Second Chances: Indonesian Football Player

Chapter 66's

Coach Marcel called for a pre-match tactical meeting just two hours before the game against AC Milan Academy. The players were surprised by the usual change of meeting schedule. However, they remained present without complaint. A practical coach is king in a team. The player must follow his instructions without objection.

They were even more surprised when the coach announced the starting line-up. Some, like Isaac and Kierst, even continue to complain openly to the coach. The meeting room was in chaos for over half a minute as the players muttered their discontent between their ranks.

"Shut up," shouted Coach Marcel, his face hardened as he glared at the players. The room once again became quiet as the youths waited for the coach to explain himself.

"As I've already said," Coach Marcel started, "Nero, Bjorn and Damon will all start from the bench today. We need to rest some of our key players in preparation for the quarter-finals. We're here to win the tournament, not just the group stage." He said firmly.

"But coach," Isaac chanted. “We will face a tougher opponent in the quarter-finals if we lose this match. Wouldn't it be better for us to win this match and improve our overall chances in the knockout stages? For that, we need Nero and Bjorn to score."

"What gives the impression that I gave this game?" The coach asked, his frown deepened. "You're all the same age as your opponent. You guys have to learn how to play without Nero. He can't keep taking the whole team through the game. It was a very unhealthy habit for a team vying to win a title game."

"In this game, I'll only ask one thing from you" continued Coach Marcel. "Don't concede a goal. You have to survive like your life depends on it. All players, except Stefan, who will play attacking today must stay behind the ball, close opponents quickly, and leave no gap for AC Milan to exploit it. If you manage to reach it, we will remain at the top of the group. Are we clear?"

"Yes, coach," replied all the players, more or less in unison.

**** ****

The match started at exactly 19:00 at the Skonto Arena indoor stadium. Nero sat on the bench, curled up alongside other substitutes, watching AC Milan Academy beat his side. It was at the end of the first half, and if Nero had to be completely honest with himself, he would have admitted that he was angry at his team-mates because the scoreboard read RSCA Youth ACADEMY 0, AC Milan Youth Academy 1st. He can't help it. They had made an amateur defensive mistake in the first few minutes, giving a goal to one of AC Milan's central strikers.

As the match progressed, Nero was able to see that the RSCA Youth Academy players were trying their best to defend and mark their opponents. But they still lost in all areas of the game. The Italian team has faster players who work together like an experienced professional team. Their teamwork was smooth, beating the cooperation of the RSCA Youth Academy team.

The AC Milan Academy team used a 4-3-3 formation, with three strikers and three midfielders continuing to press and chase the ball into the RSCA Youth Academy goal. They play with a high defensive line, usually implementing an offside trap, with the midfielder providing support to the defender to make more pass options available. Their style of play, which is characterized by short triangular movements and passing, is very eye-indulgent. They work the ball from left to right through a combination of sideways, backward, and coordinated passes, between the opponent's defensive lines.

AC Milan created most of the chances relying on a breakthrough pass and a give-and-go pass, usually involving their three midfielders. They did not allow the RSCA Youth Academy players to breathe. They pass the ball quickly around the field, looking for opportunities to penetrate the box.

However, teammate Nero remained steadfast and defended from any attack until midway through the second half.

In the 75th minute, a clearance below par gave AC Milan the chance to shore up their lead. One of the strikers, playing on the wing, took the loose ball right outside the box. He immediately passed to their first goalscorer, the centre-forward. Number 9 locks the pin-point feed in the box and releases the daisy-cutter shot into the bottom right corner.

Nero frowned though himself as he watched the ball pass the finger of Ryan Michaelson, the substitute RSCA Youth Academy goalkeeper to the back of the net. AC Milan went two goals clear in the 76th minute.

Nero stood up from the bench and approached the coach. A small spark in his mind hinted at the necessary changes in the midfield of the RSCA Youth Academy. He thought the coach would replace him after the team conceded the second goal. Nero straightened his posture and did some stretches to show the coach that he was ready for action. He is itching to go on the pitch and play in the remaining minutes.

However, Coach Marcel gave him a flat look like he was just air before returning to yell at the players on the field. His indifference told Nero everything he needed to know. He would not play in the game that day.

"Tighten the defense" shouted the coach as loudly as possible. "We can't be broken anymore. Miguel and Roche; push the defensive line forward. You can't let them play so close to our box..."

"I told you he wanted to throw this game" Damon said from his left side. "I can already read his intentions when he leaves you and Bjorn from the starting line-up." He sighed.

"I initially suspected so, but then ignored that fact," Nero said as he shook his head. "I don't believe that Coach Marcel is a guy who likes to throw matches!"

"I agree.” Kendrick said with a gentle smile. “I understand the target is to win the cup, not the group stage. That's what he said. But we have a free day tomorrow since the quarter-finals start on Saturday. We could play today and still have enough rest before the game starts.knock-out."

Nero frowned. "I heard that Zenit and Atletico Madrid, both, won their last group games earlier today. Maybe, he wants to face Zenit rather than Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals."

"That doesn't make any sense" Damon muttered, shaking his head. "From the information your agent has given us, we can say that Zenit is by far the most difficult enemy to defeat in this tournament, with the possible exception of VfB Stuttgart. Why did Coach Marcel decide to face such a team at the start of the game?"

"Maybe, he knows something we don't..." Nero let his voice disappear as he focused his attention back on the field. The AC Milan players showed perfect teamwork, controlling the ball with smooth short passes, penetrating deeper into the RSCA Youth Academy section. One of the midfielders received a pass and quickly slipped the ball past the defence into one of the strikers on the left wing.

AC Milan number 11 showed brilliant calm when entering the penalty box. He made use of the right pass and produced a scintillating kick that was deflected into the top left corner of the goal post.

3:0. AC Milan scored the third goal against RSCA Youth Academy in the 82nd minute.

"Damn it," Nero cursed himself. He put his head in his hands because he could not continue watching the match.

He knew he would feel even more furious if he continued to see his team fighting against their opponents. He had always been a loser, even in his previous life. He hates to lose, even in a little football game held in the backyard of his former school. However, what made the defeat against AC Milan even more frustrating was the fact that he could do nothing about it. There is nothing more frustrating than watching your team lose while on the bench.

In addition, he lost the opportunity to reach one of the system's mission milestones. Timo Werner had scored two more goals that day, taking his total to nine. The German striker went two goals clear as the top scorer for the tournament. However, he was stuck on the bench with no chance to catch up. He's frustrated.

"Tighten the defense, keep an eye on their attackers, use long balls..." Nero heard Coach Johansen yelling again from near the sidelines.

"He seems to be quite serious about the game in his comments" Damon commented.

Nero sighed, forcing himself to calm his emotions. "I think we will face Zenit in the quarter-finals" he said, refocusing on the match. AC Milan players are still attacking like there is no tomorrow. However, the RSCA Youth Academy players managed to block most of their efforts towards their goal in the final minutes of the game. The match ended with a score of 3:0 for the excellence of AC Milan.

"We have to get back on the bus" Damon suggested, rising from his seat. Nero did not answer. The focus is on the AC Milan players celebrating after the final whistle. Meanwhile, his teammates walked off the field with shoulders bent forward, giving off an unpleasant vibe.

Nero fears the defeat could affect their confidence. He really hopes that Coach Marcel is well aware of what he has just done to them and has a way to lift their morale quickly before the next game. Otherwise, they will face a miserable quarter-final against Zenit.

Nero sighed, shaking his head. "Let's get to the bus" he said, leading the way out of the stadium. There was nothing he could do for his other team-mates. Coach Marcel was the best person to motivate them after their defeat.