The day before the sixth round of La Liga, the atmosphere at Villarreal's home ground, Estadio de la Cerámica, was unusually tense.
Despite there being some time until the match, the fans' enthusiasm had already been ignited, and their attention was focused on the upcoming press conference.
Guided by the press officer, Monreal entered the press conference venue, his expression solemn, clearly affected by the recent media rumors about his dismissal.
These rumors, like an invisible pressure, weighed heavily on him.
The fans' focus was no longer simply on winning or losing, but on whether he would deploy his signature offensive tactics from the very first minute of the match.
When answering reporters' questions, Monreal did not shy away from the issue.
He stated firmly: "I know there are many doubts about me from the outside, but what I want to say is that my tactical philosophy will not change because of external pressure.
I believe in the power of offensive football, and I believe in my players.
Tomorrow's match, we will launch an attack from the first minute and bring an exciting game to the fans."
"I know our team is at a critical stage of relegation," Monreal said at the press conference, "but that doesn't mean we should abandon offense.
Offensive football is not only about winning, but also about inspiring the players' fighting spirit and the fans' passion.
Tomorrow's match, we will implement offensive tactics as always."
After Monreal's firm statement that he would continue to implement offensive tactics, reporters naturally turned their attention to Villarreal's Head Coach Escribá, asking him if he had any countermeasures.
Facing this question, the experienced Head Coach showed full confidence.
"Monreal's offensive tactics are indeed very distinctive, but I believe our team has the ability to cope with any challenge," Escribá said with a smile, "Our coaching staff has made full preparations for the upcoming match, whether it's tactical arrangements or player status, we are full of confidence."
"On the football field, offense and defense always complement each other," Escribá emphasized, "Our players are all very clear about their responsibilities, and they will do their best to win this match.
No matter who the opponent is, no matter what tactics they use, we will go all out."
After the press conference, both Head Coaches were about to have their final training session before the match, and Villarreal's players gathered at the training ground in the afternoon after the press conference, preparing for their last pre-match training.
The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the training ground, casting a golden glow over the green pitch.
The press conference had just ended, and the fans were still immersed in the information they had just received — Villarreal would face Osasuna in tomorrow's match.
And on this crucial day before, both teams' players were preparing for their final training.
Just when everyone thought everything was going according to plan, an unexpected piece of news broke.
Villarreal's Head Coach Escribá had actually added a young player, Rodri, to the team's main roster.
This decision immediately caused an uproar, as this young player was a completely unfamiliar name to most fans.
This football player from Spain began his professional career at a very young age.
He started his journey in Atlético Madrid's youth team, but was let go due to his small stature when he was young.
He then transferred to the Villarreal Youth Academy.
During that time, Rodri not only improved his football skills by leaps and bounds but also grew to nearly 1.9 meters in height.
On the green pitch, the 1.9-meter-tall Rodri stood out.
As a midfielder, he possessed excellent vision and command ability, always able to observe every subtle change on the field and make accurate decisions.
His long-pass technique was also among the best in the team, precise and powerful, always creating excellent attacking opportunities for his teammates.
However, despite Rodri demonstrating extraordinary talent and strength in training, he had never been able to get a chance to play for the first team.
The reason was his relatively weak physical confrontation ability, which is a major flaw for a midfielder.
In intense matches, physical confrontation is indispensable, and Rodri's shortcoming in this area made him seem somewhat powerless in games.
However, Villarreal's Head Coach Escribá was full of confidence in Rodri.
He saw the immense potential hidden in this young player and believed that with training and refinement, Rodri's physical confrontation ability would definitely improve.
Therefore, he decided to call Rodri up to the first team for training, hoping that through higher-level matches and training environments, he could help Rodri achieve breakthroughs and growth.
In the eyes of Lin Feng and Pau Torres, Rodri had always been a low-key and introverted presence.
In stark contrast to other players' laughter and enthusiastic conversations during breaks, Rodri always seemed quiet and reserved, preferring to reflect and train alone in a corner.
He didn't speak much, but every word seemed well-thought-out, revealing a unique sense of composure and determination.
This time, when Head Coach Escribá announced Rodri's selection for the first team roster, Lin Feng and Pau Torres were both happy for him.
However, when they looked at Rodri, they found that his face didn't show much excitement.
He just stood there quietly, his eyes shining with firm resolve, as if telling everyone: he was ready.
Villarreal's youth academy system has experienced an explosive growth this season.
This La Liga powerhouse not only successfully signed the potential rising star Lin Feng as a free agent in the transfer market but also witnessed their own B-team player Pau Torres making his mark in La Liga.
And beyond these two dazzling new stars, there is also a young midfielder, Rodri, whose addition has brought an unprecedented improvement to Villarreal's personnel reserves.
Head Coach Escribá stood on the sidelines, his gaze intently fixed on the three young players on the field — Rodri, Pau Torres, and Lin Feng.
Although his face didn't show any obvious expression, his heart was filled with relief and joy.
In his eyes, these three players not only demonstrated exceptional talent and potential but also forged an unyielding will and team spirit through day-to-day training.
Their tacit cooperation and mutual support made Escribá see the future hope of Villarreal.
In Escribá's eyes, these three young players could even grow into legendary players for Villarreal.
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