C5 Before the Competition

"Tomorrow, we're going to compete. After three days of training, I haven't seen much improvement in your physical fitness. According to the schedule, we're up against Millenium High's team."

Lucian's words were barely out before the students erupted, buzzing with whispers among themselves.

"Settle down. It looks like you're all aware of Millenium High's strength. Indeed, their school team has always been the feeder team for the provincial team. Many of the provincial team's top players have come from there, and they're the favorites to win this competition."

Lucian took a pause, observing the kids whose faces were a mix of determination and anxiety about facing such a formidable opponent.

"However, there's no need to be afraid. We're not without hope. I've already mapped out a tactic for you, which is the formation you've been practicing during these three days of scrimmage matches."

The reason Lucian had scheduled two matches each day was to drill the formation into them. The teams alternated between relentless offense and using a 451 formation for defense and counterattacks. Since these kids spent their days playing together, familiarity and cooperation weren't issues.

"Our main strategy is to defend relentlessly. Unless the opponent slips up, we keep defending. Even if the ball is at our feet, unless I command otherwise, do not launch an attack. Without my signal, the ball must not cross midfield. Got it?"

"Understood!" the students responded in chorus.

"Also, when I signal to attack, I want everyone pushing up, including the goalkeeper. During an attack, we won't need a goalkeeper. I want you to throw the opponent into disarray. The moment Abram gets the ball, pass it to him for the shot. Is that clear?"

"Understood!"

Their response was even more thunderous this time.

Approaching Abram, Lucian gave his shoulder a reassuring pat and spoke earnestly.

"Abram, you're our hope for victory. If you miss your shots, we're likely to lose tomorrow. But if you can score with precision, we'll secure our win. Don't disappoint us."

Feeling the weight of immense pressure, Abram did not shrink back. Instead, his gaze was resolute as he locked eyes with Lucian.

"Don't worry, Lucian. I'll definitely make it."

"Suren, you're our team's best dribbler. During the offense, I need you to safely get the ball to the front court. So, keep your head clear, got it? When necessary, pass the ball. Don't lose it."

For the first time, Suren felt truly valued by someone else, and he was so moved he was nearly in tears.

"I got it, Lucian."

"Arnold, you're incredibly fast. On the offense, keep up with Abram and move as quickly as you can. If needed, help Abram clear any obstacles to his shots. Intercept anyone who might interfere with Abram. Can you handle that?"

"I can!"

With everything in place, Lucian dismissed the team, telling them to go home and rest.

Back at the shop, Lucian dove into his "honor room" and pulled out the suit he wore eighteen years ago while coaching Tarragona. It was a reward from the system for completing a mission, which, when worn, would enhance a head coach's charisma.

"Eighteen years and not a word from you. Did you think I couldn't be a head coach without you? Well, you're wrong. Without you, I can still lead as a head coach and direct my players on the field."

Without the system, the suit had become just a regular piece of clothing, lacking its former aura. Nevertheless, to prepare for tomorrow's game, he planned to don his "battle robe."

Lucian gently caressed the suit, his eyes involuntarily drawn to the photo on the wall. There he was, in that very suit, commanding respect on the world's most prestigious stage, conquering countless formidable opponents.

Gradually, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep on the couch. In his dreams, he returned to eighteen years prior, to the days of coaching in Tarragona.

"Let me say this again: in this game, my only demand is that you follow my lead!"

Lucian's gaze met that of his players, a group of eager sixteen and seventeen-year-olds, brimming with determination. Despite facing a formidable opponent, their thirst for victory was unquenchable.

"Even though I've only been coaching you for ten days, you should know me quite well by now," Lucian abruptly shifted the conversation.

"It was you who sought me out, hoping I would teach you to play soccer. Given that, you must follow my commands without question. This is your first official competition, and the opponents are formidable, but that's no excuse for failure."

Standing at the entrance of the provincial sports bureau's stadium, Lucian delivered their final pep talk.

"I appreciate your trust in me, and the fact that I accepted your request shows my trust in you. I've pointed out many of your shortcomings in the past few days and have been strict, but it's only because I believe in you that I've done so."

Lucian's speech took the students by surprise; they hadn't expected him to express such sentiments.

"Win this game to prove yourselves, not to me, but to those who have long looked down on you. Show them your skills and worth. Maybe your love for soccer has led you to neglect your studies, and you've endured scorn and judgment from many, including your own parents."

"If you want to persuade your parents to let you keep playing soccer, you need to show results. That's the only way. If you truly love the game and aspire to join the professional league, then today marks your first step onto the professional pitch!"

"I believe none of you are content with being mocked by others. Are the anger, frustration, and fighting spirit you felt back then gone? Or is there still a fire burning inside you?"

"Do you still have the energy and drive? Are you ready? Have you resolved to take down today's opponent? Can you do it?"

"We can!"

Lucian's words ignited a fierce determination in the group of young men. Once seen as underachievers and misfits by their peers and teachers, they now resembled unleashed tigers, eager to charge onto the field and dominate their rivals.

"Excellent. I believe in you. Go out there, win today's match, and return with the honor of victory. Show everyone that you are the best!"

Once on the field, the kids' breathing steadied, but a careful observer could see the spark in their eyes—a newfound resolve, a thirst for battle, and a determination to redeem themselves from past humiliations.

Lucian watched his players intently, sensing the raw energy radiating from them. It was an energy of determination, an upward surge of resilience, a battle-ready force!