By the morning of December 23, the excitement from the cup win had faded. The training ground was back to business meaning no more celebrating.
The players showed up with sore muscles from the day before, but they were ready. Jamal led the warm-up, moving with ease and setting the pace for everyone.
Reece followed closely, paying attention to each step. Dev and Max shared a quick nod, both aware of the tough work ahead.
Niels had raised the intensity to the maximum.
The session focused on tactics, especially rotating players. Niels switched players in and out of the starting lineup during practice games to see how well the team stayed organized.
Senior players Max, Liam, and Tom spoke up a lot, guiding the younger ones through set-piece routines.
The younger players worked hard and paid close attention to every instruction. Thiago pushed himself to keep up with Max and Nate, while Reece stayed careful, making sure not to strain his injury.
Jamal moved through the drills with confidence, showing others how to read the game and hold their positions. Niels watched everything closely every pass, run, and defensive move. Now and then, he paused the session to fix positioning or praise good effort.
"Stay goal-side, Korey! Don't let him turn!" Max shouted during a corner-kick drill. Even though Korey was a striker, he still had to drop back and defend.
It was a good balance of experience and energy. When a younger player mistimed a press, Thomas didn't yell. He walked over, adjusted the player's position, and quietly gave a quick tip.
The team moved and worked together like a well-oiled machine.
Jamal and Keiron trained side by side. Jamal, the more experienced player, guided Keiron, who was still learning.
They played the same position, and Jamal's experience helped Keiron read the game better and stay in the right place.
Keiron had stepped up well when Jamal was injured, taking on the role without complaining. Now that Jamal was back, he wanted to show he could do even more.
Whenever Keiron hesitated, Jamal gave him a quick tip or a small nod to guide him. Little by little, Keiron grew more confident, and their partnership started to come together.
On the other side of the pitch, Dev and Thiago were working well together. Dev kept things calm, spotting space and playing quick passes.
Thiago read his movements easily, making sharp runs into dangerous areas. They clicked as a pair Dev would slide the ball into space, and Thiago would either cut inside or race down the wing. The younger players did their best to keep up with the pace.
Niels watched closely, pleased with how their creativity and speed were coming together.
The drills weren't just about skill they were about timing, awareness, and trust.
Dev and Thiago were setting the example for the rest of the team.
After the final whistle of the practice game, Niels brought the team together in the center circle.
"Look around you," he said. "That's our biggest strength. It's not just one player, but how the team keeps working when someone comes off. We're going to Tranmere not just to play, but to control the game."
The players nodded, still catching their breath but feeling proud. Jamal gave Keiron a small smile, and Keiron smiled back, more confident now.
Dev and Thiago shared a quick fist bump, pleased with how well they had linked up.
Niels clapped his hands. "Alright, cool down, get your showers, and refuel. It was a tough session, but days like this make us stronger."
As the players headed to the showers, Max stayed back on the touchline, looking out at the empty stands. He thought about the summer the calls from Spain, the chance to join Levante, and playing in the sunny pitches of the Segunda.
He could have left. He could have had a bigger move. But seeing how the team worked together, he felt certain about one thing: he wasn't just part of the squad here, he was building something meaningful.
Staying didn't feel like a sacrifice. It felt like building something that would last.
Max shook his head with a small smile and finally went to the showers. The warm water eased his sore muscles as he thought back over the drills, the teamwork, and what still lay ahead.
Afterward, he joined the rest of the squad in the cafeteria. Plates were filled with pasta, chicken, and vegetables.
After lunch, the players went to a quieter part of the training ground. They did light stretching to loosen their tired muscles, keeping things easy but focused.
When they were ready, Niels and Thomas brought the team together around a tactical board and a tablet with game footage.
They went over the next opponents highlighting patterns, strengths, and weaknesses.
"Notice how Tranmere sets up on corners," Niels said. "See their full-backs pushing high? We need to be ready for that."
The players leaned in and watched closely. Dev and Thiago quietly talked about how to use the space, while the younger players took notes and asked questions.
The tactical session went on, with Niels highlighting more details about the next opponents. He explained when to press, where the gaps might open up, and how to rotate players without losing structure.
The players listened closely, asked questions, and shared their own ideas, working through different situations in their heads.
Just as Niels was about to wrap things up, one of the assistants hurried over. "Boss, the FA Cup Round 4 draw is out," he said handing over a tablet.
The team paused for a moment, curious and excited. Niels looked at the screen, then at the squad. "Alright, let's see who we're facing."
He tapped the screen to reveal the draw. The players leaned in as whispers and surprised reactions spread through the group.
Max raised an eyebrow. "Sheffield United? That's a tough one."
Thiago smirked. "That's exactly why it'll be fun."
Dev nodded, already thinking ahead. "We'll need to be sharp, quick, and work as a team. Nothing changes, like the boss always says."
Niels looked around at the squad. "This is our next challenge. Sheffield United are strong. Some people might underestimate us, others will try to catch us off guard. But we know what we're capable of. Stay focused, keep the intensity, and we'll deal with it together."
"We played them at the start of the season," he added. "We know how tough they were then and now they're in top form."
The players exchanged determined looks, ready for what was coming.
After a few more comments about Sheffield United and some quick tactical points, Niels raised his hand to quiet the group.
"Alright, that's enough for today," he said. "You've got two days off, including tomorrow for Christmas Eve. Enjoy the time, relax, and recharge. But remember, Christmas is coming, and we've got a match on the 26th. I want everyone sharp, focused, and fully ready. I don't want any excuses."
The players nodded, understanding the message. A short break was fine, but the job wasn't finished.
They left the training ground feeling both relaxed and focused, ready to enjoy Christmas while keeping the next match in mind.
Niels stayed on the touchline, watching the players head to their cars and buses. Some joked around, while others talked quietly about their plans for Christmas.
He allowed himself a small smile. The team was ready, united, and motivated.
When the last of them drove away, Niels turned back toward the empty pitch.
Tomorrow would be their short break, Christmas Eve and then the hard work would begin again.
