David hadn't fully realized how much work Low was putting into solving Ribery's problem.
After each training session, Low called Ribery to his office for intense one-on-one "small stove" sessions.
Ribery's struggles were laid bare. Low meticulously replayed video footage of the past two games, pausing every time Ribery touched the ball.
Using these replays, Low pointed out Ribery's missteps—moments when teammates were in perfect positions to receive the ball, but the Frenchman held on too long or forced ill-advised dribbles. Low emphasized options, demonstrating better choices Ribery could have made and explaining why cooperative play was critical in professional football.
What followed were days of additional training dedicated solely to this purpose.
Low went further, showing Ribery highlights of elite left-wing players—Figo, Giggs, and others—breaking down how they seamlessly elevated their teams through passing and interplay.
By the third day, Franck Ribery, the stubborn "Scar Warrior," had been thoroughly grilled. The word "pass" became a mantra for him, repeated so often that it rolled off his lips unconsciously.
While the training sessions were exhausting for both, Low's unrelenting efforts began to take effect. Ribery, inherently a smart player, absorbed the lessons well. Though there was still work to be done before he'd fully mesh with his teammates, these sessions ensured the chaotic winger was a step closer to the dynamic, team-focused athlete Low envisioned.
Unfortunately, Ribery's rehabilitation came with… unintended side consequences.
Being called into Low's office for late-night analysis sessions sparked rumors within the club. It wasn't long before whispers started circulating—even reaching Nottinghamshire's media.
The tabloids jumped at the opportunity. For days, "The Story Low and Ribery Had to Tell" dominated headlines.
The stories became wildly absurd, from suggestions of an inappropriate relationship to playful exaggerations about Low taming Ribery's fiery personality. Nobody escaped ridicule—not Low, not Ribery, and certainly not Ribery's fiercely scarred face.
David, torn between amusement and frustration, couldn't hide his laughter after reading one particularly ridiculous version of events. "They think Ribery's scars make him the 'tough enforcer' in this hypothetical relationship—they really can't resist adding layers to this nonsense!"
Low, however, was far less amused. "This is exactly why I hate the tabloids! They wouldn't last a day coaching—not a single day!"
David reassured Low, telling him to ignore the noise. "When we start winning consistently, all this gossip will disappear. Until then, consider surviving the tabloids a character-building exercise."
Low wasn't entirely convinced, but he sighed and decided his team's performances mattered more than his media reputation, however tarnished.
After two consecutive league defeats, Notts County turned their attention to the League Cup, where they drew Northampton Town—a team they were already familiar with, having faced them during the pre-season.
David valued both the League Cup and the FA Cup for one simple reason: winning either trophy meant qualification for the UEFA Cup (Europa League). And despite the club's current struggles, David harbored a quiet ambition to see Notts County compete on the European stage by next season.
However, Low had a balancing act to manage. With only four days since their last league match and another one looming in three days, resting key players was a necessity. Low opted for a heavily rotated lineup, trusting his bench to deliver.
The Altentop brothers started together for the first time, with Big Altentop partnering Sneijder in midfield and Little Altentop lining up alongside Villa in attack.
The squad lacked creativity without its star players, but Low hoped Sneijder's precision and Villa's movement would compensate.
Unexpectedly, Northampton fielded their strongest eleven, showing clear intent to advance in the competition. The physical intensity and tenacious pressing from Northampton suggested they viewed this as more than just a first-round match—it was their "cup final."
In the first half, Sneijder's vision shone through, threading an intricate through ball to Villa, who finished clinically to give Notts County a 1–0 lead. Despite Northampton's aggressive approach, Notts County held firm as the first half ended.
The second half, however, brought trouble.
When Goalkeeper Diego Lopez leapt to save a curling shot, he landed awkwardly and immediately signaled to the bench. Muscle strain forced him off, and Ben Foster, the backup keeper, was thrust into action.
Foster hadn't been fully warmed up, and it showed. Struggling to adjust to the tempo, he misjudged a straightforward shot within minutes, allowing Northampton to equalize.
The away support erupted in celebration, and the momentum began to shift. Notts County piled on the pressure, but Northampton parked the bus, dragging the game into extra time.
Despite their efforts, fatigue plagued both sides, and neither team could score. With no breakthroughs, the tension climbed as the game headed for penalties.
Notts County had barely practiced penalties—time had been consumed by tactical preparations, leaving no room for spot-kick rehearsals.
Low sighed, arms crossed as he watched the opposing fans cheer. He prepared himself for elimination, but fate had something else in store.
Ben Foster, a relatively quiet figure in the squad, suddenly became the hero in danger.
From the first Northampton penalty, Foster showed his mettle. By reading the taker expertly, he saved the second attempt, immediately reviving hope for Notts County. Though Villa missed his opening penalty—his slip costing him dearly—Foster's heroics balanced the scales.
He followed with another save on Northampton's next kick—stretching low to his right to deny a curling attempt that seemed destined for the bottom corner. The crowd roared in awe of their unlikely savior.
Conversely, Notts County's next takers—Sneijder and Big Altentop—held their nerve, converting calmly. Momentum shifted decisively.
When Foster guessed right again on Northampton's final kick—parrying the ball out amid deafening cheers—players crowded their goalkeeper, lifting him into the air.
Foster, often overlooked as the second-choice keeper, had delivered when the team needed him most.
As fans celebrated the narrow escape, David exchanged a look with Low. "We got lucky tonight," David said, "but sometimes luck is exactly what we need to build momentum."
Low nodded. "Foster looked calm under pressure. But we still have plenty to fix—especially in attack. Ribery's problem isn't solved overnight."
The journey forward would require fine-tuning tactics, building consistency, and silencing doubters. But for one night, all that mattered was victory.
Ben Foster—the hero in danger—had saved the day.