The team bus rolled through the German countryside toward Freiburg, its sleek black exterior cutting through the morning mist like a ship navigating familiar waters.
Inside, the atmosphere carried the focused calm that had become Borussia Dortmund's trademark during away trips a mixture of professional preparation and controlled anticipation that reflected Klopp's influence on every aspect of the team's culture.
Mateo sat in his usual spot, three rows from the front on the right side, a position that had evolved naturally rather than through any formal assignment.
The seat provided him with a clear view of the road ahead while allowing him to observe his teammates' pre-match rituals without being the center of attention. It was a small detail, but one that reflected his growing understanding of how to navigate the social dynamics of professional football.
