Wednesday morning at La Turbie felt hollow. The familiar voices that usually echoed across the training complex were absent, and the usual breakfast gatherings in the dining hall were missing their vibrant faces. The international break had claimed eight players, leaving behind a skeleton crew that moved through their routines with subdued energy.
Morientes was the first to depart, and his call-up from the Spanish federation required an early arrival in Madrid for medical checks and tactical preparation. The striker's handshake with Demien conveyed professional respect, but there was also an underlying satisfaction—representing one's country is the pinnacle for any player.
Alonso followed hours later, his luggage modest despite the prestige of his destination. The midfielder's evolution at Monaco had caught Iñaki Sáez's attention, earning him regular starts alongside established stars like Raúl and Mendieta.
