The New Player

Chapter 5

It’s currently 11:30 am, and I’m on my way to the training ground to ask Klopp about some formalities concerning our next match. Yesterday wasn't the usual Sophie; I would never, in my right state of mind, do something like that. How embarrassing of me to stare at him like a hormonal teenage boy! It's the goddamn curly hair; who doesn’t love that? 

Anyway, he won’t catch me slipping today. Alex messaged me last night, at exactly 21:45. I made fun of his ass for believing our number 8 was a model boy. I was content in the comfort of my bed while poor Alex just got off work, but I was surprised when he told me that he got home earlier than me. 

Apparently, the shoot ended just 45 minutes after I left. His words were exactly, “This guy is gorgeous." I wouldn't agree with him, so this dummy sent me photos of the shoot, but I stopped replying, protecting my eyes from this torture. So, Alex spammed me with more photos. This morning, I did receive even more. 

I saw the players warming up through the glass door. When I stepped outside, I could feel the scorching heat of the sun on my skin. The guys were already drenched in sweat. I made my way to Klopp and greeted everyone. 

“Sofia! What's bringing you here?” asked the boss, smiling. 

“We have to talk about the upcoming match. There's some issue concerning our training equipment, specifically the treadmills.”

“The guys won't be able to use them for a while. I'm dealing with the technicians to repair them as soon as possible before the match, but I'm pretty sure they won't be operational until then.”. 

“So, we should come up with an alternative for now," I ended. 

“Hmm, let me think for a moment," replied Klopp. 

I gazed at the boys, leaving the coach with his thoughts. As usual, some of them are really focused, while others are just yapping about who knows what. Trent was visibly now with his new best friend. Since Sobo joined us, Trent and him have always been together. Sobo asked Trent something while sneaking a glance at me; I was too far from them to hear anything. I'm curious to know. 

“Is her name Sophie or Sofia?”

“It's Sophie; only Klopp calls her Sofia. “

“Why ?”

“I don't know; I guess it's a nickname.”. 

“Do you have a crush on her or something, Dom?” Trent asked teasingly. 

“I do not. She's not my type either; I just like messing with her.”

“Now, you're being petty, mate.”

“No, I'm not.”

“Im Dominik Szoboszlai, Captain of the Hungarian Team. All women would beg to spend a night with me until I met my nemesis, aka Sophie.” Trent mocked. 

“You are right, except for the last part. I have no interest whatsoever in her. Even if she was into me, I wouldn't act on it. She has too much of an attitude for me.”

“You're delusional. The real competition is right in front of you,teased Trent. 

After their session of stretching, the boys gathered on the sidelines to drink some water. I hope the issue with the treadmills won't affect their performance. 

I could see Sobo approaching me from the corner of my eye. Today is payback day, no matter what. 

“I guess I can't escape the dedication of my number one fan to wanting to admire me,said Sobo with sarcasm.