Tricks Up His Sleeves

Sitting in his office at AS Monaco's training facility, Leonardo Jardim takes a moment to collect his thoughts. The room is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, which helps to sharpen his focus. The walls adorned with team photos and tactical diagrams serve as constant reminders of the journey they have embarked upon.

Jardim's gaze drifts to his desk, scattered with papers containing player statistics, match reports, and tactical analyses. He methodically organizes the clutter, his mind retracing the steps of the season. His fingertips glide over the numbers, the names, the victories, and the defeats, seeking patterns and insights.

As he sifts through the memories, Jardim's face wears a mix of contemplation and determination. He replays each game in his mind, scrutinizing the decisions made, the tactics employed, and the performances delivered. He examines the strengths and weaknesses of both his team and their opponents, searching for the missing pieces that will elevate AS Monaco's performance.

The manager's eyes wander to the window, where he catches a glimpse of the training pitch. The sight of his players honing their skills stirs a sense of pride within him. He has witnessed their growth, their resilience, and their unwavering commitment to the team's vision.

Jardim's thoughts turn to the upcoming match against Toulouse, yet he couldn't bring himself to focus on the next match. In his heart, Jardim understood very well that this game had no purpose whether they win of lose. The French Football League Title, Ligue 1, is out of his reach as PSG will undoubtedly win it this year. The players had already given up hope on the trophy. What they were fighting for was the qualifications to play in the Champions League.

In Ligue 1, the top 3 teams were awarded the special qualification in compete in the prestigious tournament of European Football – The Champions League. This is the ultimate trophy to be won, the trophy desired by every club in the world. AS Monaco must finish 3rd or above to ensure they will participate in the CL.

The issue? The competition for the last qualification spot for Champions League in Ligue 1 was intense. AS Monaco(62) , Saint-Étienne(60), and Marseille(57) are all fighting for 3rd place. But the season is long, and the players in his squad are all very fatigued after the long and strenuous season. And with injuries to some key players in the squad, Jardim knew this was the moment, the time for eager talents in the youth academy to make their mark in world football.

With a sigh, Jardim leans back in his chair, momentarily closing his eyes. He envisions the future, the trophies that could be won, the dreams that could be realized. But he quickly brings himself back to the present, recognizing the need to stay grounded and focused on the task at hand.

In that quiet moment, Leonardo Jardim reaffirms his unwavering belief in his players and their ability to rise above any challenge. He knows that success requires not only strategy and tactics but also unity and unwavering determination. As he opens his eyes and returns to his preparations, he is fueled by the hope and ambition that continue to drive him and the team forward.

The manager checked the reports that were left in his office. Two distinct grey folder carefully and stacked with graphs, statistics, and information from the club analysts and coaching staff. The folders belonged to two players – Kylian Mbappe and Kai Chiu.

Jardim had already read the detailed report on Mbappe, but it was the latter player that was more interested in.

Jardim had a lightbulb switching on in his head. With eager eyes and a devious smile, the manager grabbed his pen as he decided to make a change in the team selections. The players on the bench would be different. In his head Jardim told himself; let's give the youngsters a chance.

~~~

In the bustling gym of AS Monaco's training facility, the sound of clinking weights and the thud of exercise equipment fills the air. Among the determined athletes pushing their limits are two prominent figures: Yannick Carrasco and Anthony Martial. The pair has been training diligently, focusing on their physical strength and conditioning, fully immersed in their own world of determination and dedication.

As the assistant enters the gym, the team sheet clutched in his hands, a sense of anticipation ripples through the room. Players pause mid-exercise, casting curious glances in the assistant's direction. They recognize the significance of the moment, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the squad for the upcoming match against Toulouse.

The assistant moves purposefully toward the notice board, affixing the team sheet for all to see. As he steps back, the sheet flutters gently, catching the attention of Carrasco and the other players in the gym. Their eyes widen, the intensity of their workout momentarily forgotten.

Carrasco's eyes lock onto the team sheet, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. He scans the names, searching for his own. When his eyes finally find his place in the lineup, a broad grin spreads across his face. It's a moment of validation, the reward for his hard work and dedication.

Next to Carrasco, Martial continues his workout, seemingly unfazed by the team sheet. He focuses on his routine, confident in his abilities and his indispensable role in the team. He knows that his name will be there, slotting seamlessly into the starting eleven, as it has been for most matches in the season.

With a casual glance towards the board, Martial's intuition is confirmed. His name is indeed on the sheet, just as he expected. A subtle smile tugs at the corners of his lips, a silent acknowledgment of his own importance to the team.

Carrasco feels a surge of motivation, knowing that he has earned his place in the starting lineup. He turns to Martial, alleviation bubbling within him. "Thank god I'm still on the team." Carrasco exclaims, his voice filled with relief. "I had been performing poorly for the last few matches now. I was worried that boss would choose to bench me."

Carrasco's words hang in the air, revealing a vulnerability and honesty that often remains hidden beneath his confident exterior. Martial pauses in his workout, his expression shifting from stoic to understanding. He recognizes the weight of Carrasco's words and the pressure that professional footballers face to perform consistently.

"Carrasco, you've been an integral part of this team," Martial responds, his voice conveying reassurance. "We all go through rough patches, but your talent and dedication have never been in question. The boss knows what you're capable of, and he believes in you."

A flicker of gratitude crosses Carrasco eyes as he takes in Martial's words. The relief that had settled within him expands, replaced by a renewed sense of self-belief. He realizes that he is not alone in his struggles, that his teammates stand by him, ready to offer support and encouragement.

"I appreciate your words, Martial," Carrasco says, his voice filled with gratitude. "You're right. It's about finding that resilience within ourselves and bouncing back stronger. I won't take this opportunity for granted."

Martial nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's the spirit, Carrasco. We're a team, and we're here to lift each other up. We all have moments of doubt, but it's how we respond that defines us."

As Carrasco takes a moment to catch his breath and gather his thoughts, his eyes wander towards the bench. To his surprise, he notices two unfamiliar names listed there, players he hasn't seen in previous matches. A mix of curiosity and intrigue washes over him, causing his mind to race with questions.

Inquisitively, Carrasco approaches the team sheet once again, his eyes scanning the names. He tries to recall any mentions of these new additions in recent training sessions or discussions among the squad. Yet, the names remain unfamiliar, shrouded in an air of mystery.

He turns to Martial, his brows furrowed with curiosity. "Martial, have you heard anything about these new players?" Carrasco asks, gesturing towards the bench. "I wonder what they bring to the team."

Martial glances over, his interest piqued. He studies the names on the sheet and shakes his head. "No, Carrasco. I haven't heard anything about them either. It seems the boss has some surprises up his sleeve."

The realization dawns on Carrasco that competition within the team has intensified. These new players represent fresh talent, eager to make their mark and challenge the existing squad members. The sense of relief he felt earlier now gives way to a renewed sense of urgency.

With determination in his eyes, Carrasco's focus sharpens. He understands that he must continue to perform at his best to maintain his place in the starting lineup. The arrival of these new faces serves as a reminder that no position is guaranteed, and complacency could cost him dearly.

Carrasco mentally makes a note to approach the new players, to welcome them to the team and learn from their strengths. He recognizes that healthy competition can push him to elevate his game and bring out the best in everyone on the pitch.

As Carrasco resumes his training, a fire burns within him, fueled by the arrival of these unfamiliar names. He knows that his journey is far from over and that he must prove that he was the undisputed left winger of the team.