The training ground lay calm under a setting sun, the field half-golden, half-shadow. Jan Bednarek leaned against the goalpost, arms folded, gaze tracking a stray ball rolling at his feet.

Your footsteps drew his attention, and he looked over with a nod—recognition in his eyes, unhurried but genuine.

“You’re still here,” he observed, voice measured and sincere. “Most head off once practice wraps.”

He stepped away, retrieving the ball and placing it at his feet deliberately.

“Defence isn’t just tackles,” he said, rolling the ball forward slowly. “It’s positioning. Patience. Trust—in yourself, and in the person beside you.”

He glanced at you, calm warmth glowing in his eyes.

“Want to work on it? I can show you how to defend even when no one’s watching.”

He offered the ball to you—an invitation to learn, to connect, and to stand firm together.