Last moments before the match
The players nodded, their attention locked on their manager. Kay continued, "The starting lineup for the match will be the same as the last two games. We won't be making any changes, so get ready to play in the positions you're used to."
There were murmurs of agreement among the players. Some of them looked relieved, while others seemed eager to prove themselves once more.
"To prepare for the tactics we've been training for, we're going to run a simulation match today. The starting lineup will face off against the substitutes. The goal of this simulation is to apply the tactics we've been working on all week."
Kay announced some instructions for the simulation. "Substitutes, you'll be attacking from the left side. This will help us practice defending against the kind of pressure we expect from Watford's left side."
The whistle blew, and the simulation match began. Kay stood on the sidelines, his eyes sharp as he watched the players take their positions.
The starting lineup faced off against the substitutes, and the plan was clear, the substitutes would attack primarily from the left side, mimicking the expected strategy of Watford's youth team.
As the match unfolded, Kay quickly realized that things were not going as smoothly as they had during training.
Even though the players had practiced tirelessly, the dynamics of the match were different.
The substitutes, fully aware of the game plan, began attacking from the left side with purpose.
Their familiarity with the strategy gave them an edge, and they managed to push through the right side of the defense of the starting lineup on several occasions.
However, as the match progressed, Kay began to notice that the number of attacks from the substitutes on the left side of the field started to decrease.
Kay remarked that when the substitutes tried to attack from the left, they were running into a wall.
When the principal players left the right side empty, the left side became crowded, making it difficult for the substitutes to penetrate.
This forced the substitutes to switch to the right side and to fall for the trap.
Kay ordered the team to repeat many simulation matches to increase their mastery over this tactic.
By the time the final simulation match ended, Kay felt a sense of satisfaction. His players had shown they could adapt to the tactics under real match conditions.
While the simulation wasn't perfect, it was clear that they had made significant progress.
Kay gathered the players one last time before the session ended. "Great work today, everyone, I know the simulation was tough, but you handled it well. The way you adjusted during the match shows that you're ready. We've been training hard, and it's paying off."
"Tomorrow is a day off, I want you all to rest up and recharge. We've done the hard work, and now it's time to let your bodies recover so you're fresh for the match."
As the players began to leave the training ground, Kay called out one last piece of advice.
"Remember, during the match, we won't rely on just this one tactic. We've trained hard, and we have more than one strategy in our toolbox. Be ready to adapt, and don't forget about the Crossfield Strike. Anouar, Sam,"
He turned his gaze to them, "You two especially need to be prepared. We might need to switch things up quickly, and the Crossfield Strike could be the key."
With those final words, Kay ended the session. The players began to disperse. Each of them headed home, their minds still processing the strategies they had rehearsed.
The next day, while his players were taking their well-deserved rest, Kay found himself unable to sit still.
Despite telling the team it was a day off, he knew that his work was far from over. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was still more to uncover about Watford's youth team.
This match wasn't just any game; it was the last one of his month with the team, and he was determined to end it on a high note.
Kay spent the day in his room, poring over match footage, statistics, and any information he could find on Watford's recent performances.
He analyzed their strengths, their weaknesses, and the patterns that had emerged over the course of their undefeated streak.
While Kay continued his late-night research on Watford's youth team, he found something he hadn't noticed before.
As he dug deeper into their recent matches, he discovered that after Sergio Busquets took over as manager, he made a significant addition to the starting lineup; he changed the defensive midfielder.
This new player had quickly become one of the team's key figures.
The player's name was Oliver Mason, and he played as a defensive midfielder; the same position Busquets himself had excelled in during his playing days.
Oliver wasn't just any player; he was clearly someone Busquets trusted and praised after every match.
Kay sat back in his chair, feeling a mix of concern and frustration. This was a crucial piece of information, and it was something he hadn't accounted for in his earlier preparations.
But now, with the match just hours away, there was nothing he could do to adjust his plans.
All he could do was hope that this new discovery wouldn't disrupt everything they had worked on.
After finishing his research he went to his parents and found them in the living room, relaxing after dinner.
He told them about the upcoming match and how important it was to him.
"This is the most important match of my career so far, I've put everything into preparing for it, and I really want you both to be there."
His father, Max, looked at him with a reassuring smile. "Of course, we'll be there, Kay. Just like we've been at every match before this."
His mother nodded in agreement, adding, "We'll be there to support you."
The day of the big match had finally arrived. Kay stood on the field with his players. The team gathered around him, listening intently as he went over the final details of the game plan.
"Remember, we're focusing on creating an empty space on the right side," Kay said, pointing out the areas on the field. "Our goal is to drive them there, away from their left side."
Moments later, a staff member appeared at the door and knocked. "Manager, the Watford youth team has just arrived," he announced.
Kay turned to his players and gave them a reassuring smile. "Alright, it's time to suit up. Put on your jerseys and shorts, and get ready to warm up. I'll be back shortly, I need to go greet our guests."
As the players began changing into their match gear, Kay left the locker room and walked toward the entrance of the stadium.
At the entrance, he spotted Sergio Busquets, his classmate and the actual manager of Watford's youth team.
They shared a warm hug, both of them smiling despite the competitive atmosphere. There was a sense of mutual respect between them.
Busquets grinned and joked, "I think it would be easy for the administration of the school to determine the first place in the rankings this time, as we're up against each other today."
Kay chuckled, shaking his head. "So you're saying today's match is like a final, right?"
Busquets nodded, still smiling. "Exactly. It's going to be a tough one, but I'm looking forward to it."
Kay's expression grew serious as he replied, "Me too, Sergio. I promise It's going to be a great match. May the best team win."
With that, the two managers exchanged a firm handshake. Kay then turned back towards the locker room, his mind focused on the match.
See you in the next chapter...
- - -Author's note: - - -
Hey everyone!
The match is about to start in the next chapter. Do you think Kay can pull off a win and leave his team with a memorable goodbye gift, or will Busquets have other plans? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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