Chapter 631: First 11

[Christopher Park]

Dawson waited until the players had finished gathering around him before speaking.

"That was a proper session today. Good work, guys."

As he said that, he looked over the group, taking in the faces around him.

The uncertainty that had hung over the squad during their difficult run seemed to have eased.

Training had been sharper, the competition for places was as fierce as ever, and the recent results had given everyone reason to believe they were doing something right.

That did not mean anyone could afford to relax.

"I’ve watched the last few games back, looked at the numbers, and considered what I need from you tomorrow.

You know how we usually announce the starting eleven in the group chat, but this time, we will be doing it in-house."

The change was small, but it had an immediate effect.

At the sudden mention of the lineups, a few players straightened while others stopped talking altogether.

With Wigan fighting for the title, nobody wanted to spend an important fixture watching from the bench.

The January arrivals had added to the competition, and the form of the players already at the club had made selection even more difficult.

There were, of course, a few names that hardly needed to be announced.

"Ben Amos."

At the sound of his name, the goalkeeper gave a small nod, hardly surprised.

Unless injury or an unexpected problem intervened, his place was about as secure as anyone’s could be.

"Femi Seriki."

Darikwa let out a quiet, wry chuckle beside him.

Seriki glanced over and snorted, while Dawson continued without breaking stride.

"James McClean will be at left-back. Joe’s still out with the sprain, so that position isn’t changing just yet."

McClean acknowledged the decision.

His return to a more defensive role had become increasingly useful, particularly with the squad stretched across several competitions.

"Jake Whatmough will have Curtis Tilt alongside him at centre-back. O’Shea, you’ll be on the bench tomorrow."

O’Shea accepted it with a nod.

There was no argument, though the decision was another reminder that recent form did not guarantee anyone a place.

Dawson moved through the remaining positions, naming the players who would make up the side before reaching the midfield.

"Calderon and Tiehi in the double pivot."

Reyes, standing a short distance away, felt his shoulders ease at the sound of that.

He wouldn’t admit it, but seeing how effective Leo was in the number 10 role gave him some doubts about his standing in the club.

But it seemed the talk with Dawson had been productive.

A second later, Dawson confirmed the latter’s place.

"Reyes, you will be starting ahead of them in that central attacking role."

He let out a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding.

He was looking forward to making a point of his own against United.

"Now for the forwards. Jake starts up front. Ezra on the left, Carlo on the right."

That completed the eleven.

The tension eased almost immediately.

A few players exchanged remarks, while others began discussing the match among themselves.

Those who had missed out were disappointed, but there was little time to dwell on it with another demanding fixture ahead.

Dawson waited for the noise to settle before continuing.

"I’ve taken your performances into account. That’s what selection comes down to. I’ll make changes when I think they’re right for the team, and tomorrow’s no different. It doesn’t mean anyone’s written off. Keep working, and you’ll get your opportunities."

He glanced around once more.

"United are a good side, whatever their season’s been. We’ve prepared as well as we can, and there’s nothing more to do today. Tomorrow is another game. We go there, do our jobs, and see where that takes us."

He nodded towards the squad and then began to turn away.

"That’s it, lads. Get some rest."

At that, the players began to split off, collecting their belongings and talking in smaller groups.

Some stayed behind to ask questions about the following day’s schedule, while others headed straight for the changing rooms.

Reyes left with a little more purpose in his stride, and Dawson watched the group disperse before turning towards his staff.

There was still plenty to prepare before the trip, but for now, the work on the pitch was done.

...

Leo had barely closed the door to his apartment when a faint tapping from somewhere inside made him pause.

He stood still, his duffle bag hanging from one shoulder as another tap came from the direction of the living room.

At that, a smile slowly spread across his face.

He set his bag down and stepped further inside, looking around as though he had entered an unfamiliar house.

Then he began moving through the living room, deliberately slow, drawing in a deep breath and pretending to study the air.

"Interesting," he murmured as the tapping stopped.

Leo glanced towards the bedroom and took a few steps in that direction.

He even turned the corner as though he intended to check inside.

Then, without warning, he spun around and lunged towards the kitchenette.

Vittoria barely had time to react before he caught her by the legs where she had been crouching behind the counter.

He lifted her from her hiding place, and she burst out laughing as he brought her upright.

"It’s okay, it’s okay," she said, still laughing. "You won."

Leo set her feet on the floor but did not let go.

Instead, he pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close.

"I missed you."

Vittoria’s smile softened.

She slipped her hands around him and caressed the back of his head, her fingers brushing through his hair.

"I know."

She said it quietly, without teasing him this time.

They stayed like that for a little while, neither particularly interested in being the first to pull away.

It had been a while since they had seen each other in person, and the ease with which they settled back into one another’s company made the time apart feel even more unnecessary.

Eventually, Vittoria leaned back enough to look at him.

"Our food’s going to get cold."

"You ordered out?"

"Yeah, I just got here half an hour ago."

"And I just didn’t want to get these nails dirty," Vittoria said while shoving her hands in front of Leo.

He laughed and gave her another squeeze before finally letting her go.