Chapter 12: Training Match (Edited)

After an assistant from the team blew the whistle, the training match started with some tension. Alex's unexpected new formation had everyone nervous and a little eager to see how the new lineup would perform.

The players, although nervous, relied on their professionalism and competitive instinct, which kicked in immediately.

Ben White, who was initially a little nervous, managed to finally position himself in his new role. He knew this was his chance to prove himself, not only to Alex but to the entire team and watching fans, that he was the right choice.

Although he was unfamiliar with his new position, Ben is characterized by sharp passes and quick decision-making. His advantage became evident as he stabilized the midfield and provided a fresh dynamism that had been missing. Although many times his retreat was a little deep compared to a normal defensive midfielder.

Apart from Ben White, Will Grigg was the one who wanted to show his worth the most, especially as a striker. Thanks to Alex's playmaking, within the first ten minutes, he had already made two promising runs, testing the defense and forcing them to adapt. The excitement of Ben White and Will Grigg was contagious, lifting the spirits of the entire squad, who was nervous at first.

In the midfield, while playing, Alex was also constantly analyzing and adjusting to the other players who hadn't fully adapted to the new formation, especially the two right-backs who were used to attacking before. He just needed them to focus on their work and defending.

The fans, watching closely, were initially curious with some cautious optimism.

Dave, standing among the other die-hard supporters, couldn't hide his excitement. Every time Ben made a decisive move, Alex took the ball, or Will took a shot, Dave's heart raced.

What appeared strange to Dave wasn't the new formation or how the other players played but how Alex played. Since the beginning, although he wasn't counting, he was sure that Alex was the one who touched the ball the most while never losing it.

Although Alex was also an attacking midfielder before, he used to attack directly with the ball instead of organizing the attack. Now, he was simply the essence of playmaking and organized many attacks. In the 20th minute of the game, the team made at least 30 passes, 13 of which were made by Alex. Then, after attracting everyone's attention, he sent a pass to Will Grigg, who was neglected. Will Grigg did not waste his chance and finished clinically.

Dave could see the potential in Alex's changes, the way he disrupted the usual rhythm and brought a new intensity to the game.

The first half of the training match ended with a surprising scoreline: 3-0 in favor of the main team with the new lineup. Ben White had completed three critical steals, while Will Grigg had scored the second goal with a clinical finish. Although the midfield did have some defensive problems, Jon McLaughlin managed to keep a clean sheet by making several crucial saves.

After the first half ended, the fans were very satisfied. They shouted and applauded the players. Although fans aren't professional when it comes to some things, they could still see the new basic framework of what Alex wanted. His new style of play is also very entertaining to watch, more artistic than 99% of British players.

As the players took a short break, Alex rearranged the formation. It's only a training match after all, and there is no need to humiliate the others.

When the second half of the training match started, the fans were disappointed to see the changes but also understood that this was just a normal training match. Nonetheless, they were very satisfied and hoped the team could continue like this.

The second half didn't have the same intensity as the first half, and the players played more relaxed. Alex would occasionally send some excellent balls, but the strikers couldn't keep up with his vision.

After the training ended, the players gathered around him. Since the first session ended, it was time for him to give them some motivational words: "You have done a very good job today. I know the new changes made some of you uncomfortable, like the new style of play and player changes, but I hope you understand this is all for Sunderland. Even though we're trying something new, it's working. Keep pushing, stay focused, and trust each other. This is just the beginning."

The fans, who were also very satisfied with the training session, didn't forget to encourage the team after it ended because this was the framework of the Sunderland AFC they wanted to see—fearless, innovative, and relentless.

When the players and the fans left, Alex had already returned to his office. Yesterday, when he played against Wycombe Wanderers in the simulation, he wasn't completely adapted to his new ability, and also, he himself wasn't really adapted to his new formation, let alone the players. Although they still haven't completely adapted to the new formation, now he can fully use Laudrup's ability after only one simulation game and a training match.

After making the summary of what happened today, overall, everything seems pretty good. He was planning to simulate the match game but since it was a little late, he decided to return home.

After returning that evening, he found that Maia had just finished preparing dinner, which was quite early from his perspective. This piqued his curiosity: "Why did you cook so early?"

Maia didn't respond but returned to her room. She changed into a white jersey with a diagonal red sash running from the left shoulder to the right hip. Alex recognized it because it's the River Plate home jersey.

Maia, who put on the jersey, said solemnly, unlike her habitual optimist face: "Today's the Superclásico, the first leg for River Plate against Boca for the Copa Libertadores."

Alex now understood. The Superclásico is a game opposing River Plate against Boca Juniors. It is one of the most famous and intense football rivalries in the world, drawing significant attention both in Argentina and internationally, and Maia's a River Plate fan. This explains many things.