Chapter 737: Escrivá Shifts the Blame to Ten Hag; Tang Ye Becomes the King of the Universe

"Victory in this match was certainly not easy for us. I am especially grateful for the support of the fans; both those present at the stadium and Chinese fans watching the broadcast were an indispensable part of our triumph."

Escrivá's tone remained relatively calm, as if he had already moved past the earlier emotion.

"So you believe leaving a powerhouse like Dortmund to join the Chinese men's national team, which isn't considered a strong side, was the right decision?"

"Yes, of course!"

"From the current perspective, that is indeed the case. I have received unimaginable support here, not only from the Chinese Football Association but also from the fans of the Chinese national team."

Although he had only arrived recently, one could tell from Escrivá's words.

This Spanish coach felt a strong sense of belonging toward the Chinese national team.

"Three consecutive wins, haha. Just as I said earlier, these three wins did not come easily. However, we will remain vigilant."

"As you know, we will face even stronger opponents ahead: Japan."

The past two months had been enough time for Escrivá to understand the situation regarding various Asian national teams; naturally, he also knew which team in Group B posed the greatest threat to China.

"Hmm. Regarding Tang Ye's performance in this match, do you have anything to say?"

"Compared to the previous two matches, Tang Ye's rating dropped significantly in this game."

"I think this is very normal. Players are not machines; fluctuations in form should be understood. Having been a football player myself, I can think from a player's perspective. Hmm... additionally, the main reason for Tom's low rating in this match was the missed penalty. Setting the penalty aside, I believe his performance in this game was still outstanding."

"He is forever the best."

Escrivá flashed a brilliant smile at the camera.

"So you consider Tang Ye's missed penalty to be insignificant?"

"At least from the perspective of the result, yes."

The head coach of the national team appeared composed: "I do not believe any player can maintain a 100% penalty success rate. Furthermore, I think Tom encountered some interference during his penalty today, preventing him from displaying his true ability. This even applied to his performance at other times in the match; Tom was affected quite a bit today. Otherwise, I believe he could have maintained an average match rating of 9.0+."

Hmm?

Escrivá's response left the reporters in the audience somewhat baffled.

"Affected? Ferran, do you mean the fans at the venue were too enthusiastic, causing some disruption for the players on the field?"

"No, of course not."

"I am referring to something else."

Escrivá raised his right hand, his gestures suddenly becoming more animated: "We all know that World Cup qualifiers are Category A matches designated by FIFA. Asian qualifiers, European qualifiers... they are all the same. Especially in the final round of 12; at this stage, it is generally considered appropriate for players to report to their national teams 10 days before the match begins. Because there are many factors we must consider."

Escrivá counted on his fingers: "For instance, rest, adjustment of form, and team cohesion... hmm, there are too many things; as you can see, I cannot list them all at once."

"..."

Hiss—

The reporters in the audience realized something.

They sensed the hidden aggressive attribute in Escrivá's words.

An attack against Ten Hag!

"So you believe Tang Ye reported to the team a bit too late?"

"This... I don't know how to say it."

Escrivá spread his hands: "If reporting late was Tom's own decision, then of course I am willing to support it. Players with sufficient strength naturally deserve special privileges, so that is not what worries me. What I worry about is..."

"Hmm, as you know, if Tom staying at the club was not his own intention, but rather the result of interference from other factors, or even coercion, then I think that would be very terrible..."

Click-click!

Click-click-click!

"Ferran, are you implying something about Ten Hag?"

"Ferran, then do you believe Tom staying with the club was his own idea or Ten Hag's?"

"Ferran!"

"..."

Escrivá's long string of words finally ignited the press room at the very end.

Reporters wanted to conduct further interviews with the head coach of the Chinese team.

Unfortunately, Escrivá seemed unwilling to reveal anything further.

Escrivá: Tang Ye is forever the best; appropriate privileges can be accepted. If Tang Ye's delayed return to the national team was Ten Hag's idea, then I will be extremely furious.

【666666】

【Why is Saint Escrivá starting to play the sarcasm game too? Was he pushed to the brink by Ten Hag?】

【This can't be called sarcasm; I feel the targeting is already very clear; he just wants to take down Ten Hag.】

【We're done for, brothers. From now on, Tang Tang Qiuwang will also have to return to the country 10 days early to report, missing one club match every month!】

【Missing one match is no big deal. In this round, I stand with Saint Escrivá; Tang Ye indeed needs some rest.】

A struggle between Escrivá and Ten Hag.

Although it did not contain the element of violence seen in last season's Champions League knockout stages, the hostility between the two sides seemed to increase rather than decrease, which was truly terrifying.

In the past, Escrivá was always harmonious; even before the violent conflict occurred, he basically never responded to any of Ten Hag's implications.

But now the situation has changed, and it is a huge change.

Judging from today's post-match interview, Escrivá has almost laid his cards on the table to fight Ten Hag openly.

If things continue developing this way, the situation will become increasingly out of control!

More and more gunpowder is accumulating in the powder keg, and the flames in both parties' hearts are burning ever more fiercely.

No one knows what the final outcome for these two guys will be, but anyway, the fans are enjoying it.

Let's take a look at the situation in the comments section.

After all, having started accumulating Chinese fans since 2015, Check Dongqiu Di has quite a few supporters of Ten Hag.

But upon closer inspection, there were actually more fans supporting Escrivá.

A comment by a netizen named "Abu Dream Blue Bridge 234" received over 20,000 likes; he was one of Escrivá's supporters.

This netizen believed Tang Ye should indeed have returned to China ten days earlier.

This would not only protect Tang Ye's physical condition but also demonstrate responsibility toward the national team.

Playing a match without adequate rest might not matter given Tang Ye's solid ability, but there is still a huge difference between performing at 100% and performing at 80%.

Today's 2-0 scoreline occurred because the opponent was Saudi Arabia.

But what if today's opponent had been Japan?

If Tang Ye failed to perform at 100% of his ability, causing China to lose to Japan, what crime should Ten Hag be held accountable for?

2022 Qatar World Cup Asian Qualifiers – Third Round, Group B Standings (after Matchday 3):

1. Japan, 9 points.

2. China, 9 points.

3. Oman, 3 points.

4. Saudi Arabia, 3 points.

5. United Arab Emirates, 0 points.

6. Vietnam, 0 points.

Having just lost 0-5 to the Chinese team, Vietnam was immediately bloodied again by Japan with a 7-1 defeat.

The Vietnamese brothers were too weak, and the Chinese team had temporarily lost their advantage in goal difference.

This was extremely frustrating because, among the six teams in Group B, only two could directly qualify for the World Cup, while the third-placed team would have to play in the intercontinental playoffs.

Three matches, three victories, and a total of 9 points might look incredibly fierce, but in reality, the Chinese team had already retreated to their bottom line.

Finishing second in the group was acceptable.

But if they retreated even one step further, the Chinese team would find it unacceptable!

From this perspective, the clear hierarchy in Group B taught the fans one lesson.

That is, the two matches between China and Japan are extremely important.