Chapter 8: Early ’Drama’
The next morning, the Lecce training ground was unusually buzzing. Not because it was a game day or anything, but because the players had heard about Alex Walker’s "optional" session. And even though he had said it wasn’t mandatory, the entire squad showed up. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe it was respect. Maybe it was fear of being left out. Who knew? All that mattered was that they were here.
Alex stood in the middle of the pitch with a whistle in his mouth and a clipboard in his hand. It felt surreal. It had been almost a year since he’d last run a proper training session. His heart hadn’t just given out on the pitch that day in May. His confidence had too.
But this time, he had the System.
He called everyone in and went over the basics. "We’re going to try something new today. A 3-4-3 shape. Compact in defense, direct in attack. This is not a drill session. It’s a test. A game. So treat it like one."
He looked around. Some raised eyebrows. A few nods. Baschirotto was already fired up. Banda looked like he was just waiting for the ball.
Alex turned to his assistant coach, Marco. "Split them up. I’ll tell you the squads."
He pulled out his clipboard and read from it.
Team Red (Starting XI):
GK: Wladimiro Falcone
CB: Marin Pongračić
CB: Federico Baschirotto