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Chapter 21 - Chapter 21 – Nine-Game Winning Streak in the League!

After the match, the players returned to the locker room to rest while the team bus waited outside the stadium, ready to take them back to the training base.

It was the first league victory of the new season. No matter what, the squad would enjoy a modest team celebration back at the facilities.

Meanwhile, Juninho D'Alessandro returned to his home.

For him, the match had been far too easy. With his tactical setup and the quality of his players, victory had never been in doubt. There was hardly any need to make adjustments during the game—his advanced strategies were already miles ahead of the competition.

Of course, the strength of the players played a major role.

At this point, the value of Morecambe's squad was nearly equivalent to a third of the entire English lower league teams combined!

Juninho leaned back on his couch, flipping through the calendar and muttering to himself:

"Let's see what the League Cup and FA Cup draw brings us…"

For a club in the lower divisions, both competitions represented massive opportunities. As long as they could reach the third round of either, there was a real chance of drawing a Premier League opponent—top-level players, top-level managers.

That would be the true test—for both his tactics and for this revamped Morecambe side.

The League Cup would be the first to begin, with the draw having just been made. There were still two months until their first match.

In the meantime, Morecambe had nine league fixtures to get through.

But that wasn't a concern. With the team's current level?

The English Fourth Division (then still informally referred to as the Conference) was child's play.

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In the weeks that followed, Juninho's routine settled into something steady and disciplined.

He led intense training sessions daily, emphasizing timing, tight formations, and fast, short-passing football.

Under his high-intensity regime, the players developed rapidly—improving in fitness, technique, and tactical awareness.

By the weekend, the second round of the league had arrived. Morecambe hosted Exeter City at Christie Park.

And once again, there was no contest.

A dominant 6–0 victory sent Exeter packing.

Zlatan Ibrahimović bagged a brace.

Ronaldinho contributed two assists and a goal of his own.

They now led the scoring and assist charts, respectively.

The only man feeling a bit frustrated was Nemanja Vidić.

Despite being a high-profile acquisition, he'd barely been tested in defense. The team's midfield dominance meant opposing attacks rarely reached the back line.

For Vidić, every game felt like a stroll—mostly helping in buildup play, covering space, and organizing the line.

But while he might be slightly underwhelmed, who wouldn't want to be part of a team that won every match?

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Morecambe's form only improved.

In the third round, away at Rochdale, the full-back Biqi scored twice, Ibrahimović added a long-range goal, and Vidić finally opened his account with a powerful header from a corner.

4–0.

In the fourth round, away to Newport County, Zlatan was once again unplayable—scoring twice. Ronaldinho and the left midfielder Niles also found the net.

5–0.

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By the time the ninth round ended, Morecambe were on a nine-game winning streak in the league.

They had scored 37 goals and conceded just one—a single lapse during a set piece.

Zlatan Ibrahimović led the scoring chart with 13 goals, well ahead of second place.

Ronaldinho topped the assist chart with 10.

It was undeniable: the English Conference could no longer contain them.

Morecambe didn't belong in this division anymore.

They were destined for League Two, maybe even League One sooner than expected.

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The footballing press had taken notice.

Analysts, pundits, and fans alike were buzzing about Morecambe's summer transfer activity—and now, their explosive results.

Even The Times, known for its reserved coverage, dedicated a column to the club:

> "In a rare surge of dominance, Morecambe—a club long stuck in the bottom tiers of English football—have stormed the new season with nine straight wins."

The article only briefly summarized the match results. The real focus?

Juninho D'Alessandro.

There was intrigue around the mysterious Brazilian who had taken over the club—his unknown past, his bold signings, his tactical brilliance.

The Times concluded:

> "We look forward to seeing what this young manager can do on bigger stages. Perhaps he may even break the barriers that have held foreign managers back in England's lower leagues."

The photo accompanying the article captured Juninho in a fitted black suit, barking instructions from the touchline.

And just like that, the name Juninho D'Alessandro was known throughout the footballing world.

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But back in Morecambe, the man himself wasn't paying attention to the media.

Two months had passed. He was already looking ahead.

The League Cup was just four days away.

Their opponent? Lincoln City, a solid mid-table team in League Two.

They were strong—definitely a worthy test.

For Juninho, this was exactly what he wanted.

It was time to see how far this team had really come.

And deep down, he believed they were ready.

He couldn't wait to find out just how far Morecambe could go.

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