บท 49: Chapter 49
On the evening of 26 November, Ajax took on AC Milan at the Amsterdam Arena in a critical fifth-round fixture of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Earlier in the month, Milan had suffered a 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo at the Estadio de Balaídos. However, they bounced back with a narrow 1-0 victory over Club Brugge KV, allowing them to ascend to the top of Group H. AC Milan concluded the group stage in first place with two wins, one draw, and one loss. Ajax finished in second with two victories and two defeats, while Celta Vigo secured third place with one win, two draws, and one loss. Club Brugge KV ended up in fourth place.
The group standings were incredibly tight, with all four teams still battling for either qualification or elimination. As such, the fifth-round match was of paramount importance.
Determined to secure a favorable result, AC Milan had strategically rested key players, including Kaká, Seedorf, and Cafu, in their Serie A fixture the previous week. This allowed Paolo Maldini to return to the starting lineup for this crucial encounter.
Ajax, on the other hand, continued to be plagued by injuries. Trabelsi was still sidelined, and Sonck's persistent issues further weakened the squad. In response, Mitea was shifted to the left wing, while O'Brien assumed the right-back position.
Yakubu, who had been relegated to the bench following a lackluster performance against Celta Vigo, was reinstated on the right wing. This decision highlighted Koeman's current trust in him.
Ajax's situation worsened when Zlatan Ibrahimović injured his right ankle in the 28th minute. Despite his determination to continue, he was ultimately forced to leave the field in the 40th minute, with the veteran Jari Litmanen taking his place.
With both Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart out of action, Ajax's squad depth was significantly tested.
In the 52nd minute of the match, AC Milan's right-back Cafu seized the opportunity to advance the play. After exchanging a precise one-two pass with Filippo Inzaghi, Cafu surged forward. Ajax defender O'Brien attempted to intercept, but Andriy Shevchenko evaded Yakubu's challenge with ease. Shevchenko then executed a composed left-footed volley, sending the ball curling into the bottom right corner of the net.
1-0!
A collective sigh of disappointment reverberated through the Amsterdam Arena.
Yang Yang, Thomas Vermaelen, and the reserve players observed from the sidelines. The assist came from the 33-year-old Cafu, whose attacking influence had been a constant threat throughout the game. The goal was scored by Shevchenko, one of the world's premier strikers and a leading contender for both the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
This moment was a defining highlight for AC Milan's star players.
"This is what a true superstar looks like," remarked Marco van Basten without hesitation.
Although Van Basten began his illustrious career at Ajax, it was during his years at AC Milan that he reached the pinnacle of his success, forging a profound connection between the two clubs. At that moment, he was caught in a conflict of loyalties.
Many would argue that Andriy Shevchenko has surpassed Van Basten in terms of his influence on the game.
AC Milan swiftly capitalized on their lead. With Cafu's relentless activity down the right flank and Ajax missing Ibrahimović's attacking prowess, Milan's pressure was light, enabling their defense to push forward and potentially set up a sustained assault.
"Their experience is overwhelming," Van Basten sighed. "Maldini, Costacurta, Cafu, Pirlo, Shevchenko, Inzaghi—each is a top European star. Even the young Kaká is impressive. Our average age is only 22, and we lack that kind of experience."
Van Basten's words echoed a deep sense of nostalgia and frustration as he compared the current Ajax squad to the team he had witnessed at its zenith.
Yang Yang, seated next to Van Basten, could only mirror his pessimism. Against such an experienced team with a resolute defense, it seemed nearly insurmountable for Ajax to reverse the situation, especially given the persistent threat of counter-attacks.
In the first half, Kaká's incisive counter-attack made a significant impact. Carlo Ancelotti had strategically positioned him to exploit Ajax's vulnerabilities on the break.
Watching Kaká live for the first time, Yang Yang was awed by his speed and dynamism. Kaká had emerged as one of the most remarkable new talents in European football that year. From Yang Yang's perspective, it was evident that Kaká's skills showcased both the strengths and weaknesses of his own game.
The match concluded with a 1-0 victory for AC Milan, marking Ajax's second consecutive defeat in the Champions League group stage. More critically, Ajax's attacking struggles were evident, with only two shots on target in the box prior to Ibrahimović's injury. Following his departure, Ajax's offensive threat diminished substantially. AC Milan goalkeeper Dida was hardly tested, underscoring the ineffectiveness of Ajax's attack. Despite some late counter-attacks, Ajax failed to penetrate the box.
This defeat left Ajax in a precarious situation. In the other group fixture, Celta Vigo held Club Brugge KV to a 1-1 draw, intensifying Ajax's desperation. With five rounds of matches completed, AC Milan topped the group with ten points, securing their qualification. Ajax and Celta Vigo both accumulated six points, while Club Brugge KV trailed with five. The final round would be crucial, with Ajax facing an away fixture against Club Brugge KV and Celta Vigo traveling to AC Milan. The challenge for Ajax was compounded by the fact that AC Milan, the reigning Champions League winners, would not be fielding their strongest side against Celta Vigo as they were preparing for the Toyota Cup International Champions Club that weekend.
Ajax had no option but to secure a win against Club Brugge KV. However, Club Brugge KV should not be underestimated, especially on their home ground.
Ajax's two-game losing streak in the Champions League quickly attracted the ire of the Dutch media, which harshly criticized the team's performance and questioned Koeman's tactics. Yakubu's errors became a focal point of the criticism, with many attributing Ajax's poor results to his mistakes. Some commentators even suggested that Koeman should be held accountable and consider resigning if Ajax failed to advance from the group stage.
Despite Ajax's victory over Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, the fans' dissatisfaction with the team's Champions League performance was palpable, and the media's criticism only fueled the growing discontent.
Ajax's journey to the quarter-finals of the previous season's Champions League had sparked hopes of a resurgence, particularly with the return of the esteemed manager Louis van Gaal. However, the current results have fallen well short of expectations.
Should Ajax fail to advance beyond the Champions League group stage, the responsibility will rest heavily on the shoulders of key figures.
Head coach Ronald Koeman, technical director Louis van Gaal, and even chairman Michael van Praag, who has long been a focal point of fan dissatisfaction, are all under intense scrutiny.
The relentless criticism from both media and fans has created a tumultuous atmosphere within the team.
Compounding the issue is the growing speculation surrounding the potential departure of Trabelsi. With Premier League giants Chelsea, Juventus, and AS Roma all linked with the Ajax right-back, the likelihood of his exit from the club appears to be increasing.
Amidst these internal and external challenges, a heavy, oppressive atmosphere has once again settled over De Toekomst.
Even Jong Ajax, typically a symbol of hope and promise, has experienced their first defeat in the Beloften Eredivisie. Despite this setback, Yang Yang's performance has remained exemplary. Motivated by his encounters with world-class players such as Kaká and Shevchenko, Yang Yang has intensified his efforts. He has engaged in rigorous training, specialized drills, and additional practice sessions to refine his skills.
...
...
Bang... Bang... Bang... Bang...
With a rhythmic thud, the ball struck Yang Yang's right foot repeatedly, ricocheting off the wall and returning to him.
Positioned about 20 meters from the wall, Yang Yang alternated between his left and right foot to volley the ball back, waiting for each rebound. Despite his rigorous practice, Yang Yang's left foot still lacked the agility he sought. While it could manage basic maneuvers, more intricate moves remained a challenge. Yet, his resolve to improve remained steadfast.
As time slipped by unnoticed and sweat drenched his clothes, Yang Yang showed no signs of halting his relentless routine. At seventeen, he was inching closer to a place in the first team.
Following Ajax's recent home defeat to AC Milan, his close friend Thomas Vermaelen had been promoted to the first team. This development stirred a mix of envy and pressure within Yang Yang. The words of Ibrahimović and Maxwell resonated in his mind. Vermaelen had made it—what about him?
With the prospect of breaking into the first team looming large, Yang Yang was driven by a sense of urgency and pushed himself harder in every training session.
It wasn't until nightfall that Yang Yang finally concluded his exhaustive routine. Only then did he notice a figure sitting in the corner behind him.
The middle-aged Dutchman was holding a water bottle. When he saw that Yang Yang had finished, he shook the bottle and extended it towards him.
The familiar sensation from their time at Almere Skate Park resurfaced.
"Why are you here?" Yang Yang asked breathlessly, accepting the bottle and savoring the cool water that quenched his parched throat.
Louis van Gaal had seemed to maintain a deliberate distance since Yang Yang joined the Ajax second team, but Yang Yang sensed a latent concern beneath the formality. He had always felt Van Gaal's silent support.
"I'm in a bit of a predicament," Van Gaal said casually, though a faint smile played on his lips, a stark contrast to the gravity of his words.
"And?" Yang Yang queried.
"The last time I found myself in trouble, I encountered you at the Almere Skate Park. You helped me address that issue, but it also led to new challenges."
"Really?" Yang Yang asked, puzzled.
"Indeed. Perhaps you should consider doing something about it."
"Like what?"
Van Gaal raised an eyebrow playfully. "Like... answering a question."
"Oh, that's easy enough," Yang Yang replied with a sigh and a smile.
Van Gaal couldn't suppress a smile at Yang Yang's response.
Simple?
Perhaps. But for Van Gaal, the situation at that moment was far from straightforward—it was quite complex.
"Alright, let's begin," Van Gaal said softly.
"Let's say you decide to pursue something, but everyone around you believes it's destined to fail. They even take the opportunity to undermine and retaliate against you. What would you do?"
Yang Yang furrowed his brow and considered the question. "Is it similar to how Henk Dimer and others treated me?"
"Much worse."
"Then I would have to evaluate whether it's worth pursuing," Yang Yang replied. "If I believe it's worth it, I'd proceed regardless of the doubts or attacks from others. Just like when Henk Dimer ridiculed me in front of my classmates, I didn't let it affect me because I understood my purpose."
"But what if you fail? You could lose everything you have now."
"That's the price of taking risks!" Yang Yang laughed. "But how can we know the outcome before we even try? We can't let the fear of failure prevent us from taking risks. There's no such thing as a risk-free opportunity in this world," Yang Yang countered.
When Van Gaal remained silent, Yang Yang continued, "Moreover, everything I have now is the result of hard work, not something that fell from the sky. If I fail, so be it—I'll work harder and try again. What's so frightening about that?"
Van Gaal regarded Yang Yang with admiration for the raw honesty in his words. Yang Yang's journey from Almere to Ajax had been marked by determination and resilience.
Van Gaal knew how to make decisions but needed someone who shared his perspective to provide a bit of encouragement and courage. Yang Yang was that person.
"I've decided to undertake something," Van Gaal said abruptly.
"What's that?" Yang Yang asked casually.
Van Gaal's expression grew serious and solemn. "I can't tell you just yet, but you'll find out soon enough. I mentioned it because I believe you'll understand. We are friends, aren't we?"
"It's my honor," Yang Yang replied with a smile.
"People, no matter how self-assured they may seem, always seek some form of support or even just a bit of consolation when facing difficulties. If I ever have to leave Ajax, I hope you'll be there to see me off."
A trace of loneliness flickered across Van Gaal's face, a side of him rarely seen.
Public opinion on Van Gaal was highly polarized—praised by some, criticized by others. Yang Yang viewed Van Gaal as a man of strong convictions, not a hypocrite.
"I remember," Yang Yang said sincerely.
With a sigh, Van Gaal stood and looked back at Yang Yang. "Don't train too late. Rest well and focus on improving your left foot. Your progress may seem slow, but you're only seventeen."
Van Gaal's parting words were accompanied by a quiet chuckle. Although Yang Yang's progress might appear slow to Van Gaal, it was evident that he cared deeply about the youngster's development.
"Koeman and his staff should give you a chance in the first team soon. Work hard and seize this opportunity."
As Van Gaal walked away, Yang Yang felt a blend of excitement and apprehension. The prospect of breaking into the first team was exhilarating, yet the mystery of Van Gaal's plans added a layer of anxiety.
As Yang Yang packed his belongings in the dressing room, Van Gaal left De Toekmost and made his way slowly towards the Amsterdam Arena.
He approached the familiar door of the administration office and found it slightly ajar. Inside, Michael van Praag, the club's chairman, was pacing with evident anxiety.
Upon Van Gaal's entrance, Van Praag quickly rose from his seat and greeted him warmly. "Louis! Please, come in and have a seat."
A paternal figure in Ajax's history, Michael van Praag had guided the club through both its glorious successes and recent tribulations. After the golden years under his father's leadership and Johan Cruyff's influence, Ajax had struggled with new challenges, including the Bosman ruling and financial constraints. Van Praag had stepped up to steer Ajax through these turbulent times.
Despite his efforts, which included reinstating Van Gaal as technical director, Ajax's predicament had only worsened. Now Van Gaal had come to address a critical issue.
"Louis, you mentioned you had something very important to discuss. What is it?" Van Praag asked with palpable anxiety.
Van Gaal looked at the chairman with a grave expression. "I have reached a decision."
"What decision?" Van Praag inquired urgently, his concern mounting.
"Don't worry, I won't engage in any more disputes with Cruyff. I've come to realize it's futile. I will not compromise or alter who I am. I will act according to what I believe is necessary as technical director."
Van Praag's apprehension grew. "What are you suggesting?"
"There are issues we cannot ignore, Michael. Problems exist, and we must confront them directly rather than pretend they don't exist."
Van Praag shook his head. "Louis, this approach is too radical. Not only Cruyff but also the other board members won't agree."
"But we both know that while it might cause short-term pain, it is crucial for the long-term development of the team."
"No, I cannot support this," Van Praag said firmly, his resistance evident.
"You can't achieve progress without addressing the underlying rot," Van Gaal insisted.
"But the impact on the team's performance could be severe."
"The impact is already severe, Michael. European football has transformed dramatically. The recent transfer rumors at AC Milan illustrate how volatile the situation is. Our team is disintegrating, and we're losing our core players. Don't you see the gravity of our situation?"
Van Praag was momentarily silenced. Van Gaal's words struck a chord. Ajax's glorious past seemed increasingly distant, overshadowed by a present fraught with challenges. The world of football had moved on, and Ajax's reliance on past laurels was no longer sustainable.
Even Van der Vaart, who had been fiercely loyal to the club, was rumored to be contemplating a move away. What chance did the rest have?
Van Gaal's smile was cold as he shook his head. "Michael, you and many others are still clinging to past glories. You refuse to acknowledge the reality of today's world. You're afraid and attempting to evade the truth."
Van Praag sank back onto the couch, visibly deflated.
"This is a ruthless world where only the fittest survive. We need to discard the outdated baggage of the past, embrace radical reform, and adapt if we wish to maintain our position in European football. If we don't, sooner or later, we will be left behind."
Van Gaal's words were stark, leaving Van Praag looking pale and shaken.
"They... they won't agree," Van Praag stammered.
"I don't need their approval," Van Gaal replied firmly. "Just trust me. I will do everything in my power to ensure we defeat Brugge in the next match and advance. If we qualify, you won't be able to stop me."
"And if we don't?"
"I will take full responsibility and resign. From that point onward, everything concerning Ajax will be beyond my control."
Van Praag's hand trembled as he absorbed Van Gaal's bold gamble. It was a risk far greater than he had anticipated, and he harbored a nagging fear that Van Gaal's plans might not end well for the team.
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