The Coaching System

Pre-Match 

Jake sat in his office, reviewing the system's match simulation.

[Ding! Match Scenario prediction Completed]

Win Probability: 25%

Draw Probability: 25%

Loss Probability: 50%

Recommended Strategy: Aggressive press ineffective – Opponent thrives on set-pieces & counterattacks.

Jake clenched his jaw. This was the lowest win percentage he had seen so far.

A second screen popped up.

[Opponent Analysis – Wrexham FC (4th in the league)]

Strengths: Compact defensive shape, strong aerial presence, deadly on set-pieces.

Weaknesses: Struggles against teams with rapid passing. Lacks pace on the wings.

Key Player: Jason McAllister (6'4" target man, excellent in the air).

Jake leaned back in his chair. Wrexham were a nightmare for any attacking team. They parked the bus, absorbed pressure, and hit on the counter.

Paul Roberts, his assistant, walked in. "You don't look happy."

Jake sighed. "We're walking into a trap. If we try to force our way through them, they'll punish us on the counter or from a set-piece."

Paul crossed his arms. "So what's the plan?"

Jake glanced at his rotation sheet. "We're giving some key players a rest, so we're not at full strength. But we need to keep possession and force them to step out of their deep block."

He finalized his starting lineup.

Starting XI (4-3-3 – Rotated Squad)

Goalkeeper:

Jack Simmons

Defenders:

James Richards (RB)

Noah Fletcher (CB)

Nathan Barnes (CB)

Lewis Hart (LB)

Midfielders:

Daniel Lowe (CDM)

Lewis Chapman (CM)

Charlie Benson (CM)

Forwards:

Renan Silva (RW)

Joe Thompson (ST)

Alex Grant (LW)

Key players like Okafor, Carter, Ortega, Castellón, Novak, and Collins were rested for upcoming matches.

Kickoff

From the opening whistle, Bradford controlled the ball, but Wrexham refused to come out of their half.

8th minute: Chapman attempted a long-range shot—blocked.

15th minute: Silva cut inside and whipped a shot toward the top corner—saved.

22nd minute: Richards overlapped down the right, delivering a low cross—cleared by Wrexham's towering defenders.

It was like trying to break through a brick wall.

Jake paced the touchline, arms crossed. "They're too comfortable. We need to move the ball quicker."

Paul leaned in. "They're just waiting for one mistake."

And then, in the 30th minute, that mistake happened.

30th Minute 

Bradford pushed forward, leaving space at the back.

Benson lost possession in midfield, and Wrexham immediately launched a counter.

Their winger sprinted down the flank, crossing into the box.

Jason McAllister, Wrexham's 6'4" striker, outjumped Fletcher and powered a header past Simmons.

GOAL!

1-0 Wrexham.

The home crowd erupted. Bradford's players looked stunned.

Jake clenched his fists. The exact scenario he had feared.

Halftime 

The dressing room was tense.

Jake stood in front of his squad, eyes scanning them. "We knew this was going to happen. But that's not an excuse. We got caught pressing too high and left space at the back."

He pointed at the tactics board. "In the second half, we stay patient. No forcing attacks through the middle. Spread the play wide, stretch them, and create gaps."

His eyes locked onto Fletcher. "McAllister is beating you in the air. Stick tighter to him, make it hard for him to jump."

Fletcher nodded. "Got it, boss."

Jake exhaled. There was still time to turn this around.

Second Half

Bradford came out more aggressive.

52nd minute: Thompson hit the post after a looping cross from Silva.

60th minute: Grant weaved past two defenders and fired a shot—parried by the keeper.

Then, in the 75th minute, the moment that changed everything.

Richards whipped in a cross.

Thompson controlled it and turned to shoot.

A Wrexham defender slid in late—taking him out completely.

Clear penalty.

The entire stadium expected the referee to point to the spot.

Instead, he waved play on.

No penalty.

Jake lost it.

He stormed to the touchline, shouting. "Are you blind?! That's a penalty every day of the week!"

The referee turned, giving him a warning.

Jake wasn't done.

"You absolute fraud! You bottled it!"

The referee immediately pulled out a red card.

Jake Wilson—sent off.

Post-Match 

Final whistle. 1-0 Wrexham.

Bradford players looked frustrated. They had dominated possession but failed to break through.

Jake, watching from the tunnel entrance, took a deep breath. This wasn't just a loss—it was a lesson.

Post-Match Press Conference

The media room was packed. Jake sat down, still fuming from the match.

First question: "Do you regret your reaction to the referee's decision?"

Jake smirked. "No. I regret that the referee made the wrong decision."

Reporters scribbled notes.

"Do you think the red card was deserved?"

Jake shrugged. "I think it was soft. I spoke the truth. If that's a red card offense, then we're in the wrong profession."

Paul, sitting beside him, shifted uncomfortably.

Then, a different reporter asked: "Will this suspension affect your team's upcoming Carabao Cup match against Burton?"

Jake nodded. "I won't be on the touchline, but my assistant Paul will handle things well. The players know what's expected of them."

Final question: "Bradford remains second in the league despite this loss. How do you feel about your team's progress?"

Jake leaned forward. "One loss doesn't define a season. We'll bounce back."

The conference ended, but Jake knew the pressure was rising.