Morning practice was about to begin. O'Neill stood at the edge of the pitch, arms crossed, watching as his players trickled onto the field.
As the last player jogged into place, he clapped his hands to get their attention.
"Alright, listen up," he said, his voice calm but firm. "For the rest of the season, we're making changes."
A few of them exchanged glances, and he could already see the skepticism.
"Starting today, we're switching to a high-pressing 4-4-2—just like yesterday," he continued. "William, you're the holding midfielder for the rest of the matches. Roberto and Cafu will keep pushing forward with overlaps. Tony, Ian One, and Ian Two will form the midfield line in front of William."
He gestured toward the tactics board where the new formation was laid out.
After a full five minutes of breaking down the details, Pollock suddenly raised his hand.
"But coach, we don't have the legs for a high press. We'll be gassed by halftime."
