Benjamin inhaled deeply, preparing himself. "Let's get the bad news out of the way," he said in a calming but slightly nervous tone.
With a solemn gaze, Coach Jansen nodded. "Several top flight clubs like Ajax, PSV, FC Utrecht, and a few others have pulled their interest in you."
The words were like a punch to Benjamin's gut.
He had already caught the attention of several elite club scouts in the Netherlands before to the unfortunate event.
They probably would have contacted him prior to the start of the new season because they had shown a strong interest in his development.
However, they had grown skeptical after learning of his injuries and were worried about how it would affect his football career in the long run.
He was feeling down at the moment since they had withdrawn their interest in him. Although he had been aware that this was possible, it seemed more plausible when he heard it out.
As Coach Jansen went on, his heart sank.
"The scouts were worried after learning about your injury. For someone your age, a tibial plateau fracture is a significant injury. They don't want to take the chance since they believe it might affect your game in the long run."
Having lost his appetite, Benjamin stared at his plate.
Although he was aware that his recuperation would be difficult, he hadn't anticipated losing opportunities before returning to the field. He felt a great deal of disappointment and was momentarily at a loss for words.
"I see," he mumbled at last, his voice a little bit shaky.
He was being abandoned by the scouts. Previously interested clubs were now backing away. There seemed to be nothing he could do to stop his dream from slipping away from him.
Coach Jansen put a comforting palm on Benjamin's shoulder as he reached across the table. "I understand that hearing this is difficult, Benjamin, but try not to let it affect you. These scouts are making a shortsighted decision."
"Although I am aware of your talent and diligence, they are ultimately concerned about your injury. I've witnessed your play and your perseverance. If they are unable to see what I see, then it is their loss."
Benjamin raised his head to stare into Coach Jansen's serene eyes.
A tiny glimmer of hope returned after hearing the coach's words. Even when people doubted him, he had always maintained faith in Benjamin.
"Thanks, Coach," Benjamin said softly. "It means a lot that you believe in me."
Coach Jansen stated in a firm voice, "I don't just believe in you, Benjamin, I have faith that you will overcome these difficult circumstances. Even the world's best players get injured. What matters is how you recover from them. And I'm confident you have what it takes to return even more resilient."
Benjamin let those words sink in. It was difficult to keep from getting discouraged, but he wanted to believe Coach Jansen.
Although the doubt gnawed at him, Coach Jansen's confidence in him lessened the burden on his chest.
"That's the bad news," Coach Jansen went on with a faint smile. "But there's good news too."
In an attempt to overcome the lingering disappointment, Benjamin arched an eyebrow. "I could really use some good news right about now."
Coach Jansen smiled widely. "The HFC Haarlem Youth Academy is planning a special scouting match in two months. Some of the top clubs in the Netherlands will send scouts to watch the players because it's a huge event."
"This is your opportunity, Benjamin, a chance to prove to them that you are still, or even better, the player they believed you to be."
Benjamin's heart skipped a beat. "A scouting match?" His thoughts were racing.
This was the breakthrough he needed, the opportunity to show that his abilities had not been lessened by the setback.
"Exactly," Coach Jansen said. "You'll have two months to prepare and keep on progressing on your recovery. I think those scouts will be forced to pay attention if you come in strong with your talent and determination. And I'll make sure they know who to keep an eye on, I promise."
Benjamin began to smile, slowly at first, then more broadly. The earlier disappointment subsided a little as excitement and hope took its place.
A scouting trial. He had time to get prepared, recuperate completely, and prove his abilities.
"I'll be ready," Benjamin declared in a resolute tone. "I'll be fully recovered and in shape by then."
"I don't doubt it for a second," says Coach Jansen. "You have two months to return to your peak performance. You'll be prepared when the time comes if you take it day-by-day and continue doing what you're doing."
They were in a more upbeat mood when they finished their meal.
Soon after, Coach Jansen departed, leaving Benjamin to his thoughts. That night, he lay in bed and stared at the ceiling, wondering what the next two months might hold.
Indeed, he had missed some opportunities and few clubs had withdrawn their interest in him. However, he still had time to establish himself and there were still others. All hope wasn't lost.
Even if the path ahead would not be easy, he was prepared to traverse it.
He gripped the blanket closer and murmured into the darkness, "I'll make it and prove them wrong."
Benjamin went to sleep with that thought in his mind, he was determined to take on the challenges that were ahead.
Nothing was going to stop him from making a comeback, which would begin in two months.