Winning Respect

Again, the familiar sound of notification chimed and appeared before Ethan. This time, he acted natural.

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[Mission Complete: Lead the Underdogs to Victory]

Objective: Lead the white team to victory against the red team by improving their tactics and cohesion, guiding them through the match, and defeating the red team.

Reward:

1. 1000 EXP

2. 10 Ascension Points

3. All attributes +10

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Before he could check his status panel, Ethan saw Eric jog over to him, still catching his breath, his eyes wide with disbelief and excitement.

"Ethan," Eric said, his voice laced with awe, "thank you for directing me out there. I've never played like that before. Honestly, I couldn't have done it without you."

Ethan smiled with a slight, encouraging grin, showing his pride in the young player. "Don't overthink about it, Eric. Football is all about learning and growing. You've got the talent—it's just a matter of using it."

Eric was looking at Ethan. That was the first time he received such praise after making it into the first team.

Ethan added, "The way you played today? That's the best you can do with your current ability and physique. Keep pushing yourself. You're still young, and you'll only get better."

Eric's face lit up, his spirits buoyed by the support. "I'll keep pushing myself. I will be in top form when the official games kick-off."

Before Ethan could get a word in, Marcus, who had been lurking nearby, couldn't hold back. His voice's sharp note of sarcasm seemed almost second nature to him.

"Would you look at that?" Marcus said mockingly, his gaze bouncing between Ethan and Eric. "Trying to curry favor with the future boss, are we? That's a clever strategy, Eric."

Eric's face fell, his earlier excitement giving way to embarrassment. The tension between Marcus and Ethan simmered, and it was clear that the other players had taken notice.

They weren't just watching the exchange out of curiosity—they were waiting to see how Ethan would handle this confrontation.

Coach Harris took a step forward, intending to intervene, but Theodore subtly raised a hand, signaling him to hold back.

Harris looked frustrated but complied, leaning in as Theodore whispered, "Let's see how Ethan handles this."

Ethan's eyes shifted toward Marcus, his expression calm and measured. He wasn't rattled by the taunt, and instead of responding with anger or defensiveness, he took a step closer, his voice even but firm.

"Marcus, right?" Ethan's tone was casual, but it had a weight that silenced the murmurs around the pitch. Marcus's smirk faltered slightly, but he kept his guard up.

"You're one of the key players here," Ethan continued, giving Marcus a nod of acknowledgment.

"Strong, powerful, fast—especially for a center-back. I can see that. But…" Ethan paused momentarily, letting his words hang, "… you're not using your strengths the right way."

Marcus blinked, thrown off by Ethan's calm analysis. "What?"

"You rely too much on brute force," Ethan explained, his voice steady and analytical. "You try overpowering your opponents instead of reading the game and positioning yourself better. That's why you were caught out of position twice during the match when I intercepted the ball."

Ethan's words cut through Marcus more effectively than any taunt or insult could. The confidence that Marcus wore like armor cracked, and for a brief moment, he seemed unsure of himself.

"You've got speed," Ethan continued, "but you rush in too early, leaving gaps behind. That's what cost your team those goals. You're fast, Marcus, but you're playing too reactive. If you held your position and forced attackers into less dangerous spaces, then used your speed to close them down, you'd be almost impossible to beat."

The other players exchanged glances, stunned at how Ethan dissected Marcus's game so effortlessly. Even Coach Harris, standing a few yards away, looked taken aback, his eyes narrowing as he watched the exchange unfold.

Marcus, now visibly flustered, stared at Ethan. His pride and ego were battling with the reality of what Ethan had just pointed out. "How did you… see all that?"

Ethan shrugged, his smile small but genuine. "I've spent years playing football manager games and analyzing football matches—studying formations, analyzing player strengths, and understanding tactics."

Everyone was waiting for Ethan to continue, "And now, with today's experience and some… additional insights, I can read the game more clearly. You've got the potential, Marcus, to be the backbone of this team. But you need to play smarter, not just harder."

For the first time since Ethan came, Marcus was silent. Everything Ethan said had hit home. His initial arrogance faded, replaced by a quiet sense of realization.

"You really think I can be the backbone of the team?" he asked, his tone much softer now, almost uncertain.

Ethan nodded. "Absolutely. You've got the physical tools—now you just need to refine your game. You could be the rock this team builds its defense around. You just need to work on your positioning and decision-making."

Marcus looked down, processing what Ethan had said. His earlier hostility melted away, replaced by a newfound respect. "Do you… have more advice?" he asked, his voice lower now, humbled. "I want to get better."

Ethan nodded again, his expression softening. "Of course. We'll review the match later, and I'll help you with some positioning tips. But for now, don't be so hard on yourself. You've got the ability—it's just about honing it."

The other players, watching the exchange, also seemed to soften their stances. If Marcus—one of the team's key players—would listen to Ethan, maybe this new owner wasn't just some rich kid playing football for fun.

From the sidelines, Theodore glanced at Coach Harris with a smirk.

"Looks like he's handling it just fine," he said quietly, clearly impressed.

Harris crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. Ethan's insight into the game wasn't just impressive—it was intimidating. Harris had been coaching for years, yet Ethan had come in, dissected a key player's game, and offered advice that could improve Marcus's performance.

The realization hit him hard: if Ethan knew this much about football, what did that mean for Harris's role in the team?

Unaware of Harris's inner turmoil, Ethan returned to address the entire squad. His voice was calm, but it carried an authority that was hard to ignore.

"Listen," Ethan began, "I'm not here to overhaul the team. There's no need for that. You've all got talent and plenty of room for growth. But we're going to need to work together."

Everyone listened eagerly. "I'll be bringing in new players—seasoned and talented ones—and adding some crucial coaching staff, but it's not to replace anyone. It's to elevate all of you. We'll learn from each other and become a stronger unit."

The players murmured amongst themselves, clearly intrigued by Ethan's approach. He wasn't here to tear down what they had built but to improve it. That collaboration, learning, and improving together resonated with the team.

Marcus, still standing next to Ethan, nodded slowly. "I'm sorry for my earlier behavior," he said, arrogance gone. "You're not just here to throw money around. You actually want to win."

"That's the plan," Ethan replied with a small smile. "And I want all of you with me when we do."

Coach Harris, standing off to the side, felt the pressure mounting. Ethan wasn't just a businessman—he deeply understood football. Harris had to admit it: Ethan's football knowledge was enough to challenge even his own role as a coach.

However, the way Ethan spoke and included everyone in his vision were things Harris couldn't help but respect.

Theodore clapped his hands together, breaking the silence. "Alright, lads, that's enough for today. We've got a bright future ahead, thanks to Ethan. Let's rest up."

As the players slowly dispersed, murmuring about what had just happened, Ethan remained in the center, feeling accomplished. He had proven himself today—not just as a future owner, but as someone who truly understood the game.

Marcus, now looking at Ethan with newfound respect, smiled. "I'll catch up with you later. I want to work on that positioning."

Ethan patted him on the back, his smile genuine. "Looking forward to it."

As the team made their way off the field, Coach Harris approached Ethan, his expression thoughtful.

"You know, Ethan," Harris began, "I've seen many owners come and go, but none of them had your insight into the game. If you keep this up, Ridge Rovers might just reach the top."

Ethan's eyes gleamed with determination. "That's the goal, Coach. And we're going to make it happen—together."

Coach Harris felt a surge of respect for Ethan. Despite his earlier doubts, he knew now that with Ethan's guidance, Ridge Rovers FC wasn't just a second-tier team. They had the potential to become something much, much bigger.