After careful consideration, the two Coaches, Baraja and Moreno 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.
....
Ruben Baraja and Assistant Coach Moreno sat across from Izan in the small, sunlit meeting room at the training facility.
The air was a bit tense despite their warm smiles. Baraja, the head coach, leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table. His voice was calm but firm.
"Izan," he began, his tone measured. "We've been watching you closely in training, and your performance has been exceptional.
But for the match against Mallorca, we've decided to start you on the bench."
