The training pitch at La Turbie glistened with morning dew as players emerged from the facility. Tuesday's session would be lighter than usual—focused on recovery from Deportivo's intensity while preparing for the weekend's league fixture. Demien watched from the touchline as the players formed their usual warm-up circle, their boots squelching softly against the wet grass.

Alonso moved with particular care, but his left ankle was still tender from a late challenge in Madrid. Although the physio had cleared him, Demien noted the slight adjustment in his running gait—small details that others might overlook but could determine his availability for the match against Guingamp.

"Is there a Full session today?" Michel asked, approaching with his clipboard already filled with recovery data.

"Modified," Demien replied. "Forty minutes maximum. Technical work only."

The squad split into groups: those who had played the full ninety minutes against Deportivo focused on light possession drills, while the unused substitutes worked at a higher intensity. Adebayor led the latter group, his energy infectious as he powered through cone drills that would have exhausted most professionals.

Giuly gathered the first team around the tactical board positioned at pitchside. As captain, these informal sessions had become his responsibility—reinforcing match analysis, discussing individual performances, and maintaining the collective understanding that underpinned their success.

"The movement for Fernando's goal," he said, sketching the sequence quickly. "Xabi drops draws their midfielder, and the space opens for the through ball. Simple, but it requires perfect timing."

Morientes nodded from the edge of the circle. Despite facing his former club, his celebration in Madrid had been restrained—professional rather than emotional. The striker understood the significance of such moments for team chemistry.

"Thursday's session will focus on Guingamp," Demien announced as they concluded. "It's a different challenge. They press higher than Deportivo but leave more space behind. We'll work on the patterns tomorrow."

Players began filtering toward the facility for ice baths and massage appointments. The sports science protocols Demien implemented yielded faster recovery times, fewer muscle injuries, and sustained performance levels throughout matches. Innovations that wouldn't become standard for years already gave Monaco a competitive edge.

D'Alessandro lingered on the pitch, practicing free kicks from various angles. His technique was flawless—consistent contact, precise placement—the repetition that separated good players from great ones. But Demien noticed something else in his posture: a tension beyond physical preparation.

"Everything okay?" Demien asked as the Argentine placed another ball on the edge of the penalty area.

"Fine, coach." D'Alessandro's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Just want to stay sharp."

They worked together for ten minutes, with D'Alessandro striking the ball while Demien offered minor technical adjustments. The conversation remained professional, but an underlying tension suggested deeper concerns that must be addressed soon.

Wednesday brought tactical preparation. The analysis room was filled with video footage of Guingamp's recent matches—their aggressive pressing system, reliance on wide players, and vulnerability to quick transitions. Demien paused repeatedly to highlight specific weaknesses that Monaco could exploit.

"They commit seven players forward during attacks," he explained, using a laser pointer to emphasize the screen. "But their recovery runs are poorly coordinated. Once we regain possession, we have four seconds before their shape reforms."

The players absorbed the information with focused attention. These sessions evolved beyond simple instruction; they were collaborative analyses where experienced professionals contributed observations that enhanced their collective understanding.

Evra raised his hand. "Their left-back stays narrow when defending corners. If we switch the delivery late..."

"Exactly," Demien nodded. "Rothen, you'll take the short corner. We'll work on that routine tomorrow."

Thursday's final preparation session was crisp and purposeful. Players moved through rehearsed patterns with increasing fluency—the kind of automatic coordination that couldn't be taught but emerged from months of careful development.

During the tactical walkthrough, Demien made minor adjustments to the starting lineup. Givet would replace Ibarra at right-back, giving the young defender valuable experience. Plašil earned a start in midfield, his energy complementing Alonso's more measured approach.

"Questions?" Demien asked as they concluded.

Silence. Not disinterest, but confidence. They understood the plan.

Friday morning ushered in the familiar rhythm of travel day. Players arrived at the training facility, carrying overnight bags and wearing focused yet relaxed expressions. Outside, the sleek, modern team bus awaited, equipped with individual entertainment systems that most players would likely ignore in favor of tactical discussions or quiet preparation.

Stone managed logistics with his usual efficiency—hotel reservations confirmed, meal timings adjusted for the evening kickoff, and media obligations scheduled for Saturday morning. Every detail was meticulously handled, allowing the players to concentrate solely on their performance.

The journey to Guingamp took four hours, winding through the French countryside as the climate shifted from Mediterranean warmth to Atlantic moisture. Conversations flowed easily—Morientes and D'Alessandro debated Spanish football, while Giuly shared insights about the local geography with newer teammates. Card games sprang up spontaneously in the back of the bus, adding to the camaraderie.

Demien sat near the front, tactical notes spread across the empty seat beside him. He knew that Guingamp's defensive transitions required careful attention; their tendency to leave gaps during quick possession changes could be exploited if Monaco maintained patient ball circulation.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed with a message from Clara: Safe travels. Coverage starts at 7 PM. Try not to score too early—makes for boring match reports.

He smiled despite himself as he typed back, "We'll try to provide adequate entertainment." The hotel in Guingamp was modest yet comfortable—a three-star establishment that starkly contrasted the luxury they had experienced in Madrid. Players were paired off according to room assignments designed to maintain harmony: Rodriguez with Squillaci, their center-back partnership extending beyond the pitch.

After the evening meal, Demien held a final team meeting in the hotel's small conference room. Nothing dramatic—just reinforcing key points, confirmation of individual responsibilities, and the calm reassurance that had become his trademark.

"They'll try to intimidate us early," he concluded. "Expect physical challenges, appeals to referees, and time-wasting tactics. Our response remains the same: control the ball, the tempo, and the outcome."

As the players dispersed to their rooms, kickoff still eighteen hours away, some read, others listened to music, and a few called family members for familiar voices before sleep. Each of their different routines served the same purpose—optimal preparation for tomorrow's challenge.

After they left, Demien lingered in the conference room, reviewing his notes one last time. This fixture had been more difficult in the original timeline—a narrow victory that required late drama to secure three points. But this team, these methods, this preparation—everything suggested that a different outcome was possible.

The tactical adjustments were complete, and the players were ready. Tomorrow would reveal whether months of careful development had fostered the consistency needed for sustained success.

His phone buzzed again. Another message from Clara, sent from Monaco: Hotel looks cozy on the website. Hope the coffee's better than their last season's football.

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