The analysis room session finally ended a little after midday.
The players filed out gradually, some stretching their arms after sitting for so long, others chatting about the clips they had just watched. The conversation drifted between tactical observations and casual jokes as they walked back toward the locker area.
For the squad, it had been a productive morning.
Recovery work.
Video analysis.
A clear focus on Bilbao.
Everything felt organized.
Everything felt on track.
But as Dino Toppmöller stepped out of the room last, one of the assistant coaches approached him quietly.
"Coach."
Toppmöller turned slightly.
"Yes?"
The assistant leaned closer so the players walking past wouldn't hear.
"Timo Hardung called."
Toppmöller raised an eyebrow.
"For what?"
"He asked if you could come up to Markus's office."
The coach nodded slowly.
"Now?"
The assistant shrugged.
"He said when you're free."
