Chapter 25: Media Trouble

After the setback in the first game, Notts County adjusted their tactics. The defense on the wings was tightened as Ram and Grosso effectively neutralized Stoke City's attacking players. The team's defensive work ensured that the opponent couldn't exploit their flanks. Meanwhile, the attack slowly began to find more rhythm as the game progressed.

In the 80th minute, Lescott delivered a corner, and Hubner quickly cleared the ball. Without wasting a moment, he sprinted to the center circle, trying to create an opportunity for his team.

However, Stoke City's coach had no intention of giving up three points easily. Upon seeing Notts County push forward, he ordered his team to retreat and tighten their defense. Notts County, still struggling to form a cohesive tactical system, found it difficult to break down Stoke's well-organized defense.

On the sidelines, Löw paced anxiously, shouting instructions to his players, trying to direct their movements and positioning. Time was running out, and his nerves were palpable. He couldn't keep calm, as the pressure mounted.

David, however, sat composed on the bench, as still as an old monk. He knew better than to add to the mounting pressure on Löw and the players at that moment.

In the final minutes, Notts County pushed desperately to break Stoke's defense. But the opposition's solid defensive block left little room to maneuver. This was a common challenge faced by teams—finding a way to overcome a compact, defensive unit was never easy, especially for a team still in the process of finding their identity.

Eventually, Stoke City left Meadow Lane with all three points, securing a 2-0 victory in Notts County's opening game of the season.

When the final whistle blew, the players looked lost, confused by the outcome. It seemed like they couldn't quite understand why they had lost after putting in so much effort.

Löw, however, went onto the pitch to console each of his players individually. Despite the loss, he knew that the defeat wasn't their fault. They had given everything, and it was simply one of those games.

As the players made their way back to the bench, preparing to leave the stadium, David stood up. His voice echoed through the quiet dressing room. "It was just a defeat," he said firmly. "You might feel disappointed, maybe even a bit lost, but keep your heads high. This game is behind us, and we'll fight to win the next one. I need each of you to have that determination. Now, let's go thank the fans together. You played for 90 minutes, and they supported you for those 90 minutes."

David's words resonated with the players. Despite the loss, the fans had remained supportive, never booing or showing frustration. The Notts County supporters were simple people—if they saw their team working hard, they understood the struggles. They knew the team was in the early stages of a journey, and that these difficulties would be temporary.

As David spoke, the players joined together and bowed to the fans. The crowd erupted into applause, cheering wildly. To anyone who didn't know the score, it might have seemed as though Notts County had won the match.

At the post-match press conference, Löw wasn't surprised by the questions from the media.

The first reporter, White from the Nottingham Evening News, started with neutral, almost supportive questions. But as the conference wore on, the tone shifted.

"Mr. Löw," White asked, "since you've taken over at Notts County, you haven't won a single match—five warm-up games and now the opening league match. It seems like Notts County's summer transfers have been a complete failure. Are you taking responsibility for this? Do you think the German coaching style is suited to English football? And are you considering leaving Notts County?"

The question came from a local reporter known for his bad relationship with Notts County.

Löw frowned, his patience wearing thin. "Does the result of a warm-up match really matter?" he responded. "If it does, we might as well only play friendly games every season. Yes, we lost today. It happens. But losing one game doesn't define us. Stoke was simply the better team today, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the world. Should we just give up after one loss? Notts County and I have a contract, and I intend to lead this team to the League Two title and, eventually, to the Premier League."

The mention of a league title made the room buzz. A few reporters exchanged excited glances. This was the story they were hoping for: ambition, defiance, and a promise of future success.

"Mr. Löw," one reporter asked coldly, "I'm afraid I must remind you that, based on today's performance, winning the title seems a long way off. Notts County might even struggle to avoid relegation."

Löw didn't rise to the bait. He was tired of engaging with these hostile questions. "We'll see at the end of the season. I'm confident you'll be interviewing us when we win the championship."

The questions continued, each one more pointed than the last.

"We've noticed Ribéry played a very selfish style on the left today, refusing to pass at all. How do you justify starting him in the first place? Is there any sort of 'inside deal' going on here?"

"Is it true that Juventus are interested in Alonso and Iniesta? Will they leave before the transfer window closes?"

"Why do you continue to play a 34-year-old Italian veteran up front instead of young Spanish striker Villa?"

And then the questions turned personal.

"We've noticed the chairman of Notts County, Pavis, often sits on the coach's seat during games. Who is actually making the tactical decisions in your team? Are you just a puppet for him?"

"Mr. Löw, there are rumors about your sexuality. Can you confirm whether or not they are true?"

The barrage of questions left Löw stunned. He had expected some tough questions, but he wasn't prepared for the intrusive and personal nature of the media's inquiries. It was a rude awakening to the often-cutthroat nature of the English press.

As Löw quickly left the press room, David watched with a hint of sympathy. The young coach had just gotten his first taste of how brutal the English media could be. David knew Löw would need support, and it was up to him to offer that comfort.

"You're laughing," Löw said, his frustration mounting. "They've even called us a couple, can you handle that reputation?"

David couldn't help but chuckle. "If you take them seriously, you've already lost. These guys have no shame. Don't worry, once we're on the right track, they'll have nothing left to say."

Löw wasn't in the mood to laugh, but David's words offered some relief. The road ahead would be difficult, but the press would eventually lose interest if the team proved themselves on the pitch.