Football System: Touchline God
Chapter 59: Month Of The Crown I

Chapter 59: Month Of The Crown I

The morning sun broke through the clouds on May 1st, 132 A.E. The air was warm and fresh, carrying the scent of blooming flowers across the training grounds. A gentle breeze rustled the grass, perfect conditions for football.

May had always been special in Terra Regalia. The locals called it "The Crown Month" because it marked the end of the football season.

Cup finals were played, league titles were decided, and careers were made or broken. Every match mattered now. Every training session counted.

Maddox arrived early at the academy. The players were already stretching on the pitch, their breath visible in the cool morning air. He could see the determination in their faces.

Yesterday’s scrimmage had changed something. They understood now that places in the starting eleven were up for grabs.

"Morning, coach," Jack Stones called out. The captain was always first to arrive, always last to leave. His leadership qualities went beyond what the system had shown in numbers.

"Morning, Jack. How’s everyone feeling?"

"Ready to work," the defender replied. "We all want to make the team for Sunday."

Maddox nodded. That was exactly the attitude he wanted to see. Competition brought out the best in players. It made them push harder, think faster, play better.

The full squad gathered around him. Twenty-two young faces, all hoping to be chosen. All knowing that only eleven could start against Hastings Coastal Academy.

"Right, listen up," Maddox began. "We’ve got four days until Sunday. Four days to get ready for the biggest match of your season so far."

He could see the nerves in some players’ eyes. The excitement in others. Luis Navarro looked calm, confident after his performance yesterday. Zayn Carter seemed anxious, knowing his place wasn’t guaranteed anymore.

"Today we work on our build-up play," Maddox continued. "How we move the ball from defense to attack. How we create chances. How we score goals."

Teddy Johnson and the few coaching staff had already set up the training cones. Small goals at each end of the pitch. Mannequins positioned to simulate opposition defenders. Everything they needed to practice their attacking patterns.

"We’re going to be adopting a 4-2-3-1 formation from now onwards," Maddox announced. "Four defenders, two holding midfielders, one attacking midfielder and two inverted wingers behind one striker."

Some players nodded. Others looked confused. The formation was more defensive minded than what they’d been used to under the previous coach.

"But coach," Ishaan Bhatt raised his hand. "That means only one striker. What about the rest of us forwards?"

"The wide attacking midfielders will be forwards too," Maddox explained. "You’ll have freedom to drift inside, make runs behind the defense, create overloads in the box."

He could see the creative midfielder’s mind working. Ishaan’s vision rating of 10 meant he understood tactical concepts quickly. His creativity rating of 11 would be perfect for the free role Maddox had in mind.

"Let’s start with passing patterns," Maddox said. "Defense to midfield to attack. Keep it simple, keep it quick."

The players split into groups. Maddox watched as they began the drill. Freddie Booth rolled the ball out to Jack Stones. The captain’s positioning was perfect, his first touch clean.

Jack played it sideways to Marcelo. The Brazilian’s technical flair was evident even in a simple passing drill. His left foot was like a wand, placing the ball exactly where his teammate needed it.

Marcelo found Émile in the center circle. The French midfielder’s passing rating of 9 showed as he sprayed the ball wide to Declan Whittaker. The left winger’s pace took him past the mannequin, but his crossing was still poor.

"Declan, use your right foot," Maddox called out. "Cut inside before you cross."

The winger nodded, making a mental note. His potential rating of 2½ stars meant he could only improve with the right coaching. Though, not much, it was better than nothing. And Maddox was determined to unlock that potential.

They repeated the drill from the other side. This time, Darnell Vickers overlapped from right-back. His pace rating of 9 was excellent, but his crossing remained a problem. The ball sailed over everyone’s head.

"Better," Maddox said. "But keep the cross low. Make the keeper work."

The morning session continued. Build-up play from different angles, different situations. What to do when pressed high. How to switch the play when one side was blocked. When to go long, when to keep it short.

Luis Navarro was impressing everyone. His movement off the ball was intelligent, his first touch consistently good. When the service was right, his finishing was clinical. The system’s assessment of him as a hidden gem was proving accurate.

Zayn Carter was working harder than ever. His poor link-up play was improving through repetition. His strength in the air remained his best asset, but he was learning to use his feet better too.

The wide players were adapting to their new roles. Ethan Suleiman’s technical ability was perfect for cutting inside from the right. His left foot was powerful, his shooting accurate when he had time to set himself.

Myles Garrison was less suited to the tactical approach. His energetic dribbling was better in chaotic situations. But his work rate was excellent, and his confidence in tight spaces could be useful against packed defenses.

"Fifteen-minute break," Teddy Johnson called out.

The players grabbed their water bottles, found shade under the trees that lined the pitch. The May sun was getting stronger, the temperature rising.

Maddox pulled out his notebook. Inside, he’d written down his preferred starting eleven. The team he thought gave them the best chance of beating Hastings.

Freddie Booth in goal. His handling was the best of the three keepers, his vocal leadership valuable for organizing the defense.

Jack Stones and Marcelo at left center-back and left-back. Jack’s positioning and aerial ability were crucial. Marcelo’s pace and crossing would give them attacking threat down the left flank.

Will van Drunen would secure the right center-back position, but his partner in the right-back position was still undecided.

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