From Arsenal to the Ball God

Zidane nodded, he surely understood this point as well, and finally smiled: ”I think this is a problem that needs to be solved, either Deschamps handles it or the players solve it themselves.

”They must understand that if they want the championship, they must resolve potential issues.”

After saying this, he left the studio, and the program continued.

”The final 6 teams: Czech Republic, Poland, Denmark, Ireland, Ukraine, Sweden, we invite.....”

There are many similar programs, some reviewing star players, and others focusing on the wives of star players. In short, during this time, the eyes of the world are gradually turning towards Poland and Ukraine.

Everyone knows that a grand event is about to take place here!

...

May 28th, assembly day.

In the morning, Ma’el changed into his jersey and shorts, and after receiving a therapy massage from Harry and Safina, headed to the team’s conference room.

Compared to last time, he was obviously much more at ease this time. Plus, with Sagna joining the team, he had more friends in the squad, so overall it was quite comfortable.

Upon reaching the conference room, he sat next to Koscielny and Sagna and started a relaxed conversation.

”Ribery really didn’t make the team.”

Koscielny whispered in his ear, ”It seems Deschamps is indeed using tough tactics, saying he won’t select him and he didn’t.”

Sagna, however, was not surprised, spreading his hands: ”It’s clear that Deschamps is building the team around Ma’el, and anyone who opposes him will be removed.”

Ma’el smiled slightly. As Sagna mentioned, he could indeed feel Deschamps’ reliance on him and the pivotal role he played in the team.

This was different from before, as in previous times he had transitioned from a substitute and then from a main player.

He had never been established as a core player before a tournament... Deschamps’ actions gained him a lot of favor and made him more supportive of this Basque coach.

While the three were chatting, Nasri and Klich entered together, glancing in their direction.

Ma’el made eye contact with both of them, noting the different expression on their faces than last time, especially Nasri, whose usual aloofness was replaced by an indescribable sense of awkwardness.

Moreover, this awkwardness carried a sense of urgency, as if he had been thinking of ways to break the coldness between them.

Before coming, Ma’el had considered this aspect. Nasri is an indispensable player in France’s attacking front, even more crucial than Ramsey is to Arsenal.

If the other party is willing to let go of the past and first shows a cooperative attitude, he certainly wouldn’t play the role of a dominant player, forcing Deschamps to choose between them.

After all, since they would be battling in a new competition together, the team must take precedence, and he really wanted to win the games.

”Tap tap tap...” Footsteps sounded, and Deschamps’ figure soon appeared at the front of the conference room, followed by several people holding cameras.

Ma’el identified them as the crew from the Football Record newspaper, indicating that the documentary filming had begun.

”A brand new path lies before each of us, and how to walk it, the choice is yours.”

Deschamps spoke decisively as he stepped up to the podium, his voice firm and powerful: ”Either walk in vain, exhausting efforts without gratitude, returning at last exhausted and in pain!

”Or experience the pinnacle and most exciting moments of life on this journey, and enjoy the wild acclaim of fans before the Triumphal Arch upon your return!

”I won’t elaborate with unnecessary words, I’ll emphasize more in future training sessions.

”Now, head to the hotel entrance and board the bus to our training site.

”Let’s go, lads!!”

”Applause...” The sound of clapping echoed as the entire France team stood up and followed Deschamps out.

Ma’el and Sagna walked at the back, and when they passed the documentary filming crew, he winked and raised his index finger with a smile, signaling his confidence in aiming for first place.

Knowing it’s a championship documentary, they needed to seek this kind of interaction.

If they don’t win the championship, it won’t be broadcast, so no boomerang will come back to hit them.

Half an hour later, at a training field in the mountains, the France team gathered for their first training session under the guidance of the assistant coach.

On June 1st, they have a warm-up match, not only a test of strength but also a national-level event that must be taken seriously.

Four days of training indeed left them with a tight schedule and significant tasks.

”Beep beep!”

After warming up, Deschamps first led everyone in some fun games, to better integrate everyone into the team.

In the rugby game, Ma’el noticed that Nasri and Klich began to purposely pass the ball to him, and he reciprocated by passing the ball to them.

After switching roles, they no longer avoided him, often seeking physical confrontations and playing seriously.

”Smack!” After a fall, Nasri even smiled and made eye contact with him.

All these seemed to indicate that their relationship was improving.

Seeing this, a smile lingered on Deschamps’ lips, realizing he might have just solved a big problem.

”Boom!!”

”Boom...!!”

Not long after, when shooting training began, Ma’el continuously launched powerful shots from the edge of the penalty area, each strike resonating with a violent sound across the entire training ground, catching everyone’s attention.