Then Kay checked the two main quests:
- - -
Main Quest 1: Be the coach for a team in one of the top five leagues.
Deadline: Five years.
Reward: The reward is not known yet (depends on the host's performance).
Main Quest 2: Win one of the top five leagues.
Deadline: Eight years.
Reward: The reward is not known yet (depends on the host's performance).
- - -
When Kay read those quests, he was shocked.
To him, it seemed almost impossible to reach the level of the top five leagues in only five years, and even more daunting to win one of them in eight years.
So he recognized that the system truly had the ability to help him become the best manager ever.
Kay then remembered the case of Pep Guardiola. Just a few years into his managerial career, Guardiola had already won everything there was to win.
He started with Barcelona B, then swiftly moved up to manage the first team, leading them to unprecedented success with his innovative tactics and relentless pursuit of excellence.
However, Kay realized that Guardiola's situation was different from his own.
Guardiola had been a star player for Barcelona, already beloved and respected by fans and players alike.
His transition to management was natural, and his genius was already well-known.
Kay, on the other hand, was just starting, relatively unknown, and with a young age that might be seen as a disadvantage.
Kay understood that he would have to take a different path.
He would need to start with a smaller team, prove himself through hard work, and innovative coaching strategies, and gradually climb the ranks to bigger teams.
It wouldn't be easy, but he was ready for the challenge.
The system's quests were not just challenges but stepping stones towards glory.
They arrived home, and Kay headed to his room, falling asleep after an exhausting day.
Happily, tomorrow was the weekend, so Kay wouldn't have to go to school.
He spent the weekend relaxing with his family, enjoying the much-needed break.
On Monday, Kay went to school without any stick for the first time, walking normally like everyone else.
When the class began, Mr. Hamilton, the instructor, addressed them.
"Good morning, everyone. Today marks the start of the second month of our program, and it's time for the practical part of your training. This month, each of you will be assigned to a different team in a football academy. These teams will be under 10, providing you with the perfect opportunity to apply the basics we've covered and begin developing your coaching skills."
This would be Kay's first real taste of coaching, and he was eager to see how he would handle working with young players.
Mr. Hamilton continued, "Your assignments will be posted on the bulletin board in the hallway. You'll each have your own group to coach, so take this opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, these young players are looking up to you, and it's your job to guide them and help them develop their skills."
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After the class, Kay joined his classmates in the hallway, eager to see his assignment.
He found his name next to a team at a local academy, the "Junior Eagles."
The team consisted of enthusiastic nine-year-olds who were just starting to grasp the fundamentals of the game.
Mr. Hamilton added, "There's more. At the end of this month, your results will be evaluated by none other than Mr. Guardiola himself. It was his suggestion; he seems particularly interested in seeing how you all perform."
A murmur of excitement ran through the room. Knowing that such a renowned manager would be assessing their progress added an extra layer of motivation and pressure.
After class, all the student managers headed to the academy to check out their assigned places and complete the necessary paperwork with the academy's administration.
The coaching school's administration assisted them, ensuring everything went smoothly.
Kay felt anticipation as he toured the facilities of the Junior Eagles.
Once all the formalities were done, Kay headed home, his mind racing with thoughts about his first day as a manager.
He knew this was just the beginning, and he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Kay spent the entire night researching how to coach kids under 10 years old.
He discovered that the key principle was to avoid pressuring them to perfectly follow commands and to allow space for them to enjoy the game.
It was about fostering a love for football while subtly teaching them the fundamentals.
The next day, Kay arrived at the academy early to prepare.
He set up cones, marked out small goals, and organized various training equipment on the pitch.
He wanted the kids to arrive and find everything ready, creating an inviting and professional environment.
After about half an hour, the kids arrived, chatting excitedly among themselves.
Their regular instructor led them to the pitch and introduced Kay as their new manager for the next month.
"Good morning, everyone," Kay greeted them with a warm smile. "I'm manager Kay, and I'll be working with you this month. Let's have some fun and learn a lot together!"
Kay gathered the kids on the pitch, a dozen eager faces looking up at him.
He started with a simple warm-up, leading them through stretches and light jogging.
As they moved, he chatted with them, wanting to know more about his new team.
"Alright, let's get started! Can everyone tell me their names and their favorite position to play?"
One by one, the kids introduced themselves.
There was Lucas, who loved playing striker, and Michael, who preferred the midfield. Aiden liked to play as a defender, while Ethan was keen on being a goalkeeper.
Kay made a mental note of their preferences, wanting to tailor the training to their strengths and interests.
"Okay, Lucas, Michael, Aiden, Ethan, and everyone else, it's great to know your favorite positions. Now, let's start with some passing drills," Kay said, setting up a line of cones.
He demonstrated the drill, showing them how to pass the ball accurately between the cones. "Remember, keep your eye on the ball, and don't rush. It's about precision, not speed."
The kids eagerly took their positions, and Kay watched as they started the drill.
He moved among them, offering tips and encouragement. "Great job, Lucas! Nice pass, Michael! Keep it up, Aiden, you're doing well!"
Next, he moved them to shooting drills.
He set up small goals and had the kids take turns shooting. "Imagine you're your favorite player," Kay suggested. "Who's your favorite player, Lucas?"
"Erling Haaland!" Lucas shouted as he took a shot, missing the goal by a few inches.
"Close one, Lucas! Keep practicing, and you'll be scoring goals like Haaland in no time," Kay encouraged, giving Lucas a thumbs-up.
They then moved on to dribbling drills, weaving through cones with the ball. "Remember, keep the ball close to your feet," Kay instructed. "How about you, Michael? Who's your favorite player?"
"Jude Bellingham!" Michael said, concentrating on keeping the ball under control.
"That's awesome, Michael! Just like Bellingham, keep your head up and look for your next move."
Kay then guided them through defending drills, teaching them how to cover and intercept the ball. "Aiden, you said you like to defend, right? Imagine you're blocking a shot like your favorite player. Who's that?"
"Virgil van Dijk!" Aidan exclaimed, stepping in front of an imaginary opponent.
"Perfect, Aiden! Channel your inner van Dijk and stay strong."
Lastly, they practiced covering, with Ethan stepping up as the goalkeeper. "Alright, Ethan, you're the last line of defense. Who's your favorite goalkeeper?"
"Gianluigi Donnarumma!" Ethan replied, getting into position.
"Great choice, Ethan! Stay focused and be ready for anything."
Throughout the session, Kay maintained a balance between instruction and fun, making sure the kids were learning while also enjoying themselves.
By the end of the training, the kids were tired but happy, their faces flushed with excitement.
"Great job today, everyone!" Kay called out, gathering them in a huddle.
"You all worked hard and showed great spirit. We'll keep building on what we learned today. Remember, it's not just about playing well, but also about having fun. See you all at the next practice!"
Kay finished the first day on a high note, leaving the kids chatting excitedly among themselves. "Great job today, everyone! Don't be late tomorrow, we've got another session," he called out before heading home.
As Kay left, the regular instructor, Mr. Ramirez, approached the group.
He had been observing the session from a distance and was skeptical.
In his eyes, Kay was just a young, inexperienced manager with no significant playing career to back him up.
At only 20 years old, Kay seemed too green for such a responsibility.
Mr. Ramirez called the kids over. "So, how was your session with manager Kay today?" he asked, expecting a lukewarm response.
The kids responded, "..."
See you in the next chapter ...