First Training Session

This was the head manager of AZ Alkmaar, Coach Verbeek.

As soon as they realized he was there, the players gathered in a loose circle close to the midway line.

With a calm voice that carried a particular weight that caught everyone's attention, Verbeek yelled, "Okay, bring it in." His eyes lingered on each of the players before settling on Adam and Benjamin.

"We have two new faces joining us today," Verbeek stated, gesturing to them in a neutral yet welcoming tone. "Adam and Benjamin are two young, talented players who have demonstrated the abilities of being first team worthy and deserve to be here. Let's greet them with open arms and see what they can bring to this team.

Benjamin felt a dozen sets of eyes on him, and his shoulders stiffened a little. While some players exchanged glances, possibly assessing the newcomers, others nodded in greeting.

Martens, the teams captain, came forward and smiled amiably while holding out a hand. Benjamin and Adam nodded and greeted a few others after shaking it, appreciating the simple gesture.

"All right," Verbeek's voice broke once more. "Now let's get to work."

As soon as the players were in line, Verbeek began by summarizing the performance from the previous season in a steady yet intense voice. "As most of us know, we finished in fourth place last season, which was good. Yes, it was good, but I know we can do better. We qualify for the Europa League if we place fourth, but our goals should be higher."

Benjamin could sense how each player's concentration was shifting as a result of Verbeek's statements, which made them all more focused.

"We're looking at full integration of a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 setup this season," Verbeek added, glancing between them.

He gestured toward the whiteboard on the sideline, which had the configuration drawn out in tidy circles and lines. "We can maximize both our offensive and defensive strengths with this method. Our backline is supported by the two central midfielders, who also give the front three players the freedom to advance aggressively."

As he observed the board, Benjamin visualized the tactical plan. He was able to practically visualize how his actions may fit into the system, connecting with the others and foreseeing where he would need to press or cover space.

And to his conclusion, this is a tactical approach that would completely unleash his attacking abilities. That is, if he would be given the opportunity to play regularly, which was highly unlikely.

As he went on, Verbeek's tone became more sharp. "We play aggressively with high pressing. Swift changes from the rear once we regain possession. I want to see mobility when we get possession; each player should be aware of their location and the area they should occupy. And if we act on this plan, we will be able to control the game and dismantle teams in this manner."

As Verbeek's vision began to take root in each of them, there was a quiet nod of agreement from the gathering.

Anticipation made Benjamin's chest clench. Learning strategies was one thing, but seeing the manager explain them in such a way, presenting with such vigor, was quite another.

Verbeek tapped his finger on the board after taking another look at it. "We lost to Ajax 2-1 in our opening fixture of this season. As you are well aware, that match required perseverance and forbearance. We faced them head-to-head and prevailed, but it wasn't enough. We must expand on that. Our defense must improve, particularly in set-piece scenarios."

Some players moved a little, their jaws clenched as they took in the criticism. Obviously they knew that the manager was referring to them in particular.

Verbeek looked each of them in the eye and added, "Remember, when we became comfortable in those last few minutes, Ajax took advantage. They sneaked one in when we lost concentration. If we want to stay up, I need all of you to be focused until the very end if we want to continue this season."

Benjamin's thoughts were racing as he mentally reenacted the Ajax game. He had watched it on television after all, he was now part of the team.

He saw the fierce, head-to-head match between Ajax and AZ Alkmaar. He experienced a surge of adrenaline as he was now on the pitch with the same players who had engaged in the clash during that match.

Then Verbeek returned his focus to the new arrivals. "You are here because you are skilled, Adam and Benjamin. But realize that expertise isn't enough on its own. You must have grit, put in the effort, and persevere through every game.

With a serious expression on his face, Adam nodded, and Benjamin followed suit.

Even though the challenge carried a tremendous amount of weight, he couldn't help but be excited by Verbeek's remarks. He had always wanted to be a part of something greater, a team with goals and aspirations.

Verbeek gave them one more nod and motioned them to the starting positions. "All right, enough talking. It's time to get to work.

Each player moved with purpose as they swiftly scattered. Adam and Benjamin joined the drills that were being set up all around the field. When the whistle blew, Benjamin, who had lined up with some of the veterans, got into the swing of the drills.

Pass, Move, Run, Turn.

The unrelenting exercises were intended to test their mettle while reinforcing Verbeek's tactical philosophies

Verbeek's tactical theory was gradually ingrained in every stage of the drills, which were intended to test their limits.

***

The drills started off slowly but quickly increased in intensity as the practice got underway. Determined not to make a mistake, Benjamin concentrated on every touch and movement.

During a passing drill, he felt a high as he controlled the ball and skillfully slipped it past his partner to the next player.

As the training went on, he noticed that his nerves were vanishing with every movement as he fell into the flow.

The field was bathed in a warm glow as the sun rose higher, and Benjamin soon found himself lost in the moment, his stress dissipated as he concentrated only on the game.

Adam jogged over toward the end of the practice and gave him a little pat on the back. "Dude, you look great out there,"

A smile spread across Benjamin's face. Adam's remarks felt like the confirmation he had been waiting for, and he hadn't realized how much he had been holding his breath.

With a fresh wave of confidence settling into his bones, he managed to say, "You too."

A sense of lightness descended upon Benjamin as they left the field together. He felt prepared for whatever this journey had to offer.

And for the first time since coming to Alkmaar, Benjamin felt at home.