"What are the Bastia fans singing now? I think you should know, right?"
Girard's gaze swept over every player. The players he looked at couldn't help but lower their heads.
"I don't want to blame you, I just want you to forget about the first half's defeat."
"It's only two goals, pull yourselves together! Based on how we controlled the game in the first half, there's still a chance in the second half. Don't forget, we're last season's Ligue 1 champions! Show some champion's spirit!"
Girard then quickly explained the second-half tactics to the players. One key point was not only to limit De Rocca, but also to restrict Bastia's number 17.
In Bastia's counterattacks, De Bruyne's passing had been crucial.
Meanwhile, in the Bastia dressing room.
After Hadzibegic finished explaining the second-half tactical arrangements to the others, he specifically addressed De Bruyne, "When you have the chance, try to pass to Julien's side. You should coordinate more with him. He can solve many defensive situations, but he needs your support and cooperation."
De Bruyne nodded. He had to admit that while he preferred team football, watching De Rocca dribble with the ball, in it, he truly saw something called individual heroism.
Playing this half alongside De Rocca, De Bruyne gained a concrete understanding of why Bastia fans loved him so much.
Deep in his heart, wasn't he also yearning for such moments?
To use the ball at his feet to become the center of everyone's attention.
Soon, The break ended.
The players walked out onto the pitch, and fans responded with applause. They had watched the first half with great excitement.
Julien's individual ability had been perfectly displayed. A brace in just the first half.
This filled Bastia fans with anticipation for Bastia's new Ligue 1 season.
Montpellier was last season's Ligue 1 champion!
And yet—That's it?
"It seems the gold content of the Ligue 1 title still can't compare to the Ligue 2 title."
"It's different. We've become stronger, but Montpellier sold their top scorer to Arsenal. Their forwards wasted too many chances in the first half."
"We must hold on. The third crown is coming!"
"Compared to the third crown, I'm happier that the team has grown stronger. I see hope for the league and Europa League!"
At the Sunset Coffee Tavern.
Fans gathered as always in the tavern to watch the game, drink, and talk football.
Bertrand watched as the match resumed on TV. The pen in his hand stopped.
He placed the "Closure Notice" he had just written under the bar counter. If the result on TV hadn't changed after forty-five minutes, he would post this closure notice.
Merck had kept his promise and delivered all the additional barrels to the tavern before the match.
Once they won the championship, he would be busy brewing and wouldn't have time to keep the shop open. He would take a few days' break.
Bertrand listened to the tavern's noise, resting his head on his hand, staring intently at the TV.
The fans were already discussing the Europa League.
This term was too distant for Bastia, so distant it had been generations.
He was only 7 years old then.
His memories of watching games with Jacques had long become blurry.
In his memory, there were only waving arms in the stands, countless heads, and deafening cheers.
As for the players?
He couldn't see them, couldn't make them out clearly.
Beep!
The referee's whistle pulled his thoughts back to reality. The French Super Cup final continued.
The match time had reached 65 minutes.
Twenty minutes had passed, the score unchanged, but the camera occasionally showed Girard on the sideline.
The champion coach looked displeased.
The referee pointed toward the sideline.
Montpellier's substitution: He made two changes at once: Anthony Mounier and Cabella came off.
A forward and a midfielder.
Then he brought on two forwards: Camara and Charbonnier.
This was going all out!
Charbonnier was a big center-forward.
Hadzibegic quickly responded, giving Kanté, who had performed well in training, a chance.
Kanté hadn't expected his playing time to come so quickly. He hurriedly put on his jersey and came to the sideline.
But was immediately pulled back by the assistant coach: "N'Golo, you haven't put on your shin guards!"
Kanté smiled awkwardly and quickly turned back.
The assistant coach patted his shoulder and comforted him, "Don't rush, it will be okay, there is no need to be too nervous."
Kanté went to the bench to put on his shin guards.
Nearby, Mané felt somewhat envious. They were both bench mates, but Kanté was already coming on. Of course, Mané understood that with the team leading, they needed defense.
Having trained against Kanté in practice, Mané was truly impressed by Kanté's ability to stick to players. Playing against Kanté was uncomfortable no matter how you tried.
"Go get them, Kanté. Let them feel your defensive magic."
Hearing Mané's words, Kanté responded with a smile.
After a dead ball, the fourth official raised the substitution board.
Number 15 Palmieri came off.
Number 13 N'Golo Kanté came on.
As Palmieri walked toward the sideline, Hadzibegic put his arm around Kanté and said, "See their midfield? Don't let them pass comfortably. Use your running to disrupt their passing lanes. Be careful not to get booked."
"Got it!"
Kanté nodded.
Bastia was the biggest stage of his professional career, and the French Super Cup final was the most important match he had ever played. He didn't want to mess it up!
Kanté came on and coordinated positioning with his teammates. The 4-3-3 formation changed to 4-4-2.
In attack, only De Rocca and Lukaku remained as counterattack outlets.
Seeing Kanté come on, Julien gave him a thumbs up. Kanté responded with his characteristic smile.
Whew!
Taking a deep breath, Kanté immediately threw himself into the match.
Kanté's introduction made Bastia's midfield defense even more solid.
However, with big center-forward Charbonnier on, Montpellier no longer wanted to play intricate football.
A 45-degree cross!
Bang!
Using his large vody, Charbonnier gave Choplin a solid collision. He headed the ball toward goal.
Clang!
Noviš was too close to react, but the post came to the rescue.
Charbonnier's header was blocked by the goalpost.
Angula quickly kicked the ball toward midfield with a long clearance.
Bastia's backline might have had that ruthless edge from fighting their way up from lower divisions.
But they definitely lacked the finesse of top-level players.
So, when they could make a clean long clearance, they never hesitated. This was also a tactic specifically arranged by Hadzibegic.
He constantly emphasized direct defending. Never give the opponent a chance to create chaos in the penalty area.
The ball flew toward the center, where De Bruyne competed for it but failed.
Possession returned to Montpellier.
Saihi passed the ball in front of Utaka, hoping he would continue the attack up front.
However, just as Utaka prepared to receive the ball, he saw a black shadow approaching from his side.
The figure got to the ball first, nudging it forward a step, then surged ahead with it.
Utaka was stunned and quickly pursued this newly-introduced Bastia number 13. He tried to grab Kanté's jersey with his hand.
Bang!
But Kanté didn't dribble blindly. Seeing the opponent coming at him, he quickly passed sideways to De Bruyne.
Before the cheers from the stands had even subsided, Kanté passed and immediately tracked back.
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