Chapter 45: Van Basten advice
In September, winter arrives early in the Netherlands.
The weather has been persistently cloudy and rainy, casting a chill over the air.
Following a 4-2 defeat away to NAC Breda, the journey from De Toekomst to the Amsterdam Arena was cloaked in a frosty gloom. The team was acutely aware of the weight of successive losses.
The 1-0 away defeat to AC Milan could be forgiven, given their stature as a formidable opponent, but the 4-2 setback to NAC Breda and the subsequent relinquishment of first place to PSV Eindhoven was deemed unacceptable.
In the parking lot, assistant coach Ruud Krol emerged from his car, tightening his black jacket against the biting cold.
He proceeded directly to the first-team training facility, a file clutched in his hand as he absently patted his right thigh, lost in contemplation.
The previous day, after the second team had concluded their match, assistant coach John van 't Schip had made a special effort to seek out Krol and present a proposal. This proposal had also received the approval of head coach Marco van Basten, meaning Krol could not render a decision unilaterally.
The matter required discussion with the Director of Youth Development, Ronald Koeman, and the senior Technical Director, Louis van Gaal, before any final decision could be made.
Krol arrived early and encountered no one along his path, but as he ascended the stairs to the second floor, he overheard a heated argument emanating from the head coach's office.
"I'm telling you, Ronald, our most pressing issue at the moment is the team's lack of discipline in attack. We've entirely lost our offensive aggression. This includes Ibrahimović, van der Vaart—everyone must be held accountable for the four goals we've conceded, and that includes you," Van Gaal's furious voice reverberated through the office.
"Louis, I have great respect for you, but are you attempting to shirk responsibility?" Ronald Koeman retorted, his voice laced with irritation.
"Is that truly what you believe I'm doing?" Van Gaal countered sharply. "That's quite disappointing."
After a brief silence, Van Gaal resumed, "I've said this before: you cannot afford to be overly lenient with these players. Discipline is paramount for any team. Everyone must adhere to the team's system. We need our strikers to be more menacing and proactive rather than merely combative.
"Have you considered that if Ibrahimović were more actively engaged in pressing from the front, it would alleviate the burden on our midfield and defense? Our passing and control in the midfield and defense would be more fluid. We could advance our formation, dominate the opponent's half, and launch counterattacks with greater efficiency.
"You should realize that having a striker like Ibrahimović would make this style of play a nightmare for any opponent."
The office fell silent, then Ronald Koeman's face softened into a smile.
"Yes, Louis, you make a valid point, but have you considered whether the players are prepared for this approach? You were involved in discussions with Ibrahimović; did he endorse your strategy?" Koeman inquired pointedly.
"Then find another striker," Van Gaal responded curtly.
"And if that striker proves inadequate as well? Will you overhaul the entire team? Or even me? Are you suggesting replacing me as head coach? You know the technical director holds that power," Koeman said with gravity.
Van Gaal's response was delayed, but Ruud Krol, standing outside the door, could easily envision his growing frustration.
Such heated exchanges had become increasingly common between Van Gaal and Ronald Koeman recently. Ruud Krol had observed several of these disputes, yet the team's predicament remained unresolved, with no notable improvement in sight.
As the Ajax coach, Ruud Krol endeavored to maintain neutrality. He acknowledged that Van Gaal's strategies and principles were sound and aligned with Ajax's traditional philosophy. However, Ronald Koeman, in his role as operational head coach, could not impose the same level of strictness as Van Gaal. He had to balance the team's morale and the players' overall well-being.
Ronald Koeman, a former distinguished professional player and head coach, naturally assumed a leadership role in the dressing room. This inherent leadership quality made it challenging for him to be as uncompromising as Van Gaal.
Both men were acutely aware of the team's issues but had yet to devise a viable solution.
"Let's put this aside, Ronald. The current atmosphere isn't conducive to further discussion. We'll pause here, but I trust you understand that we must rectify this situation swiftly. We need to use the coming week to refine the team's attacking play. We cannot afford any more setbacks," Van Gaal said, attempting to conclude the argument.
"I know what needs to be done," Ronald Koeman replied tersely.
Sensing the conclusion of the discussion, Ruud Krol made his way towards the door.
Upon noticing Krol, the tension in the office visibly dissipated. Both Van Gaal and Koeman's expressions softened, and Ronald Koeman greeted Krol with a cordial nod.
Krol promptly relayed the proposal. "The second team's coaching staff has recommended adding Yang Yang to the special training list. John van 't Schip will provide him with individual coaching sessions."
Van Gaal's brow furrowed as he perused the documents Krol handed him, his surprise evident.
Not long ago, during a high-level meeting, Van Gaal had contemplated adding Yang Yang to the special training list but ultimately decided against it after considering various factors. However, since joining the team, Yang Yang's performances in both training and matches had been notably impressive.
Although Van Gaal felt a sense of gratification, he managed to keep his emotions restrained.
Ronald Koeman took the file from Van Gaal and scrutinized it. He observed Yang Yang's frequent participation in training sessions alongside Ibrahimović and Maxwell, who often trained with Yang Yang and Vermaelen after their own sessions. It was well known that these four players were close neighbors and shared a strong camaraderie.
The report underscored the excellent synergy between Yang Yang and Vermaelen, particularly on corner kicks. Similarly, Maxwell and Ibrahimović had forged a productive partnership, reminiscent of Ajax's previous successful wing play when Van der Meyde and the Brazilian left-back were instrumental.
Incorporating Yang Yang into the special training list would entail allocating more resources towards his development. This would not only involve specialized coaching but also additional support, such as enhanced physical training.
Both Van Gaal and Koeman regarded this as a positive advancement. While it was a routine matter for them—usually a mere formality of processing second team recommendations through the technical department—they recognized its significance for the team's future.
"Ruud, have the scouts monitor the upcoming matches of the second team and ensure they provide me with a concise report after each game," Ronald Koeman instructed suddenly.
"Is there a specific reason for this?"
"Yes, I want to keep a close watch on Yang Yang, as well as Babel and De Mul, Krohn in midfield, and Vermaelen and Lindgren in defense. We need to scrutinize their performances closely," Koeman replied.
"I understand," Ruud Krol acknowledged with a nod.
The ongoing issues with the Ajax first team remained unresolved. To address the conflict between Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart, it might be necessary to revisit strategies from the previous season.
The right side of the attack needs to be revitalized.
Koeman has concentrated on central attacking strategies, primarily due to a shortage of effective wingers. Daniël de Ridder, known for his pace and previous impressive performances with the second team, has struggled this season due to a lack of penetration and speed, resulting in Koeman deprioritizing him.
Victor Sikora, a right winger acquired from Vitesse a year ago, had initially been a backup to Van der Meyde. This season, he has been shifted to a central role, but his inconsistency, coupled with issues in technique and ball control, has been problematic.
Both de Ridder and Sikora present challenges. Given the current state of the team, Koeman has occasionally relied on Sikora, often using him as a substitute. However, neither player has proven to be a reliable solution.
This predicament is a significant setback for Ajax. The departure of Van der Meyde, who was finally emerging as a key player, was particularly painful. Acquired by Serie A giants for over 10 million euros, Van der Meyde's transfer not only resulted in financial loss but also a noticeable decline in team performance.
Finding a suitable replacement for Van der Meyde has proven to be a daunting task.
"By the way, isn't Vermaelen left-footed?" Ronald Koeman suddenly inquired.
Ruud Krol pondered for a moment before nodding, "Yes, he is."
"Good. Pay special attention to him," Koeman instructed.
Koeman has always valued the balance of having both left- and right-footed defenders. Currently, Escudé is a left-footed player who is also proficient with his right foot, while Heitinga and Grygera are right-footed. Koeman's emphasis on balance makes Vermaelen's left-footedness particularly significant.
Van Gaal, who had been silent up until now, listened intently. He had anticipated potential conflicts with Koeman due to their differing coaching philosophies. If the team were performing well, he might have been more lenient, but with the team struggling, he felt compelled to be more critical.
While player development is beneficial, it is crucial that players do not become complacent. Yang Yang, initially overshadowed by his own progress, had caught Van Gaal's attention. The recommendation from Van Basten and the second team coaching staff for Yang Yang to undergo special training highlighted his progress and growing presence within the second team.
If changes are made to the first team, Yang Yang might have an opportunity for promotion if he continues to demonstrate his capabilities.
...
...
At noon the following day, Yang Yang returned to De Toekomst from school and was immediately summoned to meet with the head coach of the second team.
After the afternoon training session, and to the envy of many of his teammates, Yang Yang was singled out by the coaching staff.
John van 't Schip, a former prominent right winger for Ajax, had enjoyed a career spanning just two clubs: Ajax in the Netherlands and Genoa in Italy, where he achieved considerable success.
During his time at Ajax, van 't Schip played a pivotal role in the team's triumph in the European Cup Winners' Cup under the guidance of coach Johan Cruyff.
Yang Yang held great respect for such a distinguished predecessor. Respect for mentors had been a value instilled in him from a young age.
Marco van Basten, another of Yang Yang's idols, had previously offered him advice and guidance during training sessions. However, today's meeting felt especially significant.
Standing before these two Dutch football legends, Yang Yang experienced a blend of honor and nervousness. Despite knowing it was part of Ajax's tradition, the gravity of the moment was still overwhelming.
"All right, I'll be brief since time is of the essence," Van Basten said with a smile. "I will handle the specific arrangements, and John will be in charge of your training from now on." He gestured towards van 't Schip, who stood beside him.
"Yang, keep in mind that John brings over ten years of professional experience to the table, from the Netherlands to Serie A and the European stage. His experience is extensive, and he is eager to impart his knowledge. He will assist you in becoming more astute on the field and understanding the subtleties of the game."
Yang Yang nodded, taking Van Basten's words to heart.
Johnny Rep had often told him that professional soccer demanded more than just physical prowess; it required skill and occasionally clever tactics within the rules to outmaneuver opponents.
Although Yang Yang had yet to fully experience these aspects in the second team, he anticipated that they would become more pronounced in the first team.
He had already sensed this during the Dutch Cup match, where even against a semi-professional team consisting largely of veteran players from lower leagues, the subtle aspects of the game proved crucial.
"I'd like to discuss something I've observed recently," Van Basten said with a serious tone.
Yang Yang nodded in acknowledgment.
"You are incredibly diligent and hardworking. Your passion for football and your strong desire to win are evident. Your dedication is commendable," Van Basten began.
Then, Van Basten's tone shifted. "However, you must understand that hard work alone is not always sufficient. Just as on the field, where you are constantly running and seeking opportunities, that effort does not always yield the desired results. Have you considered this?"
Yang Yang nodded, admitting that he had indeed reflected on this.
"While it is not challenging to keep moving quickly on the field, knowing when to pause and slow down is the most challenging and enlightening skill. You may not fully comprehend it yet, but you will have the chance to understand it in time."
Yang Yang's expression grew contemplative.
He was beginning to grasp Van Basten's point, which essentially concerned managing stamina and rest during a game. Every player's energy is finite. Even though Yang Yang was in peak physical condition, it was impossible to maintain optimal performance for the entire 90 minutes. Learning how to manage his energy, knowing when to rest, when to run, and when to sprint were all crucial elements of game intelligence.
He recalled a conversation he once had with Ibrahimović on a similar topic. Given the ongoing tension between Ibrahimović and Van Gaal, Yang Yang had asked the Swedish forward why he did not adhere more closely to the Dutch coach's instructions. Ibrahimović's response was revealing.
"Being tall, strong, and flexible is an advantage, but it also means I tire more quickly than others. If I followed the old Dutchman's advice and kept pressing and running, how much energy would I have left to attack?" Ibrahimović explained.
"I understand what the old Dutchman was suggesting. He believed I should not only focus on ball control and scoring goals but also be tactically astute. However, he overlooked the fact that I'm not Cruyff. Cruyff had the versatility to adapt to various situations, but I have my own style—the Ibrahimović style.
Yang Yang recalled Ibrahimović's key moments and his strategic approach.
Not forcing pressure or aggressively tracking back allowed Ibrahimović to conserve his energy and be more effective when opportunities arose.
The concepts of conserving energy and strategically choosing when to exert effort resonated deeply with Yang Yang, mirroring Van Basten's advice.
"In addition, there is another aspect I think you should focus on: passing," Van Basten continued after Yang Yang had absorbed his earlier advice.
"In our traditional Ajax philosophy, passing is crucial. It forms the foundation of all our tactics. When we find ourselves in trouble during a game, passing becomes our primary solution. It's less risky and more reliable than other approaches.
"Of course, I'm not suggesting you completely overhaul your style of play. Rather, what I'm proposing is that you adjust your current habits—where you tend to pass only after making a breakthrough—based on your previous playing experiences."
"You have shown improvement, especially with your right-side breakaways, and I believe you can continue to develop in this area. However, it's essential to remember that football is a team game. You must respect and adapt to the overall philosophy of our club, and in return, we will respect and adapt to your style of play."
Van Basten's words prompted Yang Yang to reflect deeply.
It was evident that Yang Yang had not yet fully integrated into the Ajax second team. He was more of a tool being utilized by others rather than a key player who commanded the tool. Van Basten's observation struck a chord with Yang Yang.
"I am not advising you to abandon your strengths, but rather to help you understand that everyone has their unique traits and advantages, including you. What I hope is that you will integrate your skills into our Ajax system. Learning to apply your abilities at the appropriate moments is vital for both your development and the success of the team."
Van Basten gave Yang Yang a reassuring pat on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Trust me, this approach will help you integrate into the team more swiftly and enhance your progress."
Yang Yang nodded solemnly, accepting Van Basten's advice.
He recognized that this guidance was crucial for his development and successful integration into the team.
...
...
The dark cloud that had been hanging over Ajax quickly dissipated.
A week after the defeat to Breda, Ajax faced the sixth round of the Eredivisie. To conserve energy for the midweek Champions League fixture, Koeman made several adjustments to the lineup. Most notably, Van der Vaart was omitted from the squad entirely. Despite this, Ajax's attacking play was exceptionally vibrant.
With Ibrahimović contributing a goal and an assist, Ajax cruised to a commanding 6-0 home victory over Willem II. The performance ignited renewed debate about the compatibility between Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart.
Meanwhile, Eindhoven's unexpected defeat to AZ Alkmaar allowed Ajax to reclaim the top spot in the Eredivisie.
In midweek, Ajax hosted Club Brugge KV in the Champions League. Van der Vaart returned to the lineup and partnered with Ibrahimović. However, their collaboration yielded only modest results, as Belgian striker Wesley Sonck scored twice to secure a 2-0 victory for Club Brugge.
The following weekend, in the seventh round of the Eredivisie, Ajax traveled to Groningen. Ibrahimović provided a goal and an assist, while Wesley Sonck and Mitea also found the net to lead Ajax to a 3-1 away win.
These results began to dispel the doubts surrounding the Ajax first team, and Ronald Koeman successfully navigated the first crisis of confidence of the season.
During this period, Yang Yang's routine remained consistent. He continued attending school in the morning and training in the afternoon. After each session, he spent 30 minutes with John van 't Schip, who provided him with technical and tactical advice as well as strategies for in-game scenarios.
Jong Ajax played two matches against Jong Heerenveen and the second team of Utrecht. Jong Ajax emerged victorious in both games, although Yang Yang did not score any goals. Nonetheless, he made a significant impact on the right wing, particularly against Utrecht's second team, where he registered two assists.
Gradually, it became apparent that Yang Yang was solidifying his position as the primary right winger for the second team. While De Mul had often been considered the default option, Yang Yang's performances had garnered considerable support.
As October arrived, the leagues entered a two-week international break, bringing competition to a temporary halt.
During this respite, Yang Yang spent a few days back in Almere. There were no major events, but he found it amusing that his cousin, Shen Yuzhu, seemed to view him differently now that he was a part-time student.
The period of calm passed swiftly, and the league resumed with renewed intensity.
At the end of October, Jong Ajax achieved two significant victories. They secured a 2-1 win over Jong Sparta Rotterdam at home and followed it up with a 1-0 away triumph against Jong Willem II. Yang Yang played a pivotal role in both matches, providing assists for Babel's goals.
The assists appeared to enhance Babel's view of Yang Yang, although their interaction remained confined to the football field. Yang Yang had no particular interest in cultivating a personal relationship with Babel.
Following the two-week international break, Van der Vaart experienced a resurgence, scoring twice to propel Ajax to a 5-1 victory over newly promoted Volendam. Ibrahimović also made a significant impact, scoring the decisive goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Celta Vigo, thereby securing Ajax's second consecutive victory in the Champions League group stage.
In the ninth round of the Eredivisie, Ajax faced a challenging away fixture against Eindhoven. Van der Vaart was shown a red card before halftime, leaving Ajax with ten men. Shortly thereafter, Van Bommel scored for Eindhoven.
Despite a quick equalizer from Sonck, Eindhoven regained the lead through John De Jong. At a crucial juncture, Ibrahimović showcased his exceptional individual talent, scoring a vital goal to level the match. This late equalizer preserved Ajax's position at the top of the Eredivisie with a slender one-point advantage.
Meanwhile, Jong Ajax encountered a formidable opponent in the Dutch Cup, drawing Den Bosch, the leaders of the Eerste Divisie.
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