Monday morning at La Turbie had felt different—the usual bustle replaced by an unsettling quiet. With eight players away on international duty, the training complex seemed half-empty, promoting adjustments to the sessions to accommodate the reduced numbers.
Demien walked the perimeter of the pitch, observing the remaining squad members as they moved through tactical drills. Giuly led the group with his characteristic intensity, channeling his disappointment over not being selected for France's qualifiers against Israel and Cyprus into focused club preparation.
"Good movement!" Demien called out as Adebayor timed his run perfectly to meet Giuly's cross. "Now do it again, but change the angle."
With few starters available, these sessions emphasized individual refinement over collective patterns. Specific weaknesses were addressed, particular strengths enhanced–personalized development that often got overlooked during the regular rhythm of fixture preparation.
