The film began—a classic about the power of the Mamluks in ancient times. It caught John's attention how someone from nothing could unite his tribe into a single rank to seize control of the entire kingdom. He succeeded by using a plan that left John applauding the hero. The strategy relied on toppling the palace by weakening it from within. John decided that one day, he would translate this plan into one of his matches. The screening ended, and the four of them left the cinema hall.
Frank: "I think the beach would be beautiful at this time. What do you say we have dinner there?"
John: "I think that's a great idea."
Gina: "Let's go. There is a famous restaurant overlooking the shore."
Maria: "Let's go!"
Frank and John walked ahead while Maria and Gina followed behind them.
John: "Are you staying behind us or what?"
Maria: "Keep walking. There is a women's talk going on here. Look ahead of you!"
John: "Okay, no problem. We are right here in front of you if you need anything."
Frank: "Come on, let them be. Tell me, what did that person called Fabio say to you?"
John: "Don't tell me we're going to talk about him. This isn't the place at all, Frank. There's nothing regarding him."
Frank: "To be honest, the matter is weighing on my mind. That's all."
John: "Frank, there's no need for worry or overthinking. There is only one thing I'm preoccupied with, and that's the city team. I have nothing else on my mind. I told him this on the phone and he understood perfectly."
Frank: "The problem, John, is that I know these people well. They are very bad."
John: "No one will force me to do something I don't want to do. I think you, of all people, know this. To be honest with you, Frank, despite my love for the pitch, there is only one reason I returned: to see the smile on the face of that lady behind me. Nothing else. I cannot bear her sadness. If my return to the stadium costs me my life, I honestly don't care. That is all there is to it. Please, don't open this subject again. We are here to have a good time. Can we forget about it now?"
Frank: "Of course. You've put my mind at ease. I won't bring this up again."
Gina: "In there! Let's go to that restaurant. It's wonderful and they have very delicious dishes."
They entered the restaurant. The atmosphere was beautifully warm and the dishes were indeed excellent. John enjoyed his main course. Suddenly, a man entered playing music so beautifully that it made John drift away in thought for a moment. It was a beautiful time spent by the friends in the capital.
Gina: "We must do this outing together again. I really enjoyed it, Frank."
Frank: "I'm happy to hear that, my love."
Gina: "I don't see any happiness on your face! You only rejoice when the city team wins. Can you believe it, Maria? You can see his laugh from the end of the street and he laughs so loudly that I tell my mother: 'Don't worry, it's just Frank, he's happy about the win.'"
Maria: "Hahaha! They are identical copies of each other, but John tries to hide his joy so I don't reproach him for watching the match."
John: "I see they've become friends."
Frank: "Haha, that's actually nice. Gina doesn't have friends."
Gina: "Haha, yes, I've got my friend now. She is very kind."
John: "Good. We will repeat these outings in the future."
Frank: "Let's go now. There is important work tomorrow, isn't there, John?"
John: "Indeed, we must go now. We have an important training session tomorrow. We face a strong team next week."
"Hello, how are you, Coach?"
"Who is this? Fabio, is that you?"
"Yes, yes. Did you forget my voice, man? I can't believe this, Sar. How did you forget? We used to talk for hours in the past."
Sar: "Indeed, but a long time has passed, man. How are you doing in the capital? I think you're doing a good job; your team is on the verge of the second division. That's great. But I heard you are struggling to find a suitable manager."
Fabio: "Actually, we've changed the manager more than once this season. We are waiting for the right one."
Sar: "Hahaha! Don't tell me you called me to coach the capital team. I'm ready! Shall I pack my bags and book a flight to the capital?"
Fabio: "To be honest, I suggested your name to the board, but they rejected it."
Sar: "Why did they refuse? Tell me, who has the strongest team in defence this season? We are the ones, man! We are competing to join you in the second division. The city team gave me a gift I never imagined I'd get—they defeated the runners-up. Can you imagine? We are now one win away from officially reaching second place, and I won't hide from you that I have no intention of dropping from second. The players are very ready for this struggle."
Fabio: "Indeed, your team is having an exceptional season. The hard work is clear. But the rejection wasn't personal; it's because they want to sign a specific manager."
Sar: "Who is this manager?"
Fabio: "The manager of the city team."
Sar stood up, put his hand on his head, and said:
Sar: "John? Is that true? Hahaha! Now I see the full picture. Fine. But he refused. And you—why are you calling me? Because I'm facing him next week? Tell me, Fabio, what is required? Say what you have to say without beating around the bush."
Fabio: "To be honest, we want you to achieve the victory."
Sar: "Do you men in the capital have brains or not? Do you think I'd miss the chance to move into the runner-up spot? Do you really think I'd waste this opportunity? Listen to this: it is the biggest match for Racing this season. If I waste this chance, do you think the team will forgive me? It's impossible. Everyone here is thinking about the second division."
Fabio: "You are my friend, I know you well. You want to win, and that's fine. But know that they want that too. John has raised that team from the ashes, so be careful. Don't make mistakes like the team they defeated this week. Go into the match with your main lineup and defeat them. That is what's required. Your team benefits from second place, and you benefit as well."
Sar: "What do you mean by 'I will benefit'?"
Fabio: "We won't talk over the phone. Meet me tomorrow at the usual café and we will discuss the details."
Sar: "Fine. Six o'clock in the evening."
Fabio: "Set. Goodbye."
"Hello players, how are you and your families? Is everything alright?"
Players: "Everything is fine, Coach!"
John: "Excellent. The doctor told me that Tommy's condition is not worrying. I've given him another day to rest. Tomorrow he will join us, and we'll see the best way to integrate him when he returns from injury. What matters now is that things are good and morale is at its best. Therefore, we will briefly discuss our match in four days against a very strong team, especially in defence. They are currently in third place, just one point behind second place, with a game in hand. This means one thing: they will play against us with all their might, especially since the match will be at their very difficult stadium. But are we easy prey?"
Players: "No!"
John: "Good. So, our plan this time will be different. We are going to train on a new tactic. Their strength, as I said, is in defence. Therefore, we will leave the ball to them in the first twenty minutes. During this time, we will be under pressure; they will attack formidably. This is expected—the pitch is theirs and the crowd is with them. There are two possibilities: either they pressure us and score, or they pressure us and fail to score. But in this twenty-minute block, we will work on doing the best thing you excel at. Can anyone tell us what it is?"
The Captain: "The counter-attacks!!"
John: "Well done! No one on the opposing team will imagine that we will be the ones attacking during that time. Now, lads, this is our goal for this session. We will train on performing lightning-fast counter-attacks. As I said, just twenty minutes—from the first second of the match until the twentieth minute. After that, the situation will change. The important thing now is to focus on the counters. Let's go! Split into two teams and let's train."