Chapter 5 : Prep Time

On the team bus heading back to Luton, Rahmat called for a quick debrief with his players. Barou, Aoyama, Wakabayashi, and the rest of the team gathered, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.

"Alright, everyone," Rahmat began, "I just want to say, you made me proud today. Every one of you fought hard out there, and I couldn't ask for more."

Barou, still brimming with confidence, leaned back with a smirk. "They didn't stand a chance against us. I told you I'd tear through their defense."

Aoyama, who had quietly been wiping down his boots with a cloth, looked up and nodded in agreement. "It was a good performance. We kept it clean and controlled the pace well."

Rahmat chuckled, seeing how different each player's personality was. "Yes, but remember, this is only the beginning. City was a tough opponent, but we'll face others who'll be just as challenging. We've set the bar now, and every other team will be watching us."

Wakabayashi nodded, his expression thoughtful. "The more they watch, the more they'll prepare. We'll have to keep evolving, Coach. We can't let them figure us out."

Rahmat looked around, seeing the resolve in each of their eyes. They were ready for whatever lay ahead. "Exactly. We've surprised everyone today, but that means we need to stay one step ahead. Let's keep working, keep improving. We've got a long road ahead, and this victory is only the start."

---

When they arrived back in Luton, the town welcomed them like heroes. Fans had gathered around the club's training ground, waving flags and cheering as the bus rolled in. The buzz of excitement was palpable. For many fans, it was the first time in years they'd felt this hopeful.

As Rahmat stepped off the bus, an elderly fan approached him, eyes bright with pride. "You've given us something to believe in, son. Thank you."

Rahmat felt a surge of emotion, smiling as he shook the man's hand. "Thank you for believing in us. We'll do our best to keep making you proud."

That night, as Rahmat sat alone in his small office, reviewing footage of the match, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something incredible. The System might be gone until the next transfer window, but his players had shown they had the potential to carry Luton to new heights even without it.

He thought of the fans, the town, and the way Wakabayashi, Aoyama, and Barou had risen to the challenge. There would be hard days ahead, but for the first time, he felt certain they could overcome anything.

As he looked up at the night sky through the window, Rahmat whispered to himself, "One match down, a season to go. Let's make history."

---

The next morning, headlines across England buzzed with Luton Town's stunning upset. Journalists and analysts couldn't stop talking about the unknown Indonesian manager and his "mysterious players." The win had lit a fire in the football community, and everyone wanted to know more about Rahmat and his team.

The atmosphere around Luton Town's training ground was electric. News vans and reporters lined the outside, fans lingered near the gates, hoping for a glimpse of their newfound heroes, and the players themselves had a bounce in their step. The victory against Manchester City was still fresh, but Rahmat knew they had no time to get comfortable.

Inside the training room, Rahmat gathered the players for a tactical review. He looked around the room, seeing Wakabayashi, Barou, Aoyama, and the rest of the squad focused, waiting for his instructions.

"Alright, everyone," Rahmat began, pointing to the screen displaying footage from the City game. "Just as i said before, We've made a statement. People know who we are now. But that means every team from here on out will be studying our moves, preparing counter-strategies, and looking for any weaknesses they can find."

Barou leaned back in his chair, grinning. "Let them study all they want. I'll break through any defense they throw at us."

Rahmat smirked. "Confidence is good, Barou, but we also need discipline. Every team has different styles, and if we don't adapt, they'll catch on quickly."

He clicked through to footage of their next opponent: Aston Villa. Their strengths, their weaknesses, their key players—each detail flashed on the screen. Rahmat explained their strategy, emphasizing positioning, coordination, and reading the opponent's movements. Aston Villa might not be as high-profile as City, but they were known for their resilience and physicality.

"Aoyama," Rahmat said, focusing on the midfielder. "You're going to be our key playmaker again. Villa's midfield is aggressive, so you'll need to keep your movements sharp and read the field well. Keep the ball moving, and look for openings."

Aoyama nodded with his usual calm. "Understood. I'll maintain control and create the space we need."

Rahmat's gaze turned to Wakabayashi. "Villa's attackers like to take shots from a distance, so be prepared for those. They'll test you with every opportunity they get, but I know you're ready."

Wakabayashi grinned, his confidence unwavering. "They can try, but I'm not letting anything through. We'll keep a clean sheet."

Rahmat scanned the rest of the room, feeling the growing bond among his players. "This isn't just about one game. We're setting a standard here, a way of playing that represents who we are. The Premier League is a grind, but as long as we keep pushing, keep surprising, we'll keep climbing."

---

As the days passed, Rahmat pushed the team harder than ever. Training sessions became more intense, with every player focused on improving, perfecting their roles, and sharpening their teamwork. Rahmat knew that building this trust, this understanding, was what would carry them through the season.

On the eve of the Aston Villa match, Rahmat called a late team meeting. As the players sat around, he could sense a mix of excitement and nerves. They'd proven themselves once, but could they do it again?

"I want to remind you of something," Rahmat began, his tone calm but strong. "No one expects us to be here. No one expects us to win. But we're not here to meet expectations. We're here to make history. What we did against City was only the beginning. Every match, every minute, we need to show them why we belong here."

Barou grinned, clenching his fist. "Let's give them something to remember."

Wakabayashi added, "We'll defend our ground, no matter who comes our way."

Aoyama nodded, quietly but confidently. "We're ready."

Rahmat felt a surge of pride. They were united, each of them bringing something unique to the team. And he knew that together, they could achieve the impossible.