The morning after the defeat to PSG felt heavy. The humidity in Seoul was suffocating. It felt like the air itself was tired.
Michael Sterling sat in the hotel lobby. He was watching the fish in the giant aquarium. They swam in circles. They looked peaceful. They did not have to worry about high lines or sweeper keepers who could not pass.
Arthur Milton walked over. He was carrying a plate of Korean pancakes. He sat down next to Michael.
"You look like a fish Boss," Arthur observed. "Your eyes are open but you are not seeing anything."
"I am thinking Arthur," Michael said. "We lost heavily. It exposed us. We need to be smarter."
"We need coffee," Arthur said pointing to a waiter. "And we need to answer the phone. It has been ringing for an hour."
Michael looked at his phone on the table. It was vibrating again.
Unknown Number. Germany.
"Germany?" Michael frowned. "Why is Germany calling me? We played Atletico and PSG. We did not play Bayern."
He picked it up.
