"Wednesday?" I said, and I heard the uncertainty in my own voice. "That's... that's really soon."
"I know," Gary said, and his expression softened slightly. "Look, I wouldn't normally spring this on you, but I think it's a good opportunity. Millwall are physical, direct, exactly the kind of team you'll face in the league. It's a perfect test for your pressing system. And it's closed doors, so there's no pressure. Just you, your staff, and the players."
Closed doors. No pressure. Except that wasn't true, was it? The media were watching my every move. The articles about the "unqualified manager" hadn't stopped. If I asked for more time, if I backed down from this challenge, it would be another headline. Another reason for people to doubt me.
"What if we're not ready?" I asked, and I hated how vulnerable I sounded. "We've been training the system, but we haven't played a proper match yet. What if the lads panic? What if it all falls apart?"
