Friday morning's training session began under grey clouds, a light mist hanging over La Turbie as players filtered onto the practice pitch. The victory in Athens was still fresh—just forty-eight hours removed from that commanding performance—but attention had already shifted to domestic matters.
Strasbourg. Saturday. The final match before the international break.
Demien stood at the center of the tactical area, observing as players moved through their recovery protocols. The exertions from the Champions League were evident in their movements—subtle signs of fatigue that most wouldn't notice but were impossible for him to overlook. Evra slightly favored his left hip, Morientes stretched his hamstring a bit longer, and D'Alessandro jogged at a more measured pace.
Michel approached with the medical report. "Everyone's cleared, but fatigue markers are elevated for the Athens starters."
