From Arsenal to the Ball God

”I know the likely outcome, but I’m trying to be subtle: ’As for the FA Cup, maybe there’s a chance. Right now, we didn’t win the League Cup, and the Champions League and Premier League are too tough.

’Mr. Wenger will probably rally the troops and shift focus to winning the FA Cup.’

Harry nodded slightly. He’s not an Arsenal fan and doesn’t know much about the team, but he understands football quite well.

Digesting what Ma’el said, he had some new thoughts and shook his head with a sigh: ’I’ve heard about Arsenal’s financial issues. It’s hard to imagine how a team in such a situation still maintains decent competitiveness now.’

’Thinking about it, Arsenal is fighting on all four fronts this season. February just ended, and they sadly exited only one front. That front still reached the finals.’

’Such a team, such a coach, truly has a legendary flair.’

As an observer, he spoke from an objective standpoint: ’I think the current Arsenal fans might not have felt this yet. They’ve become too picky. I’ve heard they occasionally speak ill of this venerable head coach.’

’Fans need results.’

Safina, not an Arsenal fan but somewhat knowledgeable about Wenger and Arsenal, added: ’They might love the club too, but it’s hard to think from the club and Wenger’s perspective, given their different angle.’

’The anger after a loss often leads everyone to lose their rationality. It’s normal for them to speak ill of Wenger at such times.

’After all, a coach has a crucial responsibility: to take responsibility and absorb the frustration.’

Saying this, she looked at Ma’el and Gilbert with a smile: ’You’ll be returning soon. Feeling any pressure?’

’Of course there is.’

Gilbert answered first. He lacked Ma’el’s competitiveness and was in a rather awkward position: ’Even for a regular Premier League team, I’m not sure if I can get into the starting lineup, let alone Arsenal.’

’And you?’ He also looked at Ma’el, eager for a response.

’A little, here and there.’

Ma’el stood up, went to the fridge, took out a carton of skim milk, and opened it, ’However, I’m not worried about the internal team competition, more so about the competition on all fronts.’

’Such a big heart.’

Safina took off her jacket and sighed with a smile: ’No matter what, it’s still a prestigious club. You should first consider your role within the team and secure your position.’

Her job was solely to serve Ma’el, so she naturally considered matters from Ma’el’s perspective.

In her view, what Ma’el should focus on now is how to face competition, get along with the stars in the team, and avoid conflicts and disagreements with the veterans as much as possible.

Arsenal is not Sheffield United; there are many players in the team worth millions.

When they see Ma’el, it might be challenging for them to maintain the same appreciation and friendliness as the players from Sheffield United.

’No matter what.’

Harry then interjected, smiling with anticipation: ’I still look forward to seeing the players Safina and I serve becoming starters for a Premier League giant at such a young age.’

’I am too.’

Safina raised her drink, clinked it with Ma’el’s milk, and raised her eyebrow slightly: ’Good luck. Your success will be an honor for Harry and me.’

’I will.’

Ma’el cheered himself on, thinking carefully. If he were to start a match next year at 18, it would indeed be a great achievement.

......

Time slowly moved into March. Sheffield United’s schedule this month mainly concentrated in the first half. After the 19th, they would have a 14-day ’international break’ to rest.

19 days, 4 rounds of the Championship. The schedule eased quite a bit compared to the previous month, but it’s still not exactly easy.

On March 5, away at Portsmouth, the match kicked off. It was the 35th round of the season.

The end of the season was indeed near.

’Oh...Lei...Ah....!!’

Under the cheering of the entire stadium, Garrispeed sat in the coaching area on the sidelines, chatting with Jorson energetically.

’Can we hope for 8 points this month?’

Jorson jokingly asked Garrispeed, feeling quite relaxed: ’We’re at 72 points now, very close to your 80-point target for the play-offs.’

’Let me think.’

Garrispeed thought for a moment, calculated the schedule, and said, ’4 rounds, either win 3 matches or go unbeaten with 2 wins, 2 draws...it’s challenging, but I’m confident.’

The earlier feeling of depression was gone from him. He no longer showed fatigue on his face; his whole demeanor was full of energy.

’We’re just 2 points behind Norwich.’

Jorson, tidying his hair, hoped: ’I really wish they encounter some problems this month, drop five or six points, and send us into the promotion zone...God bless us, abandon them.’

’Haha....’ Garrispeed used his fingers to point in the air a few times, shaking his head: ’Such mischief, we just need to play our game well, and not worry about others.

’The results at the end of the season won’t betray our efforts this season. I firmly believe that.’

Just then, his gaze suddenly locked on the field, watching a figure in #17 jersey break into the penalty area, aiming at the near top corner and firing a shot.

’Gilbert!!’

Garrispeed raised his right hand and didn’t say more because his cheers merged with those of the fans inside the stadium, ’Yeah.....!’

Jorson came out from the coaching area and high-fived him. Both returned to their seats, quietly watching the field.

’Boom!!’

Up until the 62nd minute of the match, Ma’el, during a quick counter-attack, smoothly broke through an opposing player one-on-one and took a beautiful dipping shot aimed at the far corner.

’Wow....!!’

Garrispeed and Jorson stood up from their seats again. The victory was now stable, with no major issues expected.

Ma’el!

Scored his 29th league goal in this match!

’Did you give him the 1000 pounds for losing the bet?’ Jorson asked excitedly, patting Garrispeed on the shoulder.

’I did.’

Garrispeed nodded, smiling as he replied: ’How could I not give it to him? He’s the most important person on the team. You can’t shortchange him.’

’What about me?’ Jorson patted his own chest, looking expectantly, ’I brought the most important person to the team. Can I get a 1000-pound raise, or at least some bonus?’

Garrispeed glanced at him, turned his head away speechlessly, and said to the players on the bench: ’Someone’s extorting here.’

Still, he didn’t forget his previous promise to Jorson. He turned back with a cheeky grin, ’Jorson, do you remember what I said to you when I made that call?’

Jorson looked resigned, knowing exactly what Garrispeed was about to say.

’I can give you that.’

Garrispeed placed a hand on his shoulder, laughed, and said: ’My love, as much as you want, as strong as you want, I can give you all of it.’

’Hahaha....!’ He and the players on the bench burst into laughter, the atmosphere lively and jovial.