Title: Legends
At dusk, under the trees surrounding the training ground, the whole area looked a little dark.
Under dim lighting, there should have been no one on the training ground, but there was a bump from a kick, followed by the sound of the ball rubbing against the grass.
"Strange, who is still training so late?" Levi stepped out of the office, drawn by the sound.
Curiously, he approached the training ground and saw three people: one tall, one slightly shorter, and one shortest. Two of them were practicing crosses and headers in front of one of the goals, while the shortest one practiced side passes and occasionally made some breakthrough moves.
"Hey, Patrice, pay attention to your control! How much worse can I get?" Curtis complained loudly.
Evra lifted his right hand, waved apologetically, then retreated to midfield. He stuffed his head with a ball and suddenly kicked the cross, resulting in another staggering attempt.
"Hey, Leo!" Levi called out as he walked into the training ground, approaching the nearest player, Messi.
"Hello, boss!" Messi ran over, dribbling the ball.
Although England's club players like to call the head coach "boss," at New Manchester United they called Levi "boss," while Steve Bruce was referred to as "Mr."
"Why aren't you resting?" Levi asked with a smile.
"Yes, boss!" Messi nodded and pointed to Evra. "Patrice wants to practice for a while. We all live here, so we came to accompany him!"
Levi immediately understood.
Evra had been benched by Bruce since the start of the first game. Karl Marginson, Jonathan McTen, and Stephen Smith had all returned to the starting lineup in the next few games, but not Evra.
This was partly because Roy Williams, who replaced Evra, was playing well. Williams had stronger defensive abilities, allowing Bruce to confidently use Rich Willens. So, if Evra didn't play, it became less important.
"Yes, boss, Curtis and I joined the school's football team. We have a match in a few days!" Messi looked at Levi with anticipation.
"Really? Well, let me know when, and I'll be there to watch!" Levi couldn't help but see Messi's eagerness.
"Really?" Messi was surprised.
Levi nodded solemnly.
"Are these guys taking you to the hospital on time?" Levi asked with concern.
The consultation fee had been paid for three years in advance. Messi had to go to the hospital for treatment and testing almost every day. Sometimes Levi felt sorry for this poor little guy, but he seemed very strong and optimistic.
"Yes, they drive me and Curtis to and from school every day." Messi was still thrilled by Levi's promise.
Since Jorge had gone back to Argentina to deal with family matters, he hadn't returned. Messi was essentially alone in Manchester, making Levi his closest person, as Levi had brought him from Argentina.
"That's good. For now, don't worry about anything, take care of your body, and practice your ball skills slowly. No need to rush!"
"Mr. Bruce tells me the same thing, but I usually have nothing to do after school, so I play football."
Levi suddenly scolded himself for his miscalculation, thinking that arranging a school and treatment for Messi would solve everything. But children don't like to be lonely; they like to explore.
"So, this Sunday, the team is on vacation after the game. I'll ask Walsh to find Steve and borrow a car. We'll take you, Patrice, and Curtis out for a fun day."
"Really?" Messi couldn't believe what he heard. He hadn't gone out to play outside Manchester for so long.
"Of course. I never lie!" Levi replied confidently.
A small team has its advantages.
If New Manchester United were a giant club with dozens or even hundreds of players in the youth team, Levi wouldn't be able to take these young players out one by one. But now, with only two, he naturally could.
Messi's cheers immediately caught Evra and Curtis's attention. Seeing Levi, they stopped training and ran over, shouting, "Boss!"
"Don't practice too hard. It's time to rest. You're still growing, unlike Karl!" Levi joked.
Of all the players at New Manchester United, Karl Marginson had the best physical fitness.
Both Evra and Curtis laughed.
"Go take a bath and change clothes. I'll take you out for dinner!" Levi said with a smile.
The three were still young and were immediately overwhelmed by the news. They rushed toward the locker room.
Evra was the first to come out after his bath. As soon as he stepped outside, he saw Levi waving at him and walked over.
"I heard from Leo that you've been practicing every day recently," Levi said lightly.
Evra immediately stopped, looking worried. "I know this violates Mr. Bruce's rules, but I..."
"Don't be nervous, Patrice. I'm not Steve; I'm not as strict as he is. But I want to tell you, practicing blindly like this won't help." Levi patted his shoulder, comforting him.
"I know, but I also know my shortcomings. Like the cross in the third minute of the game against Rick CSOB, even if given ten more chances, I might not make a successful cross every time. I always waste too many opportunities." After that, Evra slowly walked to the training ground, squatted down, and felt the turf.
"I've been watching from the sidelines in the last few games. Roy and Rich are both good offensively and defensively. Rich's crosses are more efficient than mine. He can create more threats on the field than I can."
"But he isn't as fast as you, and his breakthroughs aren't as sharp," Levi countered.
"You're only 17, Patrice. You're not yet mature, but Rich is already set in his ways. Maybe for now, you aren't better than him, but as long as you keep working hard, you'll achieve more than him in the future. Didn't Steve say your goal is Gary Neville? One of the best full-backs in England and the world!"
"But sometimes I wonder if I can ever reach Gary Neville's level," Evra said, lacking confidence.
It's understandable. The first game had a strong starter, but the next few games he didn't even play a minute. Such a blow is significant for a 17-year-old. No wonder Evra felt discouraged.
"But you're not willing to give up, are you?" Levi said with a smile.
If he were willing to give up, he wouldn't be practicing after the team's dissolution!
"I remember finding you in France after you left Paris Saint-Germain's youth training camp. You probably never thought of becoming a professional player then. But look at you now. Although we're a small club, at least you have a full-time contract. You're already a legitimate professional player!"
"Patrice, have you heard our club is preparing to buy a stadium?" Levi asked suddenly.
Evra nodded, "Yes, people are talking about it."
"It's true, but I haven't decided yet. I want to tell you, Patrice, we aren't just content with the amateur league. I love this club like my own child. Is there any father who doesn't want his son to succeed?"
"Many people might find it ridiculous. They'll think, 'That guy Levi is too arrogant, dreaming of making one of England's lowest clubs into a European giant. That's just wishful thinking!'"
"But Patrice, I can tell you, that's my goal. For the next ten, twenty, or even fifty years, I want to make this team a top European giant. And you, Patrice, if you stay with the team and continue to grow, you'll become the most legendary left-back in football history, forever remembered!"
Evra was clearly shocked by Levi's words. He stood there, staring at Levi, speechless.
"Go to Darren for help tomorrow. His crosses are unique. You should learn from him!"
Levi patted Evra on the shoulder and looked around to see if Messi had come out, but he didn't expect to find them already standing behind him, looking awkward.
Thanks to the excitement, he felt a bit embarrassed!
Clearing his throat, Levi took the three to a nearby restaurant in Newton Heath, ordered a few special dishes, fed them well, and then sent them home. By the time he got home, it was already 9:30 PM.
"Hey, what a coincidence, Miss Honest Reporter!" Levi's mood brightened upon seeing Scarlett Elland at his door. "I didn't expect reporters to work overtime."
Scarlett stared at Levi, glared for a moment, then grunted and went upstairs.
Levi laughed in a good mood, almost humming a tune, which made Scarlett even more furious.
But Levi's pride didn't last long, as Scarlett soon found a chance to fight back!