A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

109: calm before the storm

The day after the unexpected breakfast with the boys was a whirlwind of activity, starting early at the training center. The sun was barely up when I arrived, but the air was already buzzing with the energy of the upcoming game against Las Palmas. As I walked through the gates, I could hear the familiar sounds of balls thudding against the ground, coaches shouting instructions, and the occasional burst of laughter from the players.

Pablo was already on the pitch, warming up with the team. I noticed his focused expression and couldn't help but feel a pang of pride. It was moments like these, when the team was gearing up for a big match, that I felt the weight of my responsibilities as the physiotherapist more than ever.

I made my way to the makeshift clinic set up near the sidelines. It was going to be a busy day, with the players' injuries and readiness for the game being my primary focus. My first stop was Frenkie, who was working on his shots with impressive precision.

"Morning, Frenkie," I said, approaching him as he finished up a set of drills. "How's the knee holding up?"

He glanced up, wiping sweat from his forehead with a towel. "Morning, Isabella. It's good. Just a bit sore, but nothing I can't handle."

I knelt down and gently probed the area around his knee. "Let me just check it quickly."

Frenkie started a conversation "You know, you seem to overwork yourself sometimes"

I chuckled. "Something like that. Just trying to make sure everyone's in top shape for the game."

After making sure Frenkie was okay, I moved on to check in with several other players, including Ansu, who was doing agility drills. He flashed me a grin as I approached.

"Hey, Isa. Everything good?" he asked, his voice brimming with energy.

"I hope so," I replied, checking his ankles and calves. "You've been running like a madman this morning. I just want to make sure everything's still intact."

Ansu laughed. "All good here. Ready to give Las Palmas a run for their money."

I nodded, giving his legs a final check before moving on to the next player. The day was a blur of checking injuries, adjusting treatments, and offering encouragement. By the time it was 4:30 PM, the training session had wrapped up, and the players were heading for the showers.

I quickly gathered my things and met up with Pablo, who was already waiting by the car. "Ready to head home and get prepped for the flight?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with the familiar warmth.

"Absolutely," I said, giving him a quick kiss. "I'm going to need every bit of that time to get everything sorted."

We drove back to our apartment, the journey filled with a comfortable silence. The city's evening lights flickered past, and I felt the familiar rush of anticipation and nervousness about the upcoming game. Pablo's hand rested on mine, a steadying presence amidst the whirlwind of preparations.

When we arrived home, we had an hour to get ready before heading back to the training center. I hurriedly unpacked my kit and prepared everything I would need for the flight and the match. Pablo helped me with some last-minute packing, making sure I had all the necessary medical supplies.

"Don't forget the extra ice packs," Pablo reminded me, handing over a small cooler. "You know how hectic these away games can be."

"I won't," I replied, smiling at his attentiveness. "Thanks for the reminder."

With everything packed, we headed back to the training center. The bus to the airport was waiting, and the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and tension. I quickly located the other physiotherapists, who were busy discussing the injury status of the players and preparing for any potential issues during the flight.

"Hey, Isabella," one of the physiotherapists, Laura, greeted me as I approached. "You ready for the journey?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied. "Just making sure we have all our bases covered in case something comes up."

Laura nodded. "We've reviewed the players' medical histories and prepared our plans. We'll need to keep an eye on a few of them, especially after the intensity of today's training."

As we boarded the bus, the players settled into their seats, chatting excitedly about the upcoming match. I found myself seated with the other physiotherapists, away from Pablo, which felt a bit strange. Normally, I'd be sitting next to him, sharing in the pre-match nerves and excitement. Instead, I had to focus on finalizing our plans and ensuring we were ready for any potential injuries.

The drive to the airport was filled with animated conversations among the players, their anticipation for the game palpable. I glanced over at Pablo, who was seated a few rows ahead with Pedri. He caught my eye and gave me a reassuring smile, his presence a comforting constant amidst the busyness.

Once we arrived at the airport, we moved efficiently through security and boarding. The flight to Las Palmas was relatively smooth, though I spent most of it reviewing player profiles, assessing potential risks, and discussing strategies with my colleagues.

During the flight, I caught snippets of conversation between the players and the other physiotherapists. We reviewed the plan for handling injuries on the field, including protocols for quick assessments and treatment options. The priority was to ensure that any player who got injured would receive immediate and effective care.

As we descended into Las Palmas, the excitement in the cabin was palpable. The team's energy was infectious, and even the normally reserved players were buzzing with enthusiasm. I felt a renewed sense of determination, ready to support the team in every way possible.

When we landed, we made our way to the team bus, which would take us to our hotel. The journey was filled with chatter and laughter as the players shared their pre-match rituals and strategies. I stayed focused on my preparations, knowing that the real work was about to begin.

Arriving at the hotel, I quickly checked into my room and organized my medical supplies. The players had some downtime before the match, so I took the opportunity to catch up on any last-minute preparations and ensure everything was in place.

As the evening approached, the anticipation for the match grew. The team gathered in the hotel lobby, ready to head to the stadium for a final review and preparation before the game. I joined them, feeling a mix of excitement and responsibility.

The night before a match is always a whirlwind, but with the support of my colleagues and Pablo by my side, I felt prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The energy and camaraderie among the team were inspiring, and I knew we were all focused on one goal: securing a victory against Las Palmas. I felt a deep sense of pride and anticipation. The hard work, dedication, and preparation were all coming to plan, and I was ready to support the team every step of the way.