Chapter 58

Every winter break, Ajax takes a strategic approach to their training regimen by relocating to warmer climates. This year, the team has chosen southern Portugal as their training destination, avoiding the harsh winter cold of Amsterdam.

Their chosen locale is Lagos, a charming town in the Algarve region with a population of just 20,000. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Lagos boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in Portugal. 

Ajax's training grounds are situated at the southern tip of the town, on the renowned Cape Ponta da Piedade. This picturesque location is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and the striking pebble beaches of Praia dos Ragos. The area provides a serene and inspiring backdrop for the team's winter training sessions.

The team is accommodated in a luxurious resort made up of quaint, low-rise buildings. Ajax has reserved a section of the resort exclusively for their use. Adjacent to the resort are two full-sized football pitches and a smaller training field, ensuring ample space for various drills and practice sessions. The resort also features a well-equipped swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and other excellent facilities that cater to the players' needs.

Drawing from the lessons of the previous half-season, Ronald Koeman has clearly tightened the reins on player discipline and expectations. Upon arriving at the resort, the team quickly settled in and immediately threw themselves into rigorous training, reflecting Koeman's commitment to maximizing this valuable period of preparation.

The following day in Lagos, the weather presented a persistent drizzle, but this did little to deter the coaching staff. Despite the dreary conditions, they roused the players from their cozy beds early and directed them to the desolate beach for a grueling special training session.

The intensity of this session was far greater than what was typically experienced on the usual training pitches. The cold drizzle combined with the challenging terrain of the beach created a formidable environment designed to push the players to their limits.

After a brief respite at noon, the team reconvened on the training grounds adjacent to the resort for an afternoon session. The focus was split between strength training and ball work. Each half-hour segment was dedicated to either physical conditioning or technical drills, with the teams rotating between the two activities. The final thirty minutes of the session were devoted to a fifteen-minute technical and tactical exercise, followed by a fifteen-minute group confrontation training.

The rigorous schedule left the players feeling thoroughly exhausted by the end of the day. The Christmas holiday may have been picturesque, but the winter training was designed to strip away any vestiges of comfort and complacency.

Despite his youth and the challenges of his physical fitness, Yang Yang persevered through the demanding Christmas training. He remained diligent and committed, never allowing himself to slack off. His physical condition was maintained reasonably well, but the sheer intensity of the sessions left him feeling drained.

Ronald Koeman and the coaching staff made no exceptions for the younger players, including Yang Yang, who was subjected to additional physical conditioning exercises. The objective was clear: to enhance Yang Yang's physical strength and overall fitness as quickly as possible.

Fortunately, the rain did not persist. The following days saw Lagos bathed in warm, inviting sunshine, providing a welcome change and lifting the spirits of the weary players.

Yang Yang continues to train with the team daily, but he also has a tailored training regimen to enhance his skills further. Each morning, he heads to the beach for a dedicated session of ball jogging, refining his dribbling and touch on the sandy surface. In the evenings, he benefits from one-on-one special training sessions with Ruud Krol.

John van 't Schip, an assistant coach with the second team, is unable to accompany the squad to Lagos due to scheduling conflicts. Consequently, he has entrusted Yang Yang's specialized training to Ruud Krol. Despite their positive rapport, Krol's approach remains rigorous and thorough, ensuring that Yang Yang receives no leniency.

Lagos, with its tranquil setting away from the media frenzy and fanfare, provides an ideal environment for the team to immerse themselves fully in their winter training. The isolation allows them to focus solely on their preparation, making the days feel both productive and serene.

Despite the calm and focused atmosphere in Lagos, news continues to flow from the Netherlands. The steady stream of updates and developments keeps the team informed, bridging the distance between their secluded training base and the bustling soccer scene back home.

...

...

"One to four."

In the cozy living room of Yang Yang's modest single-family home, the atmosphere was relaxed yet charged with competitive spirit. The Swedish striker, Zlatan Ibrahimović, grinned as he revealed two playing cards, signaling his intentions to win.

"Have you heard the news?" Ibrahimović continued with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Van Gaal has restructured the scouting department. Rumor has it that a lot of people are going to be laid off. There's quite a stir in Amsterdam right now, with many complaining about his decisions."

"One pair of sixes," Maxwell responded, adding his own pair to the mix. "What about Tonny Bruins Slot? Is he going to be alright?"

"Not so fast," Yang Yang interrupted, laying down a pair of kings. "I've heard that the chief scout position should be secure, but a lot of staff will be cut. It's all about restructuring and improving efficiency. Van Gaal's aiming to streamline the team and expand the scouting network beyond Northern Europe and Africa to include Eastern Europe and South America."

Yang Yang, unfamiliar with the surroundings of Lagos and hesitant to venture out into the dark, had opted to stay in and play cards with Ibrahimović and Maxwell. The group had adopted a unique twist on their card games, where losing a hand could result in playful forfeits like running laps around their small detached house in their remaining underwear.

At first, Ibrahimović was reluctant to join in, but he soon became hooked on the nightly routine.

"Hey, I'm calling you out," Ibrahimović declared confidently, playing a pair of aces. "Tonny Bruins Slot will be fine. The chief scout role should be safe, but there will be significant cuts."

"Come on, Maxwell," Yang Yang teased, not missing a beat. "One to two, do you want a bomb?"

Vermaelen chuckled, sharing Yang Yang's anticipation of Ibrahimović's cards.

"Why do you still have a pair of twos?" Ibrahimović grumbled, clearly frustrated.

"Landlord, don't you know the rules? Only two cards are left, so of course, there's a pair," Vermaelen retorted.

Ibrahimović turned to Maxwell, "Aren't you supposed to be the second player?"

"Who said I had two?" Maxwell replied with a grin.

"Enough chatter, let's see the cards," Yang Yang urged.

With a resigned sigh, Ibrahimović laid down his two kings, revealing his defeat. "Fry!" he announced, reluctantly.

The two kings hit the table with a thud, adding to the already tense atmosphere.

"One pair, are you done?" Ibrahimović asked, showing his final two cards with a touch of exasperation.

"I knew you had a second pair," Maxwell said with a hint of annoyance. "Sneaky, hiding it so well."

"All right, all right. You three get ready for your laps," Ibrahimović declared with a smug grin.

"Hold on a minute," Vermaelen interjected with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the lighthearted teasing.

"Wait?"

"Take your stinky old sevens back first and let's see what you've got with two," Yang Yang said with a mischievous smile, revealing two cards.

Ibrahimović's face fell as a sinking feeling took hold. He sensed that Yang Yang had something up his sleeve.

Maxwell, on the other hand, was jubilant, his spirits high as he eagerly awaited the outcome.

"Did you not count the cards? Haven't you noticed no one's played a three yet?" Yang Yang laid down four threes with a grin.

Ibrahimović's reaction was one of utter disbelief. He slapped his thigh in frustration, clearly shocked by Yang Yang's hidden bomb. "You really are as devious and cunning as Van Gaal's old man."

Yang Yang, unfazed, continued to play his cards with a smile, finishing with a pair, three threes plus one, and a final single card. "Landlord, two bombs, you're down four times," Yang Yang laughed heartily.

Vermaelen and Maxwell, already in stitches from the ongoing banter, were now fully aligned in their amusement, eager to see Ibrahimović face the consequences.

Ibrahimović's face turned a shade of regret as he realized the full extent of his loss. After a long pause and a deep breath, he begrudgingly admitted, "I owe it."

The trio shared a knowing smile, their camaraderie evident as they resumed their game, continuing to tease Ibrahimović with playful jabs.

"If you gamble with us, you have to lose your underwear."

"Good cards or bad cards, you should have known better."

"The landlord isn't so forgiving."

Ibrahimović, now somewhat deflated, folded his cards, knowing better than to argue further.

Changing the subject, Maxwell brought up recent news, "While I was on vacation in Brazil, one of my former teammates from Cruzeiro mentioned that Ajax's scouting team has begun searching for a new right-back. They're looking at Maicon."

"Who is Maicon?" Yang Yang asked, concerned. With Trabelsi likely leaving at the end of the season, Ajax's early planning was crucial, but choosing a Brazilian player seemed unexpected.

"It's quite normal, though," Maxwell continued. "Maicon, who is just twenty-five years old, made a transfer from Santos early last year. He's quickly risen through the ranks, earning a spot on the Brazilian national team and participating in the 2003 Confederations Cup. His performance has been impressive, and he's currently one of the standout right-backs in Brazil and many European teams are now taking notice."

Maicon's age fits well with Ajax's profile, given that they have the lowest average age of any team in the UEFA Champions League, at just twenty-two years old. His experience and potential make him an appealing prospect for the club.

"How is the negotiation going?" Ibrahimović asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It seems there are a few sticking points. Ajax wants to complete the transfer during the winter break, but Cruzeiro is reluctant to let Maicon go just yet. The two sides are still negotiating, but I don't foresee any major issues," Maxwell explained.

Yang Yang suddenly remembered that Maxwell had previously been with Cruzeiro. This connection seemed relevant to the current discussion.

"Why is the team trying to bring in Maicon during the winter break? Didn't they say that there would be no new signings during this period?" Vermaelen inquired with concern, aware of the potential impact on his own future with the team. As a versatile player who could cover center and left back, Vermaelen was keenly interested in how these moves might affect his opportunities.

"That's a common misconception spread by the media," Maxwell said, shaking his head. "This year, the Africa Cup of Nations is creating a problem for us. After our training camp in Portugal, six or seven African players, including Trabelsi, Pienaar, Yakubu, and Obodai, will need to return to their national teams. The tournament runs from late January to late February, which is inconvenient for the club."

Understanding dawned on Yang Yang. With so many players absent, the team would be left short-handed, particularly on the right side.

Maxwell continued, "The club had previously consulted with the African national teams, but they refused to release their international players for the duration of the tournament. Trabelsi and Yakubu, for example, will likely be in the knockout stages and won't return to Ajax until mid-February."

Everyone listened intently, realizing why the club was eager to bring in Maicon during the winter break.

"In addition to strengthening the right-back position, the club is also looking to bolster the midfield and attack. I heard that John Steen Olsen has strongly recommended a player with potential to become the next Zlatan."

Yang Yang's interest was immediately piqued. "Who is this player?"

Ibrahimović, however, scoffed, his expression one of skepticism. "A second Zlatan? I find that hard to believe."

...

...

John Steen Olsen, a former Danish international and retired Ajax scout, had made a significant impact on the club by identifying and bringing in numerous standout talents from Scandinavia. His reputation as a keen observer of emerging football stars was well-earned, and his recommendations carried considerable weight within Ajax. Many within the club trusted his judgment implicitly, believing that any player he endorsed was likely to be top-notch.

Yang Yang had heard of John Steen Olsen's legendary status at De Toekomst, but had yet to see it firsthand.

"Who is this player?" Yang Yang asked with genuine curiosity.

Maxwell shook his head. "I don't know the specifics, but the club is taking this very seriously. The player is currently with his national team in Portugal for European qualifiers. John Steen Olsen and even Van Gaal, the club's technical director, are scheduled to personally convince him to join Ajax."

"It's clear the club is keeping this under wraps," Vermaelen added. "Even the most informed people at De Toekomst don't have much information."

Maxwell, known for his insider knowledge, confirmed, "That's right. The secrecy around this player is quite intense."

Ibrahimović, with a touch of disdain, chimed in, "What's the big deal about involving the technical director? When Ajax recruited me, John Steen Olsen, technical director Leo Beenhakker, and head coach Ronald Koeman all came to persuade me at the same time. That level of commitment impressed me, otherwise, I might not have joined Ajax."

Yang Yang and the others laughed, recognizing Ibrahimović's irritation at being replaced. It was understandable; the club's proactive approach to finding a successor for him indicated that they were planning for the future. Despite Ibrahimović's evident discomfort, the club's strategy showed a clear focus on long-term success.

The seriousness with which Ajax was treating this new recruitment, including sending high-level officials to secure the player, underscored the importance they placed on his potential.

Reflecting on the news and his observations over the past few days, Yang Yang noticed a distinct shift in Ajax under Van Gaal's leadership. The club was not only overhauling its internal management but also rethinking its business model. Promises had been made regarding high-profile players like Ibrahimović, Van der Vaart, and Trabelsi: if a suitable offer came in by the summer of 2004, Ajax would let them go. This was a significant departure from past practices, showing the club's willingness to adapt and plan for future changes.

The strategic signings and the emphasis on forward planning indicated Ajax's intent to mitigate potential risks from player departures and ensure a smooth transition for the club's evolving needs.

Yang Yang maintained a neutral stance regarding the changes introduced by Van Gaal. While he wasn't deeply versed in the intricacies of club management, he was aware that Van Gaal's methods had stirred both admiration and controversy. Many, including the legendary Johan Cruyff, had lauded Van Gaal's reforms, though there were concerns that these changes might undermine the team's competitive spirit. Yang Yang had heard this sentiment echoed among the players and staff.

Despite the upheaval, Yang Yang observed that players like Ibrahimović, Van der Vaart, and Trabelsi remained highly motivated. Their energy and commitment were palpable. For them, the final months at Ajax were not merely about finishing the season; they were an opportunity to showcase their abilities and professional integrity, proving themselves to potential future clubs. The better their performances, the stronger their negotiating position would be come the summer transfer window.

Conversely, a lackluster approach could jeopardize their chances of securing desirable moves. The stakes were high, and every game and training session was crucial for maintaining their market value.

In the midst of their card game, the door to the modest, shared accommodation at the resort opened, and Wesley Sneijder walked in. The resort's small houses were each shared by four players, with Yang Yang and Ibrahimović paired in one. Sneijder and others frequently visited each other's quarters, often gathering for casual socializing after training. Tonight, however, Sneijder had a more pressing message.

"The coach wants to see you," he announced, his expression serious.

...

...

Yang Yang donned his jacket, his mind swirling with curiosity about why the coach wanted to see him. He made his way to Ronald Koeman's small detached house, a modest abode situated in the resort's quiet corner.

To his surprise, Ruud Krol answered the door, and alongside him was Louis Van Gaal, who had arrived in Portugal earlier that day. Yang Yang's thoughts flashed back to Maxwell's comment about Van Gaal's keen interest in the young striker recommended by John Steen Olsen.

"Good evening, Boss. You wanted to see me?" Yang Yang asked, stepping into the room and nodding politely at Van Gaal. He maintained a respectful distance, as was customary.

"Yes, Yang, please have a seat," Ronald Koeman welcomed him, gesturing to a chair.

Though Yang Yang had only featured in a handful of games, each had been pivotal, contributing significantly to Ajax's fortunes. His performances had left a mark on the club's management.

"Is there something specific you need to discuss?" Yang Yang inquired once seated.

Van Gaal, who had taken a seat opposite him, responded directly. "I understand your agent, Andrew, had a meeting with an official from Twente Club in Amsterdam this afternoon. Unfortunately, this encounter was inadvertently revealed by a media reporter."

Yang Yang's brows furrowed in concern. "I wasn't aware of this."

Van Gaal nodded. "We believe in your integrity, but you must understand that such sensitive information, especially during the winter transfer period, can be detrimental if it leaks. The media has a way of sensationalizing things, and it could have a negative impact on you."

Yang Yang acknowledged the gravity of the situation. If the news became public, it could tarnish his burgeoning reputation among Ajax fans and invite unwarranted criticism.

Ronald Koeman and Ruud Krol exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting their concern over the situation.

"If I'm not mistaken, Andrew runs a small agency near Amsterdam?" Van Gaal asked, his tone laced with concern.

"Yes, many Almere players are represented by his agency," Yang Yang confirmed.

Van Gaal leaned forward. "The club intends to discuss a contract renewal with you soon. A small agency like his may not be equipped to handle such negotiations effectively. It would be wise to consider finding a more prominent agency."

Yang Yang sighed, feeling the weight of Van Gaal's words. He hadn't anticipated needing to change agents so soon.

His rapid rise had caught the attention of the media and fans alike. With just a few appearances, Yang Yang's profile had soared, and it was clear that his current agent lacked the resources and expertise to navigate the heightened scrutiny.

"Honestly, I'm at a loss. I don't know any other agents," Yang Yang admitted with a wry smile.

The three men across from him understood his predicament. Yang Yang was singularly focused on football, dedicating himself to practice and matches, with little time or inclination to delve into the business side of his career.

"Consider reaching out to a major agency, like IMG or another well-established firm. They will likely be very interested in representing you," Van Gaal suggested.

Yang Yang was aware that he wasn't yet a household name. Despite his recent success, he hadn't reached the point where top agencies would actively seek him out. His current position was still fragile, and many young talents had shone brightly before fading from view.

Van der Vaart's recent injury served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability in football. Even the most promising careers could be derailed by unforeseen circumstances, underscoring the importance of seizing every opportunity while it was available.

...

...

Yang Yang walked back to the small detached house in deep thought, his mind still grappling with the implications of Van Gaal's advice. Upon entering, he found Sneijder, Vermaelen, and Maxwell engaged in a lively card game. Ibrahimovic, however, sat off to the side, looking sullen and defeated. When asked, the Swedish striker admitted he had been beaten soundly at cards but was too proud to acknowledge it openly. He grumbled about wanting to go for a run to clear his head, a ritual of his.

The news about Yang Yang's agent troubles quickly captured the group's attention. Professional football, with its high stakes, often sees agents making critical errors that can impact a player's career trajectory.

"Changing agents seems inevitable," Vermaelen remarked, "but finding the right one is crucial."

Ibrahimovic, always outspoken, voiced his strong opinion against the idea of signing with a large agency like IMG. "These big firms are rigid and lack the personal touch," he asserted. "My previous agent was with IMG. He once tried to push me toward Southampton, and I was furious. Southampton? With my ability? It was clear he didn't understand my value. I told him to find another job."

Sneijder suggested considering a reputable local agent in the Netherlands. "There's a well-regarded agent here who has a strong network within Dutch football. Many players in the Netherlands are represented by him. He's known for his extensive connections and solid reputation," Sneijder explained.

Yang Yang was left contemplating his options. He knew he needed to find a new agent, but the decision was complex. The right agent could make a significant difference in navigating his burgeoning career, but choosing one required careful consideration.

For now, Yang Yang decided to put the matter aside. He resolved to address the issue properly once he returned to Amsterdam, where he would take steps to terminate his current contract and explore new representation. The next steps in his career were crucial, and he wanted to approach them with the attention they deserved.