Chapter 186: The Road to Knockout Stage
November 22nd, 2010
Today's training was complete.
The players walked off the pitch slowly, sweat still fresh on their backs, boots muddy, minds heavy.
No one was rushing. It hadn't been a light session, Niels had pushed them hard, but with purpose.
Every drill had a reason.
Every word he said stayed with them.
Some players headed straight to the changing rooms, silent except for tired breathing and the occasional pat on the back.
Others peeled off toward the parking lot, still in their training gear, dragging their bags behind them.
Thiago stayed behind for a few minutes.
He sat on the short steps just outside the facility, elbows on his knees, catching his breath.
His shirt was soaked, but he didn't seem to care.
He watched the clouds shift overhead, the air starting to cool as the sun dipped lower.
Not far from him, Max stood near the fence, gently tapping a ball between his feet. He wasn't in a hurry either.
