Chapter 40: The Unseen Challenges
Blackhaven's stunning victory over Leeds shook the league.
Three wins in a row. A statement. The media, fans, and rival clubs had no choice but to take notice.
But success came with new problems.
Opponents adapted to Blackhaven's tactics.
Top clubs circled like vultures, ready to steal key players.
The pressure of being contenders weighed on the squad.
Daisuke had guided his team to the spotlight. Now, he had to keep them there.
The biggest change? Rival managers started adjusting for Blackhaven.
Middlesbrough underestimated them.
Leeds thought they could outclass them.
But now? Teams were coming prepared.
Scouts watched their matches. Coaches designed specific game plans to counter Blackhaven's style.
Daisuke's Dilemma: Stick or Change?
Did he keep the same possession-based, quick-transition system?
Or did he evolve before opponents figured him out?
At the training ground, he gathered his staff.
"We've won games by controlling possession and breaking lines," he said. "Now teams are pressing us earlier and forcing mistakes. We need a backup plan."
Coach Harris nodded. "We should be comfortable playing deeper when needed."
Ryota added, "A more compact shape could let us hit teams on the counter."
Daisuke made the decision. They would still play their style—but with added flexibility.
Success meant bigger clubs wanted Blackhaven's players.
First came the rumors.
Kaito Hayashi → Linked to Bundesliga clubs.
James Fletcher → Premier League interest growing.
Oliver Hayes → Championship rivals watching closely.
Then, official offers arrived.
Deadline Day Chaos
Three deals came in at once:
A £4 million bid for Kaito from a German club.
A Premier League side offering £3.5 million for Fletcher.
A Championship rival pushing for Oliver Hayes.
Daisuke had a decision to make. Rejecting big offers could frustrate the players. But losing them could kill Blackhaven's momentum.
He called Kaito, Fletcher, and Hayes into his office.
"I won't force anyone to stay," he told them. "But if you're here, you fight for this team."
Kaito leaned back. "Germany is tempting, but I'm not done here."
Fletcher shrugged. "Premier League? Cool. But I want to earn my way there."
Hayes smiled. "I'd rather help Blackhaven get promoted."
All three stayed.
For now.
Blackhaven's next game was against Reading.
A mid-table side—on paper, an easier match.
But this was a trap.
Reading had studied Blackhaven. They sat deep, compact, and defensive.
The usual fast attacks weren't working.
12th minute: Kaito's shot was blocked by five defenders.
27th minute: Fletcher tried a through ball—Reading intercepted.
41st minute: Blackhaven had 72% possession but no clear chances.
Halftime: 0-0.
Daisuke knew Reading wanted a draw at worst.
They needed a different approach.
Daisuke spoke calmly.
"They're parking the bus. We won't beat them with speed alone. We need patience."
He made two tactical tweaks:
Pull Reading out of their shape. Slow down, pass sideways, drag them forward.
Then strike fast. One sudden, vertical attack once they lose focus.
67th minute: Blackhaven slowed the game. Passing sideways, waiting for gaps.
Reading started pressing higher. They got impatient.
Then—Blackhaven pounced.
Fletcher feinted a pass sideways but suddenly played it forward between the lines.
Luka Petrovic sprinted into space, squared it across the box—
Aidan Gallagher tapped it in.
1-0.
A perfect tactical adjustment.
Reading had fallen for the bait.
Reading threw everything forward.
78th minute: A corner—Hayes punched it away.
85th minute: A counterattack—Ryota made a last-ditch tackle.
90+3 minutes: The final whistle blew.
Another win. Blackhaven 1-0 Reading.
Four wins in a row.
Daisuke exhaled. The team had proved they could adapt.
With the win, Blackhaven moved into the top six.
Playoff positions. One step closer to promotion.
But the road ahead was brutal:
More teams would study them.
More clubs would target their players.
More pressure would test their squad's mental strength.
Blackhaven had earned respect.
Now, they had to hold on to it.