Building Momentum (2012)

The victory against CS Vise had injected a wave of optimism into the Eupen camp. James, his first win as a head coach a sweet taste of success, felt a renewed sense of determination. He knew that the journey ahead was long and arduous, but he was ready to face the challenge.

The weeks that followed were a whirlwind of activity. Training sessions intensified, tactical discussions became more focused, and James pushed his players to their limits. He demanded precision, intensity, and a deep understanding of his tactical philosophy.

"This is Premier League level training," some of the players muttered, their bodies aching from the relentless drills and exercises. "This coach is demanding, but he's also fair. He's bringing out the best in us."

James, observing his players, could sense their growing respect. They had initially been skeptical, unsure of this young coach who had arrived with a completely different approach. But they were beginning to understand his vision, his passion, and his belief in their potential.

He was particularly focused on integrating the new foreign players, Aryan Singh, Mehmet Özgür, and Zakaria El Idrissi, into the team. Their English lessons were progressing well, and their understanding of his system and tactics was improving with each passing session.

He had also been working tirelessly with Zakaria, guiding his transition from midfielder to goalkeeper. Zakaria, initially hesitant, was beginning to embrace the challenge. His reflexes were sharp, his anticipation impressive, and his ability to read the game was a valuable asset.

"You're a natural, Zakaria," James would say, his voice filled with encouragement. "You're going to be a great goalkeeper."

James, with the help of the system, had been carefully monitoring the progress of his new signings. He knew that he had to convince the board to offer them professional contracts. He couldn't afford to let these talents slip away.

He presented his case to the board, highlighting their performance in training, their potential, and their value to the team. The board, initially hesitant, began to see what James saw. The players' raw talent was evident, and their dedication to learning and adapting was impressive.

"Alright, James," the chairman finally agreed. "We'll offer them contracts. You've earned our trust."

The news brought a wave of relief and excitement to James and the three players. They were now officially part of the Eupen family.

The match against Dessel Sport, another team in the Jupiler League, arrived quickly. James, carefully analyzing the system's data, had chosen his starting lineup based on performance, fitness, and tactical understanding. The team was still adapting to his high-pressing, possession-based style, and their performance had been inconsistent during training.

The match, played at Eupen's home ground, was a tight, tense affair. Both teams were determined to secure a victory, and the atmosphere was electric.

"Press! Press! Press!" James shouted from the sidelines, his voice echoing through the stadium. "Don't let them settle! Win the ball back!"

His players, their energy levels high, implemented his instructions with a relentless intensity. They dominated possession, controlled the tempo, and created numerous scoring opportunities. But, they struggled to convert their chances.

The first half ended goalless, a frustrating result considering their dominance. James, his brow furrowed in concentration, analyzed the system's data during the half-time break. He knew that his team was capable of more, but their execution in the final third was lacking.

"We need to be more clinical," he emphasized to his players, his voice filled with urgency. "We're creating chances, but we're not taking them. We need to be more composed, more decisive, and more ruthless in front of goal."

The second half began, and Eupen continued to push for the opening goal. But, their efforts were thwarted by Dessel Sport's resilient defense and a few crucial saves from the opposing goalkeeper.

Then, in the 72nd minute, disaster struck. A defensive error from Diawandou Diagne, a lapse in concentration, allowed Dessel Sport to capitalize and score the opening goal.

The stadium fell silent, the Eupen fans stunned by the unexpected setback. James, his face a mask of frustration, knew he had to act quickly.

He glanced towards the bench, his eyes settling on Aryan Singh, the Indian winger who had been patiently waiting for his chance. He had been impressed by Aryan's speed, his dribbling skills, and his ability to create chaos in the opponent's defense.

"Aryan, you're going on," James said, his voice firm but reassuring. "Use your pace, make those runs, and create some opportunities for us."

Aryan, his eyes shining with determination, nodded eagerly. He was ready to make his mark.

Aryan's introduction into the game had an immediate impact. His electrifying pace and dazzling footwork stretched the Dessel Sport defense, creating space for his teammates.

In the 84th minute, Aryan, with a burst of speed, cut inside from the right flank and delivered a perfect cross into the box. The ball found Christian Santos, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper, equalizing the score.

The stadium erupted in cheers, the Eupen fans' despair replaced by a surge of hope. James, his face beaming with satisfaction, had made the right decision. Aryan had been a game-changer.

The final whistle blew, signaling a hard-fought 2-2 draw. It wasn't the victory James had hoped for, but he could take solace in the team's resilience, their ability to fight back, and the impressive debut of his new signing.

He knew that his team was still a work in progress, but he was confident that they would continue to grow, to learn, and to achieve their potential. The journey had just begun.

The air in the locker room hung heavy with disappointment. The draw against Dessel Sport, a team they had expected to beat, had left a bitter taste. James, standing before his players, his gaze unwavering, addressed their performance.

"Gentlemen," he began, his voice a measured blend of disappointment and determination, "We need to talk about that second half. We dominated possession, created chances, but we let our focus slip. We made mistakes. We conceded two goals. That's not acceptable."

His gaze lingered on the defenders and the goalkeeper, their faces a mixture of shame and frustration.

"Our lapse in concentration cost us the win," he said, his voice firm but controlled. "Diawandou, that mistake for their first goal was unacceptable. And Jonas, you need to be more decisive in those one-on-one situations."

He paused, his eyes sweeping across the room, his words carrying a weight of authority. "This is the Premier League mentality I want to instill in this team. We don't settle for mediocrity. We strive for excellence. We learn from our mistakes, and we come back stronger."

He softened his tone, a spark of encouragement igniting in his eyes. "But," he added, "We also need to acknowledge the positives. We fought back. We showed resilience. Aryan, your performance was outstanding. You changed the game for us."

He looked at the rest of the team, his gaze meeting each player's eyes. "This is a team. We win together, and we learn together. We have a lot to work on, but I believe in you. We'll learn from this, and we'll come back stronger."

The players, their initial disappointment replaced by a steely determination, nodded in agreement. They recognized the truth in James's words. They had made mistakes, but they were ready to learn and improve.

The days that followed were a blur of intense training sessions. James, pushing his players to their limits, emphasized the importance of defensive discipline, quick transitions, and clinical finishing. He could sense a shift in the team's mentality. They were more focused, more determined, and more united.

The bench players, eager to earn a starting spot, trained with a renewed sense of purpose. They had witnessed James's willingness to give opportunities to those who deserved them, and they were determined to impress.

The match against Virton arrived, and James, unfazed by the pressure, decided to rotate his squad. He wanted to give some of his bench players a chance to prove themselves and to maintain the fitness levels of his core players. He knew that a long season lay ahead, and he needed a deep squad to compete at a high level.

"I'm not afraid to rotate," he said to Marcel, his assistant coach, during a tactical discussion. "I want to create a culture of competition, where everyone is fighting for a starting spot. I want to build a team where everyone feels valued and where everyone has the opportunity to contribute."

The match against Virton, played away from home, was a hard-fought battle. Eupen, despite the changes in the starting lineup, displayed a solid defensive structure and a disciplined approach. They controlled the tempo, dictating the flow of the game, but they struggled to break down Virton's stubborn defense.

The breakthrough came in the 68th minute. A free-kick, expertly delivered by Christian Santos, found the head of Christian Kabasele, who rose above the Virton defenders and sent the ball crashing into the back of the net.

The goal, a testament to James's set-piece training and the team's growing understanding of his tactical approach, proved to be the winner. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Eupen, a hard-fought win that showcased their resilience and their ability to grind out results.

The players who had started the match on the bench, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. They had witnessed the team's success, even without them, a testament to the depth and quality of the squad.

"We need to step up our game," they thought, a newfound determination burning in their eyes. "We need to fight for our place in the starting eleven. This team is going places."

As the final whistle blew, James felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. He had led his team to two victories in their first three matches, a strong start to the season. He had proven his ability to adapt, to motivate, and to inspire.

Goalkeepers:

Jonas Deumeland: Goalkeeper, 25 years old, CA 109, PA 125

John Felagha: Goalkeeper, 18 years old

Muhannad Naim: Goalkeeper, 20 years old

Zakaria El Idrissi: Goalkeeper (converted from midfielder), 18 years old, CA 78 (GK), PA 144 (GK)

Defenders:

Ibrahima Diédhiou: Centre-Back, 18 years old, CA 92, PA 128

Diawandou Diagne: Centre-Back, 18 years old, CA 95, PA 128

Christian Kabasele: Centre-Back, 22 years old

Fazlı Kocabaş: Right-Back (converted from CB), 23 years old, CA 110, PA 121

Kevin Kis: Left-Back, 22 years old, CA 97, PA 121

Lionnel Batonga Chougna: Left-Back, 19 years old

Ntuthuko Radebe: Left-Back, 18 years old

Raoul Kenne: Right-Back, 19 years old

Clinton Mata: Right-Back, 20 years old

Sergio Teruel: Right-Back, 21 years old

Mihajilo Popovic: Right-Back, 20 years old

Jonathan Buatu: Centre-Back, age not specified, CA 95, PA 140

Midfielders:

Samuel Asamoah: Defensive Midfield, 19 years old

Samba Ndiaye: Defensive Midfield, 19 years old

Hamza Zakari: Defensive Midfield, 19 years old

Etienne Wala Zock: Central Midfield, 19 years old, CA 90, PA 140

Phakamani Mngadi: Central Midfield, 18 years old, CA 88, PA 139

Alassane Diallo: Central Midfield, 18 years old

Anthony Bassey: Right Midfield, 18 years old

Happy Simelela: Right Midfield, 18 years old

Khalid Jumaan: Attacking Midfield, 18 years old

Zakaria El Idrissi: Midfielder (converting to goalkeeper), 18 years old, CA 89 (MF), PA 130 (MF)

Forwards/Wingers

Christian Santos: Left Winger, 25 years old, CA 112, PA 130

Hiroshi Ibusuki: Centre-Forward, 22 years old, CA 110, PA 142

Michael Lallemand: Centre-Forward, 20 years old

Jasper Uwaegbulam: Centre-Forward, 18 years old

Adamu Abdullahi: Right Winger, 19 years old, CA 94, PA 136

Aryan Singh: Right Winger, 17 years old, CA 92, PA 137

Mehmet Özgür: Centre-Forward, 19 years old, CA 93, PA 150

William Mauclet: Striker, 18 years old

The Eupen training ground buzzed with energy. James, his whistle piercing the crisp morning air, directed his players through a series of intense drills. He was pushing them hard, demanding precision, speed, and a deep understanding of his tactical philosophy.

"Faster! Faster!" he barked, his voice echoing across the pitch as the players sprinted through a passing drill. "We need to move the ball quickly, to anticipate the next move, to create opportunities before the opposition can react."

He watched as Kevin Kis, the left back, received a pass and hesitated for a moment before delivering a slightly off-target ball to Christian Santos. James shook his head, his brow furrowing.

"Kevin," James called out, his voice firm but encouraging, "You need to be sharper with your passing. That hesitation gave the defender time to close you down. Trust your instincts, and play the ball quickly."

Kevin, nodding in acknowledgement, took a deep breath and repeated the drill, this time delivering a crisp, accurate pass to Santos.

"That's better, Kevin," James said, a hint of approval in his voice. "Remember, speed and precision are key in our system."

James's gaze then shifted to Zakaria El Idrissi, the young Moroccan who was rapidly transforming from a midfielder to a goalkeeper. He was working with Olivier, the goalkeeping coach, on a series of shot-stopping drills.

"Zakaria, you need to be more explosive off your line!" James shouted, watching as Zakaria dove to save a shot but was a fraction of a second too slow. "Anticipate the shot, read the striker's body language, and react with speed and power!"

Zakaria, his brow glistening with sweat, nodded, his determination evident. He repeated the drill, this time diving with an impressive agility, his hand deflecting the shot away from the goal.

"That's it, Zakaria!" James exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face. "You're a natural. You're learning fast."

Inside James's mind, Essy's holographic form shimmered with excitement.

"He's a quick study, James," Essy said, her voice filled with admiration. "His stats are improving rapidly. His reflexes are already top-notch, and his anticipation is getting sharper with every session."

James, nodding silently in agreement, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He had taken a gamble, a bold decision to convert a midfielder into a goalkeeper, but the system's assessment and Zakaria's dedication were proving him right.

"He's going to be a star, Essy," James whispered back, his mind already envisioning Zakaria making crucial saves and commanding his penalty area with confidence.

The training session continued, a symphony of shouts, whistles, and the thud of the ball. James, his energy seemingly boundless, pushed his players further, demanding more, challenging them to reach their full potential.

He worked with the forwards, emphasizing the importance of movement, timing, and clinical finishing.

"Hiroshi, Christian, you need to be more unpredictable in the box," he explained, demonstrating various attacking runs. "Don't just rely on your strength. Use your intelligence, your movement, and your anticipation to create opportunities."

He then shifted his focus to the midfielders, demanding precise passing, intelligent positioning, and a relentless work ethic.

"Etienne, Phakamani," he said, "You're the engine of this team. You need to control the tempo, distribute the ball effectively, and link the defense with the attack. Your decision-making is crucial."

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the training pitch, James gathered his players for a final talk.

"Gentlemen," he began, his voice a mix of pride and encouragement, "I'm impressed with your hard work and dedication. We're making progress, but we're not there yet. We need to keep pushing, keep learning, and keep believing in ourselves."

He paused, his gaze meeting each player's eyes. "We're a team. We're in this together. And, together, we can achieve anything."

The players, exhausted but energized, nodded in agreement. They had been challenged, pushed to their limits, but they also felt a sense of unity, a sense of purpose. They were ready for the season, ready to fight for their new coach, ready to make Eupen proud.

The afternoon sun beat down on the Eupen training ground, casting long shadows across the lush green grass. James stood on the edge of the penalty area, his gaze focused intently on his three goalkeepers – Jonas Deumeland, John Felagha, and Muhannad Naim. They were working on distribution drills, practicing their passing and their ability to play out from the back.

James sighed, a knot of frustration tightening in his stomach. He had envisioned a fluid, dynamic style of play, with the goalkeeper acting as an integral part of the build-up, a sweeper keeper who could initiate attacks and dictate the tempo. But the reality was proving to be more challenging.

"Jonas, you're taking too long to release the ball!" James called out, his voice sharp with a hint of urgency. "We need to move the ball quickly, to keep the opposition guessing, to create space for our midfielders."

Jonas, the veteran goalkeeper, his brow furrowed in concentration, attempted to play a quick pass to the right back, but the ball was intercepted by a lurking midfielder.

"Damn it," Jonas muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his tone. He was a solid goalkeeper, a reliable shot-stopper, but playing the ball with his feet was not his strength.

"John, you need to be more accurate with your distribution!" James instructed the young Nigerian goalkeeper, his voice filled with encouragement. "Those passes need to be crisp, precise, and find their target."

John, eager to impress, tried to play a diagonal ball to the left winger, but his pass sailed over the player's head and out of play. He shook his head, his shoulders slumping with disappointment.

Muhannad Naim, the Qatari goalkeeper, seemed hesitant, unsure of himself. He fumbled a simple pass back from the defender, nearly gifting the ball to an imaginary striker.

"Muhannad, relax," James said, his voice softening. "Take your time, control the ball, and find the right pass. You don't need to force it. Trust your technique."

James, watching the goalkeepers struggle, couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. He had hoped that they would adapt more quickly to his demands, to his vision of a sweeper keeper.

He glanced towards Zakaria El Idrissi, who was working on his positioning and reflexes with Olivier. Zakaria, despite his inexperience as a goalkeeper, was showing remarkable progress. He was comfortable with the ball at his feet, his passing was accurate, and his anticipation was impressive.

"Zakaria is showing them how it's done," Essy's voice whispered in his mind, a hint of amusement in her tone. "He's a natural. But he's still got a long way to go before he's ready to be your starting goalkeeper."

James, nodding in agreement, couldn't deny the truth in Essy's assessment. Zakaria had the potential, the raw talent, but he lacked the experience and the composure required to play at this level.

"Patience, James," Essy continued. "These things take time. You've got a plan, and you're working towards it. Trust the process."

James, taking a deep breath, decided to focus on the positives. He had a talented group of goalkeepers, and he knew that with time, patience, and dedicated training, they would improve. He would continue to work with them, to challenge them, and to guide them towards his vision.

He knew that his approach was unconventional, but he believed in it. He had seen the effectiveness of a sweeper keeper in his previous life, and he was determined to implement it at Eupen.

The weeks that followed were a whirlwind of training sessions, tactical adjustments, and match-day pressure. James, his determination unwavering, pushed his team to their limits, demanding precision, intensity, and a complete understanding of his tactical philosophy.

The results began to show.

Eupen vs. Lommel United (3-0)

The match against Lommel United, played under a bright summer sky, was a dominant display from Eupen. James's tactical approach, a blend of high pressing, quick passing, and fluid movement, was starting to click. The players, their confidence growing with every training session, executed his instructions with precision and purpose.

The Lommel United manager, a seasoned veteran known for his pragmatic approach, watched in disbelief as his team was completely outplayed. He scratched his head, unable to comprehend the intricate patterns of Eupen's movement, the quick transitions, and the relentless pressing.

"What the hell is this?" he muttered to his assistant, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and awe. "I've never seen anything like it. It's like they're playing a different sport."

Eupen secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, their goals a testament to their attacking prowess and their newfound tactical discipline.

Eupen vs. KV Oostende (2-1)

The match against KV Oostende, a team known for their physicality and direct style of play, was a tougher test. Eupen, playing away from home, faced a hostile crowd and a determined opponent. But, they held their nerve, their defensive organization solid, their counter-attacks swift and incisive.

The Oostende manager, a man known for his fiery temperament, paced the technical area, his frustration growing with every passing minute. His team was struggling to cope with Eupen's fluid movement, their intricate passing combinations, and their relentless pressing.

"How are they doing this?" he shouted in exasperation, his voice barely audible above the roar of the crowd. "They're like a well-oiled machine. They're everywhere!"

Eupen secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory, their winning goal a stunning free kick from Christian Santos in the final minutes of the match.

Eupen vs. Roeselare (2-0)

The match against Roeselare, a team that had struggled in recent seasons, was a more controlled affair. Eupen, playing with a confident swagger, dominated possession, dictated the tempo, and created numerous scoring opportunities.

The Roeselare manager, a young coach trying to establish himself, watched on with a mixture of admiration and envy. His team was completely outclassed, unable to match Eupen's tactical sophistication and their relentless energy.

"They're playing at a different level," he remarked to his assistant, his voice tinged with resignation. "Their movement is incredible. Their passing is so precise. It's like they can read each other's minds."

Eupen secured a comfortable 2-0 victory, their goals coming from Hiroshi Ibusuki and Adamu Abdullahi, two players who had flourished under James's guidance.

As September drew to a close, James, his team unbeaten in their first four matches, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. His hard work, his dedication, and his tactical brilliance were starting to pay off.

He had transformed Eupen, a team that had previously struggled, into a force to be reckoned with. He had brought in new players, instilled a new philosophy, and created a team that was playing beautiful, effective football.

November arrived, bringing with it a chill wind and a new set of challenges. The initial euphoria of Eupen's unbeaten start had faded, replaced by a stark reality: the relentless demands of James's high-pressing, possession-based style were taking their toll.

Injuries started to creep in, and fatigue seeped into the squad. The bench players, despite their eagerness, were not yet at the level required to maintain the same intensity and tactical discipline as the starters.

Eupen vs. White Star Brussels (1-2)

The match against White Star Brussels, a team vying for a top-half finish, exposed Eupen's vulnerability. The absence of two key players, Fazli Kocabas and Etienne Wala Zock, due to injuries, disrupted the team's rhythm and defensive stability.

Despite controlling possession for most of the match, Eupen's attacks lacked their usual incisiveness. The substitutes, brought on to replace the injured players, struggled to adapt to the pace and intensity of the game. White Star, capitalizing on their opportunities, scored two quick goals in the second half, securing a 2-1 victory.

Eupen vs. RFC Peruwelz (1-1)

The draw against RFC Peruwelz, a team fighting to avoid relegation, was a further sign of Eupen's waning momentum. The fatigue was evident in their sluggish movements, their misplaced passes, and their inability to sustain the high press for the entire match.

Despite taking the lead early in the second half, a lapse in concentration allowed Peruwelz to equalize, leaving Eupen with a frustrating draw.

Eupen vs. Eendracht Aalst (0-1)

The match against Eendracht Aalst, another team vying for promotion, was a humbling defeat. Eupen, their legs heavy and their minds weary, struggled to keep up with Aalst's dynamic and direct style of play. A single goal in the first half was enough to secure a victory for Aalst, leaving Eupen with their second defeat of the season.

James, his brow furrowed in concern, sat in his office, the weight of their recent struggles pressing down on him. He had known that his tactical approach was demanding, but the injuries and the fatigue had exposed the team's vulnerability.

"Essy," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration, "We need to find an alternative. We can't keep playing at this intensity, especially with the injuries and the lack of depth on the bench. We need a Plan B, a system we can use when the team is tired or when we need to rotate players."

Essy, her holographic form shimmering beside him, nodded in understanding. "You're right, James. Your current system is very effective, but it requires a high level of fitness and tactical understanding. Not all of your players are ready for that. We need to find a more sustainable approach, one that can be effective even with a less experienced squad."

James, his mind racing, pulled up the system's simulation feature. He had been using it to analyze opponents, but he now realized that it could be used to test different tactical approaches. He began to run hundreds of simulations, experimenting with different formations, player roles, and styles of play.

"Let's try a 4-4-2," James said, his fingers flying across the keyboard. "It's a more traditional formation, but it can be very effective. We can use it to control the midfield, to be more compact defensively, and to create chances through width and crosses."

He ran the simulation, the system's algorithms crunching the data, analyzing the potential outcomes. The results were encouraging. The 4-4-2 formation offered more defensive stability, allowed for a more direct style of play, and reduced the physical demands on the players.

"This could work, Essy," James said, his voice filled with a glimmer of hope. "It's not as dynamic as our current system, but it's a solid alternative. We can use it to control games, to grind out results, and to give our key players a rest."

He continued to experiment, testing different variations of the 4-4-2, tweaking player roles, and adjusting defensive and attacking strategies. He ran simulations against different opponents, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

"This is fascinating," James said, his excitement growing. "The system is allowing me to explore tactical possibilities that I wouldn't have even considered before. It's like having a virtual laboratory where I can experiment and refine my ideas."

Essy, her eyes gleaming with admiration, nodded. "You're a natural strategist, James. You're using the system to its full potential. And, you're not afraid to think outside the box."

James, his mind buzzing with ideas, spent hours running simulations, analyzing data, and refining his tactical plans. He was determined to find the perfect Plan B, a system that would allow his team to be successful, even when they were tired, injured, or playing with a less experienced squad.

He knew that he couldn't rely solely on his initial system, that he needed to be adaptable, to be able to change his approach based on the circumstances. He was learning, growing, and evolving as a coach.

December arrived, a month of festive cheer and high-stakes football. Eupen, their momentum faltering after a string of disappointing results, faced a crucial period in their season. James, armed with his newly developed tactical alternatives, was ready to guide his team through the challenges ahead.

K.A.S. Eupen vs. KRC Mechelen (Belgian Cup - Round of 64)

The Belgian Cup provided an opportunity for James to experiment, to rotate his squad, and to give some of his fringe players a chance to impress. He had been carefully observing Zakaria El Idrissi's progress in training, and he decided to give the young Moroccan his debut as a goalkeeper.

"Zakaria," James said, his voice filled with encouragement, "You're ready. I know you're nervous, but trust your instincts. Play your game. And don't be afraid to take risks."

Zakaria, his eyes shining with a mix of excitement and apprehension, nodded. He had been working tirelessly to adapt to his new role, and he was eager to prove himself.

The match against KRC Mechelen, a team struggling in the Belgian Second Division, was a chance for Eupen to regain their winning momentum. James, however, was more interested in assessing the performance of his new goalkeeper and the effectiveness of his alternative tactical approach.

He had opted for a 4-4-2 formation, a more traditional system that emphasized defensive solidity and counter-attacking football. He had also instructed his players to play with a more direct style, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting the spaces behind the Mechelen defense.

The match began, and Zakaria, despite his initial nervousness, displayed a surprising level of composure. He was confident with the ball at his feet, his distribution accurate and incisive. He initiated attacks from the back, his passes finding their targets with precision.

"He's a natural ball-player," James thought to himself, a smile creeping across his face. "Just like the system predicted."

However, Zakaria's inexperience as a goalkeeper was evident in his shot-stopping. He struggled to deal with crosses, his positioning was sometimes questionable, and he conceded a goal in the first half that he could have easily saved.

"He's still got a lot to learn," James muttered, his brow furrowing with concern. "But he's got the potential. We'll work on it."

Despite Zakaria's shaky performance in goal, Eupen dominated the match, their new tactical approach proving to be effective. They controlled the midfield, their wingers stretched the Mechelen defense, and their strikers created numerous scoring opportunities.

Eupen secured a comfortable 4-1 victory, their attacking prowess overwhelming Mechelen's defense. James, despite the win, remained focused on Zakaria's performance.

"You did well, Zakaria," James said, his voice a mix of encouragement and constructive criticism. "Your distribution was excellent. But we need to work on your shot-stopping. We'll focus on your positioning, your reflexes, and your decision-making."

Zakaria, his face flushed with a mix of pride and disappointment, nodded. He knew that he had a lot to learn, but he was determined to improve.

"I'll work hard, Coach," he replied, his voice filled with a quiet determination.

K.A.S. Eupen vs. Waasland-Beveren (2-0)

The league match against Waasland-Beveren, a team with promotion ambitions, was a crucial test for Eupen. James, with his key players rested and his new tactical approach refined, was confident in his team's ability to secure a victory.

He reverted to his preferred 4-3-3 formation, his team now familiar with the intricate movements, the quick passing, and the relentless pressing. The players, their energy levels restored, played with a renewed sense of purpose.

The match was a tactical masterclass from James. Eupen controlled the game from start to finish, their possession-based approach suffocating Waasland-Beveren's attempts to create chances.

The first goal came in the 35th minute, a stunning long-range strike from Phakamani Mngadi, the South African midfielder who had blossomed under James's guidance. The second goal, a close-range finish from Hiroshi Ibusuki, was a testament to the team's fluidity in attack and their ability to unlock even the most stubborn defenses.

Eupen secured a deserved 2-0 victory, their performance a clear indication that they were a force to be reckoned with in the Jupiler League.

K.A.S. Eupen vs. KSV Roeselare (1-0)

The match against KSV Roeselare, a team fighting to avoid relegation, was another opportunity for James to rotate his squad and to give valuable minutes to his fringe players. He stuck with his 4-4-2 formation, a system that had proven to be effective in controlling games and minimizing defensive errors.

The match was a tense affair, Roeselare defending resolutely, determined to frustrate Eupen's attacking ambitions. But, in the 78th minute, a moment of individual brilliance from Aryan Singh, the Indian winger, secured a 1-0 victory for Eupen.

Aryan, with his electrifying pace and dazzling footwork, cut inside from the right flank, beating two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net.

The goal, a testament to Aryan's talent and his growing confidence, sparked a wave of relief and joy throughout the Eupen camp.

As December drew to a close, James felt a sense of satisfaction. His team had navigated a challenging month, overcoming injuries, fatigue, and the tactical adjustments required to maintain their momentum.

He had proven his ability to adapt, to make tough decisions, and to lead his team through adversity. He was learning, growing, and evolving as a coach, and he was excited to see what the future held for him and his team.