The game continued at a relentless pace.
Demien ran until his lungs burned and his legs trembled, chasing players who seemed to have endless stamina, trying to keep up with the tactical demands while also contributing in attack.
At one point he received the ball under pressure from de Roon, managed to turn away from the challenge with a quick touch, and played a diagonal pass to the wing that created space for a shot.
The shot went wide, but Gasperini clapped his hands once in approval of the pass.
But then five minutes later Demien got caught out of position when trying to press high, and de Roon played a simple ball through the gap he'd left, leading to a goal for the other team.
Gasperini's whistle blew immediately.
"Demien! What did I tell you earlier about over-committing? You pressed too early and left a hole! Read the trigger first!"
"Yes, Coach!"
They reset and continued.
