Chapter 16: Pre-match (Edited)

Alex was very satisfied with her response, acknowledging her mistake, understanding her level, and finally seeing some ambition. "Don't worry. You know I have some connections in the music industry and I can help you. But the rest depends on you."

He also gave her advice. "Additionally, I think you should set up a YouTube channel and do some covers to gain fans. Then, when inspiration strikes, you can post your own songs. I can help you write them. It's not like I've never done it before."

Maia thought about it and recalled an interview with his second ex-girlfriend, who said Alex helped her write songs when she was stuck on lyrics.

Confidently, Maia said, "Okay, it's not a bad idea, especially since I already have some fans. Still, I don't want you to owe favors to other artists to help me. But if possible, could you make guest appearances on my channel from time to time?"

Alex didn't hesitate. He had made guest appearances in his ex-girlfriend's music videos before and couldn't let anyone else touch her. "Since you feel that way, no problem. Although I don't think it's that hard to invite some artists."

At this time, when Alex and Maia were discussing, far in Germany, there was a player who was a little unsure about his future and if he could realize his dream.

Thinking back, at only 17, he played his first professional game, although his club was only in the second division in his country, whereas the first division of his country is also only ranked 23rd by UEFA country coefficients, which determine the ranking of national leagues based on the performance of their clubs in European competitions over the previous five seasons.

In his third season, at only 19, he performed very impressively with 13 goals and 8 assists in 29 games. Thanks to his performance, he attracted some attention and was finally signed to a newly promoted club in the Premier League in January 2018.

He thought that he would go there and dominate everyone, but who knew he was placed in the reserve team and only played his first game for the first team in August. He never played for the first team for six months; even so, it was only the Carabao Cup, in which they lost 1-0. He played a total of only five games with the first team the whole season.

This season was completely a big blow to the genius who had just left his country. He had confidence in his strength, but here, no one cared about him, making him even doubt his own strength.

The turning point came on July 25, 2019, the beginning of this season. He was loaned to the second division in Germany and has already played his first game. Although he hasn't scored yet, at the very least, the sky is no longer as gloomy for him as it was before.

19 September 2019.

102 minutes exactly before the game, the Sunderland players arrived at Adams Park. Looking at this stadium that can accommodate 10,000 people, although already a little used, Alex still felt weird. He had played in Old Trafford, Wembley Stadium, Anfield, and many other legendary stadiums before, but now he had to play in a stadium with only about a 10,000 capacity, and even so, it wasn't full.

After arriving at the stadium, the players started to get familiar with the pitch conditions, checked the goalposts—especially the forward and the goalkeeper—then for the midfielders and defenders, they assessed the playing surface.

Exactly 75 minutes before the game, all the Sunderland AFC players had gathered in the locker room because normally, it's time for the coach to deliver a final tactical briefing.

Seeing everyone was here, Alex also knew it was time to perform his role. He said, "Alright, everyone, gather around. We've worked hard for two weeks, and now it's time to put everything into practice. Let's go over the game plan one last time."

All the players, especially those announced in the starting eleven before, became serious. Alex continued, "We're sticking with the 4-1-2-3 formation we practiced before. It's crucial that we maintain our shape both defensively and offensively."

"In possession, let's keep the ball moving quickly. Use short, sharp passes to create space. Remember, the key is to stretch their defense and find those gaps."

He then talked about the defensive strategy: "When we lose the ball, immediate pressure on the opponent. Don't give them time to settle."

Remembering how the two fullbacks still liked attacking very much but tracked back slowly during the simulation, he said, "Fullbacks, remember to track back quickly. Center-backs, communicate and stay compact. Let's not give them any easy chances."

In his team, Alex was mostly satisfied with the midfielders, but he still commented on them: "I think during this week, you are more conscious of what I'm capable of. I will be the holding midfielder; my job is to break up play and distribute the ball more efficiently."

"Benny, you are not only a defensive midfielder but also our box-to-box midfielder. I need you to support both the defense and attack. Be dynamic and cover a lot of ground."

"Lynden, Aiden, I want you to exploit the flanks. Stretch their defense and get those crosses into the box."

What gave Alex the most headache were the two forwards. Their ability to seize opportunities could only be called average in the second division, and as a world-class midfielder, they weren't able to understand his intentions most of the time.

He said, "Charlie, Will, stay sharp and be ready to pounce on any opportunity. Keep pressing their backline and make those intelligent runs."

"For the set-piece routine, in corners, we'll go with the near-post flick-on. Lynden, you're attacking the near post. Benny, you stay back to cover."

"For the free kick, remember the rehearsed play. As usual, I will take the direct ones if we are in range. For the indirect ones, I will look for our target men in the box."

"As for the throw-ins, you need to be quick and use short throws to maintain possession. Look for movement and keep the ball alive."

After the final tactical briefing, it was time for the pre-match physical preparation. Some started their physical preparation in the locker room with light stretching and activation exercises.

45 minutes before kickoff, the players headed out on the pitch for the warm-up. It included jogging and dynamic stretches, drills and ball work, team drills, and goalkeeper warm-up.

When it was 15 minutes before the game, players returned to the locker room. They put on their match jerseys and made final adjustments to their gear.

Alex saw it was time for him as the coach to give the players some motivational talk: "This is it, everyone. We've trained for this moment for two weeks, and now it's time to show what we're made of. Remember, it's not just about individual brilliance but our collective effort as a team. Trust each other, cover for each other, and communicate constantly."

"We've seen what they can do, and we know how to counter it. Be confident in our plan, and stick to it. Every tackle, every pass, every shot—give it your all. Leave nothing on the pitch."

"Remember, we're not just playing for ourselves but for our fans, our families, and everyone who supports us. Let's make them proud. Play with heart, play with passion, and most importantly, play as a team."

"Let's get out there and show them what we're capable of. We've got this! Come on!"

As the captain, he said, "On three, boys. One, two, three—Sunderland!"