Lion in the Pivot: Clash with the Fox King

The news of Rodri's injury in the Man City vs Leicester City match shook not just Manchester, but the entire global football world. Pep's mind was a whirlwind of complexity.

In one corner of the training ground, Pep Guardiola resembled a monk reciting sutras. He ruffled his hair like a madman, muttering to himself.

"Bringing up John Stones is the most logical move. But we need that stability when Hübner and Akankji cover from behind."

He moved the magnets again.

"No, maybe just plant ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Hübner in the 6 spot? Cleanse the midfield with his destructive physicality. Then Akankji and Stones at center-back... Nah, that's too much of a gamble?"

Pep's gaze lingered on the magnet labeled Ryan.

"Ryan... Drop Ryan? With his vision and passing, he could perfectly replicate Rodri's build-up. But sacrifice his attacking threat?"

Pep groaned and slammed his head against the tactics board. No matter the choice, something had to be given up in this cruel balancing act.

Before training session started, Pep called me aside. He looked way more on edge than usual.

"Ryan, listen."

"Yes."

Pep stared straight into my eyes instead of the tactics board.

"Can you take Rodri's role? The pivot spot. Your vision and distribution make it possible. But you'll be extremely limited going near the box. You gotta hold the team's center."

I paused. Suppress my attacking instincts, protect the back four from DM. Doesn't matter where I run. Even goalkeeper if needed. That's my winning mentality.

"If the team needs it, I'll do it. Hand it over."

Pep chuckled dryly and clapped my shoulder.

"Not an easy spot. Brace yourself."

King Power Stadium. Leicester City's home fans waved blue flags, roaring fervently. The noise pierced even into the commentary booth.

- Hello, football fans! We're at the heart of the Foxes' den, King Power Stadium. Premier League defending champions Manchester City embark on a tough away trip.

- Yes, Leicester away is a graveyard even for top teams. Especially today, City faces this daunting match without their core engine.

- Indeed. The just-released lineups show Rodri, City's midfield anchor, sidelined by injury. All eyes worldwide on Pep Guardiola's choice.

- Truly bold. In Rodri's heavy pivot role? None other than Ryan, the team's attack and defense leader! Ryan as defensive midfielder. What tactical experiment is brewing in Pep's mind?

- Will this be Pep's genius masterstroke or fatal blunder? We'll see. Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku returns from injury for his first start in ages, ready to ignite the flank.

- Doku's speed and Haaland's finishing matter, but today's key is Ryan in midfield. How effectively he covers the space Jamie Vardy will target—that's the decider.

- It's nostalgic. Leicester, who dominated the Championship last season and stormed back to Premier League in one year.

- Right. Their momentum post-promotion is insane—can they write another fairy tale? Especially here at King Power Stadium with manic home support, no big club dares claim victory.

- Leicester shaking off Championship dust to reclaim Foxes' glory, City enduring fierce pressure without Rodri.

- Golden chance for Leicester. Prove to promotion rivals why they're Premier League veterans with champion DNA. Jamie Vardy proved class even in the second tier, dragging them up. His momentum targets City's midfield experimental guinea pig today: Ryan.

Player tunnel.

Blue kits and sky blue kits lined up side by side, waiting to enter.

I suppressed my heavy responsibility with deep breaths. Glancing ahead, a guy at the front of the opposite line caught my eye.

Jamie Vardy.

Even right before kickoff, he casually tilted an energy drink can like sipping water. Protruding cheekbones, sharp eyes. If "macho man" were born human, it'd look exactly like that.

After draining the last drop, he crushed the can and glanced my way. Our eyes met.

I spoke first without thinking.

"Hey Jamie, good to meet you."

Vardy smirked, one corner of his mouth up. A wild fox grin.

"Oi, likewise, kid."

Rough tone, but no malice. Using the brief lull, I approached Vardy and spilled my honest thoughts.

"Always rooting for you, Vardy. Lower leagues to Prem champ ain't easy. Impressive as hell."

His sharp eyes softened a bit. He tossed the crushed can perfectly into the bin and offered his hand.

"Not bad with words, eh. Cheers."

Then his gaze sharpened like a predator eyeing prey. He nodded toward midfield center where I'd stand.

"No mercy on the pitch. Especially that spot without Rodri—perfect playground for me to run wild."

His taunt stirred my competitive fire.

"Don't live in the past too much. Your stamina might not hold ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠up now."

"Ha! Looking forward to it. Block me if you can, rookie DM." He returned to position after the short exchange.

Referee's entry signal sounded. Vardy strode first toward the tunnel light. Massive cheers erupted behind him. The king is king.

I clenched my fist.

- Here we go, the experiment the world watches begins! Man City, how will they survive a month without Rodri? First test: first half vs Leicester City underway!

- City fans pray, Leicester fans expect. Especially Ryan in midfield! His first touch from the 6 will shape the whole flow.

- Ref's whistle! First half kicks off!

Preeeeeeek—!

Center circle. Jamie Vardy, foot on the ball, winked at me briefly.

Was it the caffeine surging? His whole body seemed to vibrate faintly.

"Here I come, rookie."

With Vardy's short declaration of war, his toe nudged the ball. Instead of passing back easy, he sprang like a spring, charging into Man City's half.