Bab 24: Mindset

After the game, the Derby County team returned to Pride Park. Most of the players seemed unfazed by the draw, laughing and chatting as they unwound from the intensity of the match. David, however, was unusually silent, staring out the bus window, lost in thought.

"Hey, why have you been so quiet?" Jason, his closest friend on the team, asked, leaning closer to him.

David sighed, barely audible. "We could have won that match if I'd just converted my chances."

Jason blinked in surprise. "Dude, you were the best player out there. You created the first chance and assisted the second goal. What are you even talking about?"

David shook his head. "I missed a goal," he murmured. "After I dribbled past their second defender, the goalkeeper was a little off his line. I should've shot then. But instead…" He trailed off, a memory replaying vividly in his mind—a moment where he had chosen to pass to Martyn Waghorn instead of taking the shot himself.

Jason stared at him, dumbfounded. "You're blaming yourself for not scoring a goal that half this team—heck, half the league—couldn't even attempt? Guess geniuses really are on another level," he muttered under his breath.

David didn't reply. He just stared out of the window, his thoughts clouded with self-recrimination.

As the team bus approached Pride Park Stadium, the home ground of Derby County, Jason nudged David. "Hey, look outside."

David turned his gaze to the windows. Fans had gathered around the stadium, their passion palpable even through the glass. Banners waved in the air, emblazoned with messages of support: Welcome Wonderkid, We Believe in You, Trust Wayne Rooney, and more. A few fans proudly wore shirts with the number 30, David's number.

David's throat tightened at the sight. "See them? We play for them," Jason said softly.

David nodded, touched by the overwhelming support, though the weight of his own expectations still loomed large in his mind.

The bus rolled into the stadium grounds and came to a halt. The players disembarked, greeted by the hum of staff and the murmurs of lingering fans. Wayne Rooney, their coach, stood at the front, commanding the team's attention.

"Listen up," Rooney began, his voice calm but firm. "I'm proud of all of you. That was a tough match, and you gave it your all. Remember, progress isn't always about the result on the scoreboard. It's about how we grow as a team. We'll take two days off to recharge, but I expect everyone back, ready to work, because in seven days, we've got Hull City at home. Let's use that time to regroup and prepare."

The players murmured their agreement, some patting each other on the back as they made their way to the locker rooms. David lingered behind, his focus shifting to Rooney. He took a deep breath and approached the coach.

Rooney noticed him immediately. "Everything good, kid?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

David hesitated before speaking. "I don't want to overstep, but should we really be taking a break now? We just lost two points," he said, his voice low but determined.

Rooney's lips curled into a faint smile. "I see your point, kid. But Hull City is at the bottom of the table, and the team needs to recharge. Pushing them harder now could backfire."

David frowned. "We're also 17th on the table, Coach. We can't afford to slip up again."

Rooney chuckled softly. "Thanks for reminding me, David. I'm well aware of where we stand." He placed a reassuring hand on David's shoulder. "Look, you've been pushing yourself harder than anyone else. Take the break. Relax. You've earned it."

"I'm fine, Coach," David interjected, his tone sharp with insistence.

Rooney's expression softened, but his voice remained steady. "Listen, kid. I know exactly how you're feeling. I've been where you are—thinking the weight of the entire team is on your shoulders. But trust me, you've got to find a balance. Your life can't revolve around football alone. Use this time to reset, to clear your head. We need you at your best, not burned out."

David's gaze dropped to the ground. Rooney's words lingered in his mind as he gave a small nod and walked away, doubt gnawing at him even more. As much as he wanted to heed his coach's advice, the voice in his head wouldn't stop reminding him of what he could've done differently.