Chapter 8: The First Friendly
June 15, 2017 – Camp Nou (Behind Closed Doors)
The seats were empty, but the tension was real.
No media. No fans. Just ninety minutes of truth.
FC Barcelona's first preseason friendly under Noah Marlowe would be played behind closed doors, but not in silence. Watching from the executive box were President Bartomeu, several board members, and the scouting department — all waiting to see if their gamble on an unknown coach would implode before the season even began.
The opponent? Ajax Amsterdam — another club with a deep philosophy, sharp players, and zero tolerance for sloppiness.
On the pitch, Noah stood in silence, arms folded, his AI Tactical System open beside him.
Starting XI (Experimental Lineup)
Formation: 3-2-2-3 (False-Wing Diamond)
GK: Ter Stegen
CBs: Piqué, Umtiti, Sergi Roberto
DMs: Busquets, Iniesta
AMs: Denis Suárez, Messi
Forwards: Jordi Alba (wide left false wing), Luis Suárez (center), Aleix Vidal (rotating wide right)
Yes — Alba and Vidal as wide attackers. Unorthodox. But in Noah's system, the wings were space creators, not traditional wingers.
Kickoff – Minute 1 to 30
Ajax started strong, as expected — pressing aggressively in midfield, forcing early turnovers.
Noah said nothing.
His assistant shifted nervously. "They're losing the ball too fast."
"They're learning," Noah replied.
Minute 11 — Alba broke into space, but overhit a cutback to Messi.
Minute 17 — Busquets intercepted a high press, released Denis Suárez, who froze at the edge of the box and passed backward.
Noah marked the screen.
[Player Note: Denis Suárez – hesitant in transition. Decision speed: 63%.]
Minute 29 — Ajax scored. Quick diagonal through the half-space. 1–0.
The players looked up at Noah for the first time. He didn't flinch.
"Let them feel the weight," he muttered. "This is the only way they'll learn to carry it."
Halftime – Locker Room
Noah stepped into the room calmly.
"No panic," he said. "You're not failing. You're growing."
He tapped the tactical display. A digital replay spun across the monitor.
"Ajax is showing you what happens when players trust their system more than their instincts."
He turned to Luis Suárez.
"Stop trying to beat defenders by force. Pull them. Drag them. Let Messi move behind you."
To Piqué and Roberto:
"Don't stay flat. Invert one line during buildup. Overlap creates confusion."
To Denis:
"If you freeze again, I sub you out. No thinking. Just decision."
He paused. "Second half, we shift."
Second Half – Minute 46 to 90
Messi started deeper. Alba pushed even wider. Busquets began threading vertical balls with laser timing.
Minute 53 — Messi received between the lines, turned, and split the Ajax defense with a single pass. Luis Suárez finished. 1–1.
Noah marked the screen.
[Sync Pattern Detected: Messi–Suárez link dynamic: reactivated]
Minute 70 — Aleix Vidal lost the ball again under light pressure. Noah tapped his tablet.
[Aleix Vidal – Unsuitable. Tactical removal advised.]
Minute 78 — Umtiti intercepted high, Iniesta slipped a pass to Messi, who played a backheel flick to Alba bursting down the left.
Cross.
Goal.
2–1.
No substitutes. No rotation.
Just structure.
And discipline.
Full Time – Closed Door Applause
From the box, Bartomeu and the board clapped slowly.
Noah walked into the tunnel without celebration.
He opened the AI Tactical System and pulled up the post-match summary:
System Report – Friendly vs. Ajax
Final Score: 2–1
Tactical Sync Increase: +6.4%
Standouts: Messi, Busquets, Umtiti, Alba
Weak Points: Aleix Vidal, Denis Suárez
Transfer Note: Vidal flagged for sale
Depth Issue: Right-sided wide rotation needed
Recommended Scouting Alert:
Role: Right Inverted Wing/Support Forward
Budget Cap: €12M
Traits: High work rate, positional awareness, two-footed
Later That Evening – Scouting Office
Noah met with the club's scouting director.
"I need two players," he said. "Maybe three. All of them must be affordable, flexible, and tactical problem-solvers. No glamour. Just pieces that fit."
He pulled up a shortlist.
Names under evaluation:
Ángel Di María (experienced but budget-limited)
Alejandro Grimaldo (return from Benfica)
Max Aarons (young, high work rate)
Rafa Silva (agile, intelligent inside forward)
Benjamin Henrichs (defensive winger hybrid)
Budget Range: €5M – €12M
Noah looked up.
"I don't need stars. I need gears that never stop turning."