He couldn’t be happier.
TWENTY
UDO
On the coach to Liverpool’s ground, Udo sat next to Goran, who had barely spoken. As goalie, the pressure was fully on him not to let any balls past.
“Everything okay?” he said, quietly.
Goran shrugged. “Facing the best team in the league? No nerves here.”
“Hey, we’re out of the relegation zone now. No matter what happens, we’re staying up next season.”
“Thanks,” Goran replied. “I just don’t want my arse handed to me on a plate. Have you seen their results?”
Udo had been studying Liverpool’s form. Of course, he’d faced them before during his time at Chelsea.
Tito Lopes was Liverpool’s prized goal scorer, who struck fear into their hearts. He was on track to be the highest scorer in the league that season. No doubt he also would be after adding to that tally today.
Udo had never properly met him. He reflected on the golfing conversation. What if Tito was gay? No one seemed to really care although what went on behind locker room doors usually stayedsecret.
They reached the ground in decent time. Udo still found it strange to arrive at these stadiums as a Brockton player. At first he’d felt totally bent out of shape. Yet after the last few weeks he’d begun to believe he could make a difference at this club. Of course, sharing a bed with the assistant coach helped with that.
He smiled privately to himself. They’d barely spent a night apart since first getting together. It was nice.
As they got off, Javier beckoned him over.
“What’s up, boss?” he asked.
“I’m putting you on the bench for this match.”
Udo stopped dead. “What?”
“You need to trust me.”
“But—”
“It’s not up for discussion, Holtmann. Now wipe that scowl off your face and trust me.”
Udo watched him walk into the stadium. He’d never been a substitute for any of his clubs.
What the fuck is he up to?
Halftime had been and gone. Both teams were yet to score. Udo perched on the bench directly behind Steven, who hadn’t looked at him once since kickoff.
Suddenly Javier spun around in his seat.
“Okay, it’s time. Go and warm up. I’m giving you the chance to save this game.”
Udo nodded. He threw off his hoodie and ran down the steps. To his astonishment, a roar from their fans in the away supporters’ section greeted him. He stared up to see them waving and cheering. He waved, then began his warmups.
It gave him time to view the pitch and get a sense for the ebb and flow of the game. His eye was immediately drawn to Tito Lopes. He was exactly as expected. Dashing up and down thepitch like a machine. Udo would keep him at arm’s length as best as possible. Judging by the way Tito glanced over at the touchline, he had Udo firmly in his sights too.
Ten minutes later he jogged onto the pitch in exchange for Ingvar. They high fived each other as they transferred power.
Udo ran right into the centre where Adam awaited.
“Am I on the left wing?” Udo asked.
