God Of football

Chapter 195: Next Challenge

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the small dining room.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread filled the air as Komi set the table, humming softly to herself.

Hori, still in her pajamas, sat cross-legged on a chair, munching on a croissant and scrolling through her phone.

Izan, wearing a relaxed hoodie and joggers, sat at the table with a plate of scrambled eggs and toast.

His hair was slightly messy from sleep, but his face glowed with the lingering pride of the previous night’s victory.

The atmosphere was light and filled with laughter as Hori replayed a clip from the game on her phone.

”Look at you trying to act all cool after that goal!” Hori teased, turning the screen to Izan. ”You didn’t even smile until everyone piled on you.”

Izan chuckled, taking a sip of his orange juice. ”I was too busy making sure I didn’t trip while celebrating. That would’ve been embarrassing.”

Komi laughed softly as she placed a bowl of fresh fruit on the table. ”You handled yourself perfectly, Izan. The whole city is proud of you.” She paused, her gaze warm and filled with pride. ”We are proud of you.”

Izan looked up, his smile gentle. ”Thanks, Mom. But remember, it was a team effort. We all worked hard for that win.”

Komi looked at her son, knowing that in every fleeting moment that passed, her son matured into something.

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, moving from last night’s match to Hori’s plans for the weekend.

Just as Izan was finishing his second slice of toast, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen and saw Miranda’s name flashing.

”It’s Miranda,” he said, picking up the call. He stood and walked to the corner of the room, leaving Hori and Komi to exchange curious glances.

”Morning, Miranda,” Izan greeted, his tone cheerful.

”Good morning, Phenom. Not my naming by the way. The morning papers are having a blast !” Miranda’s voice was animated. ”I won’t take up much of your time, but I’ve got some great news.

YSL has approached us to extend your contract beyond the Euros. They’re very keen to lock you in.”

Izan raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. He glanced back at the table, where Komi and Hori were pretending not to listen, their curiosity evident.

”That’s flattering,” Izan replied, keeping his voice steady. ”But I think we should hold off for now. Let’s wait until after the Euros. If I perform well there, my value will increase. We can negotiate from a stronger position.”

There was a brief pause before Miranda’s laugh crackled through the line.

”Izan, if it were anyone, I’d say that’s a bold claim to consider yourself already among the Euros squad, but I guess I shouldn’t.

Anyways, that’s a genius plan. I was hoping you’d say that. You’re right—timing is everything. I’ll inform them that we’ll revisit the conversation after the tournament.”

”Thanks, Miranda,” Izan said with a smile. ”I trust you to handle it.”

”You’ve got it. Enjoy your breakfast. You’ve earned it.”

As the call ended, Izan returned to the table, his expression relaxed but focused.

”What was that about?” Hori asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

Izan sat down and shrugged casually. ”Just some stuff about the YSL deal. Nothing to worry about right now.”

Komi smiled knowingly. ”You’re handling all of this so well, Izan. Remember to take it one step at a time.”

”I will,” Izan promised. ”But for now, let’s focus on this breakfast. Hori, pass me another slice of bread”

The room filled with laughter again as the trio settled back into their easy rhythm.

After the whirlwind of the match and the busy morning, the quietness of the afternoon was welcome.

The faint hum of life from the streets below mixed with the soft rustling of leaves from a nearby tree.

Izan opened his phone, scrolling through messages from a few people until he came across Olivia’s name in his chat list.

Without overthinking, he tapped the call button.

The phone rang a couple of times before Olivia’s voice came through, light and cheerful. ”Izan! Look who’s finally remembered I exist!”

Izan laughed, a genuine sound that carried a sense of comfort. ”Hey, I’ve been a little busy, the hectic schedule and all.”

”Oh, poor you,” Olivia teased, her tone dripping with mock sympathy. ”How ever do you manage?”

”It’s a mystery,” he quipped back, smiling. ”But seriously, how are you, Liv?”

Her voice softened slightly. ”I’m good. Just busy with classes. But enough about me—you’re the one everyone’s talking about. I saw the match last night. Izan, that goal... it was unreal!”

Izan rubbed the back of his neck, a little bashful. ”It wasn’t just me. The whole team played their hearts out. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.”

”You’re too humble, Izan,” Olivia said warmly. ”But that’s one of the things I like about you. You could have the world screaming your name and still find a way to stay grounded.”

That made him pause, her words sinking in. ”I guess it helps having people like you, Komi, and Hori keeping me in check. I wouldn’t be where I am without you guys.”

”I miss you” Olivia slipped the words through as Izan talked. The latter kept quiet for a while, creating the impression that he hadn’t heard what Olivia had said before he responded.

”I miss you too Olivia and I promise we’ll find time for us after all this is over, okay”

”Hmm” Olivia sounded before responding after seeing Izan wouldn’t hear her nod.

The two talked for a while longer, their conversation meandering through shared memories, jokes, and dreams for the future, a reminder of the connection they had despite the growing demands on Izan’s

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the horizon in shades of orange and pink, Izan leaned back in his chair, phone still in hand.

”I’m glad I called, Liv. I needed this.”

”Me too,” Olivia said softly. ”Now go rest. You’ve got a lot more matches to win.”

”Love Liv. Talk soon, yeah?”

” Love Izan, Definitely,” she said, her voice light but sincere.

...

After their hard-fought encounter with Real Madrid, Valencia CF shifted their focus to the highly anticipated Copa del Rey clash against RCD Mallorca at the iconic Mestalla.

The team returned to training with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the semi-final represented a critical step toward potential silverware.

The players’ energy was palpable, with every session intensifying as the game drew closer.

Among them, Izan trained with quiet determination, his talent shining.

His sharpness and flair caught the eyes of onlookers, yet behind the scenes, head coach Rubén Baraja and his assistant Moreni were deep in strategic discussions.

The duo had spent hours analyzing Mallorca’s strengths and weaknesses, crafting a tactical plan they believed would exploit their opponents’ vulnerabilities.

In the quiet confines of Valencia CF’s coaching office, head coach Rubén Baraja sat across from his trusted assistant, Moreno.

The tension of the upcoming Copa del Rey clash against Mallorca hung in the air, and the two were deep in conversation about their tactical plans.

Baraja leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. ”I’ve been thinking about Izan,” he began, his voice steady but tinged with hesitation.

”The kid’s been phenomenal—no one can deny that. But he’s still developing, Moreno.

The weight of these matches, the intensity... I’m starting to wonder if we’re asking too much of him too soon.”

Moreno nodded, leaning forward. ”I’ve had the same thoughts, Rubén. He’s special, no doubt, but we have to protect him.

If we keep pushing him in every big game, we risk burning him out—or worse, injuring him.”

Baraja sighed, running a hand through his hair. ”Exactly. He’s still growing, physically and mentally.

I don’t want him caught in the middle of that. Maybe it’s better if we let him rest, keep him on the bench for this one. If we need him, he can come on as an impact player.”

Moreno crossed his arms, considering the idea. ”It’s a good plan. It also sends the right message to the team—that no one’s indispensable, not even Izan. It keeps the balance in the squad.”

Baraja smiled faintly. ”And it shows Izan that we’re looking out for him. He’s got a long career ahead.

One match isn’t worth risking his future. Let’s talk to him tomorrow after training and make sure he understands.”

Moreno nodded in agreement. ”He’ll take it well. He’s mature for his age, Rubén. He knows we have his best interests.

After careful consideration, the two reached a crucial decision: Izan would start on the bench for this high-stakes match.

The decision wasn’t easy, as the young player had proven his mettle repeatedly, but Baraja and Moreno agreed that the pressure of the semi-final required experience on the pitch from the first whistle.