Chapter 8: Simulation Game (Edited)

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Looking at it this way, they are weaker compared to Sunderland AFC, but the strange thing is that Wycombe Wanderers are, in fact, doing well since the beginning of the season. Their rankings are always between first and second, fighting for promotion, while Sunderland, who is technically stronger than them, is struggling to remain in the top ten and is ranked eighth.

"System, now you can simulate the game."

[Okay, do you choose the player simulation or the coach simulation?]

"What's the difference?"

[If you choose the player simulation, you will be able to play personally, but if you choose the coach simulation, you will only be able to act as a coach.]

Alex, who wanted to test his strength in a true match, chose the player simulation without hesitation: "I choose the player simulation, of course."

He didn't receive the system's answer but found himself suddenly transferred to a different place from his office.

It was a stadium, and from his memory, this should be Adams Park, Wycombe Wanderers' stadium, with about 8,000 people.

Everything that's happening seems so real, like being transferred to another world.

[Don't worry, all the players and supporters here are virtual, but they are based on the data of their real counterparts. They can show emotion and all, but in the final analysis, they are just simulated by the data I accumulated.]

Alex was curious about one thing: "How did you obtain the data of others in the first place?"

[In fact, I was born in the last century, but unfortunately, I can see anything happening everywhere in this world but can't intervene or discuss it with anyone. Only after you have been named as the Sunderland manager did I receive an alert saying someone has fully met the requirements, asking me if I want to bind him.]

[That was our first meeting, so basically, I almost know everything that's happening everywhere, but of course, I will only tell you if I'm happy.]

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"Hehe, system my dear brother, how can there be this kind of situation between us? You will help me, right?"

[What do you think?]

"Well, let's talk about this later and play the game."

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After the game began, since even the mentality was simulated, Wycombe started aggressively, putting immediate pressure on Sunderland.

Only in the 10th minute: in a simple pass, Jon McLaughlin made an error that the Wycombe wingers seized, giving a pass to Akinfenwa, who was alone and naturally scored the goal. *Score: 1-0 for Wycombe Wanderers.

Alex took note of this and knew that he must change the mentality of Sunderland AFC players before the real game. If not, no matter how strong he is, what's the use if his teammates believe they must lose?

After the game resumed, the Sunderland AFC players started to adapt to Wycombe Wanderers' high press. Alex, who had also adapted to his new ability, attempted to create many opportunities, but Wycombe's defense was solid.

Finally, in the 28th minute of the game, Alex successfully dribbled past two defenders and laid off a perfect pass to Will Grigg. Although Will was caught off guard by Alex's dribble, he wasn't hesitant and successfully finished confidently to equalize for Sunderland. *Score: Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 Sunderland.

As the virtual players started to adapt to Alex's incredible passes, another thing he noted happened: with him as the core, he assured the team's possession. Almost every three to four passes, the ball would return to his feet.

This made the team start playing possession football, with the left and right backs also joining the attack, which gave Wycombe Wanderers an opportunity.

In the 39th minute, David Wheeler, in a counterattack, broke down the right wing and crossed to Fred Onyedinma, who volleyed the ball into the net. *Score: Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 Sunderland.

Alex wasn't discouraged by the goal. If the first goal of Wycombe Wanderers was due to strength, then the second goal was only due to luck and Alex not making the roles of the left and right backs clearer, which gave Wycombe Wanderers some chances.

Alex's theory seemed to be true because only six minutes later, in the 45th minute, he showed his world-class ability by delivering a precise through ball to Aiden McGeady, who curled it into the top corner. **Halftime Score: Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Sunderland.

During halftime, Alex reminded the two back players to pay more attention to the defense. The offense was already crowded with five offensive players, making seven while only three defensive players.

Second Half:

Alex's instructions weren't in vain because Sunderland started the second half with renewed vigor. Ben White broke up several Wycombe attacks, providing a solid shield in front of the defense.

By the 60th minute, the game was completely dominated by Sunderland. Alex continued to create chances, but there was no way the two strikers didn't succeed in scoring them. Sometimes, Alex had already sent a perfect pass, but they simply didn't understand his intention or understood it too late.

Finally, in the 70th minute, Sunderland took the lead! Alex received the ball outside the box, dribbled past a defender, and with no second defender coming since they were scared of his precise pass, he had the chance to send a powerful shot into the bottom corner. *Score: Wycombe Wanderers 2-3 Sunderland.

In the 75th minute, Wycombe Wanderers made some substitutions trying to change the dynamic of the game, but Sunderland remained solid with Denver Hume and Luke O'Nien thwarting their advances down the flanks.

Wycombe Wanderers had a good chance in the 85th minute with Akinfenwa, but Jon McLaughlin managed to make a great save, denying Akinfenwa a second goal.

Just two minutes later, in the 87th minute, Sunderland regained possession in their half. Alex received the ball on the left flank and made a powerful run forward. He then delivered a precise cross into the box with his second touch.

Charlie Wyke controlled Alex's cross with his chest and then immediately volleyed it into the net with his left foot.

**90th Minute:** In the dying moments of the game, Sunderland managed to hold on to their domination and lead despite Wycombe's relentless pressure.

**Full Time:** Wycombe Wanderers 2-4 Sunderland.

After the match, Alex could affirm one thing: he had never played such an easy game since his time in the youth league. Everything seemed to go according to his control, giving him the illusion that he could score as long as he wanted. Although it was just an illusion, at the very least, he felt more confident than ever to lead Sunderland AFC to a peak that they had never reached in their history.