Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Centro Bortolotti Training Complex
9:23 AM**
Tuesday training at Zingonia was the first truly intense session since Demien's return, and he trained fully with the midfield group now without restrictions or early exits while the coaching staff watched him integrate back into the squad's rhythm.
The session began with pressing triggers—organized defensive sequences where midfielders learned to recognize when to step forward and close down opponents—and Demien operated in tight pockets between the lines while teammates applied pressure from multiple angles.
Koopmeiners pressed him aggressively during one drill and their bodies collided shoulder-to-shoulder, and Demien's first touch took the ball away from the contact before his second touch released it early to Pasalic who had dropped to offer support.
"Good recognition," the assistant coach called from the sideline, and his tone was matter-of-fact because this was expected rather than exceptional.
