My Goalkeeping System

Chapter 17 Push Harder

The players were already done with the training and were currently in their locker room when the coach was explaining the tactics for the match, the changes that would be made, and the reason why he was doing things like this.

"Like I said some of you won't be starting the match against Spree United." The coach said placing his hand on the board used for pitch representation.

"Mateo will be starting because we don't have a better left winger at the moment and we're going to be needing someone to make runs and create chances." Coach Norman said, turning his gaze to Ina Shaw who was Mateo's backup winger.

"Fredinho will be starting ahead of Fred, Fred you need to be rested for the tougher match against Ronino FC who are currently in spectacular form." Coach Norman said.

"Yeah, I was surprised by how they dominated and won the match against Dynamo FC," Mateo muttered to Dave.

"Carlos will also be switched with Christian Merino, Harry will be starting ahead of Edward and Roland will be starting ahead of Jonas." The coach said.

"Wait, you're benching me too?" Jonas said as he was clearly surprised to hear his name.

"I already made my reason for doing so Jonas, I don't want a long list of injuries." Coach Norman said.

"You of all people should know that I never get injured, my longest injury was just for two weeks, and besides you know I do a better job at that position," Jonas said.

"I know you do Jonas but Ryle is also a good enough left back and he deserves playing time." Coach Norman said.

"Fine, at least you won't be able to blame me when you lose the match."

Coach Norman ignored his words as he turned back to the rest of the players and continued what he was saying.

"As we all know, Spree United are known for their dangerous counterattacks and through balls." Coach Norman.

"Yeah but we completely contained them in our last meeting," Adolf said.

"That's correct and that is why we are going to use the same tactic with a few minor changes."

"Minor changes?" Ferran asked.

"Yeah." Coach Norman said, turning to the board. "We are going to use their own tactics against them and you are going to be the key to that Ferran."

"How?" Ferran asked.

"Well because in that match you will be playing the role of an attacking midfielder supporting the strikers in any way you can and intercepting their midfield before they start up anything.

"As always Adolf, you and Aima will have to make sure none of their through balls gets past you and if anyone does get past you I trust you Dave to do something about it in any way you can."

"Pff as if," Jonas said, turning his gaze to Dave.

"I expect my two wing backs to be less offensive and try to push out the ball to the midfield more. Mateo, you know what to do, your job is to create chances and when you get the chance go for goal, the same thing goes for you, Carlos."

"You don't need to explain our jobs to us, coach," Mateo said.

"Fredinho eyes on the goal, take the shot once you get the opportunity." Coach Norman said.

"Okay coach," Fredinho said.

"The key is to take advantage of them whenever they try to counterattack, you quickly recover the ball." The coach said, pointing at both of the blue dots representing Adolf and Aima. "And then get the ball to their goalpost as fast as you can."

With that, their training for the day had come to an end as the coach said he would give them more updates before the day of the match.

Dave walked out of the stadium with Mateo who seemed to have engaged him in quite an interesting conversation.

"So you're telling me that you have a direct link up to Aston Villa," Dave said as the two stopped beside his car.

"Yeah, I've been in contact with them for quite a while now," Mateo said.

"Are you planning on joining them?" Dave asked.

"Well I still have two years left in my contract with Unique FC and until I'm in the final years of my contract I can't talk about it," Mateo said. "I told them not to contact Unique FC about their offer until next year."

"So you are planning on joining them," Dave said.

"Of course, I'm planning on joining them, who wouldn't love to play in the best league in the world and although Aston Villa is just a mid-team, playing in the premier league would be a nice experience," Mateo said.

"Yeah Bilbeth is only the eighth-best league in Europe." Dave said. "It's going to be nice seeing you in an Aston Villa jersey."

"Yeah I know but it's not happening now so the least I can do is try my best for Unique," Mateo said.

"Yeah," Dave said, turning to open the door to his car.

"What about you Dave?" Mateo asked.

"Huh?" Dave said, turning to face him.

"I know you only have two years left in your contract just like me so what are you planning on doing after that?" Mateo asked.

"I don't really know, my dream has always been to play for Barcelona but I don't think I'll ever fulfill that dream at my current level," Dave said.

<At your current level you're right but if you push yourself it will definitely happen>

"But I think I'm better off extending my contract," Dave said.

"Okay," Mateo said.

Dave was about to enter his car when he was stopped by Mateo who had grabbed him by the shoulder.

"I know you think of yourself as a terrible goalkeeper and you think other people think of you that way too but I don't. I think you have the potential to be a great goalkeeper but you just have to push yourself a little harder.

"You make nice saves during training and underperform during matches because you always let the pressure get to you, that's something you have to learn how to deal with.

"Don't give a thought to what coach or Jonas said, I know you can prevent yourself from getting replaced, you're a good goalkeeper and I know that."

Dave was speechless as he stared at him with mixed feelings of sadness and happiness.

"Thanks, Mateo, I'll try my best." He said with a smile on his face.

"I know you will," Mateo said.

"I should be leaving now," Dave said entering his car.

"Okay, see you later and tell my sister I said hi," Mateo said.

"Okay, I will, bye," Dave said before closing the door.

<He really believes in you and if you don't want to let him down you have to start pushing yourself a little harder>

"How? You've been saying that without telling me exactly how to do it." Dave said.

<Why don't you start by always making sure you complete all your daily quests?>

'I've told you, Catherine, I don't like going to the gym.' Dave replied as he turned his key to start the car engine.

<Is the gym the problem or working out?> Catherine asked as he drove out of the area.

"The gym," Dave said.

<Really? You are a professional footballer who gets paid a good amount of money weekly, if the gym is your problem then BUY GYM EQUIPMENTS>

*****

Hope you enjoyed the chapter?

Sorry for the very delayed updates. I have two other ongoing novels at the moment and it's really hard to keep a consistent update on all of them at once.