Koulechad Overwhelmed With Professional Leap

[Aephino]

Kloulechad knew that hard work was required at the next level of football. The academy was just the first step of achieving his dream of playing in the SSL Major League. But it's only been one week in and the practices with Athenai are far beyond what Riamel could have expected.  It's as if everyone is already faster and stronger. Riamel never was blessed with physical gifts, but at every level of football Riamel at least felt average and fit in. But now, everyone has a leg up. Riamel seems to come last every time in sprints, or is constantly losing physical duels. He can tell the manager isn't happy with Kloulechad's physical shape. 

As for the technical side, Riamel feels he can (mostly) keep up, even though he's treading water. The older players all have abilities on the ball that make their passes and finishes look effortless. In pure shooting drills, Kloulechad is excelling, but once defenders become involved in more game-like scenarios, Riamel finds himself struggling once again.

For now, all Riamel can do is keep working hard on and off the training pitch. While he is still catching up, he is training long distance running to keep his stamina as high as possible.