After Lin Feng joined the first team, his good friend Pau Torres told him some rules about the first team.
Head Coach Escribá scheduled two training sessions every day during the regular training days: from 9 AM to 11:30 AM, and after a lunch break, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Sometimes, after the team lost a game, Head Coach Escribá would also schedule a training session in the evening.
Although training started at 9 AM, the first team usually went to the gym by 8:30 AM for a warm-up led by the fitness coach, entering the training ground half an hour later.
Head Coach Escribá was a rather stubborn old man; he always maintained a stern expression, especially lately with the first team's poor performance. A smile hadn't appeared on his face for a long time.
Escribá was different from B team Head Coach Rivaldo; he seemed to prefer maintaining a certain distance from players rather than mingling with them. This also led to him preferring to write everything down on paper and post it on the team's notice board, instead of informing them face-to-face.
Even for the squad list before a match, Escribá would not inform players face-to-face. He would post the team's squad list on the wall by the gym entrance two days before the game.
Villarreal's recent poor performance led to Escribá receiving a lot of criticism. Not only him, but many players and staff members at the club also felt immense pressure.
Inside Villarreal's training base, the atmosphere was unusually tense and solemn. Head Coach Escribá stood at the entrance of the gym, his gaze firm and serious. He posted the squad list for the upcoming match, and players came forward one by one to check it.
On the list, every player's name was clearly visible. Upon seeing the names of Lin Feng and Pau Torres, the two were overjoyed and excitedly embraced each other. They knew this opportunity was hard-won, obtained through countless efforts and waiting.
Lin Feng and Pau Torres held each other's hands tightly, their eyes gleaming with determination. "We did it!" Pau Torres exclaimed excitedly, "Our efforts weren't in vain; we finally have a chance to play in La Liga!"
Lin Feng nodded in agreement: "Yes, this is our shared dream. Now, we must fight for this dream, and for the honor of Villarreal!"
In the next La Liga match, facing the strong Seville Team, Escribá had to deliver a satisfactory answer, otherwise, he might not make it through this season.
The pre-match tension hung like an invisible pressure over Villarreal's team bus. The dim lights inside the bus illuminated the players' serious faces. The scenery outside the window flew by, the city's hustle and bustle isolated, leaving only the somber atmosphere within the bus.
Lin Feng sat in the corner, soft melodies flowing through his headphones, but he knew the music couldn't completely mask the tension in his heart. His gaze pierced through the window, watching the distant lights gradually brighten, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
His teammates beside him were also preoccupied, no one speaking. Some closed their eyes to rest, others silently watched match recordings in their hands, and an indescribable tension permeated the air.
The music inside the bus gradually became deep and powerful, like the roar within each player's heart. They knew this match was not just about winning or losing, but also their chance to prove themselves. They had to display a stronger fighting spirit and more cohesive teamwork than their opponents on the field to win this tough battle.
As the team bus slowly drove into the city of Sevilla, the surrounding atmosphere instantly became tense and hostile. Large numbers of Sevilla fans gathered on both sides of the street, wearing the team's colors, with provocative expressions on their faces, shouting taunting words.
Villarreal's fans tried their best to remain calm, but their emotions were clearly affected. The clamor around the bus escalated, as if it were an invisible challenge.
In the news studio, several La Liga veterans gathered, critiquing Villarreal's poor start to the season.
"Villarreal indeed had a somewhat bad start to the season," one veteran said. "They lost two starting center-backs early in the season, which greatly affected the team's defense."
Another veteran nodded in agreement: "Yes, and they also promoted two youngsters from the B team, one is Pau Torres, and the other is Lin Feng. Although young players have potential, can their performance really fill the void left by the starting center-backs?"
"This is indeed a problem," a third veteran interjected, "especially considering they are about to challenge a strong team like Sevilla away from home. This match is almost a must-win for them, otherwise the pressure will be even greater."
"Exactly, Villarreal is currently under immense pressure," the first veteran concluded. "They need to prove they are still competitive, but given the current situation, I'm not very optimistic about their prospects."
At Villarreal's hotel, the atmosphere was exceptionally tense. Head Coach Escribá stood at the front of the conference room, his expression grave. He surveyed the players present and said in a deep voice, "This match is crucial for us. We must go all out and fight for honor."
His gaze lingered on each person, as if searching for determination and belief in their eyes. "Our opponent is strong, but we are not without a chance. As long as we unite and show a winning belief, we can create a miracle."
During his speech, Escribá announced the starting lineup. The goalkeeper was still Asenjo from Brazil, who performed excellently last season, saving the team multiple times single-handedly. In the center-back position, Víctor Ruiz replaced the injured Musacchio; this veteran was experienced and an indispensable pillar of the team.
When he mentioned B team defensive star Pau Torres replacing the injured Gaspar, Lin Feng's heart couldn't help but tighten. Although he knew he had a chance to start in this match, when the reality was presented, he still felt a touch of disappointment.
"Lin Feng, as a substitute, you must always be ready," Escribá said to Lin Feng sternly. "I've seen your strength and potential, but at this moment, what we need is the most stable and experienced combination. I hope you understand."
Lin Feng nodded silently; he understood the Head Coach's difficulties. Although he felt somewhat frustrated, he didn't give up. Instead, he decided to prove himself with his performance and strive to get a starting opportunity as soon as possible.
At the same time, he was happy for his good friend Pau Torres being able to start. Pau Torres was his good friend and teammate; they had fought together in the B team, and now that his friend could get such an opportunity, Lin Feng was proud of him.
"Alright, now is not the time for frustration," Escribá continued. "I hope all of you can approach this match in your best condition. Whether you start or not, you must give it your all. Let's fight for the honor of Villarreal!"