Losing against Inter Milan naturally left the players with low spirits — frustration lingering like a heavy fog in the dressing room. The pressure had doubled overnight.
But still… there was no time to sulk. O'Neill reminded them of that immediately.
"Two matches remain," he told the room, voice firm but calm. "Two opportunities to put things right. Champions don't collapse, they respond, remember that!"
They weren't done. Not even close. Outside, the rain continued to fall over Manchester — but inside the dressing room, a fire was beginning to reignite.
Manchester City would move on. And the next opponent… would face the consequences.
The next day, Richard, O'Neill, and Mourinho stayed behind to watch the match between Sturm Graz and Spartak Moscow.
The "Magic Triangle", Mario Haas, Ivica Vastić, and Hannes Reinmayr attacked relentlessly, constantly stretching Spartak's defense. By full time, Sturm Graz had convincingly defeated Spartak Moscow 3–0!
