"December fixtures will test everything we've built," Yves said, studying the congested schedule.
Michel spread four fixture sheets across the desk, each representing a different challenge in the most demanding month of the season. Sochaux away, Lens at home, followed by back-to-back matches against Nantes and Bordeaux. Twelve days, four teams, and zero margin for error.
"The weather forecasts are concerning," Michel continued, pointing to the meteorological reports attached to each match brief. "Sochaux is expecting snow, with temperatures below freezing. The pitch will be barely playable."
Yves traced the travel routes with his finger, calculating recovery time between matches. He recalled how December had historically broken teams. Injuries piled up, squad harmony fractured under pressure, and promising seasons were derailed by fixture congestion that tested squad depth to its limits.
