The Coaching System-Chapter 71: Pre-Final Preparations Begin

The day after Bradford's stunning victory over MK Dons, the city was still buzzing with excitement. One more match stood between them and League One.

Jake Wilson, however, had already moved on.

There was no time to celebrate. Notts County awaited.

Inside his office, Jake sat alone, staring at the tactical breakdown the system had provided.

Opponent Analysis

Notts County had finished 6th in League Two, just missing out on automatic promotion. They were a team built for tight, cagey matches, thriving under pressure.

The system's latest update confirmed what Jake already suspected:

Notts County's defensive structure was one of the best in the league.

They rarely conceded early goals.

Their midfield controlled games, slowing down the tempo and frustrating opponents.

They had the most goals from set-pieces in the league.

A difficult opponent—but not unbeatable.

they won Gillingham 3-0 on aggregate during their semis.

Jake leaned back, tapping his fingers on the desk.

They would try to kill the tempo, sit deep, and wait for a moment of weakness.

Bradford couldn't allow that to happen.

System Recommended Tactical Setup – 4-2-3-1 Pressing Formation

Jake had spent the last three hours in his office, dissecting every detail the system provided. Notts County were disciplined, structured, and well-drilled. A team that didn't make many mistakes—but that didn't mean they were flawless.

They were strong in set-pieces, dangerous when allowed time on the ball, and composed under pressure. But there were weaknesses, and Jake had no intention of letting them go unpunished.

He reached for his notepad, flipping through the pages filled with tactical breakdowns, opposition scouting reports, and player heat maps. Every note pointed to the same conclusion—this game would be won in two areas: midfield dominance and relentless pressing.

He knew exactly how to approach the match.

Formation: 4-2-3-1 (High Pressing, Fast Transitions)

Bradford couldn't afford to let Notts County slow the tempo or dictate the rhythm of play. They had to disrupt them from the first whistle, force them into rushed decisions, and capitalize on every mistake.

The shape was set. A 4-2-3-1 designed for intensity, movement, and control.

The back four would remain disciplined, ensuring they weren't caught out by Notts County's counters.

The double pivot in midfield would be aggressive, pressing hard to suffocate any build-up play.

The front four had one job—stretch, press, and punish.

Jake ran his fingers along the whiteboard, writing down the three key tactical objectives.

The Plan

1. High-intensity pressing

Notts County's midfielders needed time and space to control games. They wouldn't get it.

Ortega, Carter, and Lowe would push aggressively, cutting off passing lanes.

Silva and Collins would press from wide, forcing Notts County's defenders into rushed clearances.

Thompson would operate as the first line of defense, harassing the opposition center-backs every time they received the ball.

Jake circled the word "tempo" on the board. If Bradford controlled it, Notts County would suffocate.

2. Stretch their defense wide

Notts County's full-backs were solid defensively but lacked the pace to deal with direct, tricky wingers.

Silva and Collins were crucial. Their movement would force the full-backs into one-on-one situations, something Jake wanted.

Bradford would keep width at all times, preventing Notts County from compacting their defensive line.

Crosses and cutbacks would be key. The moment Notts County's shape broke, that's when the real danger would come.

Jake tapped his marker against the whiteboard. Speed would win this battle.

3. Thompson as a false nine

Notts County's center-backs were strong in duels but struggled when dragged out of position.

Thompson wouldn't just stay central—he'd drop deeper, pulling defenders with him.

This movement would open lanes for Silva and Collins to make inside runs, exploiting the space behind.

Ortega would be the key link, threading passes into those channels.

Jake underlined one phrase—"Make their defenders uncomfortable."

If Notts County's backline was forced to leave their comfort zone, Bradford would find the openings they needed.

Key Players for the Final

Jake's eyes moved down to the individual player breakdowns. Every match was a battle, but finals? They were won by individuals stepping up when it mattered most.

Okafor (GK) – Command the box

Notts County thrived on set-pieces, and Okafor would need to be at his best.

His positioning had to be perfect—one misstep, and Notts County would capitalize.

He would have to be aggressive on crosses, punching or catching anything near his six-yard box.

Min-jae & Barnes (CBs) – Own the aerial duels

Notts County's target man up front was a constant threat.

Min-jae had to use his aggression and strength to prevent him from holding up play.

Barnes needed to be smart with positioning, tracking runners and covering gaps.

If they shut down Notts County's number nine, half the battle was already won.

Ortega (CAM) – Control the game

Everything Bradford did would run through Ortega.

His job was to break Notts County's defensive structure with movement and passing.

He had to find pockets of space between the midfield and defense, where he could operate freely.

If Ortega dictated the tempo, Bradford would control the game.

Silva & Collins (Wingers) – Exploit the weak points

Jake had one clear instruction for them—attack relentlessly.

Their pace would force Notts County's defenders into difficult decisions.

The goal was simple—make every one-on-one a nightmare for the opposition.

Jake had no doubt that if Silva and Collins performed, Notts County wouldn't last ninety minutes.

Jake stood up, cracking his neck.

The strategy was clear. The system had provided all the data, but this match wasn't going to be won by analytics.

It would be won by his players executing the plan to perfection.

Now, his job was to make them believe in it.

Locker Room Speech Before Training

Jake stepped into the dressing room, where his squad sat waiting. The energy was different now. This wasn't excitement. This was focus.

His eyes scanned the room, locking onto each player before he spoke.

"One game. Ninety minutes. That's all that's left."

Silence.

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"You all know what this means. You've worked too hard to stop now. You've come too far to let this slip. History remembers winners. Nobody remembers the team that came second."

He looked directly at Ortega, Silva, and Collins.

"You three—win your battles, and we win this game."

Ortega gave a small nod. Collins clenched his fists. Silva simply smirked.

There was no more motivation needed. They all knew what was at stake.

Pre-Final Press Conference

The press room was packed, journalists jostling for the best seats as Jake walked in. The cameras flashed as he took his seat, adjusting his blazer.

The questions started immediately.

"Notts County has more experience in big matches. Do you think that gives them an advantage?"

Jake leaned back slightly, keeping his tone composed.

"Experience doesn't win games. Performance does."

A few murmurs from the reporters. They weren't expecting that answer.

"You've dominated the playoffs so far. Are you confident you'll win the final?"

Jake allowed a small smirk.

"We believe in our ability. But confidence doesn't win you titles—execution does."

The tension in the room shifted. The message was clear—Bradford weren't here just to compete. They were here to win.

"If you lose, will this season be considered a failure?"

Jake leaned forward, his gaze sharp.

"We're not planning to lose."

A silence followed. No more questions came. Jake had said all that needed to be said.

He stood, nodded once, and walked out.

Jake had barely made it back to his office when his phone buzzed.

A message from Carter's agent.

He frowned, reading it twice.

"AS Monaco have submitted a formal offer for Ryan Carter. Contract details attached. Let us know how you'd like to proceed."

Jake exhaled, setting the phone down.

Carter had been one of Bradford's best players all season. A move to Monaco? It was huge. Ligue 1. European football.

But the timing…

This was the worst possible moment.

Carter was still in the training facility when Jake called him into his office.

As the midfielder stepped in, Jake didn't waste time.

"You need to make a choice."

Carter's expression was unreadable.

"Are you thinking about that contract, or are you thinking about winning this final?"

A long pause.

Carter's jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists.

"I want to win this final."** His voice was steady, but Jake could tell his mind was conflicted.**

Jake studied him for a moment, then made his decision.

"You're benched."

Carter's head snapped up. "What?!"

Jake's expression didn't change. "I need players who are fully locked in. Your head isn't in the right place."

Silence.

Carter's face flashed with anger, but then… it faded. He nodded.

"I understand."

Jake stood. "You're still part of this squad, Carter. But I need to do what's best for the team."

Carter turned, walking out without another word.

Jake exhaled, running a hand through his hair. This wasn't easy.

But it was the right call.

The final was days away. There was no room for distractions.

Final Thought – All Focus on the Final

Bradford was one match away from promotion.

Notts County was strong, but they weren't unbeatable.

Jake adjusted his tie, staring at the tactics board in his office.

Everything was set. The strategy. The players. The mentality.

Now, there was only one thing left to do.

Win.