In a long and grueling English League Two season, winning or losing individual games isn't the key—there are 46 rounds, and only the final champion truly matters. Yet, despite the importance of the entire season, the start wasn't promising for Notts County.
Their two city rivals also won their opening matches: Nottingham Forest crushed Sheffield United with ease, dominating the game and never letting the home side fight back. Since Forest played in a different league, David chose not to worry—there was no direct competition here.
But Mansfield was a different story.
The Pozzo family had injected fresh life and resources into Mansfield, bringing in 14 Italian players on loan from Serie A's Udinese, meaning the team was essentially pre-assembled with a talented core that didn't need much time to gel. This led to an easy 2-0 victory over Northampton in their opening game.
Mansfield fans couldn't help but mock Notts County supporters. "Throwing money at the problem won't help," they jeered. "We've got expertise, real savvy, and a strong Italian owner. Your splurges can't match that."
Notts County fans, undeterred, consoled themselves. Their expensive squad might need time to gel, but eventually, their lineup would outmatch Mansfield's loanees. They believed their patience would outlast Mansfield's borrowed brilliance.
Two days after the league opener, football authorities unveiled a new loan system regulation. Clubs would be limited to having five loan players on their matchday squad, with no more than four from a single club. While the rule only took effect in the next season, it meant Mansfield's heavy Italian imports would have to be trimmed soon.
The new restrictions were a relief for Notts County fans, who anticipated Mansfield would decline without their massed loanees. Even if Mansfield clinched promotion this season, it likely wouldn't last.
Next up, Notts County faced Bristol City away. Bristol, a top-half side last year, had just thrashed Swindon 3-0 and were in good form.
Few expected Notts County to challenge—Bristol looked far stronger.
The result was unsurprising: a 1-0 defeat.
Unlike their earlier loss, Notts County fought valiantly but conceded due to Ribery's costly mistake on the left wing, leading to a swift counterattack goal.
The two opening losses placed Notts County precariously low in the table, only saved from bottom position by goal difference. Points-wise, they were tied with the league's bottom four.
The media showed no mercy, fixating solely on results. They lambasted the coach Low as incapable and even mocked Club Chairman David with unflattering nicknames.
But it was Ribery who took the brunt of fans' ire.
Iniesta was back from his cold but still not fully fit. Low remained loyal to Ribery in the starting eleven, but the young winger's selfish and uncooperative style disrupted the team's flow and left him vulnerable to criticism.
David grew increasingly concerned. A player of Ribery's prior pedigree should not be struggling to adjust.
After training that day, David summoned Ribery to his office. The young player arrived with a heavy heart, aware of the criticisms thrust upon him—including blame from loyal fans.
David observed Ribery's expression—one seasoned beyond his years, a mix of frustration and hope.
"Frank," David began, sliding two glasses of water across the table, "you might already guess why I asked you here."
Ribery's nervousness deepened, suspecting bad news. Perhaps he was to be sold.
David smiled gently, dispelling fears. "Look, when you played before, I get that your style was a bit wild. But now, as a professional player here, we have standards to meet."
"Why don't you pass the ball more? In the last two matches, the left flank's attack was basically paralyzed because the team didn't cooperate well with you."
"Your dribbling's good, but you can't beat every defender alone. They know you won't pass and can crowd you out. You've got to understand that."
Ribery's head lowered—he knew David was right. His individualism was holding the team back.
"I've always had big hopes for you," David continued. "I expected you to be a winger like Figo or Giggs—a player who lifts the whole team. But stars don't shine alone—they play for their team first."
Ribery nodded gratefully. The trust David placed in him stirred something deep within—a motivation he hadn't felt before.
"Don't worry; this isn't just a talk. I'm telling you that training will focus on your coordination and teamwork. You need to build relationships on and off the pitch—that's key."
The conversation flowed smoothly. Ribery, humble and eager, accepted the critique without protest. He was just a small piece in a big puzzle, but had the chance to grow.
David believed in him, and hoped Ribery would seize it.