Chapter 3

The morning of the match arrived, and Jack stood in front of the mirror in his office, nervously adjusting his suit. The match against Grimsby Town was about to be his first real test as the manager of Manchester City. The team was underperforming, and the pressure to start strong weighed heavily on him. He needed to show that he had what it took to bring the team back to its former glory. With a nervous breath, Jack straightened his tie and walked out of his office to meet the media.

Jack stepped into the press room, his face calm but his mind buzzing. The journalists were already waiting, eager to ask him about his plans for the match.

"Jack, it's your first competitive match in charge of Manchester City. How are you feeling?" one of the journalists asked, setting the tone for the interview.

"I'm focused," Jack replied with a steady tone. "We've had a good week of preparation. The lads are ready. Of course, there's pressure—it's a big job. But we take it one match at a time, and right now, it's all about Grimsby."

"Grimsby Town has been struggling in the lower half of the table, but they've shown some fight in recent matches. Do you think they'll be a threat?" another journalist asked.

Jack nodded thoughtfully. "They're a team that will fight for every point. We can't take them lightly. We'll have to stay disciplined and focused. We've been working on tactical solidity, and it's crucial that we execute on the pitch today."

"You've mentioned tactical solidity. Can you give us an idea of your approach?" the same journalist pressed.

"We're going for a 4-4-2 formation today," Jack explained. "Defensive stability is the priority, and we'll look to counter when we get the chance. It's not about playing expansive football right now; we need results. The lads have been working hard, and we'll need that work ethic on the pitch."

"What are your expectations from the players today?" another reporter asked, eager to understand how Jack viewed the team.

"Fight for every ball. I expect effort, focus, and discipline," Jack said firmly. "We've been working on getting the basics right, and now it's time to show it. Everyone has a role to play, and it's about executing the game plan. I'm looking for a complete team performance."

The final question came from a reporter at the back. "And what about the fans? What would you say to them ahead of your first match in charge?"

Jack smiled briefly, feeling the weight of the question. "I'd say thank you for their support. I know there's a lot of expectation, and I can't promise everything overnight. But we'll give everything we've got. They'll see a team that works hard for the badge."

With that, Jack gave a final nod and stepped away from the podium. It was time to focus on the match ahead. The media could wait. The players would need him now.

Jack stood in front of the dressing room, his palms slick with sweat, heart pounding in his chest. The weight of the moment was almost suffocating, but he couldn't afford to let it show. Manchester City—his new team—was about to step onto the pitch for the first time under his guidance, and the pressure on him was immeasurable. Every action, every choice, every result would either be a step toward salvation or the beginning of his own personal financial nightmare.

His first match was against Grimsby Town, a relegation-threatened side that would throw everything at City in their fight to survive in the league. Grimsby's supporters were already filling the stadium, their chants ringing out into the crisp, cold air. Jack took a moment to steady himself as the players gathered in the dressing room, still silent but ready.

"Listen up, lads," Jack said, his voice firm. He needed them to believe, to understand the gravity of the moment. "This is our first step on the road to recovery. We've trained for this—now we execute. We'll be disciplined, compact, and quick on the break. Grimsby's aggression will play into our hands if we stay calm and stick to the plan."

He paused, making eye contact with each player. Some looked apprehensive; others were more composed, but all of them were focused. Jack could feel the weight of the moment, but he had to remain the steady hand.

"Get out there, give it everything, and let's show them what Manchester City is all about."

With that, the players began to put on their kits. Jack watched as they tied their boots, their faces a mixture of determination and fear. He knew that fear was natural—but it was his job to turn it into focus. This was no time for hesitation.

The stadium was buzzing when they arrived. It wasn't the massive, roaring crowds of the Premier League, but it didn't matter. Grimsby Town's home supporters created an intense atmosphere, and the away fans—mostly small in number but loud—created a sea of blue in one corner of the ground. Jack stood with his hands clasped in front of him as the players lined up in the tunnel, their faces determined but anxious. His heart was racing as the stadium lights flickered above, signaling that the match was moments away.

"Stay focused, stay calm," Jack muttered to himself as he watched the players step out onto the pitch. "We've got this."

The whistle blew, and the match began.

As the team stepped onto the pitch, the noise from the Grimsby fans was deafening. The home side had a point to prove, and they weren't going to make it easy for City. Jack felt the intensity in the air—this was a battle.

City's starting lineup was as follows:

• 1. Richard Cook (Goalkeeper)

• 2. Adam Morris (Right-Back)

• 5. Jason Daniels (Centre-Back)

• 6. Michael Johnson (Centre-Back)

• 3. James Calloway (Left-Back)

• 8. Aaron Turner (Central Midfielder)

• 7. Will Grant (Central Midfielder)

• 11. Danny Hart (Right-Winger)

• 10. Ben Ford (Central Attacking Midfielder)

• 9. Karl Richards (Striker)

• 4. Michael Stevens (Left-Winger)

The match kicked off.

Grimsby Town, wearing their iconic red-and-black striped kits, started with intensity. They pressed high, immediately putting pressure on City's back line. In the 3rd minute, Grimsby's central midfielder, Ryan Barker (#6), pounced on a loose pass from City's Will Grant, sending it to the striker, Tommy Hayward (#9), who had a clear shot on goal. But Richard Cook, City's goalkeeper, stood firm, diving to his left and denying Hayward's effort with a strong, outstretched hand. The away fans held their breath as the ball was cleared away from danger.

"Great save, Cook!" Jack muttered to himself, his nerves shot up again. It had been a nervy start, and it wasn't over yet.

Grimsby continued to attack, and City struggled to build any meaningful possession. In the 12th minute, Ben Ford, City's attacking midfielder, tried to make a run through the center of the park, but he was promptly dispossessed by Grimsby's aggressive pressing. Ryan Clarke broke down the wing again, this time delivering a dangerous cross into the box. Tommy Hayward rose high to meet it, but his header sailed wide of the mark.

Jack watched closely from the touchline, barking orders as the players struggled to break free from the suffocating pressure. City's Adam Morris was caught out by a long ball in the 18th minute, which sent Ryan Clarke (#7), Grimsby's quick winger, down the right flank. Clarke whipped in a dangerous cross, but Michael Johnson got a timely head on it, sending it over the bar just in time to prevent a certain goal.

The crowd roared, urging their team forward, but City was managing to hold on—barely.

Jack saw his opportunity to calm his players. In the 25th minute, Danny Hart, City's right-winger, managed to get a bit of space down the flank. He looked up and saw Karl Richards, the lone striker, making a darting run into the box. Hart's cross was inch-perfect, finding Richards' head. The striker, with great timing, connected cleanly with the ball.

"Come on, Karl!" Jack shouted.

Richards' header beat the Grimsby goalkeeper, James Delaney, but it was cleared off the line by David McAllister (#5), the Grimsby centre-back. The away fans let out a collective gasp as the opportunity slipped through their fingers.

Half-Time

Back in the dressing room, Jack took a deep breath. His team was under pressure, but they weren't out of it yet. He paced back and forth, trying to think of a way to turn the tide.

"Listen up, lads," he said, his voice firm. "We've weathered the storm. Now we need to step up. They're pressing hard, but that's leaving gaps. I want us to keep our shape, stay compact, and hit them on the counter. Trust your instincts, and keep it simple. We've got the tools to do this."

The players nodded, their faces serious but determined. Jack could see they were still in it—they just needed that extra push.

The second half began, and Grimsby wasted no time. They came at City with even more aggression, but the visitors' defense stood strong. In the 56th minute, Danny Hart won a crucial challenge in midfield, allowing City to break on the counter. Hart passed to Karl Richards, who laid the ball off to Ben Ford. Ford played a brilliant through ball, threading it perfectly into Richards' path. Richards broke clear of the Grimsby defense and slotted the ball past Delaney into the net.

The City fans erupted in euphoria, and Jack punched the air in celebration. They had done it—City had taken the lead, and Jack allowed himself a rare moment of joy.

But Grimsby wasn't done. In the 63rd minute, Tommy Hayward found himself in space, driving at City's defense. He was brought down just outside the box by Michael Johnson, earning Grimsby a free-kick in a dangerous position. Ryan Barker stepped up, and with a curling shot, he beat Cook at the near post. The ball rattled the back of the net, and the Grimsby fans erupted in jubilation.

"Damn it!" Jack cursed under his breath. The equalizer had come too quickly.

With the score now 1-1, both teams pushed forward. The tension was palpable, the game a back-and-forth battle with every pass, every shot, and every tackle loaded with significance. In the 76th minute, Michael Stevens played a long ball into the box for Karl Richards, who was once again in the right place at the right time. Richards' header was perfect—firm, directed toward the top corner. But Delaney, Grimsby's goalkeeper, made a miraculous save, diving to his left and palming the ball out for a corner.

"Unbelievable save!" Jack muttered, his fists clenched. That had been City's chance to take the lead once again. Richards had been on the verge of becoming the hero, but Delaney had denied him with an exceptional piece of goalkeeping.

The game was reaching its climax. Tommy Hayward was causing problems for City's defense, and Grimsby's confidence was growing. They could smell blood in the water. But City's defense—though stretched—was holding firm. Jason Daniels had made several crucial interceptions, while James Calloway continued to clear away dangerous crosses.

With only ten minutes remaining, Jack made a bold decision. He turned to his bench and shouted, "Ben, get up. I need you." Ben Ford had been playing well but was starting to look tired. Jack needed fresh legs in the midfield to help control the game. Tyler Marshall, a more defensive-minded midfielder, was sent on to replace Ford.

The clock ticked on. City had a few more chances, but nothing concrete. Michael Stevens had a cross blocked at the last second. Ben Ford hit a long-range shot that whistled just over the bar.

With just minutes remaining, Grimsby pushed forward once more, sending long balls into the box, trying to snatch a dramatic winner. But Michael Johnson and Jason Daniels stood strong, making last-ditch tackles and clearances as the final whistle blew.

Post-Match Interview

The whistle blew, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The tension on the pitch had lifted, but the pressure still lingered over Jack Mercer as he made his way to the press room. The media was already there, eager to hear his thoughts on the match.

Jack took his seat at the podium, his expression focused yet slightly fatigued from the intensity of his first match in charge. The journalists wasted no time in asking their questions.

Journalist 1: "Jack, your first match as Manchester City manager ends in a 1-1 draw against Grimsby Town. What are your thoughts on the result?"

Jack Mercer: "It's a point, and we'll take it. Of course, we wanted more, but Grimsby made it difficult for us. They pressed high and forced us into some errors. We showed character to respond after conceding, and we had our chances to win it. We need to be more clinical, but I'm pleased with how the lads stuck to the plan."

Journalist 2: "It was a nervy start for your team, especially with that early save from Richard Cook. How important was that moment?"

Jack Mercer: "Huge. Richard's save was key to keeping us in the game early on. When you're under that kind of pressure, you need your goalkeeper to step up. He did that, and it gave the team a boost. But we can't rely on just one moment—we need to be more solid across the whole pitch."

Journalist 3: "The equalizer from Grimsby came just minutes after you took the lead. How frustrating was it to see the game level again so quickly?"

Jack Mercer: "It's frustrating, yes. We worked hard to get that lead, and then to concede like that…it's disappointing. But it happens in football. We've got to be more disciplined, especially when we're ahead. That's something we'll work on. The players need to learn how to manage a lead better."

Journalist 4: "Karl Richards had a great chance to put you ahead again in the second half, but Grimsby's goalkeeper made a fantastic save. How did you see that moment?"

Jack Mercer: "It was a great header from Karl. He did everything right. The goalkeeper made a top save, and we have to give him credit for that. But that's football—sometimes the keeper's going to pull off a world-class save. We just have to keep working on those chances and making sure we're in the right positions to score."

Journalist 5: "Looking ahead, how do you assess your team's performance overall today?"

Jack Mercer: "I think we showed heart, but we can be better. We've got to stay tighter at the back and be more precise going forward. I'm not going to sugarcoat it—we have work to do. But it's a start, and we'll build on this. The team gave everything, and that's all I can ask for at this point."

Journalist 6: "Your first match in charge, and the fans seemed to be behind the team, despite the draw. What's your message to them?"

Jack Mercer: "I want to thank the fans for their support today. I know they want to see us back at the top, and we're working every day to get there. It's not going to be quick, but we'll give them everything we've got. The fans can count on that."

Jack stood up, giving a final nod to the reporters before making his way out of the press room. The match had ended in a draw, but for Jack Mercer, the rebuilding process was just beginning.

After the tense draw, the system began to assess the results and distribute the rewards based on Jack Mercer's performance in the match. With the draw, Jack had avoided a loss, but there were clear areas for improvement.

The system calculated the following rewards:

Match Result Reward: Draw (1 Point)

• Tactical Adjustments: Despite some setbacks, Jack managed to adapt during the match. His tactical approach, although conservative, allowed the team to weather Grimsby's early pressure. This adaptability is acknowledged.

• Reward: +10% Confidence in Tactical Ability – The system recognizes that Jack remained composed under pressure, managing to adjust the strategy for a point.

• Player Performance: There were notable individual efforts, especially from the defense and Karl Richards' threat up top. However, some players struggled to control possession in the final third.

• Reward: +5% Player Trust – The team, though not perfect, responded to Jack's instructions and showed they could rely on him.

• Managerial Decision-Making: Substitution choices were solid, particularly the introduction of Tyler Marshall to shore up the midfield. However, Jack's reluctance to make attacking changes earlier in the game could be noted as a tactical flaw.

• Reward: +3% Managerial Insight – Minor reward for a balanced approach but feedback suggests Jack could be more aggressive when pursuing a lead.

• Fan Approval: The fans showed their appreciation for the effort, but there were clear frustrations with the inability to capitalize on opportunities. Nonetheless, the team fought hard, and Jack was praised for not folding under pressure.

• Reward: +5% Fan Approval – Jack earns some goodwill for showing resilience, though the fans expected a more commanding performance.

• Financial Backing Impact: The board recognizes that while the result wasn't a win, Jack's strategy and the team's fighting spirit will likely ensure survival in the league. It wasn't a disastrous result.

• Reward: +2% Financial Flexibility – Jack's ability to steer the team through this rough match is recognized as stabilizing the financial situation, albeit slightly.