Chapitre 65: Champions League Round of 16 Prelude: Facing Arsenal Part 1
"Hello, Mino."
As soon as the call connected, Louis van Gaal forced a smile, his voice laced with an artificial warmth. Deep down, he could hardly stand dealing with someone like Mino Raiola. If not for his professional obligations, he would have preferred to avoid this conversation entirely. Raiola, with his reputation as a ruthless agent, was the last person Van Gaal wanted to engage with.
"Hello, may I ask who's calling?" Raiola's voice came through the phone, his tone lazy and indifferent, as if he was just waking up from a nap.
"It's Louis," Van Gaal replied, his voice firm.
"Louis? Which Louis?"
Van Gaal's eyes widened in disbelief. Was he serious? Which Louis? He didn't know? Van Gaal, despite the irritation bubbling up inside him, held back his temper. As the Technical Director of Ajax, it wasn't his first time dealing with agents who played dumb to gain an upper hand.
"Louis van Gaal," he clarified, emphasizing his name as if it should have been obvious.
"Oh! Mr. Van Gaal! I'm so sorry, I didn't expect it to be you," Raiola exclaimed, his tone shifting to one of exaggerated surprise. The act was so transparent that Van Gaal nearly rolled his eyes. He could almost picture the smug expression on the Italian's face.
"Let's skip the pleasantries, Mino. Where are you right now?" Van Gaal asked, steering the conversation towards business.
"Me? I'm in Monaco," Raiola replied, his tone casual.
"Monaco?" Van Gaal repeated, a hint of surprise in his voice. Monaco was a playground for the rich, a fitting residence for someone like Raiola.
"Yes, I've been living here for quite some time. My house is right next to the famous Monte Carlo Formula 1 circuit. You can watch the F1 cars whiz by from my rooftop. If you ever get the chance, you should come down and experience it," Raiola continued, clearly enjoying the opportunity to boast about his luxurious lifestyle.
Van Gaal, however, wasn't interested. His passions lay in football, with the occasional round of golf—Formula 1 had never been his thing.
"If I find the time," Van Gaal replied curtly, not intending to indulge in Raiola's fantasies. "I'm more concerned about when you'll be able to come to Amsterdam. There's something we need to discuss."
"Ah, is there a particular issue?" Raiola asked, feigning confusion.
Van Gaal clenched his jaw. Of course, there was an issue. Why else would he be calling?
"After our internal discussions, we believe it's imperative to begin negotiations on Yang Yang's contract extension as soon as possible. We'd like to hear your thoughts on this," Van Gaal stated, keeping his tone professional.
"Of course, of course," Raiola responded quickly, almost too quickly. "I was actually hoping we could get this sorted out sooner rather than later. Now that you've reached a decision, I'm at your service whenever you need me."
Van Gaal was taken aback by Raiola's swift agreement. It wasn't like the agent to be so accommodating. Something felt off. He knew Raiola was never one to leave money on the table without a fight.
But before he could voice his suspicions, Raiola continued, his tone shifting slightly.
"However, it won't be possible in the next few days. I've got some pressing matters at home, and there are a few urgent issues in Italy that require my immediate attention. I'll be tied up for a bit," Raiola added, his voice dripping with insincere regret.
Van Gaal listened to Raiola's excuses, barely masking his frustration. It was clear to him now—Raiola was stalling for time, likely strategizing his next move.
"Fine, just let me know when you're available," Van Gaal replied, his voice flat with resignation.
"In a few days, I'll definitely be free. I'll come to Amsterdam, and we can sit down and discuss everything in detail," Raiola assured him with a grin that Van Gaal could practically hear over the phone.
Raiola's polite demeanor made it difficult for Van Gaal to lash out, no matter how much he wanted to. As much as he despised dealing with Raiola, he had to admit that the man was a master at what he did—exasperating, but effective.
After hanging up, Van Gaal turned his attention back to the match unfolding outside his office window. Yang Yang was still running tirelessly, a blur of red and white as Ajax controlled the game.
Three to one. Ajax had all but secured the win.
Yet, as Van Gaal watched, a nagging realization began to take hold. Negotiating Yang Yang's contract extension would not be straightforward. Raiola's initial request of three thousand euros a week was likely just a feeler, a way to gauge Ajax's seriousness. What Raiola truly wanted was to push Ajax into offering Yang Yang the best possible deal, leveraging the young player's rising star power.
Yang Yang clearly wanted to stay with the club, and the fact that Raiola hadn't yet contacted other teams to stir up interest suggested they were acting in good faith. But as Yang Yang's performances continued to improve, the balance of power in these negotiations would inevitably shift in favor of the player. The longer Ajax delayed, the more leverage Raiola would gain, and the less control Ajax would have over the terms of the extension.
"Damn that sly fox," Van Gaal muttered under his breath, his teeth clenched in frustration. He knew that Raiola was just biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
...
...
Ajax emerged victorious with a decisive 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven at home, a triumph that resonated not just on the pitch but throughout the entire Amsterdam Arena. This critical victory in the clash of titans allowed Ajax to temporarily secure the top spot in the Eredivisie, edging them closer to their title ambitions.
As the final whistle blew, the 50,000-strong crowd erupted in unison, rising to their feet to deliver a rousing ovation. The stadium echoed with chants and cheers, a testament to the unwavering support of the Ajax faithful. The win was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent.
With this result, Ajax now held a four-point lead over Eindhoven, giving them a comfortable cushion in the title race. Yet, with 14 rounds remaining in the season, the battle for the championship was far from over. Every point would be fiercely contested, and no one in the Ajax camp was taking anything for granted.
At the post-match press conference, head coach Ronald Koeman did not hold back his admiration for the young sensation Yang Yang, who had come off the bench to deliver another stellar performance. The teenager's impact on the game was undeniable, as he provided two crucial assists that showcased his remarkable talent and footballing intelligence.
"When you watch him play," Koeman began, his voice filled with genuine awe, "it's hard to believe he's only just turned 17. Yang Yang is an exceptional talent. His work ethic is second to none, and his development has been so rapid that it leaves everyone around him in disbelief."
Koeman's praise was tempered with a note of caution, however. He was keen to emphasize that, despite his prodigious talent, Yang Yang was still in the early stages of his career and had much more to learn.
"At the moment, he's not the finished article," Koeman continued, his tone more measured. "He needs to maintain his focus, his drive, and most importantly, his passion for the game. The key for Yang Yang is to continue growing and improving. There's no doubt that he has the potential to become a complete player, but that will require dedication and perseverance."
Koeman did not limit his praise to Yang Yang alone. He also took the opportunity to highlight the performances of other key players in the squad, particularly Wesley Sneijder. The Dutch midfielder had been in scintillating form for Ajax this season, orchestrating play from the heart of midfield with a maturity that belied his years.
"Sneijder has been outstanding for us," Koeman remarked. "He's not one to shy away from the spotlight, even when playing alongside someone as gifted as Van der Vaart. His ability to pass and control the tempo of the game is exceptional, and he's been instrumental in our success this season."
The head coach also touched on the contributions of Wesley Sonck, the Belgian striker who had arrived at Ajax with a glowing reputation as the top scorer in the Belgian Pro League. Sonck's attributes—his two-footedness, sharp finishing, and explosive pace—had initially excited the Ajax faithful, but his adaptation to the team had been slower than anticipated.
"Sonck struggled to find his rhythm when he first joined," Koeman admitted. "We tried him in various positions—on the right, in the middle, and on the left—but it wasn't until recently that he really began to find his feet, particularly on the left wing."
Koeman acknowledged the media's observations that Sonck's resurgence in form coincided with Yang Yang's emergence as a game-changing substitute on the right wing. The young winger's ability to stretch defenses and deliver pinpoint crosses had undoubtedly provided Sonck with the kind of service that a striker of his caliber thrives on.
However, in his usual light-hearted manner, Koeman deflected some of the attention, joking that Thomas Vermaelen might have been the biggest beneficiary of Yang Yang's rise. The Belgian defender had scored his first senior goal on his debut, and as Yang Yang's roommate, Vermaelen's fortunes seemed to be rising alongside his.
"Vermaelen scored on his debut, and who knows, maybe sharing a room with Yang Yang is bringing him some good luck," Koeman quipped, drawing a few laughs from the gathered reporters.
Despite the levity, Koeman concluded on a serious note, recognizing that with the wings now more active and dynamic, Ajax's attacking options had been significantly bolstered. The team's front line was getting more opportunities, and with players like Yang Yang, Sneijder, and Sonck hitting their stride, Ajax's title challenge was gaining momentum.
...
...
After the hard-fought victory over PSV Eindhoven, a palpable sense of excitement and relief swept through the Ajax camp. The players and staff knew they had just overcome their biggest rival in the title race, a psychological boost as much as a practical one. But the euphoria was tempered by the realization that the season was far from over. Ajax still faced a grueling schedule, competing on three fronts: the Eredivisie, the KNVB Cup, and the Champions League. No one could afford to let their guard down, especially with a daunting Champions League knockout match against Arsenal looming at the end of the month. The shadow of that challenge hung over the team like a towering mountain, its weight inescapable.
Arsenal, a Premier League powerhouse unbeaten in the league, represented the kind of opponent that tested the very limits of a team's strength and resolve. The thought of facing such formidable adversaries kept everyone on edge, even amidst the celebrations.
Yang Yang, the young prodigy, continued to impress both on and off the pitch. Despite being the youngest member of the squad, his humility and relentless work ethic had quickly endeared him to his teammates. He was known for his quiet determination in training and his generosity toward others, traits that made him one of the most popular players in the dressing room. Yet, as grounded as he was, Yang Yang couldn't ignore the tension brewing beneath the surface.
After the match, as the players headed to the dressing room to cool down, Yang Yang joined in the usual banter and light-hearted conversations. But once he finished his shower and changed into his street clothes, he noticed something unusual. Maxwell and Vermaelen were still around, but the towering figure of Zlatan Ibrahimović was conspicuously absent.
"Where's Zlatan?" Yang Yang asked, puzzled by the Swedish striker's disappearance.
"He said he was heading out early," Vermaelen replied with a smile, though there was a hint of concern in his eyes.
Yang Yang found this strange. In recent weeks, it had become a routine for him, Maxwell, and Vermaelen to catch a ride home with Ibrahimović in his sleek Porsche. The Swedish striker was usually the life of the party, always up for a laugh or a chat. It was unlike him to leave without them, especially after such an important win.
"This isn't like Zlatan," Yang Yang muttered, more to himself than to anyone else.
"Why don't we take my car instead?" Maxwell suggested, his smile returning as he jingled the keys to his Fiat, one of the vehicles provided by Ajax's sponsor. The car was parked in De Toekomst's lot, ready to whisk them away to the Oude Kerk neighborhood.
As they drove through the quiet streets of Amsterdam, the city's canals reflecting the soft glow of the streetlights, Yang Yang couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in his gut. Ibrahimović's sudden departure gnawed at him, and he couldn't help but voice his concern.
"What's going on with Zlatan?" Yang Yang asked from the back seat, leaning forward slightly.
Maxwell, who was focused on navigating the winding roads, shrugged. "I'm not sure. He's been like this for a while now—out of sorts, moody. He's not been himself all month."
"Do you think it's something with Helena?" Yang Yang suggested, referring to Ibrahimović's girlfriend.
Vermaelen, sitting in the passenger seat, shook his head. "I don't think so. He talked to me about Helena last night, and it didn't sound like they were having any problems."
"Then what could it be?" Yang Yang pressed, his brow furrowed in thought. "Is it his recent form?"
To be fair, Ibrahimović's performances lately had been underwhelming. Although he had found the back of the net against Feyenoord in the KNVB Cup, the media had been quick to criticize him for squandering too many scoring opportunities. His form had been inconsistent, and after that match, he had even been benched for a game. In the clash against Eindhoven, while Ajax had scored three goals, Ibrahimović had failed to contribute, with the goals coming from veteran Jari Litmanen and fellow striker Wesley Sonck.
"There's a good chance that's part of it," Maxwell admitted, his tone more serious. "Raiola's been in contact with some Serie A teams about Zlatan, but since the winter break, his performances have been shaky. I think he's feeling the pressure, maybe even doubting himself a bit."
Yang Yang nodded, understanding the weight that came with expectations, especially for a player of Ibrahimović's stature. He wanted to help his friend and teammate, but he knew there were some battles that had to be fought alone.
Reflecting on the match that had just ended, Yang Yang replayed the moments in his mind. Before setting up Litmanen's goal, he had considered passing to Ibrahimović, who had made a run into the box. But the Swedish striker had been closely marked, and Yang Yang knew that if he passed to him, the ball would likely be intercepted. Even if Ibrahimović managed to control it, creating a shooting opportunity would have been difficult. The second assist, which led to Wesley Sonck's goal, was a rapid counter-attack. Ibrahimović, though quick, couldn't keep up with the pace of Yang Yang and Sonck, leaving the young winger with no choice but to pass to the open Sonck.
Ibrahimović hadn't blamed him for those decisions, but Yang Yang could sense his teammate's frustration. The Swede was a proud player, one who thrived on being at the center of the action. But lately, that hadn't been the case.
"I'm sure he'll be back to his old self in a day or two," Yang Yang said optimistically, trying to lift the mood. "Zlatan's been through rough patches before, and he always comes out stronger."
Maxwell and Vermaelen exchanged glances, both hoping Yang Yang was right. As they continued their drive, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the concern for their teammate lingered in the back of their minds. They knew that to achieve their goals this season, they would need everyone at their best, especially a player as important as Zlatan Ibrahimović.
...
...
In the 21st round of the Eredivisie, Ajax faced Volendam on the road, a match that promised to test the mettle of the title contenders. Despite the relative disparity in quality between the two teams, Ajax knew better than to underestimate their opponents, especially away from home.
The game started brightly for Ajax, with the visitors taking control of the match early on. Just twelve minutes into the first half, Julien Escudé rose highest to meet a perfectly delivered corner kick, powering a header into the back of the net to give Ajax a 1-0 lead. The French defender's goal was a testament to Ajax's set-piece prowess, a vital weapon in their title charge. Despite their dominance in possession and several promising attacks, Ajax couldn't find a way to extend their lead before the halftime whistle.
As the second half progressed, Volendam grew more resolute in defense, frustrating Ajax's attempts to put the game to bed. Ronald Koeman, keenly aware of the importance of maintaining momentum in the league while keeping his squad fresh for the upcoming Champions League clash with Arsenal, decided to inject some fresh legs into the match.
At the 75-minute mark, he brought on Yang Yang, the teenage sensation who had been making waves in recent weeks with his energetic performances off the bench. Yang Yang's introduction added a new dimension to Ajax's attack, and it wasn't long before he made his presence felt.
In the 87th minute, Yang Yang picked up the ball deep on the right wing and embarked on a daring solo run. His pace and agility left Volendam's defenders trailing in his wake as he sliced through the opposition's backline. As he entered the penalty box, Gijs Luirink, desperate to halt Yang Yang's advance, lunged in with a clumsy challenge, bringing the young winger crashing to the ground. The referee had no hesitation, immediately pointing to the spot and brandishing a red card at Luirink for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
With the penalty awarded, Ajax captain Tomáš Galásek stepped up to take the spot-kick. The Czech midfielder, known for his composure, coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, doubling Ajax's lead and effectively sealing the victory. The final whistle soon followed, confirming a hard-fought 2-0 win for Ajax, with goals from Escudé and Galásek.
Meanwhile, in another Eredivisie fixture, title rivals PSV Eindhoven hosted Twente at the Philips Stadion. The home side secured a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Serbian striker Mateja Kežman, keeping the pressure on Ajax at the top of the table.
In the 22nd round of the Eredivisie, Ajax returned to the familiar surroundings of the Amsterdam Arena, where they hosted Twente. With a crucial Champions League last-16 tie against Arsenal just days away, Ronald Koeman made several changes to his starting lineup, resting key players to keep them fresh for the midweek battle.
One of the changes paid immediate dividends as Greek striker Yannis Anastasiou, starting in place of a regular first-team player, scored his first goal for the club. His strike came in the first half, a well-taken effort that gave Ajax the lead. The goal was a much-needed confidence boost for Anastasiou, who had been struggling to make an impact since his arrival in Amsterdam.
After taking the lead, Ajax opted to manage the game carefully, slowing down their tempo and focusing on controlling possession. Koeman's instructions were clear: avoid unnecessary risks and keep the squad in peak condition for the upcoming Arsenal clash.
Yang Yang once again made an appearance off the bench, but this time, his role was more about maintaining match sharpness rather than turning the game on its head. Despite making a few promising runs down the right wing, his performance was relaxed, in line with Koeman's directives. The young winger knew that the real test lay ahead in the Champions League, and there was no need to expend unnecessary energy in a game that Ajax already had under control.
The match ended with Ajax securing a 1-0 victory over Twente, a result that kept their title ambitions on track. But the real drama of the round unfolded in Heerenveen, where PSV Eindhoven, leading 2-0 at one point, saw their hopes of closing the gap on Ajax dashed in dramatic fashion. Heerenveen staged a remarkable comeback, equalizing twice before Petter Hansson delivered a last-gasp winner to hand the home side a stunning 3-2 victory. PSV's misery was compounded by the dismissal of their captain, Mark van Bommel, who received a straight red card for a reckless late challenge.
As the dust settled on this round of matches, Ajax's path to the championship became increasingly clear. With a seven-point lead over Eindhoven, and momentum firmly on their side, Ronald Koeman's men were starting to believe that the Eredivisie title was theirs to lose. But with battles still to be fought in the league, the cup, and especially in Europe, there was no room for complacency. The true test of their resolve was yet to come.
...
...
"The old man finally said something good," Ibrahimovic muttered, biting into the breakfast Yang Yang had brought him. He sat at the kitchen table, glancing at the newspaper Yang Yang had also delivered, a scowl crossing his face as he read the article. Despite his grumbling, there was a hint of agreement in his tone.
It was a typical reaction from the Swedish striker. When someone rubbed him the wrong way, every word out of their mouth became an annoyance. Such was his relationship with Ajax's technical director, Louis van Gaal, and, to some extent, with his teammate Rafael van der Vaart.
But this time, even as he grumbled, it was clear that Van Gaal's words had struck a chord.
"What did he say?" Yang Yang asked, his curiosity piqued.
Maxwell and Vermaelen, seated at the table as well, leaned in with interest. They were just as eager to know what had sparked this reaction from Ibrahimovic.
"The old man told De Telegraaf that he believes we can beat Arsenal and knock them out of the Champions League. He said we're strong enough to give them a real thrashing at the Amsterdam Arena," Ibrahimovic relayed, his tone carrying a mix of skepticism and excitement.
The three of them immediately looked at the newspaper spread out on the table, easily finding the headline that Ibrahimovic had pointed out. It was a standard pre-match rallying cry, the kind of thing managers and directors often said to boost morale and stir confidence. Yet, for some reason, it seemed to resonate with the normally detached Swede.
"You really want to beat Arsenal that badly?" Yang Yang asked, resuming his breakfast but keeping his gaze on Ibrahimovic.
Lately, Ibrahimovic had been in a foul mood. He hadn't scored in several league games, and to make matters worse, he had been left out of the starting lineup against Twente, with Yannis Anastasiou taking his place and scoring the match-winner. The media hadn't made much of it, and neither had the fans, but Yang Yang knew that someone as proud as Ibrahimovic wouldn't have taken it lightly.
When Yang Yang posed the question, Ibrahimovic paused, the piece of bread halfway to his mouth. He looked at Yang Yang, who had returned to his soup, before finally nodding.
"Yeah, I want it that bad," he admitted.
"You want to be the one to score, don't you?" Yang Yang pressed further.
"Of course," Ibrahimovic replied, though his voice had lost some of its usual bravado.
Yang Yang understood. As a striker, Ibrahimovic had always been a polarizing figure at Ajax. The main criticism leveled against him was his inconsistent goalscoring. The arrival of Wesley Sonck in the summer and Anastasiou during the winter break had been direct responses to this perceived weakness, but despite the competition, Ibrahimovic remained Ajax's main man up front. The question was whether the problem lay with Ibrahimovic's finishing or with the team's overall attacking play—or perhaps a bit of both.
"Playing for Ajax is a strange experience," Maxwell suddenly remarked, breaking the contemplative silence.
"What do you mean?" Vermaelen asked, turning to the Brazilian.
"In other clubs, the way players are treated is more straightforward. If you play well, you get praise; if you play poorly, you get criticized. It's a simple equation. But at Ajax, it's different," Maxwell explained, his expression thoughtful.
"How so?" Yang Yang asked, now genuinely intrigued. His time at Ajax had been eye-opening, but he was still trying to fully grasp the club's unique culture.
Maxwell paused, searching for the right words. "At Ajax, they encourage players to keep pushing their limits. They believe in giving young players a lot of room to make mistakes because they see it as a crucial part of the learning process. It's one of the things Ajax does better than most other teams."
Yang Yang and Vermaelen nodded in agreement. They had both experienced this firsthand.
"But the strange part is that when you perform well, they rarely praise you," Maxwell continued. "Instead, they'll focus on what you did wrong and point it out, hoping you'll correct it next time. It creates this feeling that no matter how well you play, you'll never fully satisfy them, and you'll never meet their expectations."
Yang Yang and Vermaelen fell silent, considering Maxwell's words. It was true—within the team, praise was hard to come by, no matter how well you performed.
"Do you know why that is?" Ibrahimovic suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
Yang Yang and Vermaelen shook their heads.
"Because Ajax always wants to mold you into the most perfect and outstanding version of yourself," Ibrahimovic explained, his voice laced with a mixture of frustration and understanding. "For example, they want me to be the next Van Basten or the next Kluivert. But they never want me to just be the first Ibrahimovic. That's why I want to leave as soon as I can."
Yang Yang didn't know how to respond. He understood Ibrahimovic's resentment. It was painful to constantly live in the shadow of others, to be compared to legends of the past. No one wanted that.
Yang Yang himself disliked being compared to Andy van der Meyde, his predecessor on the wing. And as his position in the first team grew more secure, that aversion would only intensify. The best way to silence those comparisons was to prove with his performances that he could do better than Van der Meyde.
"Do you know why I'm so desperate to play against Arsenal and score?" Ibrahimovic asked, turning his gaze back to Yang Yang.
Yang Yang shook his head, curious to hear the story behind Ibrahimovic's determination.
The Swedish striker hesitated, then sighed deeply. "Before I came to Ajax, I had a chance to join Arsenal. Wenger contacted me through their scouts and invited me to London. I thought it was going to be my big break."
Yang Yang, Maxwell, and Vermaelen listened intently. This was a side of Ibrahimovic they had never seen before, a vulnerability he rarely showed.
"I went to London, expecting Wenger to tell me they were ready to sign me. I was looking forward to hearing him say, 'Zlatan, you're great, and we want you to play for Arsenal.' But that's not what happened," Ibrahimovic continued, a hint of bitterness in his voice.
"Wenger was busy, and when we finally met, he told me he wasn't sure how good I really was. He wanted me to stay at Arsenal for a trial so he and his staff could observe me before deciding whether to sign me," Ibrahimovic explained, his tone now filled with lingering resentment.
"I was so angry," he admitted. "I told him I wasn't there for a trial. I was there to sign a contract. When he wouldn't budge, I left. I went back to Sweden, and I became a laughingstock. People mocked me for failing to sign with Arsenal."
Yang Yang could imagine the sting of that experience. Ibrahimovic was proud, almost to a fault. For someone like him, the rejection must have been a deep wound, one that never fully healed.
"Now, I want to play against Arsenal and make Wenger regret that decision. I want to show him who I really am, and that he made a mistake," Ibrahimovic declared, his eyes burning with determination.
Yang Yang, Maxwell, and Vermaelen exchanged glances, unsure of what to say. They understood Ibrahimovic's desire for redemption, but they also knew that Wenger, with his busy career, might have long forgotten that encounter. Yet, for Ibrahimovic, it was a memory that would likely stay with him for the rest of his life.
And that, Yang Yang realized, was what drove Ibrahimovic. The need to prove himself, to silence his critics, and to carve out his own legacy. It was a feeling Yang Yang understood all too well.
As they finished their breakfast and prepared for the day ahead, the weight of Ibrahimovic's words lingered in the air. The match against Arsenal was more than just a game; for Ibrahimovic, it was a chance to rewrite history.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
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