As September began, winter arrived in the Netherlands.
The past few days had been overcast and rainy, bringing with them a genuine chill.
After losing 2–4 away to Breda, a bleak atmosphere hung over everything from De Toekomst to Amsterdam Arena. Everyone felt the pressure brought on by the string of defeats.
The 0–1 away loss to AC Milan had been understandable, but losing 2–4 to Breda and handing the league lead to their archrivals Eindhoven was unacceptable.
In the parking lot, First Team Assistant Coach Luther Carroll got out of his car and instinctively tightened his black coat around himself. It was a little cold.
He headed straight for the First Team training building, lightly tapping the folder in his right hand against his right thigh as he thought nonstop.
Yesterday, after the Second Team had finished its match, Assistant Coach John van 't Schip had specifically come to see him and submitted an application. It was also Head Coach Van Basten's intention, and Luther Carroll found it difficult to make the decision alone.
He needed to discuss it with the nominal Youth Training Camp supervisor, First Team Head Coach Ronald Koeman, and Technical Director Van Gaal before he could give a final answer.
He had arrived fairly early and had not encountered anyone along the way. But just as he stepped onto the second floor, he heard an argument coming from the Head Coach's office around the corner.
"I'm telling you, Ronald, our biggest problem right now is that the team's attack is completely undisciplined. We've lost all our aggression up front. Ibrahimovic, Van der Vaart, everyone, needs to take responsibility for the four goals we conceded—including you."
Van Gaal's furious voice came from inside the office.
"Louis, I respect you, but are you shirking responsibility while assigning