Chapter 48: Halftime Team Talk

The AZ Alkmaar dressing room was filled with the sound of heavy breathing and the occasional clatter of boots against the tiled floor.

Most of the players sank into their seats with their heads tilted back, and sweat dripping down their faces. The faint noise of the spectators filtered through the walls, but the room itself was tense and quiet.

Gertjan Verbeek entered into the dressing room last, his footsteps sounded unhurried as his eyes scanned the room.

He didn't speak right away. Instead, he let the silence stretch on uncomfortably, and the pressure of his presence filling the air.

Alvarado sat on the edge of his bench with his gloves resting beside him. His face appeared calm, but his chest still heaved from exertion. Beside him, Viergever sat down while leaning forward with hands on his knees as he kept staring at the floor.

Finally, Gertjan Verbeek stopped in the center of the room with his arms crossed.