Chapter 50: First team call
On the third day after meeting Van Gaal, Yang Yang received his long-awaited call-up to the first team.
The process was straightforward. Before the afternoon session, first-team assistant coach Ruud Krol approached the second-team training ground. He spoke briefly with Van Basten and John van 't Schip. Shortly thereafter, Van Basten called Yang Yang over during the warm-up and instructed him to follow Krol to the first team. The call-up was temporary; Yang Yang didn't even need to pack his bags, as he could be sent back to the second team at any time.
This had happened before with players like Babel and De Mul, who were promoted to the first team only to return to the second team shortly after.
As Yang Yang followed Ruud Krol to the first-team training area, he felt the envious eyes of his second-team colleagues on him.
Although De Toekmost housed both teams, Yang Yang was unfamiliar with the first team's routines and players. The first team boasted several high-profile players, including veteran Litmanen, the newly crowned European Golden Boy Van der Vaart, and Sneijder, with whom Yang Yang had worked before as a scout.
Upon joining the first team, Yang Yang was warmly welcomed by Ibrahimovic, Vermaelen, and Maxwell. Ibrahimovic greeted him enthusiastically, and the trio's warm reception helped Yang Yang feel at ease.
Coach Ronald Koeman quickly introduced Yang Yang to the rest of the squad. As he observed his new teammates, Yang Yang noticed their varying reactions. Some players seemed indifferent, others were welcoming, and a few even appeared hostile. This was to be expected; as a newcomer, he was bound to disrupt some of the established dynamics, which could naturally provoke some animosity.
Yang Yang was particularly pleased with the positive reception from Sneijder and captain Van der Vaart, who greeted him with a smile. Despite hearing rumors of tension between Ibrahimovic and Van der Vaart, Yang Yang was relieved to find the captain friendly, which improved his impression of him.
However, Yang Yang noticed the absence of right-back Trabelsi, who was reportedly injured. This raised questions in his mind—was the Tunisian defender truly injured, or was there more to his situation?
Despite the speculation, Yang Yang stayed focused on his first training session with the first team. With the team navigating a busy schedule of league and Champions League fixtures, the session was less intense, emphasizing recovery and adaptation. The level of training was far more advanced than what Yang Yang was accustomed to with the second team. Training alongside some of Europe's elite players was a rare and invaluable opportunity for him.
While Yang Yang was at De Toekmost, engaged in this pivotal session, Van Gaal was at the Amsterdam Arena, locked in high-stakes negotiations with Trabelsi and his agent.
Trabelsi's agent, dressed in a flashy suit and leather shoes, exuded an air of confidence. As soon as Van Gaal entered the room, the agent wasted no time. "I hope Ajax will seriously consider offers from other teams," he said. "I'm currently in talks with Chelsea, who are very interested, and Arsenal."
The agent, who appeared to be in his forties, seemed to interpret Van Gaal's initiative in scheduling this meeting as a sign of weakness or willingness to compromise.
However, Van Gaal's reaction was unexpectedly firm. He picked up a document and forcefully placed it on the desk in front of them. "This is a contract extension," he said, his voice icy. "Please read it carefully."
The agent, caught off guard, shook his head. "I think you misunderstand, Mr. Van Gaal. My client is not considering extending his contract with Ajax."
As he began to push the document back toward Van Gaal, the technical director rose from his seat, his eyes locking with the agent's in a steely gaze. "I don't have time for games," Van Gaal stated coldly. "You claim to be in contact with Arsenal and Chelsea without our consent. If you're communicating with them privately, I'll report you to UEFA."
Van Gaal's firm stance made the agent's confidence quickly evaporate. Private contact with players without the club's permission was a grey area in the regulations, but if Ajax pursued action, both Arsenal and Chelsea would likely distance themselves to avoid conflict.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the agent's demeanor shifted. His palms grew sweaty, and he forced a strained smile. "I think there's been a misunderstanding, Mr. Van Gaal. What I meant was..."
Van Gaal cut him off sharply. "I don't have time for excuses. Your client's contract with Ajax still has six months to run, plus an automatic two-year extension clause. We can keep him for up to two and a half years."
Van Gaal's words were deliberate and carried significant weight. "Yes, Trabelsi can choose not to sign a new contract in six months' time, but until then, he cannot leave Ajax. No matter who holds this position in the future, no one will allow him to leave so easily."
His stern tone made it clear that Van Gaal was not bluffing. The pressure on both Trabelsi and his agent was palpable, as they realized the seriousness of Van Gaal's stance and the difficult position they were in.
From the outset, Trabelsi understood the precarious nature of his position and the challenges he faced in orchestrating a transfer. The plan had been to pressure Ajax into a compromise, potentially securing a cheaper transfer during the winter break. However, Van Gaal's unwavering stance left Trabelsi and his agent stunned.
Van Gaal's determination was evident. "I'm giving you two options," he stated firmly. "First, sign this extension. The club will agree to a transfer in six months' time, but only if the other party meets our terms with a fair transfer fee. Secondly, if you refuse to sign, you will not play a single game for the next six months. You'll be benched for the remainder of your contract. And if it comes to that, we will take legal action. With this contract, I believe we will win, but I can't guarantee what will happen afterward."
The bluntness of Van Gaal's ultimatum shocked Trabelsi and his agent. They stared at him, struggling to grasp the gravity of the situation. The terms seemed almost draconian, leaving them in a difficult position.
"Mr. Van Gaal, are you trying to intimidate us?" the agent asked, trying to maintain composure.
Van Gaal's tone was calm but resolute. "This is not intimidation; this is the reality of our authority. And I can't guarantee that any club will pay for a player who can't play for six months. Ajax is a big club, and we stand by our decisions."
There was a sharpness to his words, making it clear that Ajax's strategy was to compel Trabelsi to comply. The situation was delicate; Ajax had already suffered significant setbacks, and the big clubs had shown no inclination to intervene directly. At twenty-six, Trabelsi knew this could be his last chance to join a major club. Missing it could spell the end of his career ambitions.
After a moment of tense silence, Trabelsi finally spoke. "Mr. Van Gaal, can you guarantee that I'll be allowed to leave in six months if I sign the extension?"
Van Gaal's response was measured. "We can include that clause in the extension contract."
The meeting concluded with a palpable tension in the air. Trabelsi and his agent left the office weighed down by uncertainty, while Van Gaal remained steadfast, confident in his position and the future of Ajax.
As Yang Yang's first training session with the first team progressed, Trabelsi made a surprise appearance on the training ground. The Tunisian right-back's unexpected arrival caused a stir among the players, as no one knew why he was late. Despite the uncertainty, head coach Ronald Koeman allowed Trabelsi to join the session, suggesting he was already aware of the situation.
Trabelsi seemed distracted, his mind clearly elsewhere, fueling speculation among the players. Many suspected that the uncertainty surrounding his recent absence from games and his ongoing contract negotiations might be affecting his focus.
As the session neared its end, Van Gaal made an unexpected appearance on the pitch. His arrival drew immediate attention, and he quickly noticed Yang Yang among the players. There was a brief look of surprise on Van Gaal's face, followed by a warm smile. He had been informed of Yang Yang's promotion to the first team but was surprised by the timing.
Van Gaal watched Yang Yang with a mixture of nostalgia and pride. The progress Yang Yang had made in just over half a year was remarkable. From being on the verge of being dropped from the Almere youth team to becoming a promising first-team talent for Ajax, his rise had been nothing short of meteoric. Van Gaal couldn't help but reflect on Yang Yang's rapid development, likening it to a rocket shooting up into the sky.
As he observed Yang Yang training, Van Gaal felt a moment of optimism. Despite the uncertainties facing Ajax and his own future at the club, watching Yang Yang's progress gave him a glimmer of hope. In the midst of all the turmoil, there were still bright prospects and potential for the future.
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The atmosphere in Ronald Koeman's office was tense as the core members of Ajax's sporting department convened to chart the club's future. Gathered were key figures: technical director Louis van Gaal, youth coaches Ruud Krol and Patrick Ladru, and chief scout Tonny Bruins Slot. Koeman, grappling with the gravity of the situation, voiced his disbelief.
"What did you say?" Koeman asked, clearly unsettled.
Van Gaal stood resolute, repeating his earlier statement. "Yes, as part of Trabelsi's extension, there will be a clause allowing him to leave after six months."
Koeman shook his head in frustration. "I don't understand."
"It's not that you don't understand, Ronald," Van Gaal responded. "It's that you don't want to accept the reality of our situation."
A heavy silence enveloped the room as everyone absorbed Van Gaal's words. The implications were clear: Ajax was on the brink of significant change.
"The landscape of European football has changed," Van Gaal continued. "Ajax is not what it used to be. We've been clinging to the glory of the past for too long, making decisions that have cost us dearly. How many more opportunities will we lose if we don't adapt?"
His words resonated, highlighting a harsh truth. Koeman and the others faced the reality of a club at a crossroads, needing to adapt or face further decline.
"It's not just Trabelsi," Van Gaal pressed on, his tone steady. "Any player who wants to leave—be it Ibrahimovic, Van der Vaart, or Escudé—if they seek opportunities elsewhere and we receive the right offer, we'll let them go."
The shock was immediate and palpable. This was not merely about losing a few key players; it signaled a fundamental shift in Ajax's philosophy. The club was moving toward a model focused on acquiring young talent at low costs, nurturing their development, and eventually selling them for a profit. This strategy aimed to secure the club's financial stability and future, even if it meant sacrificing the stability of the squad in the short term.
Koeman's concern was evident. "If we follow this approach, where will the team's cohesion come from? How will we maintain our competitiveness in the league and the Champions League?"
Van Gaal sighed, knowing the difficult road ahead. "It won't be easy, Ronald. But this is the reality of modern football. We need to be realistic about our position and focus on building a sustainable future. The days of relying solely on our historical prestige are over. We must adapt or be left behind."
The room remained silent, the weight of Van Gaal's words sinking in. It was clear that Ajax was entering a new era, one that would require difficult decisions and a departure from tradition. The path forward would be challenging, but it was a necessary evolution for the club's survival and success in the changing landscape of European football.
Van Gaal's response was pragmatic. "We will replace those we sell with new talent. There are rising stars in South America, Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Africa, and even Asia. Ajax has a history of developing young talent. We buy low, develop, and sell high. That keeps our finances healthy and our team competitive."
The atmosphere in the room was tense as Van Gaal's bold vision for Ajax was laid bare. The shock of his proposed changes was compounded by the revelation of his personal involvement. The idea of making the sale of players a core part of the club's strategy was a departure from Ajax's traditional approach, which had often seen players sold only as a last resort.
Van Gaal's insistence on this new model was driven by a harsh reality: Ajax had failed to capitalize on player sales in the past, leading to potential losses and disruption. Trabelsi's situation was a clear example of how the club had mishandled such situations, risking significant financial loss if not managed properly.
The room fell silent as Van Gaal continued. His commitment to a new model was clear, but so was the challenge. The club's current predicament was the result of past missteps, and without change, similar problems would recur with other key players such as Van der Vaart, Ibrahimovic, and Sneijder.
Van Gaal's plan was to stabilize the team by ensuring that key players who wanted to leave would do so on terms favorable to Ajax. He wanted to make significant changes and ensure that the team could continue to compete at a high level despite the turnover.
When Van Gaal declared that he had made a "formal commitment" with Michael van Praag—that he would resign if Ajax failed to qualify for the Champions League group stage—it was clear how serious he was about the changes he was proposing. This ultimatum was not just about the team's performance; it was a bet on his own career. Van Gaal was putting his professional reputation and future on the line, demonstrating his commitment to Ajax's future.
Koeman's thoughts were conflicted. On the one hand, he had a personal and professional interest in Van Gaal's plan succeeding in order to preserve his own position. On the other hand, he was wary of the drastic changes Van Gaal was pushing through. The challenge of maintaining the team's cohesion and competitiveness during such a transformation was daunting.
Van Gaal's eyes turned to Koeman and the attention in the room shifted.
"Ronald," Van Gaal said, his tone serious, "this game against Brugge is crucial. I want you to promise me one thing."
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Over the next two days, Ajax meticulously prepared for the 14th round of the Eredivisie.
Ronald Koeman announced his 18-man squad the day before the match. While Thomas Vermaelen was included, Yang Yang, who had recently been promoted from the second team, was disappointingly left out.
On match day, Koeman chose not to start Vermaelen. Instead, he deployed Johnny Heitinga and Sylvain Escudé as the central defenders. John O'Brien took up the right-back position, with Maxwell on the left flank, and Czech defender Zdeněk Grygera rotating in. Although Grygera, a right-footed player who had joined Ajax in the summer, had been largely overlooked by Trabelsi, he was versatile enough to play in the centre and on the left. This versatility often left him without a consistent role, rarely featuring in his preferred right-back position.
The defensive adjustments impacted the team's stability. Fifteen minutes into the game, Roda JC took advantage of a pass from striker Kone, with Yannis Anastasiou converting it into a goal to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
Ajax struggled to breach Roda's defensive line. The attacking trio of Sikora, Sonck, and Soetaers found it challenging to break through. Grygera's injury in the 43rd minute forced Koeman to introduce De Jong.
In the second half, Koeman's tactical adjustments led to a more cohesive Ajax attack. Rafael van der Vaart's individual brilliance set up Sikora for an equalizer in the 49th minute, and Soetaers added another in the 62nd minute, securing a 2-1 comeback victory over Roda JC.
This narrow win kept Ajax at the top of the Eredivisie table, maintaining a four-point lead over second-placed PSV Eindhoven and a ten-point gap over third-placed Feyenoord, solidifying their position in the title race.
In the top scorers' table, however, Mateja Kežman led with 15 goals in 14 rounds, while Ajax's top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimović was second with just eight.
Despite Ajax's victory, media and fan attention was predominantly focused on the upcoming crucial Champions League group stage match against Club Brugge KV in Belgium. This match was pivotal for Ajax's qualification for the knockout stages and had significant implications for the future of technical director Van Gaal—though this detail was not publicly disclosed.
The day after their victory over Roda JC, Ajax officially announced the renewal of Hatem Trabelsi's contract. The new deal would see him fulfill the remainder of his current contract and extend it by an additional year. This news came as a relief to Trabelsi, who had been the subject of persistent transfer speculation. At the signing ceremony, Trabelsi expressed feeling mentally and emotionally rejuvenated and was eager to return to the pitch.
Head coach Ronald Koeman also commented on Trabelsi's condition, stating that the player had fully recovered. With the team doctors giving him the all-clear, Koeman confirmed that Trabelsi would be available for the crucial midweek clash with Club Brugge, emphasizing that Trabelsi's return would bolster the team's strength, especially in an away fixture.
Ajax's morale was noticeably uplifted by Trabelsi's return. Additionally, technical director Van Gaal had engaged in discussions with key players such as Van der Vaart and Ibrahimović to ensure that the team's immediate success was prioritized. The players agreed that their focus should remain on defeating Brugge and postponing other concerns until after this critical game.
Van Gaal also made a significant pledge on behalf of the club: if any team offered a reasonable transfer fee for a player between now and the next summer, Ajax would seriously consider the offer, irrespective of the player's identity. This promise seemed to alleviate internal tensions, as the players understood that excelling in their performances could secure their futures.
With internal conflicts resolved and a united sense of purpose, the atmosphere at De Toekomst brightened. The team exhaled collectively as the shadow of uncertainty lifted.
However, on the eve of the team's departure for Belgium, a surprising announcement was made. Ronald Koeman revealed his 18-man squad for the game against Club Brugge. To everyone's astonishment, Yang Yang, who had been promoted from the second team less than a week earlier, was included in the squad.
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GxDesailly Finally chapter 50
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