For the match against Rennes, Julien originally thought Mbappé's family would come to watch.
But after talking with Mbappé, he learned that Jires had already transferred from Rennes to Al Ain during this summer's transfer window.
Jires was born in 1988, only 24 years old this year.
So young, yet already going to the UAE to cash in.
Perhaps everyone has their own aspirations.
Jires spent six years at Rennes, leaving behind a record of 141 appearances, 22 goals, and 10 assists.
Not spectacular numbers, but considering his age and status in the team—a young substitute player in rotation—these statistics were quite respectable.
Al Ain poached Jires for 3.7 million euros and signed him to a new contract that doubled his current salary.
"I can't be there in person, but I haven't missed any of your matches," Julien saw Mbappé's message and smiled, replying, "Train hard. I'm also waiting to watch your first professional game."
Mbappé instantly replied with a cheering emoji.
The next day, Rennes fans had arrived from all directions. Football was an inseparable part of their lives.
In fact, people with no interest in football find it hard to understand why fans' emotions can fluctuate so dramatically during ninety minutes, even affecting their mood for days to come.
Rennes' home ground, Stade de la Route de Lorient, quickly filled with over ten thousand fans.
Although Rennes' home stadium was called Route de Lorient Stadium, this venue had no connection whatsoever to Lorient, southwest of Rennes.
Players from both teams warmed up at the Route de Lorient Stadium as fans gradually took their seats.
Rennes fans were hoping for a victory.
Their team had earned zero points in the first two rounds of the new season, scored zero goals, and conceded one goal in each match.
Antonetti was being questioned by some fans about whether he was still the right "helmsman" to lead Rennes further.
However, early in the new season, due to issues with team chemistry, an unsettled lineup, and immature tactics, both management and fans were relatively patient.
"Can you guess right this time? We could steal the opening," De Bruyne had grown somewhat familiar with Julien since the last match.
Julien smiled, "Isn't coin tossing supposed to be up to fate? I'll do my best."
De Bruyne wanted the kickoff.
After Lukaku kicked the ball toward the goal, he also said to Julien, "I'm counting on your good news. Pass me the ball later, and watch me charge at them—just remember to keep up!"
When both teams returned to the dressing rooms to prepare, Hadzibegic addressed his players: "They'll definitely attack hard at home. We must focus on defense—don't lose your marks! Fall back when you need to, but once we win the ball, counter-attack decisively!"
He pointed to Lukaku and Julien, "If there's a clear path, pass directly to Romelu and Julien for quick attacks. If there's no path, give it to Kevin to organize the advance. During counter-attacks, the full-backs must overlap."
"Of course, if our counter-attack gets intercepted, we must track back immediately! Commit tactical fouls early when necessary. In short, defense is key."
When it was time for the players to head out, they all gathered in the center of the dressing room, joined hands, and shouted in unison: "FORZA Bastia!!"
"Rennes were upset by Bastia in the French Cup last season when Bastia were still in Ligue 2. Now the two teams meet in Ligue 1—you have to say it's fate, and it demonstrates Bastia's quality! They've proven that last season's victory was no fluke.
Bastia made strong signings this season. After two rounds, they have one win and one loss for three points, but Rennes have lost both matches 0-1, and their attacking weaknesses are becoming increasingly apparent."
As the camera showed players in the tunnel, the commentator continued introducing both teams.
When the close-up focused on Julien at the front of Bastia's line, the commentator smiled:
"Julien is now the center of attention in France. From his explosive national team performances to leading Bastia to their treble, so many people have expectations for his future. Some say he'll become the new 'Zidane,' others call him the 'new Henry,' but I'm more inclined to think Julien is just Julien. His playing style means he'll either flame out along the way or reach the summit."
"Let's go." The referee checked the time and quickly waved the players forward.
Time to enter the field.
As soon as the Rennes players entered the stadium, around twenty thousand fans erupted in wild cheers.
Songs echoed from the hardcore supporters' section:
"The flag of Brittany flies high,
Route de Lorient leads to glory,
The red and black flames never die,
War songs ring loud beneath Roazhon's walls."
Bastia only received five hundred away tickets. Even with Modoso leading his fellow supporters in chants, they were drowned out by the wall of sound from the Rennes fans.
There was nothing they could do.
Bastia's recent success had been too overwhelming—other teams now severely limited the number of away tickets allocated to Bastia.
Modoso could only save more excitement for home matches.
Opening ceremony.
As Bastia captain, Julien went to the center circle to flip the coin with Rennes captain M'Vila.
M'Vila was Julien's former national team teammate.
But with Blanc's coaching tenure ended, players like M'Vila, who resembled Benzema's style, had been completely abandoned by Deschamps.
Looking at Julien, M'Vila felt a kind of resentment. He desperately wanted to ask: Why?
Why could Julien become the core under Deschamps while he couldn't even get a call-up to the squad?
M'Vila was holding back his anger for this match.
He wanted to prove that Julien was nothing but a fraud!
The referee looked at Julien: "Julien?"
Julien said: "Heads."
M'Vila naturally chose tails.
The referee tossed the coin up, let it fall to the ground, picked it up, and pointed to Julien: "Heads."
"We kick off."
After exchanging team flags, M'Vila forced a smile.
Returning to the center circle, Julien nodded to De Bruyne.
De Bruyne quickly exchanged glances with Palmieri and Lukaku.
Seize the opening!
Lukaku held his head high—this kind of long-range sprint was exactly his favorite rhythm.
He had no desire to engage in physical battles with those defensive muscle-heads in the penalty area.
In Lukaku's heart, technique always came first!
He wanted to play the technical game!
Soon, players took their positions in the center circle, and the Rennes fans' cheers reached their peak.
Whistle!
Right on time, the referee blew his whistle. The match began!
Lukaku passed the ball back to De Bruyne's feet and immediately made a reverse run, charging forward.
Thump!
De Bruyne received the ball and, without stopping it, immediately sent a pass toward Lukaku's path.
Like a dog chasing a frisbee!
Lukaku truly lived up to his nickname "BIG TOM"—once he got his speed up, his impact was tremendous!
Whoosh!
The crowd at the stadium let out a collective gasp.
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