Sam Parker quickly realized that he was being sidelined when the team moved into group training.
During individual recovery sessions, players followed personalized programs designed by the coaching staff. But once group drills began, Parker found himself excluded. It didn't take long for him to understand—his status within the squad, or at least in the eyes of this Chinese coach, was nowhere near as important as he had imagined.
Damn it! Are they really planning to rely on those two amateurs they picked up from non-league football to lead the line this season?!
Parker wasn't the type to put up a fight, but a sense of unease crept in. After all, the head coach held absolute authority over team selection. If Ethan truly intended to phase him out, there wasn't much he could do about it.
But that wasn't an option for Parker. He needed game time—some solid performances to attract interest from other clubs. Otherwise, finding a decent contract as a player returning from a serious injury would be nearly impossible.
Hesitant but determined, Parker unfolded the training schedule handed to him by the coaching staff.
Sixty minutes of aerobic exercise… God help me.
Strength training in the gym… Are you kidding? Is this how you treat a key player?
And lunch? Just boiled egg whites and coarse bread? Is this even a real meal?!
At first, Parker considered swallowing his pride and apologizing to the coach. But after reading through the brutal training plan, his head throbbed. This was punishment, plain and simple.
Since the staff were too busy to keep an eye on him, Parker took his chance. He glanced at the group of players standing in a huddle around Ethan, listening to instructions, and quietly moved closer.
Ethan was explaining the day's schedule—physical conditioning in the morning, followed by defensive drills in the afternoon.
"One-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three, four-on-four… progressing to full-team defensive practice," he outlined.
"The key point I want to emphasize is pressing! In physical battles, we must be aggressive—put pressure on the opponent immediately! Our defensive system involves everyone, from the strikers to the goalkeeper. No exceptions! Keep the three lines compact, cut off passing lanes in central areas, and force the opposition wide at all costs!"
As he sketched tactics on the board, Ethan's sharp gaze suddenly landed on Parker, who was lingering at the back. He stopped mid-sentence, frowning.
The players followed his gaze and soon spotted Parker.
Everyone knew why Sam had been separated from the squad—it was the coach's way of disciplining him. Still, they didn't believe Parker would be frozen out forever. Luton's only experienced striker was him. No one had yet seen what newcomers like Jamie Vardy or Charlie Austin could do at this level.
A few teammates exchanged uneasy glances.
Kevin Keane, the team captain, worried about the situation. If Ethan and their "top striker" clashed, Luton's season could be in serious trouble.
John Aston, one of the senior players, rubbed his temples. Sam Parker was never this much of a problem before. His eyes shifted to Ethan—still young for a head coach, but undeniably authoritative.
Ethan's voice cut through the tension.
"Did I say you could join group training?"
A wave of silence fell. The players all turned to Parker.
His face burned under the attention.
Damn it! This guy doesn't even respect me as the club's main forward!
Humiliated, Parker clenched his fists. "Who the hell do you think you are?! Chinese!"
Gasps rippled through the squad.
All eyes flicked back to Ethan.
The coach chuckled—not out of amusement, but something colder.
"I said no one joins group training until they reach the required fitness levels," Ethan stated firmly.
His gaze swept over the squad, daring anyone to challenge his authority.
Ethan stood before the squad, his voice firm and resolute.
"My selection board is now wiped clean. The starting lineup? Blank. The squad list? Blank. I don't care who you were before or what you've done in the past. From now on, I judge you only by your performance in training—your attitude, your ability, your hunger! That alone will decide whether you become a starter, a substitute, or someone who doesn't even make the squad!"
He scanned the players, his gaze sharp.
"During training, I expect you to give everything. If you don't meet the standard, I won't hesitate to bench you! From today forward, I am the head coach. Whatever I was before doesn't matter—your position in this team will be decided by me. This is your chance! If you want to be in the starting eleven, prove it to me on the pitch!"
Charlie Austin felt his blood boil with excitement. He had no reason to doubt Ethan; he believed in every word. He clenched his fists, determined to show his worth. He refused to go back to a life of hard labor—football was his future.
"I will never go back to laying bricks!" he screamed in his heart.
Jamie Vardy's eyes burned with intensity. He had fought his way up from non-league football, and now, standing in a professional dressing room, he knew it wouldn't be easy to displace players with more experience. But regardless of whether Ethan was serious or just sending a message, this was an opportunity—one he had to seize.
At 21, Vardy was desperate for his shot at the professional level. His passion ran deep, driving him to approach every game like it was his last.
"Give it everything. No regrets."
Ethan's speech had ignited a fire in the young players, but for Sam Parker, it was a different story. He had become an example—a warning.
"As for you," Ethan turned sharply toward Parker, his tone ice-cold. "You have two choices: follow the training plan or find yourself a new club. You won't have a place in my squad otherwise."
He turned to his assistant, John Aston. "How much did we spend to sign him? How long is his contract?"
"A hundred thousand pounds. He has a year and a half left on his deal."
"Fifty thousand pounds!" Ethan declared without hesitation. "If anyone offers at least that, he's gone. Otherwise, he trains properly—or he doesn't step onto the pitch at all."
Parker stood frozen, stunned by how decisively he had been cast aside.
Clapping his hands, Ethan barked at the squad: "What are you all standing around for? Get on the pitch! Training starts NOW!"