The challenge
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Kay closely monitored the training session, noting the efforts of each player.
He observed that while some players gave their all, others seemed to hold back, not putting in their full effort.
This inconsistency concerned him, but he knew he had to address it tactfully.
As the rondo drill came to an end, Kay called the players together.
"Alright, everyone, let's organize a short friendly match. We'll have the substitutes face off against the principal players again."
The players quickly took their positions on the field, eager to showcase their skills.
The match began, and it was clear that the principal players, as in previous matches, had the upper hand.
They dominated the play, displaying superior coordination and technique. Despite some spirited attempts from the substitutes, the principal players secured another victory.
After the friendly match, Kay gathered the team.
"Good effort, everyone. It's important to keep challenging ourselves in these practice matches. Remember, these sessions are not just about winning or losing, but about improving and pushing each other to be better."
He turned his attention to the entire group. "I noticed some of you are giving it everything you have, and that's great. For those who aren't, maybe one day you'll lose your place so be careful!"
After Kay finished his speech and gave all the remarks he had, he ended the session there.
The day after, on Thursday, Kay stood before his team, ready to begin another training session.
Just as he was about to start, he noticed a group of five players approaching him.
Among them was Anouar, the current captain of the team, accompanied by four other principal team players.
Kay was confused as the group confronted him. Anouar stepped forward, his expression stern. "Kay, we need to talk, we're not satisfied with your coaching style. You're a young man without any real experience, and we don't think you know what you're doing."
The other players nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting a mix of frustration and skepticism.
Another player added, "You came in yesterday and started changing our training style. Now you're talking about changing the starting lineup? We've worked hard to earn our places on this team."
Kay felt a jolt of surprise, but he quickly composed himself, displaying a confident demeanor.
"I understand your concerns," he replied calmly. "But rather than argue about who's right or wrong, let's settle this with a challenge."
The players looked intrigued but skeptical. "A challenge?" Anouar echoed.
"Yes," Kay affirmed. "Tomorrow, we'll have a five-on-five match. My team will consist of players from the substitutes. If my team wins, you'll trust my methods and give them a fair chance. If you win, we'll discuss your concerns further and find a middle ground."
The five players exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. "You really think you can beat us with the substitutes?" one of them mocked.
Kay remained resolute. "We'll see. But there's one more condition. Today, you five will train on your own. I'll work with my five players, and Coach Daniels will oversee the rest of the team."
The players hesitated but eventually agreed. "Fine, but don't expect us to go easy on you," Anouar said.
Kay knew that the challenge ahead was immense, but he was determined to make the most of it.
He began by selecting his players. He chose Sam, a talented midfielder known for his vision and ball control, and Anthony, a fast winger with excellent dribbling skills.
Alongside them, he picked two other players he believed had potential and a reliable goalkeeper.
Kay had noticed from previous matches that the substitutes often lost not because of a significant gap in skills, but due to a psychological barrier.
They believed the principal team was inherently stronger and that they stood little chance of winning. Kay knew he had to address this mindset first.
Gathering his chosen players, Kay spoke with conviction.
"Listen, the reason the substitutes often lose isn't because you're less skilled. It's because you believe you're going to lose. Today, we change that. I'm going to give you a strategy that will outplay them. They don't have a tactic; they rely on their individual skills and overconfidence. We have the element of surprise and teamwork."
While this wasn't entirely true; Kay was only giving them a standard tactic; he knew the psychological boost was necessary.
He needed them to believe in themselves and him as their manager.
He continued, "If we win today, I'll choose some of you to be in the starting lineup for the next match. This is your chance to prove yourselves. Play with everything you've got, and show them what you're capable of."
Kay then turned his attention to Sam and Anthony, opening the system, and verifying their stats.
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Player: Sam
Pace: 45
Shooting: 49
Passing: 52
Dribbling: 49
Defending: 43
Physical: 45
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Player: Antony
Pace: 55
Shooting: 43
Passing: 46
Dribbling: 51
Defending: 42
Physical: 43
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After he checked their stats, he was sure that Antony was the fastest player on the team, but his confidence wavered when it came to making crucial decisions in attacking situations.
Antony's speed was an asset, but it needed to be harnessed effectively.
Kay instructed Anthony to focus on making quick, simple passes once he beat his marker tomorrow.
"Don't overthink it. Just get past your man and look to pass or cross quickly," Kay emphasized.
He also advised Antony to use his speed to track back and help defensively, ensuring that the team could transition smoothly between attack and defense.
Sam had excellent vision and passing ability, but he struggled when pressed by opponents.
Kay's plan for Sam was to use his vision to distribute the ball quickly and avoid dwelling on it too long.
"When you receive the ball, scan the field immediately and make your decision quickly. If you're under pressure, play a one-two with a nearby teammate to buy yourself time and space," Kay instructed.
He paired Sam with one of the more reliable players who could support him and provide an outlet when needed.
Kay anticipated that the principal players, particularly Anouar and his group, would play individually, driven by their confidence and desire to prove themselves superior.
He planned to use this to his advantage by emphasizing a team-oriented approach. "They'll try to take you on one by one. Stay compact, support each other, and use their mistakes to counterattack," Kay told his team.
Kay's strategy centered on maintaining a solid defensive shape and launching quick counterattacks.
He instructed his team to remain disciplined and not get drawn out of position.
"Let them come at us. We'll stay compact and hit them on the break. Use Anthony's speed and Sam's vision to exploit the spaces they'll leave behind," Kay explained.
"We need to press high from the start. The match is short, so don't worry about conserving your energy. Let's unsettle them early and force mistakes," he instructed.
He planned to take advantage of the limited match time by applying intense pressure, hoping to catch the principal players off guard.
For the rest of the day, Kay focused on training his team to simulate various match situations.
They practiced pressing as a unit, maintaining their defensive shape, and executing quick counterattacks.
Kay emphasized the importance of working together and trusting each other. "Remember, our strength lies in our teamwork. Stay compact, communicate, and support each other,"
As the training session progressed, Kay noticed a change in his players' demeanor. The initial skepticism and lack of confidence began to fade, replaced by a growing belief in themselves and their abilities.
They executed the drills with increasing precision and intensity, clearly motivated by the upcoming challenge.
By the end of the session, Kay's players were visibly more confident.
They talked excitedly among themselves, expressing their determination to prove their worth.
"We can do this," Sam said, echoing the sentiment of the group.
Anthony nodded in agreement, adding, "Yeah, let's show them what we're made of."
Here Kay ended the session and told his players to be ready for the match the next day.
See you in the next chapter ...
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