Chapter 27: A Hero in Danger

David had no idea that in response to Ribery's specific needs, Loew was putting in extra effort behind the scenes.

The next day, after training, Ribery was once again called into Loew's office for more intense one-on-one sessions.

The first task was to review the video footage of the last two matches Ribery had started. Whenever Ribery got the ball, Loew would pause the video and analyze the positioning of the other players, offering Ribery insight into his options, and explaining how he could better coordinate with his teammates.

They worked late into the night, analyzing every detail of both games.

The next day, Loew continued with the special training, showing Ribery several videos of exceptional left-back performances and using them as examples to teach Ribery how to better handle the ball in similar situations. This intensive training went on for three more days.

By the end of the week, Ribery was exhausted from the grueling sessions. Loew had pushed him to his limits, and even Ribery, known for his typically fierce demeanor, couldn't hide his exhaustion.

However, the results of the special training were clear. Ribery, who had previously been more of a head-down, direct player, had developed a better understanding of how to read the game and coordinate with his teammates. Though he hadn't achieved complete synergy with his teammates yet, he was no longer the one-dimensional winger he had been before.

Ribery's issue seemed temporarily solved, but Loew's focused attention on him had sparked a different kind of trouble.

Rumors had started circulating, with some speculating that Loew might be gay. David wasn't sure where this rumor had originated, but it had become widely known, especially since Loew and Ribery had been spending so much time together late at night reviewing footage.

At first, the gossip was confined to the club staff, but it didn't take long for the entire town of Nottingham to catch wind of it.

The media, ever eager for a juicy story, were thrilled. They had always suspected something about Loew, and now, with Ribery as his constant companion, their suspicions seemed confirmed.

The story of "Loew and Ribery" quickly spread across Nottingham, with each retelling adding new, often humorous details. One version that made David laugh particularly hard suggested that Ribery's facial scars made him appear fierce, which made him an unlikely partner for the mild-mannered Loew. The contrast between the two only added to the intrigue.

After two rounds of league matches, it was time for the English League Cup. Notts County had drawn Northampton as their opponent.

This was a familiar team to Notts County, as they had faced them in their first warm-up match of the season.

David took the League Cup seriously. Winning one of the domestic cups could secure a spot in next season's UEFA Cup, and he was keen on achieving that. While David wasn't overly focused on the UEFA Cup itself, it was clear that the team needed to perform well in both the League Cup and the FA Cup to ensure their long-term goals were met.

David had a plan: the team was still developing, and if they faced a Premier League team too early in the League Cup, it would be difficult to progress. But if they were fortunate enough to face lower-tier teams in the early rounds, Notts County could potentially make a deep run.

The FA Cup, on the other hand, was trickier. It was taken much more seriously by Premier League teams, making it harder for a lower-league team like Notts County to break through the heavy competition. David wasn't sure how much focus to give the FA Cup, but for now, his priority remained the team's promotion.

With just four days between the second round of the league and their League Cup match, Loew opted for a rotation. Though he hoped for a cup breakthrough, the primary focus was ensuring the main players had enough rest for the upcoming league match.

Luckily, the strength of the starting lineup and the bench was relatively balanced. Altentopp and Sneijder took charge in midfield, while the Altentopp brothers partnered with Villa up front—a new combination for the team.

The first half saw Notts County take the lead, with Villa scoring from a precise pass by Sneijder. But things changed in the second half when goalkeeper Diego Lopez pulled a muscle during a save. Ben Foster, the backup goalkeeper, was called into action.

Foster, who hadn't played much in the previous games, faced immediate pressure. A failed clearance from him led to an equalizing goal by Northampton, and the score was level at 1-1.

Both teams fought fiercely, but Northampton defended well, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw, forcing extra time.

With both teams tiring, extra time yielded no further goals, and the game went to a penalty shootout.

Notts County hadn't had enough time to practice penalties, and Loew felt the team might struggle. The fans in Northampton's stands grew more vocal as the shootout progressed, rallying behind their team.

The first Northampton player scored, and Villa's penalty was missed when he slipped at the critical moment. The mood in the stands was electric, and Villa walked back to his spot, frustrated.

With Villa's miss, it felt as though Notts County's chances had slipped away. Loew and David watched in quiet apprehension, fully aware of the stakes.

But then, in a twist of fate, Ben Foster—quiet, unassuming, and usually the backup goalkeeper—stepped up. Despite rarely featuring in games, Foster had become the hero when it mattered most. With a stunning save to deny Northampton's penalty, Foster gave Notts County a glimmer of hope.

It wasn't just a save—it was a turning point. The goalkeeper had become the unlikely savior. With his confidence and resilience, Foster carried the team forward, and the fans' earlier boos had now turned to chants of support.

Notts County had advanced, thanks to Foster's bravery. Loew and David were both visibly relieved, knowing that this victory wasn't just about the win—it was about the heart, determination, and unity that defined the team.