Dream Training : The Champions

Kazuki opened his eyes slowly. The white ceiling was the first thing he saw. He took a deep breath and slowly raised his upper body. He positioned himself to sit on the bed.

The bedroom door was opened. The figure of a woman with long hair wearing an apron appeared from the door. The woman gave Kazuki a morning smile and said, "You're awake, honey?"

Kazuki ignored Shiraishi's question. Instead, he replied to Shiraishi's question with another question, "What time is it? I have to go practice."

"Didn't you say that today's practice is a day off?"

Kazuki scratched his head and remember that coach George had given him a day's vacation. He then nodded and said, "You're right, today is my day off."

"Good then, let's have breakfast first," said Shiraishi.

Kazuki got up from the bed and followed Shiraishi into the dining room. The two of them ate the food Shiraishi had prepared for breakfast.

Shiraishi's current occupation was following his father Furochi to learn how to be a good agent. She was really serious in her words to become Kazuki's agent. Shiraishi's spirit was welcomed by Kazuki. The young man gave full support to his lover.

Furochi himself seemed to agree with his daughter's relationship with Kazuki. Perhaps from the start, this was Furochi's purpose of introducing his daughter as Kazuki's personal assistant.

The vacation time given by George Kazuki was filled with his time with Shiraishi. They watch movies, visit the mall, play in the park, and so on.

Southampton will be playing their 17th game in the English Premier League. Their opponent in this match was Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa was still the coach of Leeds. However, unlike last season, Bielsa this season seems unable to maintain the appearance of Leeds last season. Leeds was now perched in 16th position and was only a few points away from the relegation zone.

The line-up for Leeds in the match against Southampton was as follows. Illan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Firpo, Liam Cooper, Reynolds; Rodrigo, Calvin Phillips, Fernando; Raphinha, Patrick Bamford, Horizon.

Meanwhile Southampton fielded the formation as follows. Dean Smith; Vicente, Okhalo, Hilton, Benson; Simone, Orlando; Rustan, Bennett, Ryan; Kazuki.

Both teams fielded their mainstay players in the first half of this season. Southampton played Vicente who had recovered from his injury. Meanwhile Leed played Fernando, their new player whose form did not live up to Marcelo Bielsa's expectations. Fernando's performance throughout the premier league was very average he doesn't have any striking data but also not too bad.

At the meeting last season, Southampton struggled in dealing with Leed United's tactics. But this season, George had managed Southampton well, so Southampton will not lose tactically against Leed United. The pressure from Rodrigo and Fernando early in the half was easily eliminated by the presence of two defensive midfielders. On the other hand, Calvin Phillips also couldn't do much because Bennet kept his movement in front.

Bennett often lost in duels against other players but luckily this time he didn't lose. He really took good care of Calvin. In the 9th minute, Southampton launched an attack. Orlando broke past Fernando and gave Bennet a pass. Bennett received the ball, but Calvin tried to distract him. In confronting Calvin, Bennett used deception. He quickly passed Calvin and headed in front of goalpost.

Bennet then provided a flat pass to the right side of the Leeds defense. Rustan left Reynolds behind with his speed he then dribbled the ball into the penalty box. Soon, Rustan passed the ball to Kazuki. Kazuki tried to shoot, but his position was shifted by Liam Cooper, so Kazuki failed to aim the goalpost with his shot.

In the 16th minute, Simone provided pass to the left side. Ryan tried to get the ball, but he lost the duel against Luke Ayling. Luke used his header to pass the ball to Calvin. Kalvin was heavily guarded by Bennet, so he could only give the ball back to Firpo. Firpo then immediately kicked the ball forward before Kazuki reached him.

The ball bounces high forward. Then, Rodrigo tried to get the ball. He dueled Simone. Rodrigo won, he sent the ball to Raphinha. Raphinha picked up the pass, but Benson immediately brought him down with a clean tackle.

Leeds failed to use their chances well. Southampton back in control of the ball. In the 21st minute, Horrison, who was about to receive the ball, was cut off by Vicente. Vicente who cut the Leeds pass immediately gave the ball to Orlando. Orlando spun while securing the ball from the theft . He then gave the pass to Bennett.

Bennett received the ball and pushed it diagonally to the side. He then gave the ball to Ryan. Ryan held the ball for a few seconds, then Benson ran towards the left side of the penalty box. Ryan gave Benson a through ball.

Benson hit speed with Luke Ayling, after that, he pushed the ball back at Ryan. Ryan received the ball, his position was free so he put the ball into the penalty box. Then Ryan gave the ball to the right side of the penalty box. Rustan stabbed in from the right, he then bounced Ryan's pass into the middle.

Kazuki greeted the pass with a first-time kick. The ball slid into the net that was guarded by Illan Meslier. Illan jumped up and slapped the ball with both hands. The ball bounced back. Kazuki was about to grab the rebound ball, but Liam Cooper threw the ball away first so Kazuki didn't have time to steal it.

In the 29th minute, Southampton launched another attack. This time Dean Smith managed to catch Patrick Bamford's kick. He then throws the ball forward. Okhalo accepted the ball. He gave a pass to Hilton when Bamford stepped up to press him. Hilton dribbled the ball forward. Moments later, he gave the ball to Vicente.

Vicente went up and took the ball. He avoided the aggressive pursuit of Leed United's left winger, Jack Horrison. Fortunately, Vicente managed to avoid him. The ball gone to Simone. Simone broke free from Rodrigo and sent the ball to Bennet. The young player on loan from Manchester United passed through Calvin with ease. After that he launched a powerful shot from outside the penalty box.

The ball hit the outside post before bouncing off the field. The match resumed. In the 38th minute, Leeds got the moment to counterattack. Luke Ayling stole the ball by cutting Bennet's pass on Ryan. He then provided a pass for Kalvin who escaped from Bennet's guard then Kalvin sent a long ball forward.

Fortunately there was Okhalo who won the aerial duel against Bamford.. Okhall then threw the ball off the field.