Chapter 39: Building Behind the Scenes
Friday Morning – La Turbie Training Ground
It was just past nine, but the sun had already baked the sideline boards until they gave off that faint, metallic smell of heat on paint. Somewhere in the distance, sprinklers ticked softly, washing over the far side of the secondary pitch. No one was using it today. All drills were compressed. Narrow space. High intensity.
The main squad had just finished the final segment—five-zone shape rotation, done with uneven teams. Giuly and Plašil pressed like madmen. Morientes held ground between four cones without ever receiving the ball. Adebayor got kicked twice and still managed to draw the smile out of Rothen during cooldown.
Demien stood alone near the tactical shed. Not leaning. Just watching.
Behind him, cleats scraped the stone corridor as players filtered out toward the showers. A few low laughs, nothing loud. The session had burned enough energy to mute the ego. That’s how Demien preferred it.
He didn’t turn when he heard footsteps on gravel. Didn’t need to.
"It’s done," Michael Stone said, coming to a stop beside him. His tie was gone. Sleeves rolled. Eyes bloodshot from whatever flight or meeting had dragged him through the week.
Demien’s gaze didn’t shift. He was still watching the cones. The spacing.
"Xabi’s camp said yes. One-point-five million loan fee. Buy clause at eight."
A short pause. Then:
"He’ll be ready for medicals Monday."