The Greatest of all Time

Chapter 690  Post-Match

Emily Anderson sat in her cozy London apartment, the glow of the television screen illuminating the room as the post-match analysis began on Sky Sports.

She had spent the day negotiating a new endorsement deal for Zachary, and now, with the workday over, she could finally relax and savor the match she had just watched. Her heart swelled with pride as she reflected on her client's magnificent performance for Liverpool.

David Jones, the seasoned presenter, smiled warmly at the camera, welcoming the audience back from the intense match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

"Welcome back, everyone, to our post-match coverage," David began. "What an incredible game we've just witnessed at Selhurst Park, where Liverpool triumphed with a resounding 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Let's turn to our pundits, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, to dissect how Liverpool managed such an impressive performance today."

Emily leaned forward in her chair, eager to hear what the pundits had to say about Zachary's debut.

"Jamie, let's start with you," David continued. "How did Liverpool manage to secure such a dominant victory today?"

Carragher leaned forward, his enthusiasm evident. "David, it was a masterclass from Liverpool. They were relentless in their pressing and clinical in their finishing. The high pressing from the front three, especially after Wan-Bissaka's red card, was crucial. Mané, Firmino, and Salah ran at the defenders tirelessly, forcing errors and winning back possession in dangerous areas."

Gary Neville nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Jamie. Liverpool's energy and intensity were too much for Crystal Palace to handle, especially after going down to ten men. But what stood out to me was the impact of their new signing, Zachary Bemba. He was exceptional."

Emily couldn't help but smile. She never doubted Zachary's talent ever since she saw him playing in an academy football competition in Riga, and now he was finally getting the global recognition he deserved.

David turned to Gary. "Yes, Gary, Zachary Bemba made quite an impression. Can you talk us through his debut performance?"

Gary smiled. "Zachary Bemba was outstanding. He brought a new dimension to Liverpool's midfield. His situational awareness, decision-making, and technical ability were on full display. The free-kick he scored to make it 2-0 was sheer brilliance. To come in on your debut and perform like that shows he's a special talent, a generational great."

The screen transitioned to a clip of Zachary's stunning free-kick, the ball curling beautifully over the wall and into the net. Emily's heart raced with pride and excitement as she relived the moment.

"Let's not forget his chemistry with the other players," Jamie added. "Zachary linked up seamlessly with Henderson and Wijnaldum, and his pass to Salah that led to Mané's goal was superb. It's like he's been playing with them for years."

David then skillfully shifted the conversation to Zachary's dribbling skills. "His dribbling is also incredible. Gary, how does his ball control and handling compare to some of the greats we've seen over the years?"

Gary leaned back, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "David, watching Zachary today reminded me of legends like Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane. His ability to control the ball effortlessly, even in tight spaces, was extraordinary. His dribbling is smooth, and he has this knack for making the ball almost stick to his feet—which is reminiscent of the best dribblers in the game."

Jamie chimed in. "Absolutely, Gary. That moment when he shifted his body and left McArthur behind was pure magic. It's not just about speed; it's about how he reads the game—how he anticipates the defender's moves and then makes those subtle adjustments to glide past them. It's a joy to watch."

David nodded. "We have Jürgen Klopp's post-match interview ready. Let's hear what he had to say about today's win and Zachary's debut."

The screen cut to Klopp, who was all smiles as he faced the reporters.

"Jürgen, congratulations on a fantastic win," the reporter began. "What are your thoughts on today's performance, especially Zachary Bemba's debut?"

Klopp's eyes sparkled with delight. "Thank you. It was a brilliant team performance. The lads were incredible today, especially with our pressing and finishing. As for Zachary, what can I say? He was magnificent. Scoring two goals on his debut and how he controlled the game, it's clear we have a very special player in our squad."

The reporter pressed on. "How do you see Zachary fitting into the team in the future?"

Klopp's smile widened. "He fits perfectly. His understanding of the game, his vision, his ability to find space and create opportunities – he's everything we hoped for and more. The chemistry with the other players is already there, and it'll only get better."

Emily felt a rush of satisfaction. Klopp's words echoed her thoughts about Zachary's potential and future at Liverpool.

The screen then transitioned back to the studio, where David, Gary, and Jamie continued their analysis.

"Jamie, Klopp seems very pleased with Zachary. How important is his performance for Liverpool moving forward?" David asked.

Jamie replied, "It's massive, David. Having someone like Zachary who can come in and make such an immediate impact is invaluable. He adds depth and quality to the midfield, and his ability to score and create chances will be crucial in the long run."

Gary added, "I agree. Zachary's debut performance sets a high standard. If he can maintain this level, Liverpool will be a formidable force this season. His presence gives Klopp more tactical flexibility, and that's a huge advantage."

David turned back to the camera. "Well, there you have it. A comprehensive victory for Liverpool, a stellar debut for Zachary Bemba, and plenty to look forward to this season. Thank you, Gary and Jamie, for your insights. We can't wait to see how this Liverpool team progresses. Stay tuned for more post-match analysis and highlights."

Emily sat back, her excitement palpable. She knew this was just another step on Zachary's journey to greatness. The endorsements, the accolades, and the recognition he deserved were all within reach now. She grabbed her phone and sent a quick text to Zachary.

"Congratulations, Zachary! What a debut! The sky's the limit from here. Proud of you!"

As she watched the highlights and punditry, Emily's mind spun with the possibilities ahead. Zachary Bemba was a star on the rise, and she was right there with him, ready to help him reach even greater heights.

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The clock was ticking past 11:00 PM as Zachary and his Liverpool teammates filed back into the dressing room at Selhurst Park. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and victory, and the players were in high spirits, chatting animatedly about the match and congratulating each other on their performances.

In the dressing room, the post-match routine kicked in swiftly. The players stripped off their kits and headed for the showers. The hot water offered a brief respite, washing away the grime of the match and helping to relax their tired muscles. After showering, they dressed in comfortable travel attire provided by the club.

A quick, nutritious meal awaited them—a combination of lean proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables designed to aid recovery. The players ate efficiently, knowing they had a tight schedule. Some opted for a post-match massage, administered by the club's physios, to ease any lingering stiffness or minor knocks they had picked up during the game.

By midnight, the team was ready to leave Selhurst Park. They boarded the team bus at 12:30 AM, eager to return to Liverpool. As professional footballers, they had to follow a strict traveling schedule, ensuring they returned home to begin their post-match recovery at the club's state-of-the-art facilities as soon as possible. Spending the night in London might have been more comfortable, but their rigorous regimen demanded otherwise.

The bus journey back to Liverpool was a mix of fatigue and quiet reflection. The euphoria of the 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace lingered, but the adrenaline was waning fast. Most players quickly settled into their seats, pulling on headphones or scrolling through their phones. Then, the combination of the engine's hum and the bus' gentle rocking was the last straw that lulled many to sleep.

Zachary sat by a window, gazing out at the passing lights of the city. His mind replayed the highlights of his debut, including the free-kick that soared into the net, the second goal he netted from Salah's pass, and the final moments leading to Mané's goal. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He felt a profound sense of accomplishment and belonging. He had pictured this moment countless times over the past week, and now it was a reality.

As the bus sped along the motorway, Zachary's eyelids grew heavy. He let his thoughts drift, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up. He dozed off, his head resting against the bus window.

A long while later, the bus finally pulled into Melwood, Liverpool's training ground, at around 4:30 AM. The players stirred, gathering their belongings and filing off the bus. They exchanged tired but satisfied farewells, each heading off to their respective homes to catch what little sleep they could before the recovery sessions began later.

Ray, the player liaison officer, was waiting for Zachary. "Great game tonight, Zachary," he said with a warm smile as he ushered Zachary into the waiting car.

"Thanks, Ray," Zachary replied, stifling a yawn.

The drive to Zachary's mansion was quiet. The streets of Liverpool were nearly deserted at this hour, and the car moved swiftly through the city. Zachary leaned back in his seat, reflecting on the whirlwind day. The sense of achievement and relief was overwhelming. He had proven himself on one of the biggest stages in football, and now, he felt even more eager to face other Premier League opponents.

Feeling a buzz in his pocket, Zachary pulled out his phone and switched it on. Messages flooded in, congratulating him on his successful debut. He quickly scanned through the notifications. There were messages from Kristin, his PA, who was in Turin organizing the transfer of his essential belongings from Italy; Emily, his agent, who was in London; some of his Ivorian teammates; and his new Liverpool teammates.

Zachary smiled as he read through the messages. Kristin's text was detailed and businesslike, congratulating him on his performance and updating him on the logistics in Turin. Emily's message was filled with excitement and pride, noting how his performance had already created a buzz among potential sponsors. His Ivorian teammates sent short but heartfelt messages, while his Liverpool teammates joked about his debut goals and how they looked forward to more of the same.

He decided to respond to Kristin and Emily first. He sent a quick thank you message to Kristin—and then asked for a detailed update when she had a chance. To Emily, he wrote: "Thanks for the support! Let's talk tomorrow about the endorsements. Tonight was just the beginning."

Satisfied, Zachary put his phone back in his pocket. The car continued its smooth journey through the quiet streets, the lights of Liverpool reflecting off the windows.

They arrived at Zachary's new mansion in Woolton around 5:00 AM. Zachary thanked Ray and headed inside, finding the house dark and silent. He went straight to bed, the day's fatigue pulling him into a deep sleep almost instantly.