The small stadium belonging to FC Krasnodar Academy on the outskirts of Krasnodar was covered in a thin layer of snow that morning, as the new RPL U-23 season kicked off at the end of February. The air was a biting minus 5 degrees Celsius, but the green synthetic field remained bright and shiny under the floodlights. Arief stood on the sidelines, his thick red club jacket covering his tracksuit, a whistle hanging around his neck. This was the first day of the new season—the Russian offer that had become the biggest thing in his life, now a reality.
In the VIP stands of the expat village, his whole family was watching: Natalia bundled up in snow gear, holding a thermos of hot tea; Sarah teaching the children basic Russian while recording videos for her Instagram account, "Expat Coach Wives"; Sari handing out ginger candy to keep everyone warm. Their four villas were only 10 minutes apart by car—the crazy harmony that Arief had created.
"Coach! 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 formation today?" asked Dmitri, the Russian assistant with a bald head and muscular body, his breath forming white clouds.
Arief stared at the tactics board. "4-2-3-1 hybrid. Double central pivot for stability because the snow is slippery. Wingers overlapping quickly—exploiting the slow movement of the opposing fullbacks. High pressing for the first 15 minutes, make them panic."
The long whistle blew. The match against Zenit St. Petersburg U-23 Academy began. Snow fell slowly, and the 500 local spectators cheered, "Krasnodar! Krasnodar!"
Minute 8: The first goal! Indonesian winger Dika dribbles past two Zenit defenders, then delivers a low cross—met by a Russian striker for a 1-0 lead. The stands erupt. Natalia jumps to hug Sarah. "First goal of the season! Arief is a genius!"
Sarah recorded: "Family goal! Indo power in Russia!"
Arief gave a thumbs up to the stands, staying focused. "Maintain shape! Compact!" he shouted in a mix of Russian and Indonesian.
Minute 22: Something exciting happened—Krasnodar's left defender slipped on the snow and hit a Zenit player's leg in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty for Zenit. The penalty taker, an 18-year-old prodigy from Moscow, kicked hard—but the goalkeeper saved it! The crowd cheered wildly. Arief whispered to Dmitri. "See? Double pivot works!"
The second half was more brutal. The snow got thicker, visibility decreased. Minute 55: Zenit equalized 1-1 with a quick counterattack. Arief called for an emergency timeout.
On the sidelines, the team gathered. "The field is very slippery, but our minds must remain sharp! Switch to 3-5-2—wingbacks push, false nines pull their defenders out. We have stamina, they already look tired!" Arief said firmly.
Dmitri added: "Da, coach! Davai!"
Minute 68: A deadly counterattack. Georgian midfielder Giorgi made an accurate long pass to Dika—who then made a solo run and took a shot, curling the ball beautifully past the goalkeeper. 2-1! The VIP stands were in joyful chaos. Liam ran down to hug Arief. "Daddy won!"
Sari shouted from the stands: "Goal for Indonesia! Way to go, Mas!"
Minute 82: The drama reaches its climax. Zenit presses hard, dangerous corner. The ball rebounds—Arief instructs zonal marking. The main defender manages to block, then the team makes an instant counterattack: Dmitri assists the striker, who dribbles past Zenit's last defender and takes a powerful shot, scoring the third goal, 3-1!
The final whistle blows. Krasnodar wins 3-1 in their season debut. The players lift Arief. Dmitri hugs him: "Brilliant debut, coach! RPL scouts are watching."
In the locker room, a small celebration takes place—non-alcoholic vodka, hot pirozhki. Arief gives a speech: "New season, new foundation. Today is not the end, but the start. The snow in Russia is very hard, but we are harder!"
After the match, Arief and his extended family return to the expat village, the van filled with laughter. Natalia, who is driving: "3-1! You predicted every goal."
Sarah: "The recording went viral—10k views! Indonesian expats in Moscow commented, 'Arief is the boss of Russia!'"
Sari: "The kids are proud. Tonight we're having a BBQ in the yard—satay vs. shashlik!"
At the main villa, at the large family table. Arief raised a glass of juice: "To you—the best wives in the world. This is Russia, but we conquer together."
Natalia toasts: "Za semyu! To family!"
Sarah: "Skål! Cheers Indo-Russia!"
Sari: "Prost! Family forever!"
The children kick snowballs in the yard, laughter echoing in the cold night. Arief gazed at the stars, then wrote in the journal in his pocket: "New season: 3 goals, 3 houses, 1 heart. Russian snow melts into gold."
But at the end of the night, Dmitri sent a WhatsApp message: "First team director call tomorrow. Good debut = promotion talk?" Something new was lurking...
***
This morning in the RPL U-23 season brought heavier snow, but the spirit of FC Krasnodar Academy was ablaze after their 3-1 debut victory over Zenit. The synthetic field at Krasnodar Academy Stadium is now glistening with ice, with temperatures at minus 8°C. Arief stands in front of a portable tactics board, surrounded by coaching staff and key players—the Russian-Indonesian hybrid team he has built since arriving two months ago. This is not just a training session; it is preparation for the match against CSKA Moscow U-23, one of their toughest rivals with fierce pressing.
### Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Arief Rahman (Indonesia) – Tactical master, focuses on Russian physicality + Indonesian creativity "hybrid pressing."
Assistant Head Coach: Dmitri Ivanov (Russia, 42 years old) – Former Zenit reserve coach, set-piece expert.
Video Analyst: Lisa Petrova (Russia-Ukraine, 35 years old) – Former RPL scout, drone analysis specialist.
Physiotherapist: Dr. Alexei Kuznetsov (Russia, 50 years old) – Injury prevention, sauna recovery expert.
Nutritionist: Maria Santos (Brazil-Russia, 28 years old) – High-protein fusion menu of borscht + fried rice.
Goalkeeper Coach: Viktor Sergeev (Russia, 55 years old) – Krasnodar legend, saved 80% of penalties during his playing career.
### Main Player List (4-2-3-1 Formation)
Goalkeeper: Ivan Volkov (19 years old, Russia) – Lightning reflexes, "The Wall of Krasnodar".
Right Back: Nikita Petrov (20 years old, Russia) – Fast overlapping, 1.85m strong in aerial duels.
Center Back: Giorgi Melashvili (21 years old, Georgia) – Zonal marking beast, naturalized and living in Krasnodar.
Center Back: Reza Pratama (19 years old, Indonesia) – Debutant brought in by Arief from Indonesia, sharp tackling in the style of the EPL.
Left Back: Daniil Kuzmin (18 years old, Russia) – Wing dribbling, speed of 35km/h.
Defensive Midfielder (Pivot): Timur Safin (20 years old, Russian-Tatar) – Ball winner, 85% tackle success rate.
Defensive Midfielder (Pivot): Adi Nugroho (20 years old, Indonesia) – Box-to-box, Arief-style passing vision.
Right Attacking Midfielder: Dika Ramadhan (19 years old, Indonesia) – Star winger, 2 debut goals, magical dribbling.
Center Attacking Midfielder (False 9): Luka Ivanishvili (18 years old, Georgia) – Drop deep, assist creator.
Left Attacking Midfielder: Sergei Volodin (20 years old, Russia) – Accurate crossing, free-kick specialist.
Striker: Maxim Korolev (21 years old, Russia) – Target man, header specialist, 2.5m jumping range.
Arief opened the briefing with a firm voice, exhaling white smoke. "Today we're facing CSKA—they have Pep-style high pressing, but are weak in snow transitions. Dmitri, set-piece update?"
Dmitri then took out and opened his tablet: "New corner routine: Reza and Giorgi form the defensive wall, Dika inswing to Maxim. Practice 20 times like yesterday—80% goal rate."
Lisa presented via video projection: "CSKA's left-back is slow on snow. Dika, can exploit one-on-one situations. Adi, long ball to Reza to trigger a counterattack."
Reza raised his hand excitedly: "Coach, the temperature difference between hot Indonesia and cold Russia is significant—but I'm still physically strong. Will there be another goal like yesterday's debut?"
Arief patted him on the shoulder: "If your marking is good, yes. Giorgi, you anchor—CSKA's strikers are very fast, but you're smarter at finding your position."
Giorgi nodded: "Yes, coach. Zonal perfect."
Maria distributed the meal prep: "Spicy borscht lunch + fried tempeh protein. Avoid injuries!"
Dr. Alexei checked the hamstrings: "Timur, had an ice bath last night. Ready 100%."
The training session started with excitement. Pressing drill: Timur and Adi double pivot hit the dummy, Dika-Nikita overlapping flank. Snow was flying, but the intensity of the training remained high.
30-minute training: Educational twist—penalty simulation. Viktor coach GK: "Ivan, low dive! The wind is making the ball drift!"
Dika scored a goal in the training session via Sergei's free kick—the ball curved perfectly. The team cheered. Arief: "In the RPL U-23, set pieces accounted for 35% of goals last season. Now we have to master this!"
Dmitri added: "CSKA is weak in aerial duels—Maxim can be the target, Giorgi-Reza clear the second ball."
During the break, the locker room was very warm because there was a heater. Luka asked Arief: "Coach, false 9 role—drop deep or stay high?"
Arief then drew up the tactics: "Drop then pull their defenders out, create space—that's Dika and Sergei's job. Example: Modric when he was at Madrid—control the tempo."
Adi: "Like Busquets, Coach? Similar to my pivot role?"
"Exactly. You have the vision, Timur has the physicality—a perfect hybrid!"
The afternoon match against CSKA began. The stadium was filled with 2,000 spectators as the snow fell harder. In the VIP family stands: Natalia held a Krasnodar scarf, Sarah live-streamed on Instagram, "RPL Indo Coach!", and Sari handed out ginger soup.
Kick-off. Minute 12: Goal! Adi successfully intercepts the ball, then sends a long pass to Nikita-Dika for a solo dribble—goal 1-0! Cheers from the supporters.
Natalia jumps: "Adi Indo power!"
Minute 35: CSKA equalized 1-1 through a penalty. Arief calls a timeout: "Calm! Switch to 3-5-2. Luka false 9 drop!"
In the second half, minute 60: Dmitri's set-piece—Sergei's free-kick, and Maxim headed it in 2-1!
Minute 78: Deadly counterattack. Timur successfully tackles, Adi passes to Giorgi-Reza wall pass, Reza scores a volley 3-1!
The final whistle blows. Another 3-1 victory! The players lift Arief. Local media: "Indonesian Coach, Magic!"
The locker room celebrates: "Za Arief! Za hybrid!"
Natalia hugs: "2-0 this season! Kids proud."
Arief writes in his journal: "Solid team—hybrid successful. Tactical education paid off with goals."
Dmitri whispers: "First team call tomorrow. Promotion?"
New season, cold weather—snow and goals continue!
***
In the simple yet cozy locker room beneath the Krasnodar Academy FC stadium, Arief sat with his mind preoccupied by every aspect of the match still lingering in his thoughts. The 3-1 victory over CSKA Moscow U-23 had given them a huge boost, but Arief knew this was just the beginning. He stood up, looked at his players who were enjoying snacks and chatting casually, then told them to gather around.
"Guys, we need to talk," Arief said in a firm but warm voice. "Today's match was just the beginning of our long journey. Efficiency and adaptation to snowy conditions are our strengths, but our next opponent, Lokomotiv Moscow U-23, will likely present different challenges. They have a fast, aggressive midfield and very cunning forwards."
Dmitri nodded, opening his video analysis file. "They play with tight pressing, they will try to cut off our ball possession, and attack sporadically from the wings."
Arief continued, "Our strategy must be more compact. Adi and Timur, you must tighten the defense from the midfield. Nikita and Daniil, guard the wings more tightly and don't give them any space."
Dika, the Indonesian winger who is now a key player, raised his hand. "Coach, I want to try playing more inside, joining Adi so I can help with faster transitions."
"Good," Arief smiled, "But make sure you don't lose your position if the situation changes. Communication is key, don't hesitate to speak up."
Sari, who suddenly came to check on the locker room, greeted the players: "You've been working hard, but remember to take care of yourselves and eat properly. The weather is cold, so you have to maintain your stamina."
Natalia also came in with a thick jacket, carrying a box of warm food for the players. "This is warm chicken soup from me, for all of you. Make sure to eat it!"
Full of motivation, the team prepared for their next match, scheduled in two days. They knew that amid the snow and cold wind, their struggle for survival had only just begun.
Outside the stadium, the snow began to fall heavily, as if challenging those who wanted to pursue their dreams in the cold of Russia. Arief took a deep breath, staring at the gray sky.
"This is our season, kids. It's not just about competing, but learning, surviving, and winning," he said with determination.
In the VIP room, the extended family watched the match that had ended from behind glass that blocked the cold and the roar of the supporters' cheers. Natalia held Arief's hand and said, "I believe you and the team will get through this with flying colors."
The voices of the children watching together warmed the room, echoing like a promise of victory in the snowy season and goals.
***
Late at night in the city of Krasnodar, the air was bone-chillingly cold. Snow had been falling since the afternoon, now covering all the roads with a thick white layer. However, inside the FC Krasnodar club conference room, the atmosphere was warm and full of enthusiasm.
Arief sat with the coaching staff and several key players, devising tactics for the big match against Lokomotiv Moscow U-23, one of their biggest rivals this season. Spread out on the table are sketches of the field, video analysis, and training notes.
"Listen, tomorrow's match will be very tough," Arief opens the meeting with a firm voice. "Lokomotiv has a fierce front line and high pressing. We need extra focus on defense and quick transitions to attack."
Dmitri adds, "Our strategy must take advantage of the gaps that appear when they attack. Explode through the wings with Dika and Sergei as the key players."
"And don't forget," added Lisa, the video analyst, "their set pieces are deadly. We have to prepare for tight marking."
Arief nodded, then continued, "Giorgi and Reza, your focus is to stop their playmaker. I want twice the discipline and communication we've had before."
The players were excited, the snow falling outside did not dampen their motivation.
The next day, before the match began, Arief gathered with the players in the locker room, looking at their excited but tense faces.
"This is the match we've been waiting for, guys," he said. "Play with a cool head and a hot heart. Remember our training, teamwork is key. Every pass is your life, every goal is our dream."
Dika smiled, "Coach, we are ready to give our best."
During the match, the snow made the ball difficult to control. Lokomotiv played aggressively, but Krasnodar defended very neatly, launching deadly counterattacks.
In the 28th minute, Dika managed to outwit the opposing defender with his skill, passing the ball to Maxim who headed it hard into the net for the first goal. Loud cheers rang out from the stands.
But Lokomotiv did not give up. In the 43rd minute, a free kick from outside the penalty box by their striker resulted in an equalizer.
The second half began with increasing tension. Arief instructed a change in formation, emphasizing higher pressing and exploiting the wings.
In the 70th minute, a quick attack from the right wing saw Sergei send a through ball to Dika, who managed to get past the goalkeeper, putting Krasnodar back in the lead.
Seven minutes before the end of the match, Lokomotiv was awarded a penalty. Their second goal made it 2-2.
Arief shouted at the team, "Don't lose heart! It's time to show who we are!"
In the 89th minute, a miracle happened. Luka passed to Timur, who sent a long pass to Maxim. Maxim managed to get past the opposing defender and fired a powerful shot into the far corner of the goal. The winning goal!
The stadium erupted in euphoria. Arief's family in the VIP stands cheered along, Natalia hugged her children, Sarah and Sari smiled warmly at each other.
After the match, Arief said to Dmitri, "This is all our hard work. This is our evolution."
At home, the family gathered to celebrate the victory together. Natalia said, "This season will be a beautiful chapter in our story."
Arief smiled, hugging his wives and children, "With snow, goals, and family, we are strong. This is our new foundation together."
***
Three weeks have passed since the dramatic 3-2 victory against Lokomotiv Moscow U-23. The Russian U-23 League season continues to be intense, and the busy schedule brings challenges not only on the field, but also in the locker room and at home. The snow is falling heavier and the temperature is dropping, but the spirit of FC Krasnodar Academy remains strong.
That morning, Arief began a tactical meeting with the coaching staff in the warm video analysis room, surrounded by large screens showing footage of their next opponent: Dinamo Moscow U-23, an aggressive team with a history of winning championships at the junior level.
"Dinamo is dominant in midfield and very strong in pressing," said Arief, pointing to the opponent's heat map diagram. "But they are vulnerable in aerial duels and defensive transitions."
Dmitri added, "We have to take advantage of Dika and Sergei's speed and passing accuracy on the wings. To maintain stability at the back, the defenders must be extra alert during set pieces."
Lisa presented the statistical data: "Dinamo tends to attack from the right, their defenders tire easily and are often late in covering. This is an opening for Nikita and Dika."
Arief looked closely at the players present, "Adi and Timur, you focus on anticipating the opponent's playmaker. Gersom, Denis, we need extra discipline during free kicks. Respond with a quick counterattack."
Sergei smiled, "Coach, I'm focusing on crossing and deadly free kicks this week. Ready to provide assists and goals."
The meeting ended on a high note, and everyone prepared for tomorrow's match at the magnificent Dinamo Moscow Stadium.
The next day, the field covered in ice and fine snow witnessed a fierce duel. The stadium was filled with loyal supporters, their cheers shaking the cold Moscow air. In the VIP stands, Natalia, Sarah, and Sari stood close together, holding thick jackets, and trying to keep Arief's spirits up.
Kick-off. Dinamo immediately came out pressing high. Arief shouted from the sidelines, "Pressure high! Keep your position and communicate!"
In the 10th minute, Dinamo had a golden opportunity, but Ivan, the reliable goalkeeper, made a perfect save.
In the 25th minute, Krasnodar attacked with a lightning counterattack. Dika made a stunning dribble past two defenders, crossing to Maxim. A powerful header, but it hit the crossbar!
Natalia shouted, "Maximhh!"
Shortly after, Arief breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Adi enter the penalty box and fall after being tackled. Penalty!
Dika took the penalty, curling the ball into the bottom right corner, goal!
The second half of the match was increasingly intense. Dinamo pressed forward with a combination of short passes. Sergei and Nikita had to run extra to protect the right and left sides. Dmitri tried to stay calm and direct the players.
In the 60th minute, Dinamo got a free kick from 25 meters. Arief shouted a reminder about tight defense. Sergei appeared.
Dika cheered, "Free kick time, Sergei!"
With a deep breath, Sergei swung his leg, sending the ball in a dramatic arc over the wall.
Goal! Incoming!
The score was 1-1. Arief shouted, "We can't let our guard down. Switch to a 3-4-3 formation, high pressing and wide wings. Maxim, target!"
Ten minutes before the end, Luka managed to steal the ball in midfield, then passed it to Maxim. A solo dribble with quick movements that stunned the Dinamo defenders, then he kicked with his right foot into the top corner of the goal. Second goal!
The 2-1 victory brought Krasnodar closer to the U-23 semifinals.
After the match in the locker room, Arief raised a glass of mineral water, "Great job! This is our new foundation! You should be proud!"
Dmitri smiled, "Coach, this season we're not just winning, we're growing into a family."
Natalia in the VIP box smiled proudly, whispering to Sarah, "The foundation is getting stronger."
Sarah nodded, "The Russian snow makes our skin freeze, but our hearts are warm."
That night, the family gathered on the terrace with warm soup. The children played with snowballs, laughing freely under the garden lights.
Arief gazed at the stars in the sky. "Snow and goals, cold and heat, everything is the story of our lives."
***
The weather in Krasnodar began to warm up, marking the transition from the bitter cold of winter to a cool and hopeful spring. Arief sat in his office, surrounded by tactical boards and monitor screens displaying game statistics, his family, and the Krasnodar U-23 squad. Although the season had been quite successful, Arief knew that in order to truly go further, he needed to improve his qualifications and knowledge.
He decided to take the UEFA A coaching course, one of the highest licenses that opens the door to top European professional coaches. Arief received support and sponsorship from the club's management, who wanted to see him develop for a bigger club. This was a positive sign as well as a new challenge.
That morning, Arief invited Dmitri and Lisa to discuss this big step in a small briefing room.
"I have registered for the UEFA A LICENCE course which starts next month in Moscow," Arief opened the conversation. "This is a golden opportunity, but also a tough challenge. The course is very rigorous and will last for several months."
Dmitri smiled and nodded. "Coach, that's the right move. UEFA A isn't just about theory, but also field practice, team management, and even player psychology. We can integrate this new knowledge directly into training."
Lisa added, "If you can absorb the material well, it will improve our tactics and add value to the club and the players. I'll also support you with video analysis and the latest strategies."
Arief chuckled, "I also have to arrange my schedule so it doesn't interfere with training and matches. Honestly, I'm nervous, but this is very important."
In the club salon, other staff members cheered him on. Natalia, who came bearing warm snacks, gave her full support.
"Babe, I'm proud of you," said Natalia as she fed Liam and Sofia. "Taking this course is not only for you, but for all of our futures."
Sarah, who was packing documents in the cluster house, contacted him via video call, smiling broadly. "UEFA A! Keep up the spirit, Arief! We are all here supporting you."
Sari sent a message: "If you need logistical help or a babysitter, let us know. We'll work together."
In the course, Arief met coaches from various countries—Russia, England, Spain—and learned about advanced formations, mental coaching techniques, media management, and real case studies.
"The hardest part is the psychological evaluation of the players," Arief said one night on the phone with Natalia. "It's a combination of tactics and human touch that needs to be balanced."
He continued enthusiastically, "Be prepared on the field, but also be prepared to guide the players' hearts and minds."
The field lessons were complemented by practical experience in coaching young people, exactly what he had experienced in Krasnodar and previously in Indonesia and England.
Halfway through the course, Arief received a call from the Krasnodar club manager, offering him the opportunity to become the assistant head coach of the senior team after graduation. "You have to be ready, Arief. A bigger world awaits you."
Arief smiled emotionally, "This is my new stepping stone. Thank you, everyone."
That night, the family gathered at home in the cluster, surrounded by the aroma of hot soup and the laughter of children. Natalia's small home gym was now used for small training sessions while discussing the strategies Arief had begun to learn.
"The dream is moving forward, and today I am taking a more confident step," said Arief as he raised his glass of juice.
Natalia raised her glass too, "To a stronger new foundation and our family that never lets go."