Chapter 35: Of Character
As the first half drew to a close, Kai strolled back into the dressing room, a smug grin dancing on his lips. He met his bewildered players' gazes with a calm reassurance. They questioned his decisions, but Kai knew that they would soon understand his master plan.
"Now, my team," he began, his voice oozing with confidence. "We've shown Brighton exactly what we wanted them to see. They believe they have control, that they are superior. But they are blind to the storm that awaits them in the second half. It's time to unleash our true power."
His words hung in the air, mingling with a mix of confusion, skepticism, and a flicker of intrigue in his players' eyes. Kai's charisma and conviction were infectious, gradually eroding their doubts. They were ready to execute his grand scheme, to prove the naysayers wrong and reclaim their dominance.
Back on the pitch for the second half, West Ham's players followed Kai's instructions to the letter. With calculated precision, they disrupted Brighton's passing lanes, intercepted their possession, and launched swift counter-attacks that left the opposition gasping for air.
As the tide turned, Kai reveled in the chaos he had orchestrated. He had taken the commentators' words and turned them into fuel for his team's fire. His tactical brilliance shone through as West Ham scored one goal after another, turning the match on its head.
The commentators, who had once praised Brighton's possession prowess, now found themselves scrambling for explanations, their voices tinged with bewilderment. They couldn't comprehend how a team that supposedly struggled to keep the ball had effortlessly dismantled their opponents.
With Kai's words echoing in his mind, Declan Rice, the midfield enforcer for West Ham, felt a surge of determination coursing through his veins. As Brighton attempted to build an attack, Rice read the game like a seasoned tactician, positioning himself strategically to intercept a crucial pass.
His eyes fixed on the ball, Rice anticipated the intended target, a midfielder in the opposition's ranks. With lightning-fast reflexes, he exploded into action, lunging forward with precision and grace. His outstretched leg intercepted the pass, diverting it from its intended trajectory and disrupting Brighton's flow.
"——OH and Rice cut off the pass to Marsh expertly to stop the attack..."
The crowd erupted in cheers as Rice emerged triumphant, wresting possession away from his opponents. The swift interception showcased his exceptional timing, footballing intelligence, and unrivaled ability to read the game.
As Rice gained control of the ball, he seamlessly transitioned from defense to attack. With a quick glance, he surveyed his options, scanning the pitch for the perfect pass to initiate a counter-attack. His mind worked at lightning speed, weighing the risks and rewards of each potential move.
"QUICKLY, TO THE WING! RELEASE IT!!!" Kai yelled at the top of the lungs as he sensed the opportunity in the brewing. He had been training his team to be unified in their direct approach. Day by day, the West Ham players are growing accepting of the long-ball style of football, they are slowly adapting to his demands, understanding what Kai wants them to accomplish. But even if Kai shouted at them, he innerly knew they were on the same wavelength. The West Ham players are unified under his tactics.
In a split second, Rice spotted a streaking winger making a darting run down the flank. Without hesitation, he unleashed a precise through ball, threading it through the narrowest of gaps. The pass was a thing of beauty, gliding effortlessly through the crowded midfield, evading Brighton's defenders.
Lanzini was the recipient of the pass. Even if he already has yellow card, he was ever so aggressive in his play-style. He gave 110% to everything he did on the pitch, no matter if it was defensively or offensively. He gave his heart and soul for the club.
Lanizni, fueled by Rice's vision and the manager's charismatic encouragement, sprinted onto the perfectly weighted pass. With skillful control, the winger brought the ball under his command, ready to unleash his attacking prowess against the retreating Brighton defense.
The fans held their breath in anticipation as the play unfolded. Rice's interception had not only denied Brighton a promising attacking opportunity but also sparked a counter-attack that carried the potential for West Ham to seize the initiative and create a scoring chance.
In that exhilarating moment, Rice's interception embodied the essence of his role as a midfield maestro. He was the shield that guarded his team's defense and the catalyst that ignited their offensive ambitions. His interception was a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the team's cause.
"——And Lanzini attacks into the Brighton box. The seagull's defence is scrambling back into shape but West Ham's sudden counter-attack has left them incredibly vulnerable at the back. They have been caught napping!"
Lewis Dunk, the stalwart center-back for Brighton, watched in disbelief as Manuel Lanzini surged towards the heart of his team's defense. With lightning speed, Lanzini weaved his way through the sea of defenders, leaving a trail of bewildered Brighton players in his wake. Dunk, recognizing the imminent danger, lunged forward with an unwavering determination to halt Lanzini's progress.
The stadium held its collective breath as Dunk's outstretched leg reached for the ball, aiming to intercept Lanzini's surging run. It was a pivotal moment, a clash of wills between attacker and defender, where the outcome could swing the momentum of the match.
But Lanzini, fueled by his newfound commitment and inspired by the belief instilled in him by his manager, met Dunk's challenge head-on. With a burst of agility, he sidestepped Dunk's outstretched leg, leaving the defender grasping at thin air.
"—— AND HE'S THROUGH ON GOAL.... LANZINI AGAINST THE KEEPER!"
The crowd erupted into a cacophony of gasps and cheers as Lanzini, now free from Dunk's grasp, continued his relentless charge towards the Brighton goal. The defender's valiant effort to stop the attack had been thwarted, and West Ham's sudden counter-attack had left Brighton's defense exposed and vulnerable.
From the sidelines, Kai Chiu's voice rang out, filled with fervor and encouragement. "Come on, Manuel! Shoot, my boy! Shoot!" Kai's voice boomed, his words resonating with unwavering belief in Lanzini's abilities. He couldn't contain his excitement as he watched Manuel Lanzini's electrifying run unfold before his eyes. The manager's passion reverberated throughout the stadium, fueling the atmosphere with a surge of energy.
"——AND HE SHOOTS! .... WAIT NO!"
Lanzini, fueled by the unwavering faith of his manager and the fervent support of the crowd, paused for a split second. In that moment, he locked eyes with the goal, his mind focused, his instincts honed. With a surge of adrenaline, he unleashed a fierce shot, sending the ball hurtling towards the net.
But it wasn't a shot. Lanzini had fooled the world into thinking he was shooting when really it only covered up his true intent. The player's exceptional intelligence and composure let him to find an option even more promising than himself. In the split moment of horror, Lanzini calmly placed the ball into the far post.
The Brighton defenders were left rooted on the spot. Dunk can only watch dismayed as his mouth dropped in pure dread. The powering and bulging frame of one West Ham player bursted into the box hidden from everyone's attention. His pace was slow but his movement was scheming.
The stadium erupted in a deafening roar as Sebastien Haller's name echoed through the speakers. In the 63rd minute of the match, the West Ham striker had risen to the occasion, delivering a moment of pure ecstasy for the home fans.
"HALLEEERRRRRRRRR.... AND HE HAS DONE IT!" the commentator's voice boomed, his excitement palpable. The sheer elation in his tone mirrored the explosion of joy that reverberated throughout the stadium.
Sebastien Haller, the towering presence in the opposition's box, had found himself in the right place at the right time. As a cross sailed into the penalty area, he instinctively positioned himself, ready to capitalize on any opportunity that presented itself.
But the story of this goal was not solely about Haller's clinical finish. It was a testament to the selflessness and teamwork that defined West Ham's play. The true architect of the goal was none other than Manuel Lanzini, who had shown remarkable awareness and unselfishness.
Lanzini, with his quick thinking and remarkable vision, had spotted Haller's positioning. Instead of going for glory himself, he deftly flicked the ball towards his teammate, serving the goal on a silver platter. It was a selfless act that epitomized the spirit of unity and shared purpose within the West Ham team.
"All credits should be given to Lanzini, who unselfishly gave his chance to score himself," the commentator acknowledged, his voice filled with admiration for the Argentine midfielder's unselfish play.
The West Ham fans erupted into a chorus of jubilation, their cheers reverberating throughout the stadium. The goal had not only given them the lead but also symbolized the collective spirit and selfless dedication that defined their team.
On the touchline, Kai Chiu beamed with pride, his heart filled with a mix of joy and satisfaction. The goal was a testament to the ethos he had instilled in his players—a commitment to the greater good, a willingness to put the team's success above personal glory.
As the celebrations engulfed the pitch, Kai couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Lanzini. His unselfish act had not only secured a crucial goal but had also reaffirmed the bonds that united this group of players.
In that moment, as the stadium pulsated with passion and triumph, Kai knew that his team had taken a significant step forward. They were no longer a collection of individuals but a cohesive unit, ready to overcome any challenge that lay ahead. And with every passing minute, their belief in each other and their shared vision for success grew stronger.
Kai needed his team to be unified under his tactical philosophy, because next match would be a true test of his team resolve and dedication to his ideals. As Kai sat back in the dugout, not a sense of care seemingly exited towards the match as he simply shifted his focus elsewhere.
It was as if Kai had the match all under his control. He had belief in his players, so much so that Kai felt it was no longer necessary to stand on the sideline and give them encouragement. They had the game in the bags, but it was West Ham's next opponent that is giving Kai nightmares.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone