Chapter 14: Preseason Preparations

The air at Blackhaven Training Center crackled with intensity as the players ran through their drills under Daisuke's watchful eye. The first preseason match was just days away, and the squad needed to be sharp. While preseason was technically about fitness, Daisuke saw it as a chance to test tactical tweaks and integrate new signings like Samuel O'Connell into the team.

Today's session was no ordinary practice. Collins had made his move.

During the morning briefing, Assistant Coach Jake Wallace had pulled Daisuke aside, his expression tense.

"We've got a problem," Jake muttered. "Collins just hijacked one of our scouting targets—Luca Moretti."

Daisuke's jaw tightened. Moretti was a young, talented winger they had been tracking for months. But now, Collins had swooped in and signed him for Ravenshire United, Blackhaven's direct rival.

He exhaled sharply, pushing down his irritation. Fine. If Collins wanted a battle, he'd get one.

For now, his focus remained on preparing his squad for war.

The team broke into three tactical groups for training.

1. Defensive Shape & Pressing – Led by Ryan Foster, the defenders worked on closing spaces quickly.

2. Midfield Control & Transitions – Samuel and Lewis Carter focused on ball recovery and rapid counters.

3. Final Third Finishing – Aaron Winters, the team's main forward, drilled one-touch shots, volleys, and headers.

Daisuke's voice rang out across the field.

"Faster transitions! I don't want three passes where one will do! Lewis, communicate! Aaron, don't hesitate—pull the trigger!"

The intensity in training mimicked a real match. Players fought for every ball, sweat poured, and mistakes weren't tolerated.

One moment stood out—Samuel intercepted a pass, turned instantly, and launched a perfect through-ball to Aaron. The forward took one touch and fired a shot into the top corner.

The team cheered, but Daisuke simply nodded. They were getting there.

Blackhaven FC vs. Sheffield Borough

Preseason Friendly – Blackhaven Stadium

Daisuke stood on the touchline as his players warmed up. This was the first real test.

Samuel made his official debut, slotting into midfield beside Lewis. The attack was led by Aaron Winters, with youngster Kai Nakamura starting on the right wing.

The whistle blew, and the game was underway.

From the first minute, Samuel dictated play.

He cut passing lanes before the opposition could react.

He linked midfield to attack seamlessly, spraying passes wide.

He controlled the tempo, slowing things down when needed and speeding up when space opened.

By the 20th minute, Blackhaven struck first.

Samuel intercepted a pass, turned sharply, and threaded a defense-splitting pass to Aaron Winters. With one swift motion, Aaron buried it past the keeper—1-0.

The crowd erupted, chanting Samuel's name.

Daisuke smirked. Perfect start.

Sheffield upped their aggression, pressing higher. It forced Blackhaven to defend deep, absorbing waves of pressure.

At the 65th minute, Daisuke made key changes:

Ryan Foster off, Mark Davies on (fresh legs in defense).

Aaron Winters off, Jack Morrison on (giving the backup striker minutes).

Samuel remained—Daisuke wanted him tested.

And tested he was.

At the 78th minute, Sheffield's winger broke through and smashed a shot into the net. 1-1.

Blackhaven needed a response.

Samuel took charge.

At the 88th minute, he won possession deep, shrugged off a tackle, and launched a 40-yard diagonal pass to Kai Nakamura. The young winger cut inside and curled a beauty into the far corner.

GOAL! 2-1 BLACKHAVEN!

The final whistle blew. Victory.

Daisuke clenched his fist. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress.

Press Conference

Reporter: "Coach Takeda, first preseason win. Thoughts?"

Daisuke: "Good start. Still areas to improve, but the squad is hungry. That's what matters."

Reporter: "Samuel, your debut was phenomenal. How do you feel?"

Samuel: (smirking) "I've got a lot more to show. This is just the beginning."

That night, as Daisuke relaxed in his office, a message flashed on his phone.

Hana Sakamoto: "Collins just signed another player. He's not stopping."

Daisuke narrowed his eyes. This was war.

And he was ready for it.