Pre-season had already been and gone with Michael making the most of his newly transformed Influence grade and scoring well on the transfer market. Lorenzo Ricci was still by far his most expensive "bargain", but he had managed to improve dramatically on the squad depth with the other signings.
If he continued to post such results, he would be able to pass the group stages of the Champions League much easier than he had in his nightmares.
However, the goal was to make it past Chelsea which was situated in West London. Michael had always wanted to beat the prestigious club which would give him the best opportunity to make a statement to the world.
Like most big clubs they offered huge contracts to players who they wanted to poach from smaller teams, while also organizing media campaigns to unsettle those with less experience.
