In the days that followed, Manchester was drenched by alternating spring showers, forcing the team to abandon their outdoor sessions. Training shifted to the indoor facilities at the youth academy, much to the delight of the younger players.
They admired the senior stars who occasionally joined them, but for some—Ronaldinho, Terry, Ashley Cole, and Eto'o—it wasn't just admiration. There was a spark of competition, a quiet determination to prove they belonged on the same stage.
In one practice match, the youth side ultimately lost, but once again, Ronaldinho and Eto'o's performances stood out so much that even a few of the first-team regulars took notice.
On this particular day, O'Neill kept training light. He knew the squad had a bigger task ahead: Nottingham Forest awaited them in the fifth round proper of the FA Cup.
For the first time since taking charge of Manchester City, O'Neill fielded a rather unconventional starting lineup for the rain-soaked match.
