Old ginger is spicier

The origin of the matter can be traced back to the post-match interview after Manchester United's game against Norwich.

Ferguson's exact words were: "I've seen that kid's training videos, and he was just average. I didn't expect him to dominate in the Bundesliga. Is it because the Bundesliga's opponents are too weak? Can any of our unwanted youth players casually score six goals in two matches?"

Because of this remark, Ye Chen was immediately turned into the public enemy of the entire Bundesliga!

The Premier League has always been the most competitive league and is undoubtedly the top football league today.

Bundesliga fans do acknowledge that their league is not as strong as the Premier League, but that doesn't mean any youth player can do whatever they want!

What's worse is that the media fanned the flames.

Taking Ferguson's comment, reporters directly went to interview Werder Bremen's players one by one, asking for their opinions.

The team's starting center-back, Naldo, said, "The Bundesliga is not a place where just any youth player can do as they please. I'll show him what an unbreakable defense looks like!"

Meanwhile, the player known as "The Butcher," Sokratis Papastathopoulos, bluntly stated, "He better watch his legs!"

During the interview, he even made a bloodthirsty gesture, licking his lips.

Of course, the team's star player and current German international, Marko Marin, also shared his thoughts: "I will defeat Dortmund with my goals. As for Ye... to be honest, he's not even worth my attention."

"But you both have six goals and are tied for fifth place in the top scorer list," the reporter reminded him.

"Is that so? After this match, we won't be tied anymore," Marin said coldly before walking away.

To be fair, Marin had the right to be proud as a German international.

What's interesting is that he and Ye Chen are actually similar types of players—both are fast and have a powerful long shot!

After reading a few articles, Klopp couldn't help but sigh, "As expected, old ginger is spicier!"

"Hmm? What do you mean by that?" Buvac asked curiously.

"Ferguson's comment was deliberately meant to shift all the attention onto Ye Chen, turning him into the enemy of every Bundesliga team and fan!" Klopp said in a deep voice. "As expected, tactical masterminds all have a dirty mind!"

Buvac suddenly understood. "If Ye Chen weren't one of our Dortmund players, we would probably be targeting him as well!"

Klopp nodded. "But if we don't start Ye Chen, who should we play instead?"

"Perišić. His form may not be as good as Ye's, but he's still a solid option," Buvac reminded him.

"We have no choice but to start him. Ye should lay low for now," Klopp sighed.

Sending Ye Chen onto the field now would be like putting him on the chopping block.

When players get too emotional, their actions can become reckless, and at that point, who knows what might happen?

Besides, Werder Bremen is no pushover. After eight rounds, they have five wins, one draw, and two losses, placing them second in the league, just three points behind Bayern!

No doubt, they are a formidable opponent.

"Everyone, gather around. I'm announcing the starting lineup!"

Klopp removed Ye Chen's name and replaced him with number 14, Perišić.

The players walked over to where the coaches were standing.

Götze put his arm around Ye Chen's shoulders. "Your form is amazing, and a few of our guys are struggling with fitness. Your starting chance is coming!"

"Let's hope so!" Ye Chen replied with a smile.

He felt that his performance in today's training match was excellent—scoring twice and assisting Götze for another goal.

More importantly, just by running casually, he was already faster than everyone else... That electrifying feeling was exhilarating!

"I'm sure you'll get the chance. You're way above youth team level!" Götze grinned.

Clearly, he had also read the news.

However, Ye Chen was completely clueless.

He had been training like a madman these past few days, and the only time he touched his phone was to chat with Lina. He hadn't paid any attention to the headlines.

As for Lina, she was aware of the news but chose not to bring it up…

After all, none of it was positive for Ye Chen.

"The goalkeeper remains Weidenfeller!"

As the players lined up, Klopp began announcing the starting eleven.

"The five-man defense: Großkreutz, Chris Löwe, Subotić, Hummels, and Owomoyela!"

The players nodded in acknowledgment.

The usual starters were calm, while backup players like Owomoyela looked thrilled.

More playing time meant more exposure, which directly impacted their earnings and career growth!

"The three midfielders: Götze, Gündoğan, and Sven Bender!"

The trio raised their hands together.

"And the two strikers: Lewandowski and Perišić!"

This time, Klopp didn't hesitate at all. He announced the lineup decisively.

Among the players, Ye Chen's face showed a hint of disappointment.

He had really hoped to start this match. His form was excellent today, and he had also performed well in the training game!

With those conditions, why wasn't he in the starting lineup?

In the end, Ye Chen figured it came down to trust.

The opponent was Werder Bremen, the second-placed team in the league!

If they had been playing a relegation-zone team, maybe he would've been given a starting spot.

But against a strong opponent, it made sense to rely on more experienced players.

"Now for the substitutes."

"Langerak, Kehl, Leitner, Kuba, Kagawa, Santana, and Ye!"

No surprises there.

Although Kagawa didn't participate in training today, he would have a recovery session in the morning and travel to the match venue in the afternoon.

The game was scheduled for 7:30 PM.

Hearing his name on the bench, Ye Chen quickly adjusted his mindset.

Training was over for the day, but he wasn't leaving yet—he wanted to stay and practice shooting.

His "Shooting" stat was just a tiny bit away from leveling up!

"Ye, we have a match tomorrow. Don't overtrain," Götze walked over and said.

"It's fine, I'm not starting anyway. Besides, after a good night's sleep, I'll be fully recovered," Ye Chen replied with a grin.

Götze gave him a thumbs-up. "Alright, just be careful not to get injured!"

Ye Chen grabbed a ball and headed to the shooting area to practice his finishing.

The right angles, the proper power, the perfect placement—

All of it needed repetition.

Watching Ye Chen staying behind to train, Klopp sighed. "I know you really want to start, but I'm genuinely worried about you getting injured."

How many football prodigies had seen their careers ruined by injuries?

Klopp wasn't going to let that happen to Ye Chen.

So this was the best decision.

But deep down, Klopp was fuming, and that rage would be taken out on Werder Bremen!

Second place in the league? So what? We are the reigning champions!

Marko Marin?

I'm coming for you!

Anyone who has followed football knows—Klopp fiercely protects his players!