The mid-week training sessions carried a sharper edge as the U19 DFB-Nachwuchsliga opener approached. On the main grass pitch, Coach Lehmann had the squad working through possession circuits with increasing intensity. Cones marked tight channels, and the pressure from shadow defenders forced quick decisions. Jonas operated as the deep pivot again, receiving the ball in crowded pockets and distributing with calm precision.
In one sequence, the opposition pressing group closed fast. Jonas dropped his shoulder, shielded briefly, scanned the far side where the left winger made a subtle run, and delivered a clipped diagonal that bypassed three players. The winger controlled it cleanly and played a low cross that Felix met with a first-time shot saved, but the movement was promising.
Lehmann blew the whistle. "That's the standard. Keller, excellent orientation under pressure. You're giving the attackers time and space. The rest copy that patience instead of forcing it."
Felix jogged past, breathing hard but grinning. "You're reading the game like you've got eyes in the back of your head lately. Keep doing that and we might actually win some games this season."
Jonas wiped sweat from his brow and offered a modest nod. "Just trying to keep possession alive. If the ball moves faster than the press, we win."
The afternoon shifted to tactical shape work 11v11 on a reduced pitch focusing on the high press triggers and defensive compactness. Jonas anchored the midfield trio, calling adjustments as the opposition simulated different attacking patterns. When the ball was turned over, he immediately stepped up to press the receiver while maintaining a passing option behind him. His positioning felt instinctive now, drawn from years of watching elite midfield battles and learning from his own past errors of over-committing or ball-watching.
During a water break, one of the assistant coaches pulled him aside. "Your communication is improving. You're organizing the line without shouting everything. That quiet leadership helps the younger lads stay calm."
By the end of the session, legs were heavy but spirits were high. Coach gathered everyone for a short debrief. "Saturday's league opener against Hoffenheim U19 away. They're technically strong and like to play out from the back. Expect high pressing and quick combinations in midfield. We'll travel Friday, light session Saturday morning. Keller you start in the six. Prepare like it's a final."
Jonas felt the weight of the words but kept his face neutral. Hoffenheim's youth setup was known for producing technically gifted players who could exploit spaces with quick one-twos. In his first life, he had struggled against such sides, often caught out of position or forcing passes that led to turnovers. This time he would approach it differently patience in build-up, disciplined pressing triggers, and using his experience to anticipate their patterns.
The bus ride home later that afternoon gave him quiet time to reflect. The league start meant real stakes: points, table position, and increased scout attention from 3. Liga and 2. Bundesliga reserve teams. He couldn't afford complacency. Small, consistent performances would open doors gradually.
When he stepped into the apartment, the familiar warmth enveloped him immediately. Lina was waiting near the door, bouncing on her toes with her lion in one hand and a folded piece of paper in the other.
"Jonas! Training finished early today?" She ran forward and hugged his legs, then thrust the paper at him. "I drew the new match for you! It's against the strong team. You win with a super pass!"
He knelt, accepting the drawing and studying it with genuine care. The pitch was green with wild lines for passes, a central Jonas figure with number 6, and Lina on the sidelines with her lion flag waving wildly. "It's brilliant, kleine Maus. You even drew the Hoffenheim players with red and blue. I'll take this with me for good luck on Saturday."
Lina beamed. "Will you score? Or make the big pass like in the friendly?"
"I'll try to help the team play well," he said honestly, ruffling her hair. "Matches against good teams are tough, but if we stay calm and work together, good things can happen. Want to practice your scanning in the garden before dinner?"
"Yes!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door.
Anna called from the kitchen. "Dinner in thirty minutes. Don't wear yourselves out completely."
The garden session was shorter but focused. Jonas rolled the ball to Lina gently, encouraging her to stop it, look up, and pass back with purpose. She improved noticeably better balance, fewer wild kicks. When she succeeded, she celebrated with lion roars and victory dances that made Jonas laugh out loud. He demonstrated a simple body feint, letting her try it until she managed a clumsy but enthusiastic version.
"You're getting stronger every day," he told her as they headed back inside. "Keep practicing and one day you'll be teaching me."
Lina puffed out her chest. "Then I'll be the coach and you'll be my player!"
Dinner brought the family together around the table once more. Anna had made a lighter pre-travel meal baked chicken, rice, and vegetables mindful of Jonas's needs. Lina dominated the conversation with excited questions about the away game: Would the bus be big? Could she come one day? What if the other team was mean?
Jonas answered patiently, turning nerves into positive framing. "Away games are harder because the crowd is against you, but that makes winning sweeter. I'll text you after the match so you know how it went."
Thomas listened closely, then asked practical questions. "Travel okay? Any extra costs we need to cover?"
"Nothing major," Jonas reassured. "Club handles the bus and meals. I'll be back Sunday morning."
Anna watched her son with quiet pride mixed with concern. "Just play your game and come home safe. We'll be thinking about you the whole time."
After dinner, Jonas helped with the dishes while Lina colored another supportive drawing at the table. When everything was tidy, he sat with her for a short homework review simple reading practice that they turned into a game where football players "read" the words aloud in funny voices. Her giggles filled the room.
Bedtime came with the usual ritual. Jonas read the story, added his football twist, and tucked Lina in with her lion. She held onto his sleeve a moment longer than usual.
"Win for me tomorrow… I mean Saturday," she whispered sleepily.
"I'll do my best for all of us," he promised, kissing her forehead. "Sleep well."
In the living room, Jonas spent a quiet half-hour with his parents. The television played low sports news, but the conversation stayed personal.
"You're handling the build-up to this league game calmly," Thomas observed. "No pacing the floor like last season before big matches."
"I've learned it's better to prepare steadily," Jonas replied. "Focus on what I can control positioning, decisions, supporting the team. The rest follows."
Anna set her knitting aside. "And you're still making time for Lina. She talks about you nonstop at dinner. It means the world to her… and to us."
Jonas felt the familiar anchor. "That's the point. Football is important, but this is why I'm fighting for it to build something stable for all of us. No more regrets about missed time."