The locker room was tense.
The players of Blackhaven FC sat on the benches, some adjusting their shin guards, others pulling on their jerseys, but all of them were focused on one thing—the match ahead.
Daisuke stood at the front of the room, his sharp eyes scanning the squad. Their first league match under his management was about to begin, and their opponent wasn't just any team.
Brentford FC.
A mid-tier club in the English Championship, known for their aggressive, high-pressing style. They weren't world-beaters, but they were well-drilled and disciplined—exactly the type of team that could punish an unprepared squad.
Daisuke turned to the board behind him, where the starting lineup was displayed.
Blackhaven FC Starting XI (4-2-3-1 formation)
GK: Ethan Caldwell (Reliable but needs better reflexes)
RB: Luca Moretti (Fast, aggressive, but a bit reckless)
CB: Aaron Vance (Captain, strong in the air, leader at the back)
CB: James Holloway (Tall, composed, lacks pace)
LB: Ryan Carter (Good crosser, struggles defensively)
CDM: Leon Baptiste (Defensive anchor, great positioning)
CM: Kyle Hendricks (Playmaker, decent stamina, lacks strength)
RW: Marcus Doyle (Speed demon, inconsistent final ball)
CAM: Hiroshi Tanaka (Best dribbler, excellent vision, lacks physicality)
LW: Jordan Beckett (Hardworking, good finisher, not flashy)
ST: Damian Rios (Poacher, great positioning, lacks link-up play)
Daisuke pointed at the whiteboard, where Brentford's formation was mapped out. A standard 4-3-3, pressing high and trying to force mistakes.
"We're going to control the tempo," Daisuke said. "They'll try to rush us, force us into long balls. But we're playing short, quick passes. Keep the ball moving, don't get caught in possession."
He looked at his wingers, Marcus and Jordan. "Exploit the flanks. Their full-backs push high, so hit them on the counter."
Then, he turned to Aaron Vance, his captain. "Set the tone. If they try to overwhelm us, we fight back."
Aaron gave a firm nod.
Daisuke clapped his hands together. "We don't play for a draw. We play to win. Let's show them who we are."
From the very first whistle, Brentford pressed high and hard. Their forwards swarmed Blackhaven's backline, forcing rushed passes and errors.
In the 8th minute, a mistake nearly cost them. Kyle Hendricks misjudged a pass, and Brentford's striker latched onto it, firing a low shot—saved by Ethan Caldwell!
"Wake up!" Aaron roared, organizing the defense.
Daisuke remained calm on the sidelines. This was part of the process. They had to endure, adapt, and strike when the opportunity came.
Then, in the 24th minute, Blackhaven found their moment.
Brentford's full-back had pushed too far forward, leaving space behind. Leon Baptiste intercepted a sloppy pass, immediately launching a through ball to Marcus Doyle.
Marcus tore down the wing, his pace blistering. Brentford's defenders scrambled to get back, but he was too fast.
With a quick glance up, Marcus squared the ball into the box—Damian Rios met it with a first-time strike!
GOAL! BLACKHAVEN 1-0!
The away section of the stadium erupted. Daisuke nodded. A perfect counterattack.
Despite leading, Daisuke wasn't satisfied.
"They'll come harder in the second half," he told the squad. "We need to stay sharp. Play smart, control the ball, and be patient. If we get another chance, we bury it."
He turned to Hiroshi Tanaka. "Find space. They're starting to leave gaps between their midfield and defense. Exploit it."
Hiroshi nodded, eyes gleaming with understanding.
Brentford came out more aggressive than before. Blackhaven had to defend for long spells, absorbing wave after wave of attacks.
Aaron and James held firm at the back, blocking crosses and making crucial tackles.
Then, in the 73rd minute, disaster nearly struck.
Brentford's striker broke free, one-on-one with Ethan Caldwell—but Caldwell pulled off a stunning save, tipping the shot over the bar!
Daisuke exhaled. Close. Too close.
Then, in the 85th minute, Blackhaven delivered the final blow.
Hiroshi Tanaka received the ball outside the box, danced past two defenders, and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner!
GOAL! BLACKHAVEN 2-0!
The match was over.
The final whistle blew. Blackhaven FC had won their first league match under Daisuke.
The atmosphere was electric. The players were buzzing with excitement, congratulating each other.
Aaron approached Daisuke, his expression serious but… approving.
"You backed up your words," he said. "That was a damn good win."
Daisuke smirked. "And it's only the beginning."
As the celebrations continued, Daisuke's mind was already working. One win wasn't enough.
They had to keep building.
Because Blackhaven FC wasn't here to survive.
They were here to rise.