Two months later.
The rhythm of recovery had become routine.Mateo's limp was almost gone.The pain — nearly forgotten.And for the first time in what felt like ages…
The ball was back at his feet.
Back on the Pitch
It wasn't full training yet —but it was enough.
Cone drills.Short passes.Jogging with controlled cuts.Solo dribbling under supervision.
And most importantly… no pain.
The medical staff watched from the sideline, impressed.
"His progress is beyond the chart," one of the physios whispered.
Another nodded. "This kid's built different."
Mateo didn't hear them.
He was locked in — touch after touch, footwork smooth, mind calm.
He was becoming himself again.
Breaking News
He stood by the hydration station, wiping sweat from his brow, when a murmur swept through the rehab center.
He looked up.
A screen in the corner flickered with sports headlines.
⚠ BREAKING:Vincent Kompany relieved of duties as Bayern Munich head coach.
The image showed Kompany walking past the press room — head low, no smile.
Mateo blinked.
Then blinked again.
"No… that can't be right."
The Shock
His legs weakened, just for a second.
Kompany had only been at the club a little over a year.He was about to win the Bundesliga.Only missed out in Champions League quarterfinals.
And yet… gone.
Just like that.
Mateo immediately pulled out his phone and dialed.
"Coach Vincent."
The line rang once.
Twice.
Then:
"The person you are calling is currently unavailable."
Mateo stared at the screen.
The news ticker continued below the headline.
"Sources suggest internal disagreements and long-term vision conflicts."
But none of it made sense.
Not to Mateo.
That Night
He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
Klara was reading nearby, sensing his mood but giving him space.
His phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
Mateo answered immediately.
"Hello?"
"Mateo," came the familiar, calm voice."I was waiting to call when I could actually breathe."
Mateo sat upright.
"Coach Vincent! Are you okay? I saw the news—"
There was a pause.
"I'm fine. But yes… it's true. I'm out."
"Why?"
"Politics. Direction. They wanted something else. I wanted to build something lasting… including you."
Mateo swallowed hard.
"You were the first coach who really believed in me."
"I still do, Mateo," Kompany said gently."Don't let this shake you.You're not their project.You're your own.And whether I'm in the dugout or watching from the stands… I'll always back you."
Mateo was quiet for a long time.
Then said only:
"Thank you, coach. I won't let you down."