Gasperini appeared from the training facility entrance, clipboard in hand as always, and called out, "Everyone on the bus. We leave in five minutes."
The players filed on in orderly fashion, moving down the aisle to find their preferred seats. Veterans claimed the front rows, closer to the coaching staff, while younger players gravitated toward the back where conversations could be more relaxed.
Demien climbed the steps and moved past the first few rows. De Roon sat in the second row reviewing tactical notes on his tablet, completely focused. Koopmeiners occupied the seat across from him, already wearing his headphones and staring out the window.
Demien continued toward the back, finally settling into a window seat about three-quarters of the way down. The interior smelled like leather and coffee, comfortable but not luxurious, designed for function rather than show.
Pasalic dropped into the seat beside him. "Mind if I sit here?"
"Go ahead," Demien said.
