章 98: Preparation For The Toulon Cup
In the days that followed Ajax's triumph in the Champions League, Yang Yang's life slowed down again, settling into a routine.
After returning to Amsterdam with the coveted trophy, the city erupted into celebration. That evening, Ajax hosted a massive victory party, drawing in Dutch celebrities, politicians, and business magnates to commemorate the club's remarkable achievement. It was a night of euphoria, but soon, the celebrations died down, and life returned to normal.
The very next day, the squad was officially disbanded for the off-season. Yang Yang bid farewell to his family—his parents, Shen Yuzhu and Wei Zheng, as well as his aunt and uncle—as they returned to Almere.
With the excitement of the Champions League behind him, Yang Yang slipped back into his usual regimen. Every morning, he rose early for training, spending hours honing his skills at the De Toekomst academy. His dedication was relentless; apart from the occasional dinner at Van Gaal's house, he remained focused on perfecting his craft. The city's distractions had no hold on him.
Meanwhile, Wei Zhen, Yang Yang's uncle, wandered through Amsterdam with enthusiasm, soaking in the sights. But every time he returned to witness Yang Yang's unyielding dedication to training, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Even after scoring the decisive goal in the Champions League final, Yang Yang hadn't allowed himself a moment of complacency. He was driven, laser-focused on improving himself, and Wei Zhen couldn't help but think, If anyone deserves success in life, it's someone like Yang Yang.
On the morning of May 31st, Wei Zhen received a phone call from China. It was the coach of the national youth team, informing them that the squad had already departed Beijing for Paris, en route to Toulon for the prestigious Toulon Tournament.
Yang Yang and Wei Zhen had already made their own travel arrangements, booking flights directly from Amsterdam to Marseille, with a connecting trip to Toulon. As they traveled, Wei Zhen kept Yang Yang informed about the tournament and the state of the national youth team.
"The main focus of this tournament will be on training," Wei Zhen explained. "A lot of the key players have just finished their seasons in the Chinese league, so the expectations for results aren't too high. However, the German coach Krauchen will be attending the tournament to assess the team."
"Krauchen?" Yang Yang raised an eyebrow, recalling the name from recent discussions on the internet.
In an effort to prepare for the 2008 Olympics, the Chinese Football Association had announced plans to send promising young players for long-term training stints in Germany, following a model similar to the successful Jianlibao program. Krauchen, a respected figure in German football, had been recommended to oversee this ambitious project.
"I've heard that he might take over the national youth team to prepare them for the 2008 Olympics," Wei Zhen added, his voice carrying a hint of hope.
The Olympics and the World Cup were two monumental hurdles that Chinese football had long struggled to overcome. After China's participation in the 2002 World Cup, hopes had soared for a return to the global stage in 2006 in Germany. Dutch coach Arie Haan had been tasked with that mission. Meanwhile, Krauchen's focus was on the longer-term goal of preparing the national team for the Olympics.
Yang Yang listened intently as Wei Zhen spoke. His uncle's comments were a reminder of how high the stakes were for him. Given his current form and his meteoric rise in the Netherlands, it seemed inevitable that Yang Yang would not only be a key figure for the national youth team but also for the 2008 Olympic squad. His performances had made him impossible to ignore.
"The Toulon Tournament… tell me more about it," Yang Yang said, curiosity creeping into his voice. "No one from the Football Association has given me any detailed information. The match is tomorrow, and I only know we're playing Colombia. I have no idea who the key players are or what their strengths are." He shook his head, smiling wryly. The preparation felt miles away from the professionalism he had experienced at Ajax, even with their reserve team.
Wei Zhen could only shrug. "I don't know much either. No one's given me any specifics."
"How are we supposed to approach this game if we don't even know our opponents?"
"Just play your game when you get on the pitch," Wei Zhen replied with a relaxed chuckle. "Don't worry about where you play or who you're up against. Just do what you always do."
Yang Yang sighed. That laid-back approach was definitely not his style. He had always been a perfectionist, setting high standards for himself. He couldn't simply step onto the field without proper preparation. Even if it was just a youth tournament, he wanted to give his best.
"The Toulon Tournament has a rich history," Wei Zhen continued. "Some real stars have come through this competition. Jean-Pierre Papin, Thierry Henry… just last year, Portugal won the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo was part of that team, and he was already catching the attention of scouts."
Yang Yang nodded. He was familiar with Ronaldo. The young Portuguese winger had recently taken over the famous No. 7 shirt at Manchester United, following in the footsteps of David Beckham. Known for his flashy dribbling and blistering pace, Ronaldo was a polarizing figure in English football. Some admired his technical brilliance, while others felt he overcomplicated his game by holding onto the ball for too long.
"Portugal won the tournament, but the best player award went to Argentina's Javier Mascherano. Ronaldo came third in the voting."
"Mascherano?" Yang Yang said, now fully engaged. "He's at River Plate, right? I've heard he came through the Solari family's academy. The world seems to think he's a future star."
"Exactly." Wei Zhen couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he thought about Yang Yang's progress. He's truly made it in Europe, the heart of professional football development, he mused. The fact that Yang Yang was aware of a player like Mascherano showed that he wasn't just kicking a ball without direction—he was learning and growing.
"What about this year? Any new stars to look out for?" Yang Yang asked with a hint of concern.
"It's you," Wei Zhen replied with a teasing smile.
Yang Yang let out a half-hearted laugh. "Come on, be serious."
"I am serious," Wei Zhen repeated, still smiling. "Haven't you noticed how popular you've become?"
Yang Yang was caught off guard. He hadn't really thought about it. Sure, after the Champions League final, Dutch newspapers had plastered his face on their front pages, and the media had been buzzing about him for days. But beyond that, he hadn't fully grasped the magnitude of his newfound fame.
"You're only seventeen, and you scored the decisive goal in the Champions League final," Wei Zhen continued. "The entire footballing world is watching you now. Journalists, fans, scouts—they're all keeping a close eye on you. I can't speak for the international press, but back home, my colleagues tell me that your fame is on par with Yao Ming's. It's gotten to that level. That's why I think you should find someone you trust to handle your affairs in China."
Yang Yang raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Soon, you'll have brands and companies lining up to sign sponsorship deals with you. The offers are going to be huge—probably as big as what Yao Ming gets. You can't manage all of that on your own, and it's not something you should be worrying about while you're focusing on football. So, if you want to concentrate on your game, it's better to have someone reliable take care of your business matters."
Yang Yang was momentarily stunned. He hadn't even considered that this could become a problem. Fame, endorsements, sponsorships—these weren't things he thought about on the pitch. He quickly tried to change the subject, not wanting to dwell on the pressures of stardom.
"Let's get back to the Toulon Tournament," he said, shaking his head. "I'm already getting a headache just thinking about it."
Wei Zhen chuckled. "Alright. The strongest team in this year's tournament is definitely the hosts, France. They didn't compete last year, but they've come fully prepared this time. Their squad is packed with talent. They've got Liverpool's twin stars, Florent Sinama Pongolle and Anthony Le Tallec, both highly rated. Then there's Mourad Meghni from Bologna, who's a key player in Serie A. In midfield, they've got Flamini and Mavuba, and defensively, Berthod Jérémy, Gaël Clichy, and Julio Colombo—all players making waves in Ligue 1."
Yang Yang listened intently. Some of the names were familiar to him, particularly Aliadière and Le Tallec, who had been tipped for greatness at Liverpool. He knew they were cousins and were highly thought of by their manager, Gérard Houllier.
The others were less familiar, but Yang Yang understood one thing clearly—any player capable of holding a starting spot at clubs like Bologna or Lyon wasn't to be underestimated. The French team was undeniably strong, and it was shaping up to be a tough test.
"If I'm not mistaken, we play France in our second game?" Yang Yang asked, recalling the tournament schedule.
"That's right," Wei Zhen confirmed. "We start against Colombia, then we face France, and our last group game is against Turkey. If we make it out of the group, the competition gets even tougher."
Wei Zhen's words weighed heavily on Yang Yang. Aside from France, Colombia, and Turkey, the tournament also featured teams like Japan, Sweden, Portugal, and Brazil. Each opponent presented a significant challenge, and none could be taken lightly.
"You scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final has put you on everyone's radar," Wei Zhen continued. "This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for you to gain more experience at a high level. You should be brimming with confidence after your performance in the Champions League, and that's going to work in your favor."
He paused for a moment, his tone shifting. "But don't forget, the downside is that all of your opponents will have done their homework. They'll know who you are, and they'll be doing everything they can to mark you out of the game. How well you perform will depend on how you handle that pressure."
Yang Yang nodded. He wasn't the type to shy away from being closely marked or targeted by the opposition. If anything, he saw it as an opportunity to improve his composure and decision-making under pressure. It was the perfect chance to practice controlling the ball and making quick, smart plays.
"Oh, one more thing," Wei Zhen added, as if remembering an important point. "You're used to playing with Ajax, surrounded by top-level players. Ibrahimović, Van der Vaart, Sneijder... you've been playing with some of Europe's brightest talents. But the national youth team is a different story. The quality won't be the same, so you should mentally prepare yourself for that."
Yang Yang knew exactly what Wei Zhen meant. Ajax had just been crowned Champions League winners, and playing alongside world-class talents like Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart had certainly elevated his game. But the Chinese national team was not on the same level. He would need to adapt, quickly, and lower his expectations of his teammates' abilities.
"I know," Yang Yang replied. "It's not going to be the same, but I'll do what I can to help the team. I just need to be ready."
...
...
When Yang Yang and Wei Zhen arrived in Toulon, they were promptly greeted by the tournament's organizing committee and swiftly checked into their hotel. In contrast, the rest of the Chinese national youth team were still in the air, en route to Paris.
That evening, the Chinese Youth National Team finally touched down at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, but their ordeal was far from over. The bus scheduled to transfer them to a different airport was delayed by over half an hour due to heavy traffic in the French capital. Frustration mounted as the players, already fatigued from the long journey, waited restlessly.
By the time they reached the secondary airport for their connecting flight to Toulon, the sky had darkened, and spirits were low. To make matters worse, their flight was delayed. Hungry and exhausted, the team scoured the airport for food, only to be greeted by overpriced sandwiches and drinks that cost them nearly 300 Euros due to the unfavorable exchange rate. It was hardly the meal they had hoped for, but with few options, they reluctantly paid the exorbitant prices just to quell their hunger.
After hours of waiting, they finally boarded their flight to Toulon at 10 PM.
The flight itself was short, barely an hour, but the fatigue was evident on every player's face by the time they touched down. Fortunately, the organizing committee in Toulon had anticipated their late arrival and was still there to meet them. They were swiftly ushered to their hotel, but by then, it was already the early hours of the morning.
The journey had taken nearly 24 hours in total—from leaving Beijing at 7 AM to their eventual arrival in Toulon in the early morning hours. Every member of the squad was utterly drained, their bodies aching from the long and arduous trip.
As the team arrived at the hotel, the coach suddenly remembered Yang Yang and turned to the receptionist.
"Has any Chinese player checked in early?" he asked.
The receptionist smiled knowingly. "Are you referring to Yang Yang?"
"Yes, Yang Yang. You know him?" The coach raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Of course!" the receptionist replied with enthusiasm. "His goal in the Champions League final was incredible! How could I not know him? He arrived here around midday, spent the afternoon training at a nearby stadium, and is probably resting now."
A murmur rippled through the national youth team. Jealousy and admiration filled the air. Yang Yang's fame had clearly reached far and wide—even a hotel receptionist in Toulon knew him because of his Champions League heroics. But it wasn't just his reputation that stirred their envy; it was his good fortune as well.
While the rest of the squad had endured a grueling 24-hour journey, fraught with delays and overpriced airport food, Yang Yang had arrived early, enjoyed a proper meal, trained leisurely, and was now comfortably resting. The contrast was stark, and some couldn't help but feel the sting of unfairness.
"How is it that we're all from the same team, but our experiences are worlds apart?" one of the players muttered under his breath.
Another nodded in agreement. "It's crazy. He's been fed, well-rested, and even had time to train while we've been stuck in airports and cramped buses."
The atmosphere was thick with mixed emotions—admiration for Yang Yang's achievements, but also a deep sense of envy. For the rest of the squad, the harsh reality set in: talent and timing had created a gulf between them, and it was hard not to feel the weight of that disparity.
As they trudged to their rooms, one player sighed. "Sometimes, life really isn't fair."
...
...
Zhang Huarong woke up on the café's worn-out sofa, his body stiff and aching from an uncomfortable sleep. The previous night's exhaustion had finally caught up with him. Around him, several of his assistants were sprawled on chairs, still fast asleep, their heads buried in their arms, with the occasional soft snore filling the otherwise quiet space.
It had been well past midnight when the national youth team arrived in Toulon the previous evening. The players, too exhausted to eat, had gone straight to their rooms to rest. However, the coaching staff couldn't resist the urge to gather at the hotel's café. They had ordered cups of strong coffee, eager to dive into tactical discussions for the upcoming match.
The primary topic of their conversation was, unsurprisingly, Yang Yang.
How do we best utilize him? That was the pressing question.
It was, as Zhang Huarong knew, a fortunate dilemma. A right-winger who had just shone in the Champions League final, scoring the decisive goal, was a luxury that very few youth teams could boast. Yet, integrating a player of such caliber into a team of lesser experience posed challenges. The question wasn't about his talent, but how to unlock it within the dynamics of a team that didn't operate on Ajax's level.
Yang Yang was two years younger than most of the national youth team but had developed at an extraordinary rate. Playing in a Champions League final had not only honed his skills but also thrust him into the global spotlight. If used correctly, he could be the spearhead of the team's attack in the Toulon Tournament. But the coaching staff needed a plan to ensure they got the best out of him.
Organizing tactics around Yang Yang seemed obvious. His pace, skill, and footballing intelligence made him a clear focal point. However, the national youth team did not have the same quality of players as Ajax, where Yang Yang played alongside world-class talents like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Rafael van der Vaart, and Hatem Trabelsi, a Tunisia international. His fellow Ajax teammates were rising stars of European football, including Wesley Sneijder and Nigel de Jong, players already tipped for international greatness.
In contrast, the Chinese national youth team couldn't offer the same level of tactical fluidity or footballing pedigree. How Yang Yang would mesh with his teammates, who lacked the experience and technical prowess of the Ajax squad, was the central question that had kept Zhang and his staff awake.
But there was more at stake than just football tactics. National pride was on the line. The Asian Cup loomed, and this was China's chance to make a real impact on the international stage. Arie Haan, the senior national team coach, had specifically arranged for Yang Yang to play in the Toulon Tournament as part of his preparation for the Asian Cup, which China was hosting for the first time. The pressure to perform well was immense, and Yang Yang's inclusion in the squad added to the weight of expectations.
By the early hours of the morning, the coaching staff was still grappling with how best to deploy Yang Yang. They had talked for hours without reaching a clear consensus. Fatigue had finally overwhelmed them, and they had fallen asleep where they sat.
Now, as the morning sunlight filtered into the café, Zhang Huarong suddenly thought of Wei Zhen. Perhaps he could offer some insight. Wei Zhen, a respected reporter for the national TV sports channel, had a good understanding of both the players and the broader context of Chinese football. Zhang decided to seek his advice.
After freshening up, Zhang headed to Wei Zhen's hotel room and knocked on the door. When there was no response, he knocked again, but the room remained quiet.
Perplexed, Zhang pulled out his phone and called Wei Zhen. After a few rings, the reporter picked up, and Zhang tracked him down in the hotel lobby.
"Little Wei!" Zhang called out, approaching quickly. As he reached Wei Zhen, he scanned the area, noticing something odd. "Where's Yang Yang?"
"He's out," Wei Zhen replied casually.
"Out? This early?" Zhang's face tightened with confusion.
Back in China, Zhang had earned the nickname Iron Egg—a reflection of his tough personality and no-nonsense style of management. He prided himself on discipline and strong leadership, so the idea of Yang Yang being out of the hotel early in the morning, just before a major tournament, caught him off guard.
Yang Yang was the team's star player, fresh off his Champions League triumph, but discipline was still important. He should have been preparing with the team. Zhang wasn't sure what to think.
"Wei Zhen, why didn't you stop him?" Zhang asked, his concern now clear in his voice.
Wei Zhen noticed the change in Zhang Huarong's expression. Reading the tension in his tone, he quickly realized the misunderstanding. Standing up with a laugh, Wei Zhen motioned for Zhang to sit down.
"Relax, he didn't go out for fun," Wei Zhen reassured him. "He left early for his morning practice."
"Morning practice?" Zhang Huarong's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Yes, it's a habit he developed in the Netherlands. He goes to bed early and wakes up early every day. Every morning, he heads out for a run, always with a ball. He won't return without logging a few kilometers."
Zhang was taken aback. "Every day?"
"Almost every day," Wei Zhen confirmed. "I've heard it from coaches and players at Ajax and Almere. There's even a park near Almere with a concrete wall where Yang Yang used to train, and they joke that it might become a tourist attraction one day."
Zhang Huarong was truly surprised this time. At the same time, he felt a twinge of embarrassment for having doubted Yang Yang's professionalism.
"You don't need to worry," Wei Zhen said with confidence. "He's the most dedicated player I've ever seen."
Zhang nodded slowly, letting it sink in. It was clear that Wei Zhen's words were sincere, and his respect for Yang Yang grew.
"Actually, I came to talk to you about him," Zhang began, rubbing his temples. "The coaching staff was up all night, trying to figure out how best to use Yang Yang."
"Why not just let him play?" Wei Zhen asked, smiling.
"It's not that simple," Zhang sighed. "How do we integrate him with the rest of the team? He's just joined us and hasn't trained with the squad. None of us really know him, and the team's never had such a high-profile player before."
It was true. Yang Yang, fresh from scoring the winning goal in a Champions League final, was not just the youth team's biggest star; he was now a global name. Even at the senior level, players of his caliber were rare.
Wei Zhen chuckled softly. "Do you know Yang Yang talked to me about this very issue yesterday?"
Zhang's face lit up with curiosity. "What did he say?"
"He's worried too," Wei Zhen explained. "He's never played with the team and doesn't know his teammates' habits or the team's style. He's worried he won't perform well and could negatively affect the team tonight."
Zhang was stunned. This wasn't what he had expected from a player of Yang Yang's stature. He had assumed that someone who had just conquered Europe with Ajax would be brimming with confidence, not showing concern over his performance.
"He really said that?" Zhang asked, almost in disbelief.
"Absolutely," Wei Zhen replied, just as Yang Yang walked into the hotel lobby, drenched in sweat from his morning run. Seeing them, Wei Zhen smiled and pointed. "There he is. You can ask him yourself."
Yang Yang, surprised to see them, quickly recognized the man next to Wei Zhen from online photos—it was the head coach of the national youth team.
"Hello, Coach," Yang Yang greeted him immediately, walking over. "Nice to meet you. I'm Yang Yang."
Zhang looked at the young player standing before him, his clothes soaked in sweat from his early morning workout. The sight alone confirmed Wei Zhen's words—this was no ordinary talent.
"Hello, Yang Yang. We're glad to have you with the national youth team," Zhang said, shaking his hand. "On behalf of the staff and players, welcome."
"Thank you, Coach. It's an honor," Yang Yang replied politely.
The three of them sat down in a quiet corner of the lobby. Sensing the slightly awkward atmosphere of their first meeting, Wei Zhen took the initiative to steer the conversation toward the night's match.
"Coach, may I share my thoughts?" Yang Yang asked after a moment.
"Of course," Zhang replied seriously, intrigued.
"I just arrived, and I haven't had the chance to train with the team. I don't know my teammates' playing styles or how we're organized on the field. I don't think it's appropriate for me to start tonight, given the circumstances. I'd like to come off the bench first—watch the game, get a feel for the tactics, and observe my teammates before joining the play."
Yang Yang's suggestion caught Zhang completely off guard. He had expected the young star to push for a starting role, given his status. But here he was, asking to be a substitute, showing humility and putting the team first.
Big-name players usually demanded to start, yet Yang Yang was offering to come off the bench. It was clear to Zhang now that Yang's success wasn't just down to talent—it was his mentality, too.
Zhang sighed with relief, feeling a deep sense of respect for the young player. "You know, we spent the entire night trying to figure out how to use you. We just don't know you well enough yet. But I think your suggestion makes perfect sense. Watch the first half, get a feel for the game, and we'll bring you on in the second half."
"That works for me, Coach," Yang Yang agreed, nodding with assurance. "I'll follow whatever the coaching staff decides."
Zhang, a seasoned coach with years of experience, had seen countless players come and go. He knew that many talked about being humble and hardworking, but few truly embodied it. Yet here was Yang Yang, with sincerity in his words and a willingness to play his role, no matter what it was.
Not letting arrogance take over after scoring the winning goal in a Champions League final—it was a rare quality, even among top players.
Zhang looked deeply at Yang Yang. "Keep up the hard work. You and your generation are the hope of Chinese football. The domestic football scene is... complicated. If you can continue to play in Europe, don't come back."
For a moment, the weight of those words hung heavy in the air. Zhang's eyes glistened with emotion—perhaps from the exhaustion of a sleepless night, or perhaps from his passion for Chinese football and its future.
Yang Yang didn't quite know how to respond, but he nodded thoughtfully. In truth, he hadn't given much thought to returning to China.
As Zhang walked away, Wei Zhen watched him with a sigh. "It's not easy for them," he murmured.
"Why?" Yang Yang asked.
Wei Zhen shook his head, thinking back on the previous night. "The coaching staff arrived at the hotel at 1 a.m. They've been working ever since. Coach Zhang probably slept less than three hours."
Yang Yang felt a wave of respect for the dedication of the staff. But one question still nagged at him. "Why didn't we come to France earlier?"
"A lot of players had to finish their league matches in China," Wei Zhen explained with a wry smile. "And to be honest, our logistics just aren't that well organized."
Yang Yang nodded, understanding. At Ajax, everything was taken care of for the players. They focused solely on football, while professionals handled every detail, even something as simple as his move from Almere to Amsterdam. The difference in professionalism was stark.
No wonder Zhang and the staff were feeling the pressure. The team hadn't had enough time to prepare properly, and Yang Yang could sense the challenge ahead.
"I've heard something from some of the senior sports reporters and football experts back in China," Wei Zhen said, leaning closer. "And I want to pass it on to you."
"What is it?"
"Three hundred and sixty lines of work, but only in sports do you get to raise the national flag and hear the national anthem before a game."
Yang Yang felt a surge of emotion at those words. Indeed, he thought. In which other profession do you get to experience that feeling of national pride, of standing tall while the flag waves and the anthem plays before the world?
クリエイターの想い 
GxDesailly
GxDesailly We begin volume 2 with the Toulon Cup.
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You can go check out my others stories Green Field Ascension and The Making of Football King in this app. The Making of Football King and Greenfield Ascension will be in my Patreon with more chapters.
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