From Arsenal, Forge the Path to Football God

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Over the next few days, Maël's physical fatigue gradually diminished, and he slowly increased the intensity of his Strength Training.

His Proficiency Progress was about to reach Level 3, and he couldn't wait.

The sooner he built up his strength, the sooner he could join Speed and Coordination Training to address his weaknesses.

He looked forward to having more ways to deal with his opponents and to the future version of himself who would truly be all-around.

August 21st, with only two days left before the Championship Third Round match against Middlesbrough.

At noon, in the gym.

Maël lay on the ground, his body trembling slightly, the tremors spreading to muscle spasms, then numbness all over, and finally, the gradual disappearance of all sensation.

He knew this was the feeling of breaking through to Level 3 in strength! 

[Skill: Strong Level 3]

[Proficiency Progress: (1/2000)]

[Effect: After reducing body fat, you start to focus on increasing your absolute strength. You gradually develop a robust physique, becoming strong and powerful, with significantly enhanced combat capabilities!]

This was a brand new sensation, not just a physical improvement but also a psychological one!

A powerful and fierce sense of strength surged in his heart, giving him an unprecedented confidence and relaxation.

"Phew"

Maël exhaled deeply, as if expelling all the hard work of recent times, leaving only the current sense of relief and comfort.

This was a mental pleasure, with dopamine and endorphins surging, making him feel like he was having a brain orgasm.

He couldn't stay still, got up, and went to the punching bag, delivering a few heavy punches that made the bag thud loudly. He then used his shoulder to collide with the bouncing bag.

It might seem a bit crazy, but it was understandable.

When he got home, he wanted to take advantage of his current mood to give Gilbert a rare, sincere encouragement, but he noticed that Gilbert's face didn't look good.

"I thought I had a chance to start this week."

Gilbert seemed to have just learned about the lineup for the week, looking disappointed: "But I didn't expect to still be a substitute."

Maël was about to offer some words of comfort when Gilbert waved him off.

His face darkened even more, his expression wavering: "What I find most unbelievable is that you didn't secure a starting position and ended up as a substitute instead."

Maël's heart skipped a beat, falling into intense confusion.

Perhaps due to his strength breakthrough, he didn't feel down, but a strange sense of unease rose in his heart.

"Buzz, buzz, buzz" the phone rang, someone was calling Maël.

He picked it up and, seeing it was Johansson, answered somewhat woodenly, hoping the call was about this issue.

"Maël, I don't know if you've seen the match roster that was just released."

Johansson's voice was apologetic from the start, his speech disjointed, often sighing: "I'm sorry, I know this might disappoint you, but I want to make it clear that it's absolutely not your fault.

"Conflicts between management and coaching staff have led to this result, making you feel like you're on a rollercoaster."

"It's okay."

Maël hesitated for a moment before deciding to ask directly: "Can you tell me what happened in more detail?"

The voice on the other end fell silent, then after a while, gathered the courage to speak: "You might have noticed that recent training has included drills for the 4-4-2 formation. This is Mr. Gary Speed preparing for his new role.

"Kevin putting you in the starting lineup and giving Gilbert a chance as a substitute was also at Mr. Gary Speed's request.

"The cost was that he had to act as an intermediary between Kevin and the board of directors to expedite the payment of the termination fee to fire Kevin.

"But after nearly two weeks, Kevin hasn't heard from the board, so he's getting anxious."

Maël's heart stirred, already guessing the general situation.

Gilbert, standing beside him, angrily threw his drink, his eyes blazing.

The voice on the phone, filled with anger, continued: "This bastard expresses his anxiety by making you two look like pawns, putting pressure on the board and Gary Speed!

"This coward, why can't he fight for what he wants himself! If he really cares about his reputation, why doesn't he resign voluntarily?

"Everyone can see that giving you and Gilbert more playing time would be extremely beneficial for the team, both now and in the second half of the season!"

Johansson finally calmed down, apologized on behalf of the club, and then hung up.

"What do we do now?" Gilbert's face darkened even more, asking.

"Pray that Kevin gets fired soon."

Maël looked at him and added: "And hope he still has some professional ethics and gives us a chance to come on as substitutes tomorrow."

The next afternoon, at Middlesbrough's home ground, Riverside Stadium.

"OhWoOh!!"

Over 30,000 home fans in red jerseys roared, their cheers continuous, constantly putting pressure on the away team.

On the substitute bench, Maël, wearing a substitute jersey, sat idly with Gilbert.

He could feel the tension in the entire team, a string ready to snap at any moment.

Their absence from the field made everyone realize that the conflict was far from resolved, and the signs of revival were just an illusion; someone had to leave!

Negativity crept back into everyone.

Sheffield United's players played ugly football, dominated by Middlesbrough throughout the match, the situation precarious.

Maël hoped for a chance to play, hoping until halftime, and then gave up hope after the 70th minute of the second half.

"Bang!"

In the 87th minute, Middlesbrough, who had been struggling with their shooting, finally scored through a set-piece header, breaking Sheffield United's goal.

"Yeah!!" The home fans cheered excitedly, the goal scorer pounding his chest and running to the sidelines to celebrate wildly, the entire stadium erupting in joy.

Only the Sheffield United players looked numb, as if they had lost all sensation.

"Beep! Beep! Beep—!"

Soon, the match ended, Sheffield United losing the third round of the new season 0-1.

They all walked to the dressing room in a daze, falling back into a silent state, the previous match seeming like a last gasp before death.

On the way back, Maël noticed someone whispering something in Kevin's ear, then leading him down another path to somewhere else.

He didn't pay much attention, assuming it was just a post-match interview.

Until, not long after returning to the dressing room, Mr. Gary Speed, dressed in a black suit and a new red tie, walked in energetically.

"Kids."

He forced a smile through his fatigue, as usual, but this time with a sense of relief: "Kevin has been fired! The new coach will be me."

All the players looked up sharply, the dressing room falling silent for a moment.

"Ooh!" After a brief reaction, they burst into loud cheers, as if scoring a goal on the field.

Many had been waiting for this day for a long time!

Maël turned to Gilbert with a smile, joining in the atmosphere, and they high-fived in celebration.

"The rest of the changes, we'll discuss when we get back."

Gary Speed tapped the table, signaling for everyone to quiet down and pay attention, "In the next home match, we'll return to Bramall Lane Stadium.

"At that time, I will give back everything he took from you! I hope everyone can seize the opportunity, win the match, and give my coaching career a good start!"

"Great!" The dressing room erupted in cheers again, many standing up and pumping their fists.

From this point, Gary Speed had already outshone Kevin, even though he was just a young coach.

"He must include us two!"

Gilbert, sitting next to Maël, leaned in excitedly: "I mean, he'll give you a starting position and me a chance to play!"

"Definitely."

Maël looked at the young, spirited coach, suddenly feeling a sense of anticipation. This season, they might be able to achieve something together.

"How are you going to celebrate?" Gilbert joked with a smile.

"Let me think."

Maël thought for a moment, remembering that the team would return to their home ground, and he might get his first appearance at Bramall Lane Stadium, "Then let's smash Bramall Lane with a Power Shot!"