Chapter 37: Zwolle Head Coach: Underestimating Your Opponent Comes at a Price!

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[A 16-year-old Asian? Is Ten Hag insane?]

【You probably don’t watch much soccer, but Tang is pretty good—he’s the most deceptive player I’ve ever seen.】

[I actually enjoy watching Tang play, but I think Utrecht should stay more low-key.]

【If an Asian starts, Utrecht’s winning streak is over!】

【Zwolle, forward!】

On Twitter, opinions on Ten Hag’s decision are sharply divided.

Most fans believe it’s too soon to start Tang Ye; the majority support this view.

Some fans support Ten Hag, arguing that Utrecht should give young players opportunities now.

Yet fans backing Tang Ye’s start remain a minority.

No problem—the Chinese fans have already been brought to a fever pitch by Ten Hag!

Eric Ten Hag?

No!

Eric Saint-Ten Haag!

In the locker room, Tang Ye grips the bottom of his shirt, looking tense.

He’s about to buy a Valdi Red Bull worth 5 Comeback Points, meaning he must record at least one assist in today’s match.

Otherwise, it’s a loss!

“You’re finally nervous? I thought you never got nervous.”

Ten Hag walks over with a smile: “If you can’t handle the pressure, or if anything goes wrong, just signal me.”

Tang Ye shakes his head: “I’ll play through.”

…

On the other side, Zwolle’s head coach, Aumont, strides solemnly into the press conference.

Click!

Click-click!

“Aumont, today Utrecht is starting a reserve player—do you know Tang? He’s only 16!”

The press conference is lively; everyone wants to hear Aumont’s take on Ten Hag’s lineup.

“No explanation needed—this is an insult. An insult to us.”

Aumont’s expression is grim: “I know their league ranking is higher than ours, but that’s no reason to start a 16-year-old—especially when that 16-year-old is a Yellow race player!”

Aumont stares angrily into the cameras: “They’ve disrespected us—and they will pay the price!”

Aumont’s meaning is clear.

He admits his team’s league points are lower than Utrecht’s, but refuses to accept that Zwolle is inferior.

Ten Hag suddenly fielding a 16-year-old clearly shows he’s lost his reason amid the winning streak.

Ten Hag wants to humiliate Zwolle!

Aumont must strike back!

…

【You purchased Valdi’s Red Bull】

Account balance: 21

“OK, come in, come in already—the livestream teaser goes live in half an hour, and you’re only showing up now?”

Watching the viewer count rise, Wang Chao lets out a long breath of relief.

He’d posted a teaser in the QQ group half an hour ago, but the livestream had no response—he thought these guys had found new favorites!

But now it seems these Dou Warriors were just too busy—they didn’t enter the livestream until match time.

“I already explained the teams in the group, so no more introductions—Utrecht, Utrecht is attacking!”

Ten Hag is a coach who preys on the weak; since today’s opponent is weak, he deploys an offensive formation.

4-3-1-2: Ale and Barazite lead the line, with Tang Ye as the attacking midfielder.

Ten Hag pushes Tang Ye forward—so if Tang makes a mistake, it won’t directly threaten his own goal!

Minute 12: Zwolle gains possession; midfielder Brahma exploits Ramselaar’s error.

Through ball to Marinas up front!

Utrecht’s players sense danger; Jansen and Stride sprint forward together.

Jansen charges at Marinas; Stride dashes toward Becker—that’s Marinas’ most likely passing lane.

Since Stride blocks Marinas’ best passing option, Marinas must pause to assess.

In a top-tier Eredivisie match, pausing to think is deadly—Marinas pays for it immediately.

Jansen and returning Ramselaar execute a perfect combination, winning the ball back.

Awesome!

Tang Ye claps and starts searching for space to receive Ramselaar’s pass. Ramselaar doesn’t pass to Tang Ye—because on the left flank, Ale has already reached the offside line.

Utrecht’s top scorer has broken free—Ramselaar must pass!

Snap!

“Utrecht launches a long ball from the back—Ale! Ale controls it!”

“Hmm, not a perfect control, but the Zwolle defender is still a bit away—Ale still has safe possession.”

“After controlling, move toward the center!”

Though the defense is sloppy, Utrecht’s counterattack flows smoothly.

Ale cuts inside!

Barazite sees this and drifts toward the center.

Facing two Zwolle center-backs, Barazite finds a good position.

Ale taps the ball to Barazite, then sprints into the box.

!

Barazite spots the opening and plays a direct through ball into the box—Ale gets the ball again.

Classic one-two!

That’s the chemistry between Ale and Barazite!

“Ale, shoot!”

“Goal!”

“1:0!!!”

Wang Chao types furiously in celebration.

Most expected Utrecht to win; Ale’s goal naturally brings joy.

But there’s one problem.

Where’s my Tang, the Ball King?

The director understands hype—after Ale’s goal, he cuts to Tang Ye.

14 minutes, 6 touches, 4 seconds of possession, 0% involvement in attacks.

Perfect!

This is the Ball King!

【I think this director deserves to be cursed—daring to black out my Mengge?】

【Mengge is a hardworking player—he doesn’t rely on stats—wait for his next move!】

【That’s right—even though my Mengge has no talent, his work ethic is top-tier!】

【Wait for the second half—Tang Ye is an endurance player; wait until the opponents are exhausted, then strike.】

The match remains 0:1 into the second half; Tang Ye had no significant moments in the first half.

But actually, Tang Ye’s lack of visibility makes Ten Hag feel more at ease.

If a 16-year-old outshines every teammate, the team is basically doomed.

Minute 55: On the bench, Ayoub begins warming up.

Oh no, don’t do it!

Tang Ye is nervous.

He hasn’t even broken even yet!

Just three minutes after Ten Hag has Ayoub warm up, Zwolle executes a brilliant wing penetration.

So fast—even before Tang Ye can turn back, the opponent reaches the byline.

“Zwolle’s striker dribbles, passes to Marinas.”

“Close to goal, but no need to panic—Utrecht still has plenty of defenders.”

“Van der Maarel steps up.”

“OK, Van der Maarel, Utrecht’s starting center-back—prepare to resolve the crisis!”

“Tackle!”

“Van der Maarel is still moving!”

“Van der Maarel is shown a red card!”

…

(End of chapter)