CHAPTER 75: CUP PREPARATIONS

"How bad is it?" Yves asked Michel, watching as Morientes gritted his teeth on the treatment table. The Spanish striker had gone down during a routine training drill, and his expression immediately indicated something more serious than the usual bumps and bruises that accumulate over a professional season. The medical staff had been working on him for twenty minutes while training continued around them.

Michel’s face was grim as he reviewed the preliminary examination results. "Hamstring strain, grade two. The fiber damage is significant."

Yves felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The Coupe de la Ligue final against Marseille was just five days away, and Morientes had been their most reliable goalscorer throughout the domestic cup run. His experience and clinical finishing would be crucial against opponents specializing in disrupting attacking rhythm.

"What’s the timeline?" Yves pressed, though he feared he already knew the answer.

"Three weeks minimum," Michel replied, jotting down notes on his clipboard. "Two weeks if we rush him back, but that risks a complete rupture that could end his season."

The news spread quickly through the training facility. Players gathered in small groups, their conversations hushed as they processed the implications. Morientes was more than a goalscorer; his movement and link-up play were vital to Monaco’s attacking strategy.

Adebayor approached the medical area where Morientes was receiving treatment, his youthful face etched with concern for his teammate. At nineteen, the Togolese striker possessed a raw talent that impressed everyone, but stepping into Morientes’ role for a cup final was a daunting challenge.

"I’m sorry, coach," Morientes said as the medical staff helped him. "This injury is frustrating, especially at such a crucial time."

Yves placed a reassuring hand on the striker’s shoulder. "Focus on your recovery. We’ll take care of Saturday."

But privately, he felt the weight of memories pressing against him. In another timeline, another life, he had watched this same final as a young boy. Monaco had lost 2-0, their attacking play stifled by Marseille’s physical approach and tactical discipline. The defeat had been comprehensive, leaving Monaco empty-handed in domestic competition.

That couldn’t happen again, not with this team and not with everything they had built.

____________

Thursday afternoon marked the pre-match press conference at Monaco’s training facility. Journalists filled the small room, eager to probe every aspect of Saturday’s final. The atmosphere was more intense than during typical domestic matches; cup finals carried a significance that transcended league standings.

Yves settled behind the microphone array, with Stone beside him to manage logistics. Clara sat in the third row, her recorder poised on the table as she prepared to document his responses for her match preview.

"First question," the press officer announced, pointing to a journalist from L’Équipe.

"Congratulations on reaching the Champions League knockout rounds," the reporter began. "How do you balance European success with domestic cup competition?"

"Every match demands maximum preparation," Yves replied. "Saturday’s final is as crucial as any Champions League fixture. Marseille are formidable opponents who deserve our full respect."

A journalist from Nice-Matin raised his hand. "This Monaco squad has exceeded all expectations this season. Do you feel pressure to deliver silverware now?"

"Pressure is part of professional football. We concentrate on preparation and performance. Results will follow from those foundations."

The questions continued in familiar patterns—tactical approaches, player fitness, and the historical context that journalists loved to explore. Yves answered each with diplomatic precision, revealing nothing that could give Marseille extra motivation.

Then, a reporter from Marseille’s local paper leaned forward, clearly intent. "Lyon was eliminated from this competition in the early rounds. Does their absence make Monaco’s path easier?"

Irritation flashed through Yves. "Why would I care about Lyon’s situation? I have my own team to prepare for the final. Their results are irrelevant to our preparation."

The journalist pressed on. "But as title rivals, surely their elimination—"

"No," Yves interrupted sharply. "I’m not here to discuss other teams’ failures. Ask about Monaco or ask nothing at all."

The room fell silent, surprised by the edge in his voice. Stone shifted uncomfortably beside him while Clara quickly noted the exchange.

A different reporter swiftly changed direction. "Fernando Morientes was injured in training. Can you confirm his availability for Saturday?"

"Fernando has a hamstring strain that will keep him out for several weeks. Injuries are part of professional football—we adapt and move forward."

"Is Adebayor ready to lead the line in such an important match? He’s only nineteen."

Yves looked directly at the questioner. "Age is irrelevant. Ability and mentality matter. Emmanuel possesses both qualities needed for this level."

More questions followed about tactical adjustments, Marseille’s threats, and the significance of Monaco’s first major final in years. Yves fielded each inquiry while his mind processed the tactical changes that Morientes’ absence would necessitate.

"Final question," the press officer announced.

A veteran journalist from RMC Sport stood up. "You’ve built something special at Monaco in such a short time. Win or lose Saturday, how do you maintain this momentum?"

"We don’t think about losing," Yves replied. "Preparation is about maximizing our chances of success. Saturday will test everything we’ve built together."

__________________

The press conference wrapped up with the usual discussions about logistics—team travel, media access, and post-match obligations that come with major finals. Afterward, Yves retreated to his office, seeking quiet time to process the tactical adjustments necessitated by Morientes’ injury.

Adebayor would start, but his movement patterns were markedly different from the Spanish veteran’s intelligent positioning. While the young striker’s pace and power could challenge Marseille’s defense, his decision-making in critical moments remained inconsistent.

Stone knocked before entering, concern etched on his face. "The Lyon comment will make headlines. Was that intentional?"

"Journalists should focus on relevant topics," Yves replied. "I’m preparing for Marseille, not discussing other teams’ issues."

"Fair enough. But media relations matter, especially since success brings more attention."

Yves nodded, recognizing the delicate balance between authenticity and diplomacy. Success created obligations beyond the game itself, but he refused to compromise his principles for media convenience.

That afternoon’s training focused on attacking patterns without Morientes. Adebayor worked on positional play to maximize his natural gifts while maintaining a connection with Monaco’s midfield. The adjustments were subtle yet significant—different timing on runs and altered spacing to accommodate his playing style.

Giuly took on additional responsibility for creating goal-scoring opportunities, and his experience was invaluable in guiding the younger striker through tactical complexities. The captain’s leadership went beyond mere encouragement; it involved practical education about the mental demands of professional football.

"Cup finals are different," Giuly explained during a break in training. "The pressure, the atmosphere—everything is amplified. Trust your preparation and play with freedom."

With Morientes absent, Alonso’s role became even more crucial. The midfielder needed to find Adebayor’s runs while maintaining the patient buildup that defined Monaco’s approach. He embraced this additional responsibility with characteristic intelligence.

As evening fell, tactical video sessions analyzed Marseille’s recent performances. Their defensive organization was solid, but specific patterns hinted at vulnerabilities that pace and direct movement could exploit. Adebayor’s unique skill set might create challenges that Morientes’ style would not have.

Clara arrived at the facility as the sessions concluded, her article deadline looming. She needed quotes that captured the significance of the final. Their professional relationship continued to navigate personal boundaries, made increasingly complex by their success.

"Good quotes today," she said as they walked toward the parking area. "The Lyon response will spark discussion."

"An appropriate response," Yves replied. "Irrelevant questions deserve direct answers."

"Are you nervous about Saturday? It’s your first major final, Morientes is injured, and it’s Adebayor’s biggest test."

Yves considered her question carefully. "I feel focused rather than nervous. We’ve prepared well. Saturday will show whether that preparation translates into performance."

They reached their cars as evening shadows lengthened across La Turbie. The facility was quiet now, with players departing for recovery routines to optimize their physical condition for Saturday’s challenge.

"Dinner after the final?" Clara asked. "Regardless of the result?"

"If you can tolerate my mood, whatever happens," Yves replied with a slight smile.

She laughed. "I’ve tolerated worse from better coaches."

___________________

Friday brought final preparations that focused on mental readiness rather than physical exertion. Players moved through light technical drills, visualizing the scenarios they might encounter at the Stade de France. The venue’s significance was clear to everyone—France’s national stadium, where World Cups and European Championships had been decided.

The medical staff closely monitored each player’s condition, knowing that cup finals allowed no margin for error. Injuries or fatigue that might be manageable in league matches could become decisive when trophies were at stake.

Adebayor received individual attention from the sports psychologist, as this first significant final required mental preparation to complement his evident physical gifts. The young striker’s enthusiasm was infectious, but channeling that energy productively would determine his effectiveness.

"Remember the patterns we’ve practiced," Yves advised him during their private conversation. "Trust your instincts, but stay within our system. Individual brilliance contributes to collective success."

The striker nodded, his notebook visible in his kit bag alongside tactical diagrams that had become his constant companions. His dedication to improvement was evident in every detail of his preparation.

Stone efficiently managed logistical arrangements—travel schedules, accommodation details, and media obligations that accompanied major finals. Every element was designed to minimize distractions while maximizing focus on Saturday’s ninety minutes.

As evening approached, Yves found himself alone in his office, tactical notes spread across his desk like battle plans. The Coupe de la Ligue represented Monaco’s best chance for silverware this season, validating the methods that had produced remarkable results in such a short time.

His phone buzzed with messages from coaching colleagues, former players, and media contacts seeking predictions for Saturday’s outcome. While the attention was flattering, it could also distract from the complete focus needed for preparation.

The memory of that long-ago final lingered in his mind—Monaco’s 2-0 defeat that he had watched as a disappointed child. It was a different team, a different era, and different circumstances, but cup finals had their own momentum that could overwhelm even the best-prepared teams.

That wouldn’t happen again. Not with this squad, not with everything they had built together. Saturday would rewrite history, creating new memories to replace old disappointments.

The timeline was changing, one match at a time.