the federation wanted Kovár talking about Valenti for the cameras. he gave them ninety seconds of weather and respect. the press officer looked bereaved
Kovár
she got what the format deserved
Polášek
are we actually ready for this
Hájek
we’re ready. all of us. I mean it
Šíma
Hájek has declared readiness, and Hájek has been captain of every room he ever walked into, so that settles it
Mareš
early night. all of you. Wednesday is long
Šíma
the tower has spoken. sleep, gentlemen. especially the ones who weren’t planning to
Kovár
I’ll sleep
Šíma
that was very quick
Kovár
I’m a quick sleeper
Šíma
mm
Novotný
nobody is a quick sleeper
Kovár
you have never watched me sleep
Šíma
and yet somehow I know this is not where we want the chat to go
Chapter 15: Enzo
The tunnel smells like every tunnel I have ever stood in, liniment and cut grass and the particular electricity of two dozen men about to find out something true about themselves in front of the whole world.
Davide bumps my shoulder in the line. “Left channel’s yours all day. Their fullback’s slow turning. Go at him early.”