Chapter 225: Before Kickoff
December 13th, 2010
Morning light crept slowly through the curtains of the team hotel in Brighton.
Inside, the Crawley squad was already waking up.
Most of the players had slept lightly. Match days always carried a different kind of tension, a mix of anticipation and quiet focus that lingered long before kickoff.
In the dining hall, breakfast was simple and disciplined.
Bowls of oatmeal, eggs, fruit, and toast filled the long tables. Nutrition staff moved between the players, making sure everyone followed the pre-match plan.
Thiago sat near the window, stirring his coffee slowly as he looked out toward the sky.
Across from him, Max Simons was already halfway through his meal.
"Did you sleep well?" Max asked.
Thiago shrugged with a faint smile. "Yes, my legs feel better after yesterday."
Reece Darby joined them, carrying a plate stacked with eggs and toast.
