As the Champions League semi-final approached, the atmosphere around the team tensed.
Last season, Arsenal had reached this stage, only to be knocked out by Real Madrid. This time, there was no illusion. From the opening day of the season, the target had been clear. Now they were three matches away from lifting the trophy.
On the way to the training ground, Chamberlain looked worn out. He sat in the passenger seat, unusually quiet. Le Kai glanced at him a few times, noticing the dark circles under his eyes.
"Don't tell me you went clubbing."
"How could I?" Chamberlain waved it off. "I know what time it is. I wouldn't mess around now."
"Then why aren't you sleeping?"
Chamberlain grinned, though it looked forced. "Last night I played FIFA. Custom mode. Ran through the whole Champions League, from group stage to the semis."
Le Kai raised an eyebrow. "That's why you're exhausted?"
"I tried three times. Couldn't beat Bayern once. Game's broken. Their stats are ridiculous."
Le Kai shook his head. The pressure had been building ever since they reached the semi-finals. It hung over the squad, even in quiet moments.
Some showed it more than others.
Even he felt it. He had been running extra after training every day, saying nothing about it. It was his way of dealing with the tension.
From the outside, Arsenal looked composed, even dominant. But most of this squad had never played a Champions League final. Aside from Di Maria, they were still new to this level.
At the training ground, everything followed the usual routine. Wenger kept things steady on purpose, and it helped settle the players.
A six against six internal game was underway, focused on rhythm and coordination.
Coaches stood at different angles with notebooks. Two held camcorders, recording every movement. At this stage, details mattered.
So far, there have been no injuries. For Wenger, that alone was a relief.
"Next group, rotate!"
Le Kai stepped off the pitch with the others. He took a towel from Pat Rice and wiped the sweat from his face. Rice crouched beside him, camcorder still in hand.
"At this point, don't think about changing your game," Rice said. "We're already in the semi-finals. Any sudden change can create problems. Stability matters most."
Le Kai understood the message. Uncertainty was the biggest risk now.
"I get it," he said. "I just want to be ready. If Cazorla gets locked down, someone has to take over."
Rice looked at him. "You think Bayern will focus on him?"
"He's our main organizer in the final third. They know that. If they cut him off, our attack slows down. That's exactly what they'll try."
"Arsène said something similar," Rice replied. "He wants the wingers to take more responsibility in that case."
Di Maria and Sanchez both had the ability to step inside and create.
Le Kai still felt he was the better option.
"We'll see," he said. "If they press too hard up front, I'll move forward more. We'll lose some defensive cover, but that's a trade we might have to accept. You don't beat a team like Bayern by playing safe."
Rice smiled. He liked that mindset. It spread through the squad more than tactics ever could.
On the other side of the pitch, Di Maria and Suarez sat together.
"You think we make the final?" Suarez asked quietly.
"Yes," Di Maria answered without hesitation.
Suarez looked at him. "That sure?"
"You have to believe it. If you doubt yourself now, it shows on the pitch. And we're strong. You know that."
Suarez nodded, but his expression stayed tense. "I trust the team. I'm not sure about myself. If I have an off day… if the shots don't go in…"
He carried a heavy burden. A large share of Arsenal's goals came from him. When he was in form, everything flowed. When he wasn't, the attack could stall.
A clear strength, and a clear risk.
"Don't overthink it," Di Maria said, giving his shoulder a light pat.
Wenger clapped his hands again, calling for another rotation. The players stood and jogged back onto the pitch.
At around three in the afternoon, he gathered everyone together.
"Tomorrow morning, we fly to Munich," he said. "This is our second semi-final. Don't add pressure where it isn't needed. Play your game. If we stay consistent, we can win."
The players nodded.
"That's it for today. Rest well. No night activities. I don't want to see any of you in the headlines tomorrow."
After training, the squad headed home.
Le Kai had barely stepped inside when his phone rang. A video call.
He answered.
"Son!"
Le Kai smiled. "Dad, you're still up?"
"Couldn't sleep," Le Jianguo said, then lowered his voice slightly. "I'm not disturbing you, right?"
"No. Just got back."
"So it's the semi-final now?"
"Yeah. We leave for Munich tomorrow."
Le Jianguo leaned closer to the camera, eyes bright. "Don't feel any pressure. Just play. You're the captain. Lead properly. Doesn't matter if it's Bayern or anyone else. Just beat them."
Le Kai laughed softly. "I'm fine. Just be ready to cheer."
"Already prepared," his father said. "Got the beer waiting."
He pulled out an Arsenal shirt and started singing loudly, "We are Arsenal, invincible!"
"Alright, alright, that's enough," Le Kai cut him off quickly.
His father had grown up supporting AC Milan. Back when Serie A ruled Europe. Even now, that loyalty had not disappeared; it had only gone quiet.
Le Kai knew it would return one day.
But for now, he clenched his fist slightly.
This moment belonged to Arsenal.
. . .
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