Saturday's pre-match meal at the team hotel followed the familiar rhythm of match day preparation. Players settled into their usual spots—Giuly engaged with the senior group discussing tactical details, Adebayor animated despite the early kickoff, and D'Alessandro, though quiet, was present rather than isolated as he had been recently.
The menu was lighter than usual, featuring pasta, grilled chicken, and vegetables selected for optimal energy release. Stone oversaw the arrangements while Michel monitored individual dietary needs, ensuring every detail was managed to maximize performance potential.
"Le Mans will press high early," Demien reminded the squad during the final instructions. "We need to play through it, not around it. In the first fifteen minutes, they'll try to unsettle our rhythm. Stay patient."
