Chapter 1 - 'Regret'
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'Hey lads that was great the other day, it really was, I just hope you can keep thi kind of play going throughout the season. If we keep playing like that, then theres no reason why we can't be European Champions and Serie A title holders. You can go lads.' I said.
The lads left one by one, they knew they had played great. But was this arrogance? I hoped not.
I'd given the lads the day of so that I could go and observe the under 18's game. I had a few players that I wanted to keep an eye on as they had been recomended to my by the youth coaches. I pulled up at the training pitch on which the younger lads were playing today against Palermo under 18's. I knocked the car into neutral and lifted the handbrake. I got out of my new Audi, a present from the chairman and grabed my sunglasses before shutting and locking the door. It was a short walk to the pitch, but I was greeted by Mauro, my assistant.
'Paolo, I didn't think you would have came today..'
'Ahh Mauro, I told you I would be here'
I put my hand on his shoulder and smiled at Mauro, he returned the smile and we headed towards the pitch.
'Paolo, what do you think of Matias' progress so far?'
'I like him, I like him a lot truth be told Mauro, why, is there a problem?
'Well, yes there is. Matias signed a new contract yesterday with Corinthians. Is he really that comittied to AC?'
'I'll have a chat, see where the lads head is at, but right now, lets jut watch the younger lads eh?'
We watched the full 90 minutes, as we witnesed a 1-1 draw. Our boys had the majority of possesion, 65% to be exact. But I didn't see as much as I thought I would. I didn't feel there was a lot of passion. I visited the dressing room after the game.
Gasps of disbelief were heard as myself and Mauro stepped in.
'Hello guys, well played out there today, how are you feeling?'
'OK' was the general response.
'Wrong answer, you should be telling me that you are knackered, guffed, tired! Lads, if your hoping to earn professional contracts, c'mon! Lets see a little bit more!'
I walked out, Mauro quickly followed and pulled me aside.
'That was a little harsh Paolo, they're only learning'
'Mauro, trust me, I little harshness doesn't hurt anyone, infact, it will help them'
'I hope you know what your talking about.
- - -
12th September 2009 - Match Day
*Bzzzz, Bzzzz, Bzzzz, Bzzzz*
It was the alarm.
*Bzzzz, Bzzzz, Bzzzz, Bzzzz*
I wake up and turn this off. Slowly I sit up in bed of the hotel we were staying in. I met this a regular thing, home or away, as I felt that this would help with team bonding. It was 6.30 AM, breakfast was at 7.30 AM. I grabbed a towel and jumped into the shower. I then got dried, stuck on the AC Milan Suit I had been instructed to wear today. I grabbed my wallet and sunglasses before I left.
I headed to get the morning newspaper, see what the paper talk was on our game today at the San Siro against Genoa. I was shocked to ee the headline ;
'Ancellotti: Abbiamo firmato Pirlo'
They've signed Pirlo?! They've signed him! I got out my phone and scrolled to Silvio.
'Hello Paolo?'
'Have you seen the headline Silvio?!'
'Yes, Yes I have. Don't worry Paolo everything is under control. I have had contact from Chelsea regarding Andrea.'
'Did you not think of telling me?'
'It's barely anything Paolo, you're over-reacting.'
'I swear to god Silvio, if you sell Andrea without my authority.'
'Good-bye Paolo, good luck today.'
*Silvio hangs up*
**** him! I have to keep Pirlo he is the clog in the team. I had to ignore this though, we had to go and beat Genoa.
The bus ride was tense though. I couldn't keep my mind of the conversation with Silvio and I still had no idea to what his plans were. I could only hear muffled laughter from my team. I looked round and Pato and Dentinho had began to samba, spurred on by the rest of the team. I myself smiled and began to spur them on also. This was the kind of atmosphere we had developed.
As we sat in the dressing room though, they were quiet. Sporting the new Fly Emirates home shirt, the lads seemed in the zone.
'Guys. You know what you have to do. This will be tough, we know that. Genoa are a hard team. Thiago, Felipe, you guys need to be aware today. They've went for 3 up top. Make sure you keep Luca Toni off the ball. They'll use him a lot, and if you cut him out the game then I feel we can stop their flow. Andrea, ignore the talk in the papers. Keep it out of your mind. Pato, Robinho, there's no pressure on you guys today just relax and enjoy.'
Molla Milano!
I grabbed a hold of Ronaldinho before he left the changing room.
'Play as you want tonight. Your totally free to express.'
'Are you sure?'
'Positive, now get out there!'
I followed him out and up the tunnel. The roar of the Rossoneri became louder and louder. I stepped out and there was an up-roar from the fans. I waved and collected my sunglasses from my pocket and put them on.
We looked good and kicked off the game as I took my seat next to Mauro.
'Did you see the paper Paolo?'
'Paper talk Mauro, Paper talk.'
13 minutes in Pirlo picks a loose ball up. He plays a simple pass to Pato. Robinho is now in acres of space, nobody around.
'Give it too Robinho!'
Pato takes on one man and beats him, still unaware of Robinho's position.
'Pato, give it too Robinho!'
Pato still ignores this and takes on another man and beats him. Finally he looks up and sees Robinho. He plays to Robinho on the 18 yard box.
With one man in his way, Robinho beats him and drives the ball in low with his left foot. It beats the keeper and we take a 1-0 lead.
'Get in!' I begin to fist pump on the bench.
It stayed this way until the 72rd minute. Pirlo exchanges passes with Gattuso and then plays it to Santa Cruz on the edge of the box. As Santa Cruz spins on the box Taddei makes a run off the ball. Santa Cruz sees this and finds Taddei.
Taddei rattles the ball and it strikes the post as it goes in for 2-0. This i how it finished.
'Excellant lads! We needed a performance and you produced one! Keep this up when we fly to Istanbul on Monday! Just relax tomorrow and don't do anything stupid ok?'
I left later than the team and headed to the office were I was met by Silvio. As we approuched my office I noticed somebody already inside it. As we entered, I reliased who it was.
Bruce Buck. Chelsea's chairman.
'Get out now!'
'Paolo calm down, he just wants to talk.'
'Paolo its great to finally meet you. I've came to ask your permission.'
*I slammed the table.*
'Andrea is not for sale, end of.'
'Paolo, let's not be hasty, lets talk about..'
*I walked out of my office*
'Paolo dont you dare walk out of here!'
I heard Silvio's voice, but I kept walking. This could be something I would regret, but right now, I was furious.
