signing the contract today.

Thinking about it, Mendes was even more willing to be honest with Henry. "To be honest, what I'm interested in isn't the commission and fees I would receive from your salary or sponsorship and commercial deals."

"Coaches and managers can't give me the same revenue as players, especially when there's a transfer involved."

Mendes continued, his tone steady and confident. "For an agent like me, the real value of a coach isn't just in their salary or endorsements—it's in their influence. A world-class manager can shape a club's future, dictate transfer policies, and build relationships with players that last beyond their playing careers."

It may sound a little cynical, but that's exactly how it works. Not all coaches have such power, but world-class ones do, especially in the Premier League, where they often act as managers.

Henry understood Mendes's meaning, and to be honest, this was what he feared. Agents can have significant influence over coaches. Just look at the operations Mourinho has been involved in, like bringing in Quaresma at Inter Milan, even though the latter didn't fit his playing style.

Even Ferguson and Wenger faced similar issues, especially Wenger, who struggled with Darren Dein, the son of David Dein. In short, sometimes it's all about relationships in the football world.

Henry tapped his fingers on the table, contemplating. He already knew that if he succeeded at Roma, he wouldn't stop there.

In fact, he had a dream and a new ambition he hadn't told anyone after activating the system. He wanted one day to buy a team where he could do anything he wanted and build an era, a dynasty, making his name known throughout history like Bernabeu, whom almost anyone in Europe knows about despite being born two centuries ago, or Cruyff to the Dutch, Beckenbauer to the Germans.

Although he didn't have a clear plan now, if he ever bought a club, Mendes's help would be invaluable in recruiting the players he wanted at a reasonable price and quickly building a powerhouse.

After a brief silence, he spoke. "I'm willing to work with you, but I have conditions."

Mendes smiled. "I expected nothing less. Let's hear them."

Henry raised a finger. "First, I have full control over my squad. You don't push players on me, you don't interfere with my tactics, and you never try to manipulate my decisions to benefit your clients."

Mendes nodded. "Fair. I wouldn't expect a manager like you to be controlled anyway."

Henry raised a second finger. "Second, I want a fair commission structure. 7% on my salary, 10% on sponsorships, no more. I'm not a player; I don't need a middleman taking a huge cut."

These conditions are almost the best out there for coaches in the world, but Henry knew his value would skyrocket in the future, and it was better to set boundaries early than renegotiate later when Mendes had more leverage.

Mendes didn't flinch. "I can accept that."

Henry then raised a third finger. "Lastly, if one day I decide to buy or invest in a club, I want your help in securing players, negotiations, and even business insights. Not as an agent pushing clients, but as an ally in the market."

Mendes's eyebrows lifted slightly, clearly surprised. This was different. Most, if not all, managers wouldn't think like that. Those in the industry know how hard it is to manage a club as an owner. Unless someone is wealthy, it's almost impossible to do so.

After a moment, Mendes laughed. He looked at Henry carefully and saw something—the same ambition as Ronaldo and Mourinho, the kind of ambition and confidence that they would definitely succeed.

"That's a very ambitious goal, Henry. If someone from the outside heard it, they might think you're crazy, but I like it. You're too ambitious and think far ahead—that's rare. I can agree to that condition too."

Henry took a sip of coffee before smiling and extending his hand to Mendes, pleased. "Then we have a deal."

Mendes extended his hand with a grin. "To a successful partnership."

Henry shook it firmly. He wasn't naïve; he knew Mendes was a businessman first and foremost. But in the football world, alliances were necessary. As long as they kept their mutual respect, this could be a partnership that benefited both of them for years to come.

With that settled, Mendes assumed his role as an agent. "I see that you are very busy and lack many members of your coaching staff. I think it's time for you to recruit. I could talk to the AS Roma board of directors; they would understand."

Henry thought about it and nodded. With the players having regained their condition, it was time to start implementing his tactics. He really needed some help. "Okay, I do need some staff. I'll write down my requirements, and you can discuss them with the club, but it must be done quickly."

Mendes nodded. "Apart from that, although you are a head coach, some brands have contacted me, thinking I was your agent. For now, I suggest you concentrate on leading the team. We can discuss any opportunities later."

.....

Okay, a little time skip to accelerate the pace of the story. By the way, what do you think about Henry's way of making money? Don't forget that he isn't from the future, so it must be logical. Come on, guys, send more Power Stones!

Finally, I plan to continue writing one chapter per day, with some bonus chapters on certain days. I also plan to create a Patreon where there will be two chapters per day, except on Sundays, to avoid burnout.