The pre-match press conference was a new kind of battleground for Ethan.
He sat at the table, the flash of virtual cameras reflecting in his eyes, feeling less like a football manager and more like a rock star.
The nine-man miracle against Plymouth had turned Apex United from a curiosity into a sensation.
"Ethan," a journalist from a major virtual sports network began.
"Your team is top of the league, but you're coming off a chaotic performance against Plymouth that saw two red cards. Is there a discipline problem at your club?"
Ethan leaned into the microphone, a calm, practiced smile on his face.
"There's no discipline problem," he said smoothly. "There's a passion problem. My players are so passionate about winning for this club that sometimes, it boils over. I'd rather have to calm a lion than prod a kitten. We've addressed it, and we're ready for Burton."
