The Coaching System-Chapter 67: Pre-Match Preparation, System Prediction & Press Conference
4 DAYS LATER – Bradford vs. MK Dons (Home)
The energy around Valley Parade felt different.
There was no tension, no uncertainty—only determination.
Bradford had done their job in the first leg, securing a 1-1 draw away from home. Now, in front of their own fans, they had the chance to finish the job in style.
Jake Wilson stood in his office, arms crossed, staring at the match analysis on his laptop screen. The system had already delivered its final predictions, confirming what he had already expected.
[Ding! System Analysis]
"Opponent: MK Dons – Forced to play aggressively. Will leave spaces behind."
Match Prediction:
75% chance of victory
15% chance of a draw
10% chance of defeat
Jake exhaled, eyes flicking over the key tactical notes.
Key Tactical Notes:
MK Dons will push forward early, desperate for a goal.
Their defense is weak under pressure—early goals will break them mentally.
If Bradford controls midfield, the game will be over quickly.
Everything was lining up perfectly. MK Dons had no choice but to come out attacking, which meant they'd leave gaps behind. And Jake had every intention of exploiting those gaps.
Jake stood in his office, staring at the tactical board one last time. There was no need to hold back now.
They had done the hard part—a solid away performance in the first leg had put them in a commanding position. Now, back at Valley Parade, this was their chance to put MK Dons away for good.
He was still looking at the system "Opponent: MK Dons – High defensive line, struggles under high pressure."
Jake smirked. Perfect.
The best way to kill this tie early was to go fully aggressive from the first whistle.
The plan was simple but ruthless. Bradford would suffocate MK Dons with relentless pressure, force them into mistakes, and punish them with quick, direct attacks.
Tactical Principles:
✅ High pressing – Force MK Dons into rushed passes, disrupt their buildup.
✅ Midfield dominance – Carter, Lowe, and Ortega to control possession and dictate tempo.
✅ Wide overloads – Silva and Collins staying high and wide to stretch the defense.
✅ Target-man striker – Thompson to hold up play and exploit MK Dons' shaky center-backs.
Planned Rotations:
Jake had carefully selected his lineup, ensuring they had fresh legs where it mattered most.
🔄 Midfield Change:
Daniel Lowe starts, replacing Charlie Benson.
Benson had been solid but lacked the physicality needed for this battle. Lowe's tough tackling and stamina made him the better choice.
🔄 Attacking Reinforcements:
Ortega returns as the creative playmaker. His vision and passing would be crucial in breaking MK Dons down.
Silva and Collins both start, tasked with attacking MK Dons' vulnerable full-backs.
Thompson leads the line, targeting their center-backs, holding up play, and finishing chances.
🔄 Defensive Stability:
Okafor remains in goal, prepared for any long-range attempts or set-piece threats.
Min-jae and Barnes continue their strong center-back pairing.
Jake crossed his arms, nodding slightly as he looked at the board.
Everything was in place.
He grabbed a marker and made three final notes on the whiteboard:
1️⃣ "Score Early" – MK Dons would be fragile after conceding. If Bradford could get an early goal, their opponents might collapse.
2️⃣ "Win the Midfield Battle" – Carter, Lowe, and Ortega had to control possession. If MK Dons couldn't get into a rhythm, they'd struggle to create chances.
3️⃣ "Exploit the Wide Spaces" – MK Dons' full-backs pushed too high. Silva and Collins needed to stay wide, drag defenders out, and attack the gaps left behind.
Jake stared at the board one last time.
📌 [Ding! System Notification]
"Tactical Plan Optimized. Execution Required."
He smirked. That part is on us.
With a deep breath, he closed his laptop, capped the marker, and turned toward the door.
Everything was set.
Press Conference Begins
The press room at Valley Parade was buzzing with energy. Journalists had packed in tightly, some standing at the back with notepads in hand, others adjusting cameras, ready to capture every word Jake Wilson had to say.
The stakes couldn't be higher—Bradford City was one game away from the Playoff Final, and everyone wanted to know if Jake and his squad could handle the pressure.
Jake adjusted his seat, keeping his expression calm, composed. He wasn't about to give the media any signs of doubt.
The first question came immediately.
🗣 "Do you think home advantage affects a game?"
Jake smirked slightly, leaning back in his chair.
"Absolutely. Valley Parade is a fortress. Our fans push us forward, and the players feel that energy. It's a huge factor."
His voice carried an undeniable confidence, and he wasn't exaggerating.
The atmosphere at Valley Parade was different. It wasn't just loud—it was suffocating for the opposition.
When Bradford played at home, the crowd didn't just watch. They became a part of the game.
Opposing players could feel the pressure with every touch of the ball.
Goalkeepers hesitated, defenders panicked, midfielders misplaced passes.
MK Dons would soon understand that this wasn't just a stadium. It was a battlefield.
🗣 "Do you think you will win today?"
Jake didn't hesitate. He leaned forward slightly, making direct eye contact with the reporter.
"We've prepared well. We know what we need to do. If we execute our game plan, we will win."
His tone was matter-of-fact. No empty hype, no false modesty.
Bradford wasn't here to survive.
They were here to dominate.
The confidence in his words made the reporters exchange glances. There was no doubt in his mind—he fully believed in his squad.
🗣 "MK Dons need a big performance. Are you expecting them to change their approach?"
Jake nodded, taking a brief moment before responding.
"They have no choice but to attack. That's what makes this game interesting. Let's see how well they handle the pressure."
A subtle jab.
The reality was, MK Dons were the ones who had to adapt. Not Bradford.
They had to take risks, expose themselves defensively, and play out of their comfort zone.
Bradford? They just had to do what they'd been doing all season—play their game and punish mistakes.
🗣 "Your team scored an away goal in the first leg. Do you think that puts you in control?"
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Jake tilted his head slightly, considering the question.
"We earned the away goal, but control isn't given—it's taken. We need to take control from the first whistle and not let them breathe."
It was the truth. If Bradford sat back, MK Dons could grow into the game.
But if they pressed early, forced mistakes, and struck first, the tie would be over before halftime.
🗣 "If you reach the Playoff Final, what would it mean for Bradford City?"
Jake didn't smile, didn't celebrate early.
His answer was measured, focused.
"We're not thinking about the final yet. One step at a time. The job isn't done."
There was no room for distractions.
MK Dons were the only thing that mattered right now.
A final round of camera flashes. The murmuring of journalists scribbling down notes.
Jake pushed his chair back and stood up, adjusting his blazer.
He nodded once at the reporters, then turned and walked out.
No extra words. No unnecessary statements.
The talking was done.
Now, it was time to finish the job.
The Locker Room-
The Bradford players sat in complete silence, their eyes locked onto Jake as he stood at the center of the locker room.
This was it.
One more win.
One more step to League One.
Jake scanned the room, his voice low, steady.
"We worked too hard to let this slip now."
Silva nodded. Carter clenched his fists. Thompson tapped his boots against the floor.
Jake's eyes burned with intensity.
"We take the game to them. We play on our terms. We press them, we punish them, and we put this tie to bed."
He took a step closer.
"This is our moment."
Silence.
Then—Collins stood up first.
"Let's f*cking go, then."
The locker room exploded with energy.
Jake turned toward the door, leading his players out.
Kickoff was minutes away.
Valley Parade was waiting.
