Chapter 248: Starting Spot
Two days later, Jamal was back in full training.
He was one of the last to get fully cleared. His ankle was completely healed. The medical staff gave him the green light the tape came off and his fitness numbers were right back to where they were in November.
He was one hundred percent fit.
But Kieron was still the coach's pick for the starting pivot role.
Niels stood on the edge of the pitch on Wednesday morning, his hands shoved deep into his coat pockets as he watched the squad run through high-intensity passing circuits.
He had made his stance clear without holding a single meeting. Kieron had started the last three games, handling the immense pressure of the holiday schedule while anchoring the midfield and grinding out crucial results.
He had earned his minutes.
Taking his spot away simply because a senior player was healthy again would undermine the culture Niels had spent months building.
Everyone got a chance based on how well they played.
