Chapter 71 – Back to Battle
The gates of Carrington swung open under the cold kiss of a Manchester morning.
Mist clung low over, but inside the training ground, there was warmth. Laughter echoed off the walls, boots squeaked against polished floors, and the thudding rhythm of a ball being juggled filled the indoor dome.
They were back.
The euphoria of the dramatic qualification night still lingered faintly—smiles, banter, tired high-fives. But it wouldn't last long.
Amorim didn't believe in standing ovations after battle. Not for long.
"Alright!" His voice cracked like a whip, sharp and direct. "Celebration's over. We face Wolves in five days. Everyone's playing."
Just like that, the mood changed.
Smirks were replaced by furrowed brows. Casual touches became sharper, faster. Conversations turned to tactics, matchups, spacing. The shift was smooth.
✦ ✦ ✦
Emre Demir's first full session began in a tight rondo square—seven players, two in the middle.
