The Coaching System-Chapter 52: Training, Tactics & FA Cup Madness

Bradford Training Ground

The morning sun barely crept over the horizon as Jake arrived at the training ground, coffee in hand, eyes locked on his clipboard. The Carabao Cup quarter-final against Chelsea was just days away, and every second of preparation counted.

Bradford had never faced a team of Chelsea's caliber before. It wasn't just about tactics—it was about mentality. If they stepped onto that pitch starstruck, it would be over before it even started.

Jake walked onto the field where his squad was already warming up. The energy was intense. Every player knew what was at stake.

"Alright, listen up!" Jake clapped his hands to gather their attention. "We have two choices. We can either show up, enjoy the moment, take some pictures—then get embarrassed. Or… we can go to war."

The players exchanged looks, determination settling in.

"Make no mistake," Jake continued. "Chelsea expects to roll over us. They think we're some League Two side lucky to be here. They think we'll freeze under the lights of Stamford Bridge."

He paused, his voice dropping into something more dangerous. "Let's show them they're wrong."

A murmur of agreement spread through the squad.

Paul stepped forward, arms crossed. "So what's the plan, boss?"

Jake turned to the tactics board. The system had already analyzed Chelsea's weaknesses, and now it was time to drill those insights into the squad.

System Tactical Insights – Chelsea's Key Strengths & Weaknesses

🛠 Chelsea's Strengths:

✅ World-class individual talent – Players who could change the game in an instant.

✅ Fast, aggressive pressing – If Bradford lost the ball, Chelsea would swarm them instantly.

✅ Deadly in transition – One mistake, and Chelsea would punish them on the counter.

🛠 Chelsea's Weaknesses:

❌ High defensive line – Their center-backs left gaps behind them, vulnerable to fast wingers.

❌ Midfield struggles against compact blocks – If Bradford stayed disciplined, Chelsea could get frustrated.

❌ Overcommitting forward – They loved attacking but could be caught out when possession was lost.

Jake folded his arms as he reviewed the data.

This wasn't just about defending deep and surviving—they needed a clear strategy to take advantage of Chelsea's weaknesses.

The biggest threat?

Cole Palmer.

Cole Palmer

Since arriving from Manchester City, Palmer had been on fire for Chelsea in the Premier League.

🔥 Cole Palmer – 2023 Season Stats:

⚽ 9 Goals

🎯 6 Assists

📊 4 Man of the Match Performances

He had adapted instantly to Chelsea's attack, playing as an inside forward drifting into central areas.

Jake studied the system's player analysis:

👤 Player Profile – Cole Palmer

🛠 Strengths:

✅ Exceptional dribbling & ball control – Could glide past defenders effortlessly.

✅ Dangerous long shots – Any space outside the box and he'd fire one.

✅ Vision & passing – Created key chances with his movement and link-up play.

❌ Weaknesses:

❌ Prefers cutting inside from the right – Could be forced onto his weaker foot.

❌ Not physically strong – Could be bullied off the ball if pressured quickly.

Jake turned to his assistant, Paul Roberts.

"We need to shut Palmer down. He's their biggest creative threat."

Paul nodded. "So, what's the plan?"

"We double-team him whenever he's on the ball. Force him wide. No space to shoot."

Jake paused, then smirked.

"And when we get the ball?"

Paul grinned. "We go straight for their backline."

Training Session

Jake divided the training session into three main focuses:

1️⃣ Defensive Shape – Absorbing Pressure & Containing Palmer

Saidi & Barnes were tasked with marking Palmer closely.

Lowe & Ortega practiced cutting off passing lanes to Palmer.

Jake drilled his team on staying compact—Chelsea would press, but Bradford had to stay patient.

2️⃣ Quick Counterattacks – Exploiting Chelsea's High Line

Silva and Castellón practiced making diagonal runs behind the defense.

Carter and Ortega worked on quick forward passes under pressure.

Novak and Thompson took turns finishing one-on-one situations against the keeper.

3️⃣ Set-Piece Drills – Targeting Chelsea's Weakness

Chelsea struggled with defending corners and free kicks.

Fletcher, Saidi, and Novak were trained on winning aerial duels in the box.

Silva practiced delivering pinpoint set-pieces.

Paul whistled as he watched. "We're really going for it, huh?"

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Jake smirked. "If we sit back for 90 minutes, they'll kill us. We have to fight."

FA Cup Third Round Announcement

After training, the squad gathered inside the locker room. The FA Cup draw was about to be announced.

The players huddled around the TV screen as the fixtures rolled in.

And then—

Bradford City vs. Manchester City

Silence.

Then—

"YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!"

Silva shook his head in disbelief. "First Chelsea, now City? What's next, Real Madrid?"

Ortega laughed. "At this rate, we might as well book a Champions League spot."

Even Jake couldn't help but smile. Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. Man City in the FA Cup.

Two of the best teams in England.

Two impossible challenges.

And yet, his squad wasn't afraid.

Carter grinned. "Nobody thinks we'll win these games, right?"

Jake nodded. "Exactly."

Thompson smirked. "So let's prove them wrong."

Press Conference

The next day, Jake walked into a packed press room. The journalists wasted no time.

🗣 "How do you prepare for Chelsea?"

Jake leaned forward. "By making sure we don't just show up to admire them—we show up to beat them."

🗣 "Bradford drew Manchester City in the FA Cup. Do you think that's unfair?"

Jake chuckled. "We wanted big games. We got them. No complaints."

🗣 "How do you handle two massive matches like this back-to-back?"

Jake smirked. "One game at a time. Chelsea first. Then we think about City."

The media was shocked by his confidence. They expected him to say Bradford would just "enjoy the moment."

Instead, Jake made one thing clear—Bradford wasn't here to participate.

They were here to fight.

Final Thought

Later that night, Jake sat in his office, watching Chelsea's match footage one last time.

November Fixtures:

FA Cup Second Round vs. Gillingham – A war. Which they won.

Four League Two Matches – The promotion race continues. Played two already.

December Fixtures:

Carabao Cup Quarter-Final vs. Chelsea – The biggest test yet. The next match.

Six league matches

Then Man-city vs BRADFORD

Two different battles.

One against a brutal, physical team.

One against a world-class, dominant team.

Jake exhaled.

They had one week to get ready.

And when the time came?

Bradford would be ready to shock the world.