God Of football

Chapter 209: Young Leader

Izan, now fully locked into the mindset of a player who carried his team, added, ”We need to show them we’re the better team.

We press, we score, and we don’t let them breathe. We’ve been here all season. Let’s finish what we started.”

With that, the Valencia players, inspired and united, headed into the club’s recovery rooms on orders of Ruben Baraja, his reasoning, well to recover and manage any cramps that had affected the players.

————-

After a brief recovery period, the Valencia CF squad had settled into their usual routine.

Some players were already in the locker room, others chatting among themselves in the gym, but Izan found himself walking out of the recovery room, feeling the weight of the upcoming match against Mallorca pressing on his mind.

As he stepped into the hallway, he spotted Rubén Baraja standing alone by a set of double doors, his arms crossed, eyes focused on the floor, lost in thought.

It was rare to see the usually composed coach in a moment of quiet reflection, so Izan hesitated for a moment before walking over.

”Coach,” Izan began, his voice tentative but filled with respect. ”I wanted to ask you something if you have a moment.”

Baraja turned, his face softening when he saw the young forward approaching. ”Izan,” he said with a small nod. ”What’s on your mind?”

Izan stood still for a moment, the seriousness of the situation settling in. ”I know how important this match is for all of us,” he started, ”but it feels… heavier this time.

With the way things went in the first leg against Mallorca, I feel like there’s more at stake than just qualifying for the final.”

Baraja studied Izan for a second, sensing the weight of the young player’s words. ”You’re right. It’s not just about the Copa del Rey, it’s about the bigger picture—this club, the fans, the history.

And yes, for me personally, it’s about my first trophy as a manager,” he admitted, his voice quiet but earnest. ”I’ve been through a lot with this team.

We’ve all fought together for this moment. It’s more than just winning a match. It’s a chance to lift a trophy for the first time, to give these players a piece of history.”

Izan absorbed the words, understanding the deeper meaning behind them. Baraja was no longer just a coach for the team; he had invested his heart and soul into Valencia’s journey. It wasn’t just about the players anymore—it was about the shared dream of success.

”We’ve worked so hard this season, and we’re so close,” Baraja continued, his gaze steady. ”But we cannot lose to Mallorca.

We have to qualify for that final. We’re not just aiming to get to the final for the sake of it. It’s about giving everything to beat Mallorca, and then we face Athletic Club de Bilbao, a team that’s been on a roll, but one we can take down.”

Izan nodded, feeling the weight of Baraja’s words. He had always admired Baraja’s passion for the club, and in that moment, he felt even more compelled to push himself harder.

”We won’t let you down. I! I won’t let you down, Coach,” Izan said with determination in his voice. ”We won’t lose to Mallorca. We’ll fight for that final.”

Baraja smiled slightly, placing a hand on Izan’s shoulder. ”I know you won’t. This team has heart, and you, Izan, you’ve proven time and time again that you’ve got the talent to change games.

But more than that, it’s your mentality—your understanding of what it means to play for Valencia—that makes the difference.”

Izan’s heart swelled with pride. He wasn’t just playing for himself anymore; he was playing for something much bigger than individual glory. It was about bringing success to a club with a rich history and passionate fans.

”You’re not alone in this,” Baraja added. ”We’re all in this together. The final is within reach. But first, we take care of Mallorca, with everything we’ve got. And then, when we face Bilbao, we’ll be ready.”

Izan stood a little taller, a renewed sense of purpose filling him. ”I understand, Coach. We’ll make it happen.” His voice was firm and full of commitment.

Baraja gave a nod of approval. ”Good. Now, get some rest.”

As Izan walked away, the weight of what lay ahead didn’t seem as heavy. He felt a renewed determination to not just fulfill his dreams, but to give everything for the team, for the manager who believed in him, and for a club that had already given him so much.

[well they tried to release you so this is more or less them trying to make up for that]

...…

Valencia CF’s journey to Palma de Mallorca began with an air of quiet determination. The players, dressed in their sleek travel gear, boarded the team bus at Paterna.

Conversations were muted but purposeful, and the focus on their faces was unmistakable. Their destination: Son Moix Stadium, where the roar of a passionate home crowd would await.

As the bus rolled toward the airport, the mood was a blend of focus and camaraderie. Some players scrolled through their phones, checking match previews and pundit predictions, while others leaned back, headphones in place.

José Gayà, ever the leader, reviewed tactical notes in the front seat, occasionally glancing out the window. Izan, seated midway down the aisle, kept a calm demeanor as always, engaging briefly with Sosa, Pietro, Correia, and Javi Guerra.

”Thierry,” Izan said casually, gesturing toward a nearby screen displaying a clip of Mallorca’s recent matches, ”watch how they defend in a low block. They leave gaps between their midfield and backline. If we time our runs right, we can exploit that space.”

Thierry nodded. ”Good eye, Izan. I’ll be ready to overlap on those counters.”

Baraja, sitting just behind the driver, couldn’t help but smile as he overheard the exchange. The youngster I wasn’t just a talent on the pitch; he had become a student of the game.

As Valencia made their way to the airport, the footballing world was abuzz with predictions. Analysts debated the strengths and weaknesses of both teams on sports networks and social media platforms.

”Mallorca at home is a formidable side,” said a well-known pundit. ”With Vedat Muriqi leading their attack, Valencia’s defenders will need to be at their sharpest. And don’t forget Pedrag Rajkovic’s solid wall in goal”

Another analyst was quick to point out Valencia’s attacking edge. ”It’s Izan’s season. The kid is unstoppable.

His vision, pace, and finishing make him Valencia’s key to breaking through Mallorca’s defense. If he finds space, it could be game over for the home side.”

Fans added their voices to the mix. Valencia supporters were confident, one tweeting, ”Mallorca may have their home crowd, but we have Izan. The boy’s on fire this season. Trust the process, and we’ll be in the final.”

Mallorca fans countered with optimism of their own. ”Son Moix is a fortress,” one posted. ”With Muriqi up top and our defense solid, Valencia won’t have it easy.”

[Izan literally single-handedly destroyed that defense. WTFDYM]

The buzz surrounding the match was a testament to its importance. The Copa del Rey wasn’t just a competition—it was a chance at glory.

The Valencia team arrived in Palma in the early evening, greeted by a small contingent of traveling supporters.

They waved and cheered as the players stepped off the bus and into the warm Mallorcan air. The hotel, tucked away in a quiet part of the city, offered a serene environment for the squad to rest and prepare.

Dinner that evening was light yet lively, with the players discussing tactics and potential match scenarios.

Mosquera and Dimitri Foulquier shared jokes to ease any tension, but the seriousness of the occasion lingered in the background.

————

The next morning, Valencia held a light training session at a facility near Son Moix. The players focused on set pieces and final touches, with Baraja directing drills and offering encouragement.

As the session wound down, the Mallorca squad arrived for their own training, and a brief overlap occurred.

There was no animosity, but the air between the two groups carried a quiet tension. Players exchanged polite nods, though a few couldn’t resist playful banter.

Sergi Darder, formerly of Olympique Lyon approached Gayà and Pepelu with a grin. ”I hope you’re ready for what’s coming tomorrow,” he teased.

Gayà laughed. ”We’re always ready, Sergi. Let’s see if you can handle Izan.”

Darder chuckled, glancing toward the young star, who was speaking with Thierry near the goalposts. ”He’s a genius, I’ll give you that. But Son Moix is a tough place to shine.”

Izan caught the glance and walked over, his demeanor calm but confident. ”Good to see you again, Darder,” he said. ”I’ve heard a lot about Son Moix. Should be a good test.”

Darder smiled before speaking, ”We’ll see if you can handle the pressure. Good luck tomorrow.”

”You too,” Izan replied, turning back to his teammates.

A/n: First of the day