The biting cold greeted Richard as he stepped off the small plane that had flown in from London to Graz for the match at Liebenauer Stadium. He was the first to exit the cabin, dressed sharply in a suit, but after only a few steps he turned back. Moments later, he reappeared wearing a thick, warm coat.
Behind him, the coaching staff followed, bundled in their own heavy jackets, while the players took the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Austrian conditions. Faced with the Alpine region's chilly winds, Richard quickly realized that warmth was far more practical than appearance.
Manchester City was set to take on the Austrian powerhouse SK Sturm Graz in the third round of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Before their departure, Richard had emphasized the importance of this match, warning everyone that it would be a tough battle long before kickoff.
