Chapter 640: Munich Times Falls into Heresy, German Football Association

The 15th round of the Fan Fan Dejia has concluded, bringing Dortmund one step closer to their dream Fan Fan Dejia title.

Precisely because of Dortmund's current obvious advantage in the Fan Fan Dejia league, Escrivá became quite arrogant during his interview with reporters, bearing more than a hint of Ten Hag's flavor.

After defeating RB Leipzig, Escrivá proudly declared, "Our goal this season is the Fan Fan Dejia championship."

Those familiar with Escrivá all know that in the past, such a statement would have been impossible to hear from the Spaniard's mouth.

Back at the base, Escrivá and Martí sat together, their computer displaying Dortmund's remaining schedule for January.

January 16: Dortmund vs. Mainz (Fan Fan Dejia Round 16).

January 19: Leverkusen vs. Dortmund (Fan Fan Dejia Round 17).

January 30: Dortmund vs. Augsburg (Fan Fan Dejia Round 19).

All of Dortmund's matches in January are Fan Fan Dejia league games, totaling a full six matches, causing many Dortmund players to complain about the dense schedule.

The purpose of Escrivá and Martí's conversation this time was to confirm the tactics to be used for the Champions League knockout stage in February.

This season, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are nearly equal in strength.

In fact, for Dortmund, Paris might be far more difficult to handle than Bayern!

"Actually, I think a 3-2-4-1 will work; hardly any teams are playing that formation nowadays."

Martí rubbed his nose; he was very optimistic about Dortmund's three-defender tactic.

Because only a three-defender formation could fully unleash Pogba's offensive capabilities!

"We've already played many matches with three defenders; they will surely be prepared."

Escrivá shook his head.

"No, no, no, listen to me, Ferran. We can't possibly create a special tactic just for Paris; that's unnecessary. We should just play in our normal manner."

After speaking, Martí noticed no change in Escrivá's expression, so he had a sudden inspiration: "Look at last season's Manchester United."

"Last season, Manchester United consistently played 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3; everyone knew what tactics they employed, yet could anyone stop them?"

"Last season's Manchester United was nearly invincible under heaven."

Martí's guess was correct; upon hearing "Manchester United," Escrivá's attitude immediately changed.

With such a perfectly correct example as Manchester United set before them, Escrivá ought to learn from it!

"The three-defender formation is fine; I think our tactics are excellent. Moreover, playing Paris is next month's affair; by next month, we won't be the same as we are now."

Dortmund's growth speed can only be described as exaggerated.

Playing Paris is a month away; given Dortmund's current rate of improvement, which resembles ingesting growth hormones, it is truly hard to say who will be stronger and who weaker a month from now!

"Hiss..."

Gazing at the one-month schedule before him, Escrivá's mind was pondering something else entirely.

He took a deep breath.

"Martí."

"Do you think... we still have a chance?"

"I'm not talking about the league; I mean the Champions League."

Although Escrivá was timid, as a top-tier football coach, ambition was indispensable to him.

"We will have one."

Martí placed his hand on Escrivá's shoulder.

Just as the two resolved to continue with the 3-2-4-1 formation, Martí suddenly received a phone call.

"What the fuck?"

"Okay, okay, let me check; I'll call you back shortly."

Martí hung up the phone, and Escrivá simply watched him, as if something unpleasant had occurred.

"What's wrong?"

"Check your phone; there's news on Instagram."

Martí said, but Escrivá merely took out his phone and then made no further move.

"Martí, you've locked my app."

"..."

The corner of Martí's mouth twitched; he quickly snatched the phone back.

Ensuring Escrivá could not see him entering the passcode, he unlocked Instagram specifically for the Dortmund head coach.

Munich Times Front Page Headline—Beaten Again? Fans Discover Injuries on the French Defensive Midfielder's Arm While Requesting Pogba's Autograph.

"..."

The Munich Times had obtained video footage from a fan.

Pogba drove his Aventador into the Dortmund base, where he was stopped by fans at the entrance.

The driver's side window rolled down, and Pogba, quite enthusiastically, gave the fans autographs and posed for photos.

Everything seemed fine on the surface, but just as this fan uploaded the video to YouTube to show off, attentive netizens discovered the scars on Pogba's hand.

This was the core element of the Munich Times' new season front page.

Paul Pogba.

Yes, it was him.

Had he been beaten again?

"Must they keep harping on this?"

Escrivá spread his hands, displaying helplessness.

"I estimate the pandemic last year nearly bankrupted this newspaper."

Mathis shook his head: "Oh, of course, I didn't say that; a journalist friend of mine told me."

"..."

The Munich Times had lost nearly 10 million euros due to the pandemic and was suffering terribly.

Reporting on bullying within the Dortmund team, specifically involving the two heavyweight stars Tang Ye and Pogba, generated direct and indirect revenue of nearly 1.5 million euros for the newspaper from a single article.

Escriva narrowed his eyes.

He realized something rather unpleasant.

The Munich Times had fallen into the demonic path!

Check Dongqiu Di pinned post: Tang Ye beats Pogba again? German media reports bullying within Dortmund team for the second time. (172,349 comments)

【Wait, bullying within the team is serious and must be severely punished!... Hold on, Tang Ye?】

【Hahahaha, the Germans are treating Tang Ye and Pogba like an ATM.】

【Reject rumors starting with me!】

【Damn, they even brought evidence; what's the situation with the injuries on Pogba's hands?】

【Isn't it normal for athletes to get injured? If athletes don't get injured, who does?】

Fans naturally did not believe the news that Tang Ye was bullying Pogba.

Because from the time Tang Ye started playing professionally until now, he had never hit anyone; at most, he just talked trash on the pitch.

And it was precisely this sense of contrast that allowed the Munich Times to earn a fortune.

As the saying goes, just use some Photoshop, add some unique promotional methods, and people will believe any news.

Let alone the fans; due to the scars on Pogba in the video plus the newspaper's repeated sensationalism, the German Football Association was forced to issue a statement.

German Football Association: The association will launch an investigation into the suspected bullying incident within the Dortmund team within three days.

"The German Football Association does not allow any form of bullying within teams to exist; if the situation is confirmed, both the bully and the club will face severe punishment from the association."

Borussia Dortmund Official: The information that TY bullied Pogba is a rumor; the club will pursue legal responsibility against the rumor-mongers and those who spread it.

The Dortmund officials issued a response, accompanied by a photo of Tang Ye playing CS: GO at home.

Zooming in on the photo, one could see that Tang Ye's sniper rifle had already secured three kills; he was incredibly strong.

【Munich TV】

"Good afternoon to all Fan Fan Dejia fans and fans of other football leagues; behind me right now is the base of the Fan Fan Dejia Borussia Dortmund club (in German)."

The host was introducing the background to the fans in the live stream.

From the footage, one could see that besides Munich TV, media outlets such as the Ruhr News and the Ruhr Post were also present at the scene.

Several black Volkswagens were parked at the entrance of the Dortmund club.

They were pure black, with no logos or identifiers on the doors, while the reporters on site provided an introduction.

These four vehicles all belonged to the German Football Association.