THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Other Conversations With Coach Johansen

Zachary forgets everything and plunges back into his training with a wholehearted devotion after getting his vehicle. He is dedicated to maintaining and improving his fitness to cement his place in Coach Johansen's starting line-up. He had no intention of missing Rosenborg's next game with BK's Honefoss and FF's Sarpsborg just because he was relaxed and not fit.

So, whether it was dynamic warm-up, passing practice, or agility training, he practiced diligently with steadfast devotion, day after day, without complaint.

That way, four days passed in an instant, and soon it was Sunday night. The time for Coach Johansen to announce his squad for the next Tippeligaen game has arrived once again.

However, Zachary did not feel any pressure because he knew that he had done well in training. He was looking forward to the pre-match tactical session because he was almost certain he would be in the squad once again.

Nevertheless, he spent another hour perfecting his dead-ball technique on the training ground after the team's training session ended that night. He managed to take over fifty free kicks before completing his training. At that moment, the night had already started throwing her blackish dress, giving way to the darkness of the night.

When Zachary looked around and realized he was the only one left on the training ground, he quickly collected the practice ball and then started walking towards the dressing room. He wanted to take a quick shower before heading into the tactics room for Coach Johansen's pre-match tactical briefing. But as he leaves the field, he meets Coach Johansen, himself, along the way.

"That's it, Zach," said the coach, smiling at him. "Are you still working on your set-piece?"

"Yes," Zachary replied, wiping the sweat on his face using the back of his hand. "I have to practice every day to perfect my shooting posture. As you know, practice always precedes perfection, and the best form of exercise is repetition."

Coach Johansen smiled, nodding. "I'm glad you remember what we taught you at the Academy. You turn into a great player because of your dedication and hard work. I'm proud of you, and I hope you can stay focused on your game. . If you can do that, you will definitely reach incredible heights in the near future."

"Thank you, coach," Zachary replied with a smile. "I will continue to do my best. I just hope I can continue to get more playing time in the team. I'll be able to progress faster that way."

Coach Johansen was half-smiling. "Let's talk for a while in my office" he said. "There are a few things I'd like to discuss with you before the pre-match tactical briefing."

"Oh, okay," Zachary agreed. He wanted to know why the coach needed to meet him. "But can you allow me to put my gym bag in my locker and also wash my face first?"

"Yes, of course," Coach Johansen gave his approval. "Go and clean up first. You can come to my office after this."

"Okay, then," said Zachary. "thank you. I'll be there soon."

Five minutes later, Zachary arrived at Coach Johansen's office as promised. He pushed the door open after a few taps and found him watching a football game on his laptop.

"Sit down, Zachary," Coach Johansen said, glancing over from his laptop. "Let's talk for a minute."

Zachary nodded before sitting on the chair opposite Coach Johansen.

"How do you find the team's atmosphere?" Coach Johansen investigates, folds his laptop. "It's been over a week since you made your debut. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, of course," Zachary replied, a smile softening his face. "The last week has been good for me. So, I really enjoy myself."

"Good," Coach Johansen said as he nodded. "You've scored five goals in three games. That makes you one of our top scorers. I'm glad you're on the team."

"Thank you" replied Zakaria.

"Have you seen the upcoming Rosenborg games for the rest of the season?" Coach Johansen asked, leaning back in his chair.

"Yes," Zachary replied as he nodded.

"Alright, I guess," said Zachary. "We have at least three days between each game. There will also be a three-week break between May 30 and June 19. So, I have no problem with the schedule."

Coach Johansen smiled. "But you understand that we still have a pretty solid schedule this season" he said, staring at Zachary. "Think about that. We have to play a lot of games in Tippeligaen, the Norwegian Cup and then the Europa League qualifiers. And all that before September. Don't you think that's a pretty solid schedule?"

"Yes, I can see it" replied Zachary, still hesitant about the direction of the coach's talks. Even if Rosenborg has a busy schedule, the Coach doesn't need to mention it to her.

"In that case, you have to understand that with a tight schedule, we have to rotate the squad if we want to continue winning games" said the coach, stroking his red-bearded chin. "Isn't that true?"

"Yes, coach," Zachary replied, nodding and finally understanding the coach's goal.

"Zachary," said Coach Johansen, leaning forward and looking into his eyes. “I want you to know that you are now a key player in my squad. You have great spatial awareness in midfield, and you can even make assists and score goals. You are the type of match-winning player that every team desires in their starting line-up."

"But" continued the coach. "You can't play a game every three days without a break. So, we will rotate you from the starting eleven for the matches against Honefoss on Monday and Sarpsborg 08 on Thursday. If needed, you can only come in as a substitute for those two games."

"Oh!" zachary said as he nodded. Although he understood the coach's point of view, he was still a little disappointed by the coach's decision not to play him in an away game against Honefoss the next day. He is very competitive at the core. Being on the pitch and competing with opponents makes him feel whole. He doesn't want to miss a game all season.

"I can see that you are disappointed" Coach Johansen said. “But don't worry. Stay focused on your training. We will face Molde in 8 days— on May 20 and Valerenga on May 25. If we win both, we will most likely seal our position at the top of the league table. So, I want your legs fresh and enough rest for those two games. Understood?"

"Yes, coach," replied Zachary, his tone serious.

"Then, I'm happy" said Coach Johansen. "I promise you that at the end of the season, you will thank me for getting you out of the squad several times. You yourself will reach the level of asking for a vacation so that you can relax and recover from injuries.The accumulated fatigue from playing games throughout the season."

"Oh," said Zachary, confused as to what to say to the coach. He felt like filing a complaint asking that the coach consider him for the starting eleven the next day. But at the same time, he could not continue that thought because he felt a little guilty.

The coach has played a psychological game on him by calling him for a private chat to explain why he cannot be part of the starting eleven. He has given special treatment to Zachary, usually reserved for key players in the team. But in the truest sense, he calls Zachary and tells him that he will back him up for the next two games. Zachary felt conflicted inside.

"In addition," continued Coach Johansen, his voice turned serious. "The team doctor told me that you didn't go for your regular medical check-up after the game against Troms. You should really go after the next game. Trust Me; it's for your own good because you've just experienced your own growth spurt. . We don't want to get in trouble with your fitness when we have a busy schedule."

"OK, I'll do it after returning from the game tomorrow," Zachary agreed, nodding. "I think if nothing else, I'll take a shower now and get ready for a pre-match tactical briefing."

"Just one more thing before you leave" Coach Johansen said, sighing. “If you manage to score more goals in any of the upcoming matches, please control yourself. Publicity and marketing are already complaining about you giving away those jerseys. In addition, you have taken two yellow cards from that celebration. So, please pay attention. Okay?"

"That's not going to happen again, coach," Zachary replied earnestly.

"Then, I'm happy" Coach Johansen said with a grin. "And before I forget, congratulations on getting your new car. It's really a good machine. But please don't race or speed anywhere in Norway. Always put safety above everything on the road. Are we together, Zach? ?"

"Yes, coach," Zachary replied with a wry smile. "Not once did I go faster than 60 km/h. So, you don't have to worry."

"Then, I will sleep better today," Coach Johansen said in a joking tone. "You know, it's hard for an old man like me to sleep well knowing that one of his players might be speeding on one of those mountain passes somewhere." He sighed.

"OK, you can go back and prepare" he said after a while. "See you in about 30 minutes in the tactics room" he added, waving his hand in disdain.