Champions League Round of 16 Prelude: Facing Arsenal Part 2

"Ibrahimović has gone mad!" 

That was the unanimous conclusion of the Ajax coaching staff after observing the Swedish striker's relentless efforts in training. Something had changed in Zlatan Ibrahimović, and it wasn't hard to see. Gone was the jovial, often playful attitude he once brought to the training ground. In its place was a focused, almost austere demeanor, as if the weight of the world rested on his broad shoulders. 

Day after day, Ibrahimović pushed himself harder than ever, every session becoming a test of his endurance and willpower. His teammates noticed it too, exchanging puzzled glances as they watched him go through his paces. The trademark smile that once graced his face had vanished, replaced by an unyielding determination that bordered on obsession. 

What's wrong with him? That was the question on everyone's lips. Theories and rumors swirled within the team. Some speculated that he had broken up with his girlfriend, Helena. Others believed he was crumbling under the pressure of his recent poor performances. A few even suggested that he had found a new club for a future transfer and was working to prove his worth. 

But only Yang Yang, Maxwell, and Vermaelen knew the real reason. Ibrahimović wanted to beat Arsenal. He wanted it more than anything. 

When a man sets his sights on a singular, clear goal, the burst of energy that follows can be astonishing. Ibrahimović was living proof of that now. But his sudden transformation, this single-minded intensity, was unsettling to those around him. Even head coach Ronald Koeman couldn't ignore it. He had noticed the change in Zlatan's demeanor and had grown concerned, fearing that the striker's relentless drive might lead to burnout or injury. 

Koeman called Yang Yang aside after training one day, hoping to get some insight into his star striker's state of mind. 

"What's going on with Zlatan?" Koeman asked, his tone laced with worry. "He's been training like a man possessed. I'm worried he might push himself too far." 

Yang Yang smiled, trying to ease the coach's concerns. "He's fine, Coach. He just really wants to score, that's all. He's been training so hard because he's determined to make an impact." 

The tension in Koeman's shoulders eased slightly at Yang Yang's reassurance, but he remained cautious. "It's good to want to score, but with the Arsenal match coming up, I just hope he doesn't overdo it and hurt himself." 

"I understand," Yang Yang nodded. He knew the spat between Ibrahimović and Wenger was personal, something Zlatan had confided in him as a friend. Yang Yang respected that trust and had no intention of sharing it with anyone else, even if it meant keeping the real reason for Zlatan's intensity a secret. 

"Just talk to him, will you?" Koeman continued, his tone softening. "Sometimes, the harder you try, the more elusive the goal becomes. It might be better for him to relax a bit, keep a calm mind. Remind him that it's just one game, even if it's an important one." 

"Okay, I'll talk to him," Yang Yang agreed, appreciating the coach's advice. Koeman had been a successful professional player, and his words carried weight. 

As the conversation shifted, Koeman turned his attention to Yang Yang's own preparation. "Don't go to school for the next couple of days," he instructed. "Focus entirely on your training. The home game against Arsenal is crucial, and we need everyone in top condition." 

Yang Yang nodded. Since joining the first team, he had tried to balance his football career with his education, attending school whenever his schedule allowed—sometimes in the mornings, other times in the afternoons. But with the demands of professional football, especially during away games, there had been times when he couldn't attend classes for a week or more. It was a difficult situation, but one that came with being a regular in Ajax's first team. 

The club was supportive of Yang Yang's academic pursuits, recognizing the importance of his education. It had been a key condition in his contract, insisted upon by Uncle Shen Ming. As a result, whenever Yang Yang missed school, the club arranged for private tutors to help him catch up on his studies. Remarkably, despite his frequent absences, Yang Yang's academic performance hadn't suffered; in fact, he remained at the top of his class, much to the surprise of both the school and the club. 

Yang Yang knew that Ajax was an experienced team, and while they might be considered underdogs against the mighty Arsenal, they had no intention of bowing out without a fight. 

"I understand," Yang Yang replied, his mind already shifting to the upcoming match. 

"The good news," Koeman added, "is that Ashley Cole won't be able to play. You won't have to face one of the best left-backs in the world. But the bad news is that his replacement will be Gaël Clichy, an 18-year-old Frenchman who played exceptionally well in the London derby against Chelsea yesterday." 

Yang Yang was taken aback. "He's playing for Arsenal at 18? And in such an important game?" 

"Yes," Koeman confirmed. "Arsenal haven't been spending much on transfers because of the new stadium they're building, so Wenger has been relying on young talent. Clichy might be young, but he's already proven himself in the Premier League. And he's not even the youngest player in their squad. That would be Cesc Fàbregas—he's only 16, younger than you, and he's been playing regularly for the first team." 

Yang Yang couldn't help but smile wryly. He had thought he was young to be playing for Ajax, but here were players even younger than him making waves in the Premier League. The thought sparked both admiration and a sense of competition. He wanted to see how his skills measured up against his peers on such a grand stage. 

"Speaking of which," Koeman continued, "I've asked Ruud Krol to put together some materials and videos for you. You can get them from him and study them. I know you like to prepare thoroughly before matches, and that's something I respect." 

Yang Yang appreciated the gesture. He had always believed in the importance of studying his opponents, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and Koeman's recognition of that effort meant a lot to him. It was why Yang Yang often played with such purpose and effectiveness, even when coming off the bench. The homework he did before matches was paying off, and he was determined to keep that edge. 

...... 

...... 

After speaking with Yang Yang, Ronald Koeman returned to the first-team coaching room. The atmosphere inside was tense, the gravity of the upcoming challenge evident on every face. Not only were the first-team coaching staff present, but also the technical director, Louis van Gaal, who had come to offer his insights. The reason for their solemn demeanor was clear: they were about to face the seemingly invincible Arsenal, a team that had been steamrolling through the Premier League. 

The football pitch is like a battlefield, where information and intelligence are key weapons in the fight for victory. Since the draw in December that pitted Ajax against Arsenal in the last sixteen of the Champions League, the Ajax scouting team had been working tirelessly. They had dedicated countless hours to gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing every bit of information on Arsenal, preparing for what would undoubtedly be one of their toughest matches of the season. 

Ruud Krol, one of the key figures in Ajax's tactical planning, was at the center of the discussion, presenting his findings to the assembled group. "Based on the latest information," he began, "it's been confirmed that Arsenal have several key players sidelined with injuries. Ashley Cole is out, and Bergkamp is unlikely to play. He might not even make the squad." 

Koeman, who had once been teammates with Bergkamp, knew the Dutchman's abilities well. Despite being nearly 35, Bergkamp remained a vital part of Arsenal's frontline, his creativity and vision still sharp as ever. "Why wouldn't they include Bergkamp?" Koeman asked, his concern evident. 

"Arsenal spent €10 million in the winter transfer window to sign José Antonio Reyes from Sevilla," Krol explained. "Wenger seems to be banking on the explosive partnership between Reyes and Henry. Reyes is lightning fast, and combined with Henry, they form a deadly duo in attack." 

Arsenal's unbeaten run in the Premier League had turned their tactical setup into something of a legend, not just in England, but across Europe. The addition of Reyes had introduced a new dynamic to their already potent offense, creating further headaches for any team trying to prepare for them. 

"Unless something unexpected happens, we expect their lineup to include Jens Lehmann in goal," Krol continued, "and, from left to right, Clichy, Campbell, Kolo Touré, and Lauren in defense. Pirès will be on the left wing, with Ljungberg on the right. In midfield, they'll have Vieira as captain, and whether Gilberto Silva can return from injury will determine the other midfield position. If he's not fit, Brazilian midfielder Edu Gaspar is likely to start, with Henry and Reyes leading the attack." 

As the season had progressed, the tactics and formations of both teams had become well-known, with few surprises left in store. Yet, even if Arsenal were to field a less experienced lineup due to injuries, their depth was such that they could still dominate. 

"In attack," Krol added, "Ljungberg has been out of sorts lately. He used to work best with Bergkamp, but with Reyes now in the mix, they haven't quite clicked yet. That being said, we can't discount him—players like Ljungberg can be dangerous at any moment." 

The room nodded in agreement. Ljungberg's form might have dipped, but his quality was undeniable, and underestimating him would be a mistake. 

"We need to be particularly cautious of Pirès on the left," Krol continued. "A few days ago, Manchester United managed to beat Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup. Ferguson had Keane mark Pirès closely, cutting off his connection with Henry. If we deploy De Jong or Galásek in a similar role, we can greatly reduce Arsenal's attacking threat." 

Arsenal's most feared weapon had long been their left flank, where the trio of Ashley Cole, Pirès, and Henry wreaked havoc on defenses across Europe. But with Cole injured, there was an opportunity to exploit the weaker link on Arsenal's left side. 

"Clichy played exceptionally well in Arsenal's away game against Chelsea, earning Man of the Match honors," Krol said. "However, if you analyze his game closely, you'll notice that while he excels defensively, his contribution to the attack is minimal. He tends to rely heavily on tackling, which can be risky." 

Krol's analysis then shifted to Arsenal's full-backs. "Both Lauren and Clichy have issues with their positioning. In the match against Chelsea, Gudjohnsen repeatedly cut into the penalty area from the left, causing Lauren and Touré to overlap and leave gaps in their defense. These gaps, especially on the left side of the penalty box, present opportunities we can exploit." 

"The real problem with Clichy," Krol continued, "is when Campbell is pulled out of position. Campbell is strong and formidable in one-on-one situations, but his turning speed has always been a weakness. When he gets drawn out of position, Clichy struggles to cover the space behind him quickly enough. Both Chelsea and Manchester United targeted this area, and it paid off." 

"In fact," Krol concluded, "Chelsea's opening goal in the last round of the Premier League started from Clichy's side. Although he recovered and played well for the remainder of the game, the opening mistake was critical. Opponents have consistently focused their attacks on this weak point, and it's something we should definitely consider." 

As Krol concluded his analysis, a ripple of cautious optimism began to spread through the room. Despite Arsenal's formidable reputation, their vulnerabilities were becoming clearer, especially with the impact of their injury troubles. Ashley Cole's presence might have concealed deeper frailties on Arsenal's left flank, but with the younger and less experienced Gaël Clichy stepping in, a distinct opportunity emerged for Ajax to exploit. 

The key question now was how Ajax could capitalize on these weaknesses. 

The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to Ronald Koeman, awaiting his strategy. The task ahead was monumental, but with careful planning and execution, Ajax could stand a chance against their formidable opponents. 

Koeman took a deep breath, his mind racing with possibilities. The FA Cup victory by Manchester United and the close Premier League match against Chelsea had provided valuable lessons. Now it was up to him and his team to translate that knowledge into a game plan that could bring down Arsenal. 

...... 

...... 

Even when playing at home, the Ajax team adhered to the club's policy of staying overnight at the designated hotel. This routine was believed to help the players focus and maintain a consistent match-day rhythm. 

As Yang Yang exited assistant coach Ruud Krol's room, carrying a stack of papers and a USB stick filled with match footage and tactical notes, he noticed Maxwell standing by the corridor window, quietly making a phone call. The Brazilian left-back, known for his strong family ties, had been calling home almost every night, especially lately. Rumors were swirling that top teams from Europe's four major leagues were vying for his signature, and Ajax was eager to renew his contract, with negotiations reportedly nearing completion. 

Whenever Yang Yang saw the genuine happiness on Maxwell's face during these calls, it stirred a pang of homesickness within him. He hadn't seen his own parents in almost two years, a sacrifice he was making for his football career in Europe. 

When Maxwell caught sight of Yang Yang, he waved sheepishly, trying to keep the conversation private. Yang Yang grinned and gave a quick nod, then hurried back to his room. 

Superstitions were common in football, and it seemed Ajax was no exception. Ever since Yang Yang had shared a room with Sneijder during a Champions League trip to Bruges, the two had been designated as permanent roommates. This change meant that Yang Yang's former room partner, Vermaelen, was now paired with the fiery De Jong, a situation that Vermaelen jokingly claimed was almost enough to bring him to tears. 

"I mean, if Ibrahimović ever starts one of his midnight rampages, it'll be too late to call for help!" Vermaelen had quipped, preferring the tranquility of sharing a room with Yang Yang. 

The night before a big game, with the players confined to the hotel, they often gathered for some light-hearted card games. When Yang Yang entered the room, he found Vermaelen, Sneijder, and Ibrahimović sitting on the bed, deeply engrossed in a game of Klaverjassen. De Jong, who was supposed to be Vermaelen's partner, sat off to the side, sulking. 

"He's just upset because I punished him," Vermaelen explained with a chuckle. "Turns out De Jong can hit people, but playing cards? Not so much." 

Yang Yang chuckled at the sight, the atmosphere light despite the tension of the upcoming match. "You've been gathering materials again, haven't you?" Sneijder asked as he shuffled the deck, glancing at the papers and USB stick in Yang Yang's hand. 

"Yeah," Yang Yang replied with a grin. "But don't worry about me. You guys keep playing. I'll just take a look at this stuff on the balcony." 

Although the room was modest in size, it had a small balcony where Yang Yang could review the materials without disturbing the others. As he moved toward the balcony, Ibrahimović called out to him. 

"Hey, make sure you find a way for me to score tomorrow," the Swedish striker said, half-jokingly, but with a serious undertone. It was clear that he was already envisioning his celebration. 

"Will do, Zlatan," Yang Yang responded with a smile, sensing the pressure weighing on Ibrahimović. The upcoming match against Arsenal was not just another game—it was a massive challenge. Ibrahimović, who had often relied on his physical prowess to dominate defenders in the Eredivisie, would now face one of the Premier League's most formidable center-backs, Sol Campbell. 

Campbell was a towering figure, renowned for his strength and defensive acumen, and one of the best in the world at his position. This was going to be a stern test for Ibrahimović, who was used to having a physical edge over his opponents. 

As Yang Yang settled on the balcony, he meticulously went over the Arsenal lineup. Alongside Campbell, Kolo Touré was another key figure in Arsenal's defense. While not as physically imposing as Campbell, Touré was quick and agile, providing a perfect complement to Campbell's style. However, Touré's tendency to make erratic decisions on the field had been noted, particularly since he hadn't been a regular starter for long. 

The real challenge, Yang Yang noted, would come from Arsenal's midfield. The pairing of Gilberto Silva and Patrick Vieira in the holding midfield roles was arguably the best in the world. Gilberto Silva, though slightly slower, was a towering presence, capable of disrupting any attack before it even reached the defensive line. The Brazilian midfielder was an almost insurmountable barrier in front of the Arsenal back four. 

On the left flank, Gaël Clichy, only eighteen years old, would be stepping in for the injured Ashley Cole. Clichy had shown his potential in a recent match against Chelsea, where his physical strength and speed were on full display. These attributes allowed him to hold his own in the Premier League, but his inexperience meant he still had weaknesses, particularly in his offensive contributions and defensive positioning. Ajax's technical department had rated Clichy highly, but they also identified areas where he could be exploited, particularly his tendency to go to ground too easily in tackles. 

Sliding tackles, while effective, were a risky strategy. If Clichy mistimed a tackle or was out of position, it would leave Arsenal vulnerable, especially since Campbell's slower turning speed meant he couldn't always cover the space left behind quickly enough. This was something that Chelsea had capitalized on, using their forwards to pressure Clichy and create opportunities. 

Yang Yang knew that understanding Clichy's weaknesses could be the key to breaking through Arsenal's defense. If he could exploit these vulnerabilities, it might just give Ajax the edge they needed in the match. With these thoughts in mind, he immersed himself in the materials, analyzing every detail, determined to find a way to help his team succeed. 

...... 

...... 

On the morning of the match, Ajax held a simple, low-intensity technical and tactical training session at De Toekomst to keep the players sharp without exhausting them. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that often precedes big games. 

At midday, the players gathered in the team restaurant for lunch, following their carefully monitored diets. The meal was subdued, with the players focused on the task ahead. Afterward, they were encouraged to take a rest before the evening clash. However, the tension was palpable, and many players found it hard to sleep. But not Yang Yang. He slept as soundly as ever. 

Yang Yang's ability to fall asleep quickly and deeply, no matter the circumstances, was a trait that had long been admired by his teammates. It didn't matter where he was or how noisy the surroundings; give him a blanket and a pillow, and he could drift off in any position. This almost superhuman ability to rest was particularly envied by his roommate, Sneijder. 

What the team didn't know, however, was that Yang Yang had spent those hours in his Dream Training System, where he engaged in an intense simulated match against Arsenal's left-back, Gaël Clichy. For two to three hours, he practiced relentlessly, preparing himself mentally and tactically for the challenges ahead. By the time the team was ready to begin their pre-match preparations, Sneijder had to knock on Yang Yang's door to wake him up. 

"Sometimes I really think the University of Amsterdam should consider tying you up and cutting you open to see what kind of structure you've got inside," Sneijder joked, though his tone carried a hint of exasperation. "You sleep so well, it's almost annoying." 

Yang Yang laughed, stretching as he shook off the last remnants of his nap. "It's a family tradition, Wes. Don't envy me," he replied with a grin. 

The pre-match preparation meeting was held in the De Toekomst conference room. The atmosphere was serious as the players and coaching staff gathered, with technical director Louis van Gaal also in attendance. Every member of the first-team squad was present, even those who weren't named in the matchday squad. The weight of the upcoming challenge against Arsenal hung over them all. 

Head coach Ronald Koeman took charge of the meeting, his expression somber as he addressed the team. The main focus was on introducing the players to their opponents, Arsenal. Using a combination of PowerPoint presentations and video clips, the coaching staff sought to familiarize the team with every detail of their opponents' tactics, strengths, and potential weaknesses—information Yang Yang had already reviewed the night before. 

As the tactical analysis came to an end, Koeman turned to the matter at hand: the game plan and the lineup. 

"Everyone knows that Arsenal are one of the strongest teams in Europe," Koeman began, his voice carrying the gravity of the situation. "We don't have the slightest advantage against them. But tonight, we play at home, and this is our chance—perhaps our only chance." 

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the room. "I can say with certainty that if we can't beat Arsenal here at the Amsterdam Arena, we won't stand a chance at Highbury. By then, Ashley Cole will be back, Gilberto Silva will be back, and we'll be playing away. It will be a much tougher task." 

The players listened intently, fully aware of the truth in Koeman's words. The Premier League was notoriously unforgiving, and Arsenal was a powerhouse, formidable on both ends of the pitch. To face them on their own turf would be a daunting task, especially if they failed to secure a positive result at home. 

"So, if we still want to win, if we still want to fight for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League," Koeman continued, his voice rising, "we have to give everything we've got tonight. We have to play our best football here, in front of our fans, and seize this opportunity." 

Koeman's words resonated with the players. There was a shared understanding that this was their moment—a make-or-break match that would define their season. 

As Koeman stepped back, Van Gaal moved forward to address the team. The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to the technical director, knowing he had something important to say. 

"I've been involved in professional football for decades," Van Gaal began, his voice calm but commanding. "I've been both a player and a coach, and no matter how young or how strong my teams have been, I've always told my players the same thing: On the pitch, there is no such thing as impossible. If you want it, if you're willing to fight for it, then you can achieve it." 

A murmur of agreement swept through the room. Even Ibrahimović, who often clashed with Van Gaal, couldn't help but acknowledge the truth in his words. 

"You are a group of incredibly talented players," Van Gaal continued, his eyes sweeping across the room. "Last season, you reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. That was a testament to your strength. You are the best Ajax team in recent years, and I believe you can achieve even more. But the most important question is: Do you want to?" 

As Van Gaal's words hung in the air, the room fell into a contemplative silence. 

"A lot of people have said that the team I led was Ajax's last great team," Van Gaal said, his voice tinged with defiance. "But I say that's nonsense. When I took over, people said the last great Ajax team was the one led by Van Basten. But look at what we achieved. Why? Because everyone who wears this shirt has the opportunity to make history. You made the quarter-finals last season. Now, you have the chance to make your own history, to become the next great chapter in Ajax's story." 

Van Gaal's speech was met with a wave of applause, the players inspired by his words. Yang Yang, too, felt a surge of motivation, clapping along with the rest of the team. 

In football, heroes and legacy are always intertwined, and the chance to be part of Ajax's history was within their grasp. 

Though Ronald Koeman and Van Gaal didn't always see eye to eye, Koeman shook the technical director's hand, thanking him for his words of encouragement. He then turned back to the team, ready to unveil the tactics for the evening's match. 

Koeman's next words brought a mix of surprise and excitement to the room. The coaching staff had decided on a bold approach: rather than sitting back and defending against Arsenal's formidable attack, they would go on the offensive. 

"I'm asking you to press Arsenal from the very first second of the game," Koeman declared, his voice filled with determination. "Press them relentlessly until we score!" 

It was a brave, almost audacious strategy, given Arsenal's strength. But it was also a decision that fired up the young Ajax players, filling them with a renewed sense of purpose. 

Finally, Ruud Krol stepped forward to announce the starting lineup. As he read off the names, it became clear that Ajax would be fielding their strongest possible team. The goalkeeper, the backline, and the midfield were all top choices, especially with the return of right-back Trabelsi, fresh off a successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign. 

Then came the forward line, the trident that would lead Ajax's attack. 

"Wesley Sonck," Krol announced, followed by, "Zlatan Ibrahimović." 

A brief pause, and then the final name. 

"... and Yang Yang!" 

Yang Yang felt a rush of adrenaline as his name was called. This was it—the chance he had been preparing for. Tonight, under the lights of the Amsterdam Arena, he would take his place alongside his teammates to face one of the biggest challenges of his career. 

The stage was set. All that remained was to step onto the pitch and make history.