Chapter 634: Ten Hag Requests Tactical Assistance, Dortmund Area

"So you're targeting me, Tang Tang Qiuwang, right?"

"If it were Ten Hag, the Munich Times and Bild would already be on the blacklist."

"Don't let reporters from those two newspapers come to the press conference; they keep targeting me, Tang Tang Qiuwang."

"Pogba got beaten up? Is that true or fake?"

"Actually, I feel there's some truth to it. With Pogba acting so cocky, I'd have GGBond punch him twice to tell him who's the real protagonist of the cartoon!"

The matter was blown up a bit by some unscrupulous media, forcing Dortmund's official side to respond, clearly stating in a short post that the relationship between Tang Ye and Pogba was friendly.

Attached was also a photo of Tang Ye and Pogba together at the training ground.

"Team bullying will never exist at Dortmund; the club is committed to preventing such incidents."

Without actual evidence, the Munich Times found it difficult to launch another attack against Dortmund.

In the morning meeting, Escrivá signaled to Tang Ye and Pogba not to be affected by the newspaper news and to focus on the upcoming match.

October 28, Fan Fan Dejia Round 9: Dortmund hosts Cologne at home.

Cologne isn't exactly a formidable opponent, but Dortmund went to that match with a mission.

They intended to try the 3-2-4-1 formation for the first time in an official match, reducing the number of defenders and increasing the number of defensive midfielders, while also fielding four wide attacking midfielders.

The purpose of this formation is to enhance Dortmund's margin for error when facing strong teams.

"I feel a single defensive midfielder still won't work, so we need to gradually transition to two defensive midfielders; otherwise, it will be very difficult to play after the Champions League knockout stage."

Escrivá said to the players.

Tang Ye frowned, leaning forward with both hands pressed on the table, thinking about the team's upcoming schedule.

Unlike Escrivá, Tang Ye's focus was not on the match against Cologne.

He cared more about the Champions League match against Chelsea in December.

Chelsea is very, very strong; Tang Ye could clearly feel that.

If they could knock Chelsea over in the group stage, that would be a very good thing for Dortmund.

Actually, it's quite a pity; if the off-season had lasted a few more weeks, waiting until Dortmund had fully gelled the squad, the probability of successfully defeating Chelsea would have been much higher.

As for exactly how much longer they need to gel...

Just as Tang Ye was pondering this question, his WhatsApp suddenly received a message.

The message was from Mr. Eric.

"What's wrong?"

Haaland asked with concern, thinking Tang Ye had been targeted by the news again.

"Oh, nothing; it's my previous coach."

Tang Ye shook his head.

After coming out of the meeting room, Tang Ye went to an open area and made the call as requested by Ten Hag.

"Hey, Mr. Eric?"

"Yeah, Tom."

The voice of Ten Hag on the other end of the phone seemed somewhat haggard; Tang Ye keenly caught this: "What's wrong, Mr.?"

While chatting with Ten Hag on the phone, Tang Ye opened a data app to check the current Premier League standings.

Currently, Manchester United ranks second in the Premier League.

Although they have two consecutive league titles on their record, it is still the early stage of the season, and Manchester United has plenty of time to catch up on points.

"Oh, nothing much."

Ten Hag put on a very relaxed appearance and asked about Tang Ye's situation at Dortmund.

"I feel it's okay; German is just a bit hard to learn, but you know, I'm quite good at learning, so it's not a problem for me."

Tang Ye told Ten Hag that he could now use German to have some simple conversations with his teammates.

Of course, he still couldn't manage to accept interviews in German at the moment.

"Yeah, Tom, actually there's nothing much."

"Just a little something."

Actually, there's nothing much.

But just a little something?

Ten Hag spoke slowly: "Hiss... Tom, what's your opinion on Manchester United this season? You must have watched our matches, right?"

"Yeah, they're quite impressive. What's up?"

Tang Ye was, of course, watching Manchester United's matches.

"You know, after you left, our tactical system changed quite a bit, so it's a bit... terrible. Yeah, just means it's not easy to handle."

Ten Hag stammered, finally clearly stating his purpose for contacting Tang Ye: "I just wanted to ask, what's your opinion on the current Manchester United?"

"Yeah, what opinion is there? I like Manchester United very much, and I'm going back next season anyway."

Tang Ye acted relaxed.

The TUE matter had passed several months ago; he had already been able to calmly accept the result of the loan.

As for the so-called 1+1 contract.

If Dortmund wanted to keep Tang Ye for another season, they would have to meet two very harsh conditions.

Manchester United must not qualify for next season's Champions League, and Dortmund must qualify for next season's Champions League.

Only if both these conditions are fully met will the +1 year clause on Tang Ye be activated.

And that is almost impossible.

For the current Manchester United, finishing in the top four of the league is no different from drinking water.

Anyway, it's super simple!

"I know, hmm, of course I know. But what I mean is, Tom, you often give commands on the field during matches, and you do it well too. Hmm, though not as well as I do, it's actually not bad."

"If you have any opinions on our offense or defense, you can tell me over the phone."

Ten Hag licked his lips, his expression hesitant: "But don't be too optimistic; I'm a rather demanding person. Your suggestions might not necessarily gain my approval."

"This..."

Tang Ye's pupils dilated, showing some surprise.

He hadn't expected Mr. Sitting Like to call him for this matter.

Hmm...

But it was indeed quite good. After all, Tang Ye was a Manchester United player; if he could use his free time to do something for Manchester United (even if Ten Hag might not adopt it), that would actually be quite nice.

After pondering for a moment, Tang Ye suddenly spoke: "How about this, Mr. Sitting Like, I think you could have Osman drift toward the center-forward position, because..."

"Eh, it's lagging a bit, lagging a bit, wait a second!"

At the distant Manchester United base, Ten Hag signaled Fan Fan Dejiahe to bring him paper and a pen; holding the pen in his right hand, he recorded what Tang Ye had just said.

"Lagging a bit?"

"Hmm, the signal is fine now, you can go ahead."

"Oh oh, alright then."

Tang Ye nodded slightly: "Having Osman drift toward Bruno's position, I think that's not good, because Bruno isn't much of a dribbler; it would be hard for him and Osman to coordinate. So actually, you could have Osman drift toward Antony, then have the full-back push up to provide cover for Bruno. Wan-Bissaka could do it, but don't play possession football; keep it direct. To prevent counterattacks from the opposition, you could push Rod's position back. And then..."

Tang Ye spoke a bit fast; Ten Hag couldn't keep up with recording it all.

"Eh eh eh, it's lagging, lagging, wait a second, it's lagging!"

"Ah."

Tang Ye took a deep breath.

He looked up and glanced around.

They say signal is better at higher elevations; is this place in Dortmund too low in altitude?

Ten Hag used his pen to finish recording what Tang Ye had just said: "OK, it's fine now, Tom, no more lagging, you can continue."

"Oh oh, okay, Mr. Sitting Like, you must keep Rod at the back; don't let him push too far forward, or it will be disastrous if they hit a counterattack. And then there are the defenders..."