The team bus journey to Arnhem was quieter than usual.
Two consecutive draws had left Utrecht in a frustrating position - playing well but not getting the results their performances deserved.
Coach Wouters had made it clear that changes were needed, and several players were feeling the pressure of potentially losing their places in the starting eleven.
Amani sat near the back of the bus, his usual pre-match routine disrupted by an unexpected conversation with the coaching staff that morning. Wouters had pulled him aside after training to deliver news that was both disappointing and educational.
"You're not starting today," the coach had said, his tone matter-of-fact but not unkind. "You've been playing a lot of football recently, and I think you could benefit from watching the game from a different perspective and also having a rest."
