Eddie stared firmly at Linda, while Jinez, uncomfortable, tried to find the right words to justify what looked like a surrender.
Alex, next to Eddie, drumd his fingers on the table impatiently.
Jinez took a deep breath, straightening his posture before answering. "I know that if we're going to start a new era with this B-Team, we need to make sure they have the support they need to not only compete, but to win. And that includes reinforcing the squad with so players from my group. But I'll be blunt: it won't be a simple choice."
Philip adjusted his glasses and crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "Who exactly are you suggesting, Jinez? This needs to be done strategically. The A-Team boys will not accept losing their top spot. They also won't join a group that has just overtaken them."
Jinez pressed his lips together, but then spoke in a asured tone. "Kevin and Parker are obvious choices. Team-B only has two defenders, and it's going to be one season. Kevin and Parker are the best defenders we have and can provide the defensive solidity that Team-B needs. Without them, it will be difficult to play against the top teams."
Eddie raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "Kevin, that's fine. He's got experience at Manchester United and discipline, but Parker?" His voice carried a hint of doubt. "He didn't put in the best performance today. In fact, he was scouted several tis and his contract runs out at the end of this year."
"I know," Jinez replied sincerely. "But Parker has potential. He makes mistakes under pressure, but with the right support, he can beco a reliable defender. Besides, the chemistry between him and Kevin is undeniable. Separating them would be a mistake."
Linda, who had been listening in silence until then, intervened: "What about the midfield? Team-B may be good, but who from Team-A can help?"
"Javier," Jinez replied without hesitation. "He's intelligent, calm and knows how to dictate the pace of the ga. Lucas can be the engine of Team-B, but if Lucas gets injured, with Javier at their side, they'll still have control and vision. Also, Javier is a natural leader. He can help integrate the two groups."
Eddie pondered, running his hand over his chin. "What about at the ends?"
"We have two left-wingers. Hillebrand and Raphael, so I recomnd Simon."
"Simon and Miguel play in the sa position. That's going to be a problem. They had fights when Miguel was in the A-Team."
"A competition for places will make them both evolve. In the end, we're not doing this to avoid intrigue and for everyone to be happy, right? We want Brighton to have a strong team and win so championships."
Philip gestured with his hand, showing that he wanted to hear more. "In attack, Team-B has great options, but who's going to be the center forward in more physical gas? Ethan may not have stood out today, but he has the size to fight in the box and he likes it."
Jinez himself shook his head. "No. Ethan isn't ready for that role. He's lost confidence and needs ti to recover. I suggest Willian. He's more versatile, he can play as a center forward or out wide. Also, he's hungry for a goal, sothing that was clear today."
Eddie stood up, walking slowly to the glass window overlooking the empty pitch. He stared at the pitch as he reflected. He didn't like Willian and the way he saw soccer tactically, but it was undeniable that Willian had exceptional talent.
"So that's it..." Philip finally said, turning to the others. "Kevin, Parker, Javier and Willian. Those four players will strengthen the B-Team. And the rest of the A-Team? What happens to them?"
Linda answered with practicality. "They need to be redistributed. So can go to the U-18 team, while others should be evaluated for a loan. We can't keep unmotivated players here."
"What? But the whole point of creating the B-Team was to put pressure on the A-Team as well," argued Jinez, surprised by the sudden change in attitude.
"Yes. That was the original idea." Linda said with her fingers crossed. "However, this year's experint has been a success. The B-Team has already overtaken the A-Team. It wouldn't make sense to pay for players who will not help the sport."
Philip sighed, clearly dissatisfied with how the situation had turned out. "This will not be easy. The parents, the agents, the sponsors... Everyone will question this change. We need a clear communication plan." Continue your journey at empire
"Leave that to us," said Alex confidently, which made everyone look at him in surprise. "What? I have a special way with other people's parents. All the in-laws I've ever had have adored . Besides, the important thing now is to make sure that the players accept this and that the transition is smooth."
-:-
The following morning, Sunday, the two groups were called together for a eting in the auditorium of the training center.
The players arrived in silence, and whispers filled the room as they waited for the coaches to enter.
Lucas sat next to Arthur and Raphael, chatting normally.
When Eddie and Jinez entered, accompanied by Philip and Linda, the silence settled. Eddie was the first to speak.
"Good morning, everyone. First, I'd like to congratulate everyone on their efforts yesterday. It was an intense match, and everyone showed commitnt." He paused, observing the players' cautious expressions. "But we have to be honest. Yesterday's ga was more than a friendly. It was an assessnt to determine which group is best prepared to represent Brighton in the major competitions."
There was a buzz, but Eddie held up his hand for silence. "We've decided to promote Team-B to the main role, based on their performance. This doesn't an that Team-A isn't talented, but that, at this ti, we believe this is the best decision for the club."
Ethan stood up abruptly. "That's absurd! You can't just replace us like that!"
Jinez intervened, with a firm tone. "Ethan, you had your chance yesterday. You all did. But soccer is about rit. And Team-B showed more."
Willian, still seated, spoke calmly. "And what happens to us? Are we going to be written off?"
Eddie shook his head. "Not at all. In fact, four of you have been chosen to reinforce the B-Team. Kevin, Parker, Javier, Simon and you, Willian. We believe you have a lot to contribute to this team this season."
The chosen ones exchanged glances, while the other A-Team players looked even more dejected.
Ethan, visibly frustrated, shook his head and left the room, saying nothing.
In the afternoon of the sa day, soone introduced the players chosen for Team B to the group.
Kevin, Parker, Javier and Willian joined Lucas and the others on the training pitch.
Felix, as captain of Team-B, welcod them. He walked up to Javier, holding out his hand. "Welco to the team."
Javier shook his hand with a restrained smile. "I hope we can work well together."
The integration began with light training and group dynamics. It was Sunday, after all.
Training ended shortly after midday, when the sun was high. The players gathered in the center of the pitch to hear the last instructions from Eddie, who thanked them for their commitnt and asked them to focus on training on Tuesday, because Monday would be off.
After the brief talk, the groups dispersed, walking towards the changing room.
It was then that Lucas took courage. He spotted Willian, who was away, adjusting his socks near the bench. This was his chance. Taking a deep breath, he walked towards his new teammate.
"Willian!" he called, stopping a few steps away.
Willian looked up, but didn't answer imdiately. He finished adjusting his socks. Then, he straightened up and crossed his arms. He stared at Lucas with a disinterested expression. "What?"
Lucas frowned, but kept his posture. He knew this conversation would not be easy. "I wanted to talk about... what happened at the ga yesterday. The things I said."
Willian raised an eyebrow, but his fundantal expression didn't change. "Oh, that. What about it?"
"I... made a mistake." Lucas chose his words carefully, trying to convey sincerity. "I shouldn't have said that you only thought of yourself or that your ntality was wrong. It's not for to judge what you think or how you see the ga."
Willian tilted his head slightly, as if pondering for a mont. Then he shrugged, his cynical smile turning to indifference. "Whatever."
Lucas blinked, surprised by the casual response. "What do you an, 'whatever'? I'm trying to apologize."
Willian shook his head, walking towards the changing room. "You saying that didn't change anything. Not even the result of the ga matters. I'm still in the first team, so, honestly, it makes no difference."
Lucas stood still for a mont, staring at Willian's back as he walked away. His jaw clenched, and he clenched his fist tightly. The calm he had worked so hard to maintain was fading fast.
'This guy... He really doesn't care about anything but himself,' he thought, his face hot with irritation.
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