After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

Fresh blood always gives people hope for a new environment.

In early July 2019, the Kearney training ground was bustling with life and energy earlier than usual.

The parking lot was almost full even though it wasn't time to meet up yet.

The players, whether veterans or young faces still bearing the marks of the sun after their vacations, arrived early.

Nobody wants to miss the first day of training in the new season.

Especially after a glorious four-time champion season, the arrival of a dynamic new head coach, and the introduction of several strong new signings.

Everyone's face showed a mixture of anticipation, curiosity, and eagerness.

The atmosphere in the locker room was lively yet orderly.

Familiar teammates hugged and high-fived each other, exchanging greetings about their holiday experiences.

Yan Yuan was still the first to arrive, and he now acted like an older brother, skillfully teasing each of his teammates.

"Rodri, I heard you passed your university exams? Don't you have to treat us to a meal?"

"Hakimi, you look better with a beard. You suit a beard very well."

"Cancelo, it feels like you've even gotten a bit stronger in the past two weeks."...

Yan Yuan knew everyone here very well.

Aside from the familiar faces, the newcomers, looking somewhat reserved, found their lockers and began organizing their brand-new training uniforms, which bore their names and numbers.

Yan Yuan had already changed into his gear. He smiled and moved among his teammates, greeting each one of them.

He paid special attention to the four new members who had just joined the family, using lighthearted words to ease their tension.

Aside from being unfamiliar with Theo and Saliba, Yan Yuan is quite familiar with Rice and Upamecano.

He and Rice were teammates on the national team, and he had played against Upamecano in the Bundesliga; they both had a good impression of each other.

At 9:00 a.m. sharp, all the players gathered in the conference room of the training hall.

When the new head coach Julian Nagelsmann walked in, looking sharp and energetic in his Adidas training uniform, all eyes immediately turned to him.

The meeting room fell silent, save for the sounds of camera shutters and soft breathing.

Nagelsmann stood at the front of the group.

His gaze swept over every face.

Here are his familiar protégé Yan Yuan, top strikers like Aubameyang and Lacazette, pillars like Rodri and Pepe, and rising stars like Saka and Martinelli.

There are also four new talents who are about to receive recognition.

Nashman had a confident and composed smile on his face.

"Good morning, everyone, welcome back, and welcome to the new guys too." Nagelsmann's opening remarks were concise and powerful, his voice clear. "I am Julian Nagelsmann, and from today onwards, I will be working and fighting alongside you all as the head coach of Arsenal Football Club."

He paused, his gaze briefly meeting Yan Yuan's; the master and disciple were very in sync.

"To most of my teammates, I'm a new face, but to our captain Yan," he said, looking at Yan Yuan with a friendly tone.

"We've known each other for a long time, but I'm still learning about and getting to know the team as a whole."

My football philosophy is built on high pressing, high tempo, high possession, and absolute tactical discipline. Attention to detail, running, communication, and an insatiable desire to win will be the cornerstones of our success.

His words were clear and concise, with a clear objective, instantly capturing the attention of all the players.

"Guys, I know we had an incredible success last season, which was amazing. It was the result of everyone's hard work and a valuable legacy from Professor Wenger."

But history is just history. The new season starts afresh. We need to prove ourselves again, we need to become stronger, and we need to meet the even fiercer challenges from all our opponents. I believe we have the ability to do this.

Then, he changed the subject, his tone becoming more relaxed.

"Before we delve into the tactical details, let's get to know our four new members. Come on, guys, come up here and introduce yourselves so everyone can see the real you."

The four new recruits were called by name and stepped forward one by one. Their personalities were revealed in their brief self-introductions.

Rice was the first to step forward.

He was tall and handsome, and his first impression was that he was reliable and easy to get along with.

Rice touched his nose, looking slightly shy but speaking in a loud voice.

"Hello everyone, I'm Declan Rice from West Ham United. I play as a defensive midfielder. I'm very happy to join such a great club as Arsenal. I hope to integrate into the team as soon as possible and contribute to the team. Thank you."

His humility, sincerity, and handsome appearance immediately won the favor of his colleagues.

As soon as he finished speaking, the lively Aubameyang couldn't help but laugh and start joking.

"Welcome Declan! Looks like our Arsenal 'handsome squad' has gained another star! I used to think I was the second most handsome in the team, but now it seems I have to be third!"

"Hahahaha..."

Good-natured laughter erupted in the locker room, and even Rice herself laughed sheepishly, instantly enlivening the atmosphere.

Upamecano was the second to come on.

This French center-back is physically imposing and has a composed demeanor, but he still appears somewhat introverted and shy in front of his new team. He is considered to be of darker complexion even among Black people.

Upa spoke concisely and softly.

"Hello everyone, I'm Dajott from RB Leipzig. I play center-back, and I'm very happy to be here. Thank you."

After speaking, Upa bowed slightly.

Although Upa wasn't very familiar with the others, he was very familiar with Yan Yuan.

He and Yan Yuan had several intense encounters in the Bundesliga, and both left a deep impression on each other.

When Upamecano introduced himself, Yan Yuan gave him a look of approval and encouragement, and Upamecano nodded slightly in response.

Special Olympics will be the third to be introduced.

He looked like an honest man, but there was a hint of eagerness in his eyes.

"Hello everyone, I'm Theo, from Real Madrid, I play left-back. I'm very happy to be a member of Arsenal and I look forward to achieving new results with everyone in the new season. Thank you." His introduction was brief and powerful.

Saliba was the last player to come on.

Despite being only 18 years old, Saliba has a rather mature, even somewhat "anxious" face, which has left a deep impression on everyone.

He tried to appear calm.

"Hello everyone, I'm William Saliba from Saint-Étienne. I can play center-back and right-back. As a young player, I will strive to learn from all of you seniors. Thank you."

The four new signings have different styles, but all have expressed their desire to integrate into the team.

Nagelsmann nodded in satisfaction.

After the self-introductions, following team tradition, Yan Yuan, as captain, stood up, clapping his hands with a warm smile to signal everyone to be quiet.

"Alright, guys! According to Arsenal tradition, new members must undergo our welcoming ceremony!!"

Yan Yuan said loudly, and then led the way to the lawn outside the conference room.

The team members understood immediately, and with smiles, they poured out of the meeting room, quickly dividing into two lines on the lawn, standing face to face, forming a short "welcome passage".

This is a common welcoming ceremony at the club.

This symbolizes the new member being officially accepted into the team.

"Come on, Declan, first one!" Yan Yuan smiled and waved to Rice.

Amidst the encouragement and cheers of the crowd, Rice took a deep breath, smiled, and quickly ran between the two rows of teammates.

His teammates on both sides reached out and patted his back and shoulders, some lightly and some heavily.

They shouted slogans like "Welcome!", "Go for it!", and "Gunner!"

Rice had a happy smile on her face.

Next up were Upamecano, Theo, and Saliba.

They all experienced this "enthusiastic" welcome in turn.

Upamecano ran the fastest, trying to reduce the time he was "attacked," which made everyone laugh.

Theo ran and dodged, his movements comical;

After finishing the run, young Saliba's eyes were filled with excitement.

The whole process was filled with laughter and joy, instantly bridging the gap between the new and old team members.

After running through the tunnel, the four new recruits high-fived and hugged their teammates, marking their official entry into the "gunners" team.

After the welcoming ceremony ended, the atmosphere returned to a serious one.

Nagelsmann gathered everyone together again to begin outlining the specific tasks for the new season.

"Alright, guys, the welcome party's over. Now, let's get down to business." Nagelsmann's expression turned serious.

"Our schedule will be very packed this season, and the challenges will be unprecedented."

The main goals for the new season are already written on the tactics board behind him:

1. Retain the Premier League title

2. Defend the Champions League title

3. Compete for the FA Cup and League Cup

4. The battle for the European Super Cup (vs Chelsea)

5. The Community Shield battle (vs Manchester City)

"As you can see," Nagelsmann pointed to the tactics board,

"Besides the domestic league and cup competitions we are familiar with, as well as the road to defending the Champions League title, we will face two important title battles just over a month after the start of the new season: the European Super Cup against Chelsea and the Community Shield against Manchester City."

His gaze swept over the crowd, and he spoke with increased emphasis.

"These two matches, although they are preseason warm-up games, are also real championship trophies and an excellent opportunity to test the results of our summer preparations and to demonstrate our strength to all our opponents."

Our opponents are Chelsea and Manchester City, both long-time rivals in the league, and their strength is beyond doubt. Therefore, the time we have left to gel as a team is very limited.

"In the next month or so, our training intensity will be very high, and the tactical drills will be very detailed."

I need each and every one of you to maintain absolute focus and commitment. New tactical concepts need time to be digested, and new teammates need to build rapport. During this period, you may encounter difficulties and feel tired, which is perfectly normal.

His voice was full of encouragement.

"But I hope that no matter what problems you encounter, you will raise them in a timely manner. My coaching team and I will be here to do our best to help you solve them. Communication is the key to solving problems."

Finally, he turned his gaze to Yan Yuan, his eyes filled with trust and expectation.

"Yan, as the captain, your role is crucial. You are not only the core of the team on the field, but also the bridge connecting the coaching staff and the players, as well as the veteran and new players."

I hope you can continue to play your leadership role and use your experience and influence to help the new guys adapt to everything here as quickly as possible, integrate into our tactical system, and understand the Arsenal spirit.

We need you to lead everyone smoothly and quickly through this adjustment period.

Nash is still the same Nash who gave Yan Yuan his complete trust back in Hoffenheim.

Yan Yuan met Na Shuai's gaze and nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.

"Don't worry, Coach, I will. We are a team, and we have the same goal."

Nagelsmann nodded in satisfaction, then surveyed the room, his voice firm and resonant.

"Very good! So, let's begin the new season's journey right now, right here on this patch of grass! I want to see your energy, your desire! Now, everyone, warm up, get ready, let's begin training!"

"Yes, Coach!" The unified response echoed across the training ground.

The players quickly dispersed and, led by the assistant coach, began warming up by running laps.

Arsenal, this upgraded and reinforced luxury warship, under the command of the young helmsman Nagelsmann, has sounded the horn for the new season's away expeditions.