Tactical Shifts and Bonds Forged in Adversity 2.0

"I heard that you're working as a goalkeeper for Louis?"

After training, Giroud returned to the hotel and was met by Koscielny's gossip-filled eyes. 

Back at the training center, Louis could always find a young goalkeeper from the youth academy to help him with his shooting practice. Despite his young age, Louis had quickly established himself as the star of the team, commanding respect even from the academy players. In today's football world, the relationships between players are relatively equal. This wasn't the case twenty or thirty years ago when young players entering the team were often dominated by the team's veterans. They would even be tasked with cleaning the seniors' boots and jerseys after training.

When Beckham first joined the first team, he was rumored to have been forced to perform a white powder prank in front of Sir Bobby Charlton's photo.

"What goalkeeper training? It's not like I'm just a training dummy. We're developing a tactical understanding. If you don't understand, don't spread nonsense," Giroud said, denying everything with a wave of his hand.

"Hey, stop lying, Everyone was watching on the hotel balcony!"

"Really?" Giroud's face showed a hint of worry.

What will this do to my reputation as the team's leading center?

Koscielny patted him on the shoulder. "Actually, everyone thinks it's great how you're fighting for your position!"

"Really?"

"That's what I think," Koscielny reassured.

Back in the hotel, Louis's roommate Wilshere was curious too.

"I heard Olivier took the initiative to be your training partner?"

"Yeah, I was doing some shooting practice," Louis said, scratching his head. He was surprised by Giroud's initiative but recognized the potential in developing a better understanding with his teammates.

Now, Giroud's willingness had unlocked a new module in Louis's [Bond System]. Thanks to his completed [Basic Shooting Training Module], Louis found it relatively easy to integrate Giroud's [Header Module]. 

Louis had figured out that the difficulty of fusing modules in the [Bond System] was related to his existing abilities. The more foundational skills he had, the easier it was to integrate new modules. With seven player modules already in place, Louis was just one module away from a system upgrade, and completing the [Basic Dribbling Training Module] would seal the deal.

As his physical growth plateaued, Louis became increasingly adept at controlling his center of gravity and balance. This allowed him to utilize the training from his past decade effectively, and the progress of his [Basic Dribbling Training Module] was accelerating.

Once complete, Louis's basic skills would reach an S level, enhancing his goal-scoring abilities. Even as opponents studied his play, he could continue to bring out new weapons from his arsenal.

Football, after all, is a team sport. Louis welcomed Giroud's initiative to foster a better relationship. Training with Giroud for the next two days proved effective, allowing both players to become more familiar with each other's movements and habits.

-----------

"GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!"

At Schalke's stadium, the commentary box and stands erupted in jubilation. Schalke 04 had scored, as shown on the big screen.

Score: 1-0

Game time: 48:21

Just three minutes into the second half, Arsenal conceded. Dutch international Huntelaar's header had found the net, despite Szczesny's efforts.

This goal disrupted Wenger's halftime adjustments. Up until that point, the game had been uneventful. Arsenal had adopted a defensive counterattack stance, waiting for Schalke 04 to make a move. But Schalke's coach Stevens knew better than to press forward recklessly, wary of Walcott's speed and Louis's ability to capitalize on counterattacks.

The first half ended in a 0-0 stalemate. However, Schalke 04 came out aggressively in the second half, and their fierce attack quickly paid off. Huntelaar's goal was a game-changer. Now, Arsenal had to press forward, abandoning their counterattack strategy, or risk a 1-0 loss. This shift in dynamics gave Schalke 04 the opportunity to counterattack instead.

Stevens applauded and smiled on the sidelines, knowing that a win would likely secure Schalke 04's top spot in the group.

Wenger, on the other hand, faced a headache. Advancing as the second in the group could mean facing Barcelona or Bayern in the knockout stages—an intimidating prospect given Arsenal's history with injuries and lack of depth. 

If Arsenal wanted to go further in the Champions League, they needed to secure the top spot in the group to avoid the group leaders from other groups.

So, there was only one option for Wenger now: attack!

Thinking this, Wenger looked at the bench. His eyes landed on Giroud.

"Olivier, go warm up!"