Chapter 19: Counterattack Started

David gently pushed open the locker room door and clapped his hands to grab the players' attention. His voice, though calm, carried a tinge of sadness.

"Maybe you should thank Löff. He gave you the chance to prove yourselves in the second half. Instead of replacing you, he let you return to England with dignity."

The first-team players, who had started the match, were seated in the locker room, while the substitutes were warming up outside. The tension in the air was palpable.

"Juventus is a formidable team. Even without Zidane, they remain one of the top clubs in the world. Perhaps you think it's normal for a team from England's third tier to lose to Serie A giants. If you think that way, tell me now—I'll send you to any team you want, no questions asked."

David's gaze swept across the room, his eyes meeting each player's. "Yes, Notts County is in the Premier League, but that's not how I see us. In my mind, we belong in the Champions League, on the biggest stage in football. That's where we're headed. What matters now is getting there—nothing more."

The players were silent, but David could sense their confusion, even doubt. He pressed on with more conviction.

"I have no doubt in you. I believe in you more than you believe in yourselves. I'm certain that you will achieve great things in football, and that one day, you will be the giants of Notts County."

David's voice grew stronger, more passionate. "I don't care if our current strength doesn't match theirs. That's no excuse for being intimidated. I want to see fight in you. Even when defeat seems certain, you must charge forward with everything you have. Not the despair I saw on the field in the first half."

He paused, his eyes burning with purpose. "So from now on, think of yourselves as superstars. Because you will be."

The room was still. The players were unsure whether they were being reprimanded or encouraged, but one thing was clear—they knew David was serious. His belief in them was absolute, and that belief would fuel their future growth. The seed of confidence had been planted.

The Second Half Begins

Back in the box, the second half kicked off. Löff had said nothing, making no substitutions at halftime. But Juventus, eager to test different players, made three changes. It was a warm-up match after all, a chance for Coach Lippi to evaluate his squad's depth.

David sat on the sofa in the box, his nerves tight as he watched the game unfold. He had seen the potential in his young players. In his previous life, he had witnessed many of them rise to stardom—some even becoming global icons. But right now, they were still in their infancy, still learning how to handle the weight of the challenge before them. Could they truly carry the burden of reviving Notts County?

Juventus, as expected, controlled the tempo early in the second half. They didn't seem concerned. After all, their opponents had shown little resistance in the first 45 minutes. Surely, Notts County would crumble again.

But the young players of Notts County had other ideas. They responded with something Juventus had not anticipated—resolve.

A Glimpse of Greatness

The first signs of change came when Notts County ramped up their defensive intensity. They pressed higher up the pitch, disrupting Juventus' usual rhythm. The young players began to play with more aggression, more conviction. The difference was palpable.

As Juventus moved the ball forward, Nedvěd sent a pass through to David Trezeguet, expecting a quick and smooth transition. But Notts County's Alonso, who had been tracking the play, intercepted it before it could reach Trezeguet.

With no hesitation, Alonso turned and played a long ball out to the right, where Dirk Kuyt had positioned himself. The Dutch striker controlled the ball with a deft touch, cutting inside to evade Zambrotta's challenge. Just as Juventus' defense began to recover, Kuyt threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Lionel Messi, who was making a late run into the box.

Without thinking twice, Messi took the shot. The ball rocketed towards the goal, leaving Juventus' legendary goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, scrambling. Despite his quick reflexes, Buffon was only able to block the shot—just enough to deflect it wide.

But the danger wasn't over.

As everyone thought the crisis was averted, Hübner, ever the opportunist, ghosted into the box and pounced on the rebound. With a calm touch, he pushed the ball into the back of the net, scoring a remarkable counter-attacking goal for Notts County.

For a moment, the stadium fell silent. Juventus' players exchanged confused glances. Even the fans in the stands, who had expected an easy second half, were stunned. Only the Notts County players, their faces alight with passion, celebrated as if they had just won a major trophy.

David, watching from the box, nearly leapt off the sofa in excitement. His belief in his team was unwavering, but even he couldn't suppress the rush of emotion when they scored. It wasn't just a goal—it was proof that they were capable of competing at the highest level.

Juventus Regains Control

The Juventus players, seasoned veterans who had been through countless battles, quickly recovered from the shock. They knew that this kind of counter-attack wasn't a fluke—it was the result of their own complacency. But they were Juventus, after all. It would take more than a single goal to shake them.

Buffon, in particular, was determined to not let another opportunity slip by. He led the defense, organizing the back line with the authority only he possessed. Juventus began to take control of possession once more, but the damage had been done. Notts County had shown that they could be dangerous, and that alone was a victory for the young team.

Building Confidence

As the game wore on, Juventus regained their focus, but the impact of Notts County's goal was undeniable. It wasn't just about the scoreboard—it was about the shift in mentality. The players, who had once looked defeated, now stood tall. Their heads were held higher. The first half was a distant memory.

For David, this was a crucial turning point. The match was a reminder of the long road ahead, but it was also proof that with determination, belief, and the right guidance, his players could rise to the challenge. They were still far from being a finished product, but they had the potential to become something truly special.

As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the friendly, the players walked off the pitch with a newfound sense of pride. They had scored against one of the best teams in the world, and for the first time, they believed they could compete with giants.

This revision enhances the emotional depth of the players' journey and David's leadership, making the counter-attack goal more significant as a moment of growth and confidence. Let me know if you would like further adjustments!