The locker room at halftime was usually a place for tactics and shouting. Today, it was quiet.
Michael Sterling looked at his team. They were winning 1 to 0 against Newcastle United. They were beating a Premier League giant. But the cost was sitting right there on the empty bench where Mateo usually sat.
Mateo was in the medical room with a face like a balloon.
Michael turned to Finn Riley. The Wild Fox looked nervous. He was a winger. He liked running forward and shooting. He did not like running backward and tackling. Now, he had to play Left Back against one of the richest teams in the world.
"Finn," Michael said. His voice was calm in the silence.
Finn jumped slightly.
"Yeah, Boss?"
"Don't try to be Maldini," Michael said. "I don't need you to make perfect tackles. I just need you to be a pest. You are faster than them. If they run, you run. If they turn, you turn. Be annoying."
Finn cracked a small smile. "I can do annoying, Boss. My mom says it is my best quality."
