Chapter 245: Boxing Day
December 26, Tranmere Rovers (A)
Boxing Day matches always had a weird vibe. For the fans, the holidays were still going strong. It was a chance to get out of the house and watch a game while nursing a Christmas hangover.
But for the players and staff, it was a harsh snap back to reality.
Niels sat near the front of the team bus as it headed north up the gray motorway toward Merseyside.
He glanced down the aisle at the Crawley players. They were quiet mostly zoning out on their phones or listening to music.
Physically, they were fine. The training schedule had been adjusted to keep their legs fresh for the winter stretch.
But looking at them, Niels knew they had a different problem.
Christmas had killed their rhythm.
Momentum in football is fragile. When you play twice a week, your body hurts but your mind gets locked in.
You play, recover, and play again.
