Since that incident, Luca had stopped attending practice, and so did his friends. This was problematic because Aeterna's squad was already lean, and now they were even more short-staffed.
If he recalled correctly, Luca's two friends were Enzo Moretti and Dario Ricci. Enzo was Aeterna's main goalkeeper, while Dario played as their defensive midfielder. Both had vital roles in Aeterna's regular starting lineup.
Sandro's presence had certainly been a great help. After his resounding victory over Luca, he became a highly respected figure, helping to restore order in the locker room. Luca's influence waned, and the players became more disciplined.
Of course, who wouldn't want to be led by someone like Paolo Maldini? Sandro proved that his masterful tackles were no fluke, showcasing them in every training session. He transformed into a solid, impenetrable wall.
Not just that, his aura had changed as well. Rashid initially thought it was just his imagination, but he once overheard a conversation in the cafeteria where some players mentioned that Sandro possessed a sort of magical charisma that made everyone eager to follow his lead.
Just like now. After a grueling day of physical training, everyone immediately obeyed when Sandro ordered them to the locker room.
Rashid was already there, along with Luca, Enzo, and Dario.
"What are you doing here?" Sandro protested.
The three hadn't shown up for practice for a week, and now they appeared suddenly, without remorse, just moments before practice ended.
"We're joining the pre-season tour, so naturally, we should be here," Enzo declared.
"After skipping training?"
"We were suspended by the coach. We were just fulfilling our obligations and reflecting on the mistakes we've made," Dario spoke up.
"Yeah? And what conclusions did you come to? Don't you have something you ought to say?"
"You're right." Luca, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. He stood up and faced Sandro.
Sandro raised an eyebrow, cautious of Luca's stance. "What?"
"I apologize for all my mistakes."
"Huh."
"All this time, I've been arrogant and looked down on everyone. I should have realized that in a team, we must support one another. So, will you forgive me, and let's work together to lead Aeterna to victory?" Luca extended his hand.
Gigi, watching from the corner of the room, looked touched. "I never thought I'd see the day when Luca, known for his stubbornness, would change."
However, Sandro only glanced at the offered hand before brushing it aside. "Whatever." He walked past the three and went to his locker.
Everyone else followed suit. At that moment, Rashid could sense Sandro's puzzled gaze, as if questioning whether Rashid's decision was truly right.
Rashid felt he needed to clarify things. He couldn't let his players think he was too lenient or lacked resolve. "In two days, we'll be playing our pre-season match. Everyone gets an equal starting point. If you can't accept that, you're free to leave the squad forever. Am I making myself clear?"
Everyone exchanged uneasy glances. Only Sandro had the courage to raise his hand and speak up. "May I impose a fitting punishment before they start training? I want to make them understand that the logo they wear on their left chest is more than just a patch."
"No player is bigger than the club," Rashid nodded. "Show them you are their leader, Sandro."
"Of course, Coach."
At that moment, another hand went up. "Coach, am I seeing things?"
Rashid looked in the direction the player was pointing. He smiled. "No, you're not mistaken. For our first match, we're going to San Siro."
"We're up against A.C. Milan."
* #*
"This is the data on the team we'll face later this afternoon, sir."
Roberto Martinelli paused from sipping his coffee and took the paper.
A.C. Aeterna. A third-division team that had made some noise in Italian football, now managed by the former assistant coach of a European powerhouse.
Their current coach had practically claimed the Champions League trophy in recent years—something A.C. Milan had achieved within the past decade.
'But so what? We're still the second most successful club in Champions League history.'
Besides, this Aeterna team was hopeless. Twenty-four points in 38 league matches, 90 goals conceded, a -65 goal difference. Those records almost made Martinelli burst out laughing.
'Is this guy ruining his own career?'
The main reason A.C. Milan agreed to play against these nobodies was purely for tactical testing. The newly appointed head coach was ambitious and a perfectionist.
Seeing the club's tight finances, he immediately communicated his desire to harness the academy's potential under the guise of cost-saving and reviving local pride.
If the head coach hadn't fallen ill, he would have been here since dawn.
Certainly not Martinelli, who was merely an academy coach.
"Alright, boys." Martinelli was now on the field. The players quickly gathered around him as he gave his instructions. "The match starts in a few hours, and I want you to play according to the tactics we've discussed."
"Where's the head coach? I don't see him."
"Well, unfortunately, he's ill, so you're stuck with me for today."
Everyone let out a disappointed sigh.
"But!" Martinelli interjected energetically, "I promise to report everything I see and note your progress. It could definitely influence your chances of being in the starting eleven."
Their faces instantly brightened. "Really?"
"Of course. When have I ever lied? So, give it your all and crush these nobodies."
*#*
Aeterna's squad arrived at San Siro three hours before kickoff. Yesterday had been utterly exhausting.
They had traveled since noon the day before and reached the hotel late at night.
Not to mention, Rashid had to provide a tactical briefing before bedtime. At 6 a.m., he called the players for their regular physical training, and six hours later, they were on their way to San Siro.
However, while Rashid was tired, his players certainly weren't. He could see the eagerness in their expressions, a look rarely seen in men over 20. Even Luca had the same expression.
Rashid had told them that their opponents were just a bunch of academy kids.Still, visiting such a grand stadium as the opposition seemed beyond their wildest dreams, and Rashid couldn't help but feel a bit sympathetic.
"I never thought I'd be playing against a Serie A club in a pre-season match," Sandro remarked.
Rashid made sure it wasn't just empty talk. Over the past three seasons, their best record was visiting a mid-table Serie B team. That illustrated how dismal their state was.
"Did you do something to finally convince those corrupt officials, Coach?"
So, even the players had negative sentiments toward the executives, huh? "I contacted a friend at Milan. Luckily, they still had an open slot early this week."
"That's incredible, Coach."
"Exactly what I'd expect from someone who once worked for a top club!"
The praise didn't cheer Rashid up at all. "Remember, we're not here for a holiday or a picnic. We're here to fight. They're underestimating us by fielding academy players. Prove them wrong!"
"Yes, Coach!"
After putting their gear in the locker room, the players headed out to the field for warm-ups. The opposing team was already practicing on the other side.
Then, someone suddenly tapped Rashid's shoulder. He turned to see a familiar face.
"I never imagined I'd meet the talented assistant coach who made headlines back then, Mr. Alfaro." Martinelli greeted Rashid with a smile.
"Thanks for agreeing to this pre-season match, Mr. Martinelli. It really helps with our development."
"Oh no, no. I should be the one thanking you. These boys are young and full of energy. They need a suitable punching bag to test their skills. But you can't make it too hard. You know how kids are these days—they seem tough, but their mentality is as fragile as a baby's."
"A punching bag?"
"Did that offend you? Sorry, but it's the truth." Martinelli put on a mocking smile, waving as he walked away. "You do have an impressive resume and skillset, but even a genius magician like Houdini needed time to set up his tricks. And last I checked, you're not a magician. So, good luck~"
Rashid returned the smile. "Yes, good luck to you too."