The Coaching System

Preseason Training

The Bradford City training ground was buzzing with activity. The summer sun hung over the pitch as players ran drill after drill, sweat pouring down their faces.

It had been two days since their 2-1 win against AS Gabès, and Jake Wilson was wasting no time. The squad needed refining, the tactics needed adjustment, and the players needed to improve before the new season kicked off.

A blue screen flickered before his eyes.

[Ding! Player Development Feature Unlocked]

[Now Analyzing Squad Strengths & Weaknesses]

Jake smirked as the system began providing specialized training recommendations for each player.

[Ryan Carter: Needs Strength & Endurance Training – Struggles in Physical Duels]

[Lukas Novak: Needs Crossing & Decision-Making Drills – Rushed Attacks Too Often]

[Emeka Okafor: Needs Positioning Work – Late Reactions on Close-Range Shots]

[Daniel Lowe: Needs Tactical Awareness Training – Struggles Against High Press]

Jake nodded to himself. These were all things he had noticed in their matches—but now, the system was giving precise areas for improvement.

"Alright," Jake said, clapping his hands. "We're splitting into groups. Position-specific training. No wasted time today."

The players gathered, ready for what was coming.

Tactical Fitness & Pressing Drills

The first 90 minutes of training were brutal.

Jake forced the squad into high-intensity pressing drills, focusing on conditioning and defensive shape.

The defenders were drilled on keeping a compact backline, tracking runners, and reacting to counterattacks.

The midfielders worked on quick passing under pressure, trying to break free from aggressive marking.

The forwards and wingers focused on movement, learning to find space in tight areas.

Nathan Barnes, one of the most experienced defenders, was struggling.

His fitness wasn't at the level Jake needed. More than once, he was a step too slow, getting beaten by younger attackers.

"You're leaving too much space, Barnes!" Jake shouted as the veteran CB missed another interception.

Barnes nodded, breathing heavily. "I know, boss. Working on it."

On the other side, Novak was having a tough time with his decision-making.

Twice, he received the ball in a great position but rushed his cross, sending it too deep or straight to the goalkeeper.

Jake stopped the session.

"Novak, stop forcing it. Look up. Make the right decision before you deliver."

Novak wiped sweat off his forehead and nodded. "Got it."

Not everyone was struggling.

Saidi was leading the backline, barking orders and keeping the defense organized.

Carter was improving his ball control under pressure, adjusting quickly to the speed of play.

Jayden Cooper, one of the young wingers, was impressing Jake with his agility and quick passing.

Despite the improvements, the squad was still far from ready.

And with a Premier League team up next in their preseason schedule, Jake needed them to improve—fast.

After training, Jake pulled out his tablet, reviewing the system's updated recommendations.

[Ding! Recommended Player Workload Adjustments]

[Ryan Carter: Needs Extra Weight Training – Too Weak in Physical Battles]

[Lukas Novak: Needs Vision & Awareness Drills – Too Tunnel-Visioned When Attacking]

[Okafor: Needs Reaction Speed Training – Slow in Close-Range Saves]

Jake called Carter over first.

"You're getting bullied in midfield," Jake said bluntly. "From tomorrow, you're adding strength training."

Carter frowned. "I don't think—"

Jake cut him off. "No debate. If you want to dominate the midfield, you need to be stronger. You're already smart on the ball, but when you face tough teams, that won't be enough."

Carter hesitated, then finally nodded.

Next, Jake turned to Novak.

"You're a great dribbler, but your crosses and final passes need work," Jake said. "You're not looking up before making decisions."

Novak sighed. "Yeah… I kind of panic sometimes."

Jake nodded. "That stops now. Extra vision drills with the assistant coach."

Okafor was the last one called over.

"You made some big saves last match," Jake said. "But you're slow reacting in tight spaces. That needs fixing."

The goalkeeper frowned but didn't argue. "What's the plan?"

Jake gestured toward the training pitch.

"Reaction drills. Every day. We'll work on it until you don't think—you just react."

Okafor grinned. "Let's do it."

With the physical training done, Jake moved on to tactical adjustments.

So far, he had used a 4-2-3-1 system, focusing on pressing and quick transitions. But with a Premier League club coming up, he needed to test alternative setups.

He ran the squad through three different formations:

4-3-3 (High Pressing) – Focused on aggressive ball-winning and fast attacks.

5-3-2 (Defensive Counter) – Designed for compact defending and rapid counterattacks.

4-4-2 (Balanced Approach) – A more traditional system to test squad versatility.

Saidi and Barnes adapted quickly to the 5-3-2, forming a strong defensive pairing.

Carter struggled in the 4-3-3, finding it hard to get involved higher up the pitch.

Novak thrived in the 4-4-2, getting more space on the wing.

Jake took notes.

After two hours, the session ended.

As the players collapsed onto the grass, exhausted, Jake finally let out a breath.

They weren't perfect.

But they were improving.

Final Thoughts & Preparing for the Premier League Test

Jake stood on the sidelines, arms crossed, watching his squad as they cooled down.

Paul walked up beside him.

"Some of them look like they've been through hell," Paul said.

Jake smirked. "That's the point."

Paul nodded, watching as the players joked with each other, despite their exhaustion. The squad was starting to bond.

"Premier League team up next," Paul reminded him. "It's gonna be tough."

Jake exhaled.

"It's exactly the test we need."

His eyes flickered to the system's final report.

[Squad Readiness: 65%]

[Still Room for Improvement Before Season Begins]

Jake closed the screen.

Two preseason matches left.

The team wasn't ready yet.

But they would be.m