Chapter Five: A Defeat Worth Sixty-One Percent

At the press conference, every question concerned Bello's zero shots on target. Veer said the team required time. Fifteen minutes later, a newspaper close to Salin published an exclusive: an anonymous “junior analyst” was interfering in coaching, splitting the dressing room between data and tradition. A blurred photograph showed Lin entering at halftime. His temporary contract had five months remaining. Banks sent a formal warning forbidding unauthorized contact with first-team players. Harold removed his name from training access. “They don't need to prove you were wrong,” Elena said downstairs. “Only that you exceeded your authority.” “Did the source know what I said?” “No. The photograph was taken before you spoke.”