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

In early November, a new round of Bundesliga matches began.

In this round of matches, Hoffenheim will face RB Leipzig away from home. The atmosphere of tension was palpable even before the game started.

In the player tunnel, Yan Yuan, who was not in the starting lineup today, stood quietly behind his teammates wearing a substitute vest.

The lingering soreness in his ribs has almost completely subsided, and his fitness report shows that he has recovered well.

However, Nash was still not entirely at ease, so he still placed this sharp weapon on the substitute list.

"Kid, how's the recovery going? How are you feeling?" Nagelsmann asked Yan Yuan privately as he gave him his final instructions before the match.

"No problem, Coach!" Yan Yuan said confidently, his eyes eager to try.

Nagelsmann nodded and patted him on the shoulder: "Very good, this is how I planned this game. Bundesliga clubs have already started studying you, and you've only recently recovered from your injury."

Therefore, I will only bring you on about 30 minutes before the end of the second half, because the opponent is very tough, especially their central defensive pairing.

Go up there and get used to the intensity of the competition. Don't rush things; the main task in this match is to find your rhythm.

"Understood, Coach!" Yan Yuan replied to his mentor's instructions.

The course of the match proved Nagelsmann's prediction correct.

RB Leipzig's overall pressing and rapid transitions put Hoffenheim on the back foot.

Werner, the "golden scout," was like a sharp scalpel, constantly searching for opportunities in Hoffenheim's defense, and finally scored with a precise offside trap and a keen second-ball shot.

Leipzig scored a goal in each half, making the score 2-0.

Time ticked by, and Hoffenheim still couldn't find an effective breakthrough in attack.

In the 63rd minute, Yan Yuan was finally called up by the assistant coach, took off his vest, and stood on the sidelines.

The moment he stepped onto the grass, a familiar surge of adrenaline rushed through him, which made the pain in Yan Yuan's rib wound even lessen.

However, when he tried to receive a pass from his teammate and start sprinting, the intensity of the defense he faced made him immediately realize the difference.

Leipzig's defenses were already in place.

Especially that French center-back of similar age, the rising star Upamecano.

This 18-year-old Black boy has a body like a moving concrete wall, all muscle.

Whenever Yan Yuan tried to receive the ball on the right wing, Upamecano was always able to stick close to him like a shadow.

His approach to the game wasn't aggressive; rather, it was full of anticipation and skill: using his strong lower body to firmly block Yan Yuan's position, making it difficult for Yan Yuan to comfortably stop the ball and turn.

When Yan Yuan tried to accelerate and cut inside, Upamecano always managed to block the path a step ahead, using his broad shoulders and precise positioning to squeeze out space.

With each physical contact, Yan Yuan could clearly feel the astonishing power transmitted from his opponent, even though his lower body had become much more stable after recently practicing Tai Chi.

But even in this head-on collision, I still felt a clear strain.

Upamecano's talent and power reserves are truly astonishing.

Clearly, Leipzig had indeed conducted in-depth research on him, blocking his preferred routes, restricting his space to take a step, and applying force without hesitation at the moment of physical contact, precisely timing the moment Yan Yuan exerted his strength.

"Hoffenheim's tough youngster has just recovered from injury and returned to the field. Unexpectedly, he has met his match in this game. The 17-year-old Yan seems to be unable to gain any advantage against the 18-year-old Upamecano. It seems that Leipzig must have done targeted research on Yan," the commentator exclaimed.

Yan Yuan managed to escape tight spaces several times by using his skills when receiving the ball, but his lack of strength made it difficult for him to completely overcome Upamecano's close marking when dribbling at high speed.

His shooting angle was compressed to the extreme, and both of his hasty shots went high and wide.

Other attempts to play a wall play with teammates were also thwarted by Leipzig's highly coordinated defensive system.

The match ended when the whistle blew after 90 minutes.

RB Leipzig won 2-0 at home, with Werner's scouting skills sealing the victory.

Yan Yuan's efforts on the field failed to change the situation. Apart from running distance and some attempted dribbling data, his stats showed zero goals and zero assists.

This was the first time he had experienced a real failure.

A sense of frustration spread through Yan Yuan's heart.

He knew that the recovery period would require adaptation, but being so specifically frozen by a peer still left him somewhat resentful.

Although he suffered a defeat, he learned a lot from it.

Yan Yuan took a deep breath, wiped the sweat and grass clippings from his face, and then walked straight toward Upamecano, who had just finished celebrating with his teammates and was bending down to adjust his shin guards.

Yan Yuan stepped forward and extended his right hand: "Dayot? Right? You played really well, especially your defense against me, it was amazing!"

Upamecano grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, a stark contrast to the tough, iron-willed defender on the field.

He squeezed Yan Yuan's hand tightly: "Oh? Thank you! Yan, you're great too. I had to concentrate to keep up with your pace."

His German had a slight French accent, but it was very fluent.

"That's because you're too strong," Yan Yuan said candidly, patting the area below his ribs with a hint of teasing. "I have to say, when I was fighting you, I felt like I was hitting a wall."

Upon hearing this, Upamecano burst into laughter:

"Sorry, buddy! But that's my job. Just between you and me, our coach emphasized keeping a close eye on you before the match. He's studied a lot of your games." Upamecano mimicked the coach's exaggerated tone.

Yan Yuan laughed too: "No wonder, but this kind of competition is really exciting. Shall we change our jerseys?"

"Oh! Of course!" Upamecano readily agreed, quickly taking off his Leipzig jersey.

During the jersey exchange, Upa said seriously, "You're only 17 years old, but your speed and technique are terrifying. I bet you'll be even tougher to deal with next time we meet."

Upamecano's words carried both recognition and challenge to Yan Yuan as an opponent.

"You're very good too, let's learn from each other." Yan Yuan smiled as he accepted the red and white jersey. "You're only a year older than me, but you're like a seasoned center-back. I wish you all the best in your season."

"I also wish you all the best in your season."

Upamecano and Yan Yuan bumped fists.

The two chatted briefly and pleasantly, offering each other encouragement before parting ways.

A fierce competition thus came to an end amidst the mutual respect between the young people. On the field, they were rivals; off the field, they were colleagues who admired each other.

Back in Hoffenheim, training continued as usual.

The fourth round of the Champions League group stage is coming soon, with a home game against Spartak Moscow.

This should have been a great opportunity for Yan Yuan to showcase his skills, seek revenge, and score goals. In the last match in the freezing cold of Moscow, he suffered quite a bit at the hands of those Russians.

However, when the competition roster was announced, Yan Yuan could not find his name.

He frowned slightly, his doubts rising like bubbles in his mind.

"Could it be... because of his poor performance against Leipzig in the last match? Zero goals and zero assists? Did he disappoint the coach?"

A sense of loss and confusion weighed on Yan Yuan's heart.

Shortly after the roster was announced, the assistant coach notified Yan Yuan to go to the head coach's office, and Yan Yuan knocked on the door.

"Come in," Nagelsmann's voice came through.

Nagelsmann knew, of course, that Yan Yuan would have doubts when he saw the list, so he had to explain it to his beloved disciple in person.

Pushing open the door, Nagelsmann was leaning back in his chair looking at his tactics board. Seeing it was him, he pointed to the chair in front of the table:

"sit."

"Coach," Yan Yuan sat down, trying to keep his tone calm, "Um, about the new roster...?"

Nagelsmann put down his pen, leaned forward, placed his arms crossed on the table, and looked at him sharply:

"Yan, the reason you weren't on the roster isn't because of your poor performance in Leipzig. Don't overthink it."

He directly dispelled Yan Yuan's suspicions: "You are very good at receiving the ball, attracting defense, and making runs on the field. Upamecano is also a genius. It's not shameful to be stopped by him."

He can give many top strikers a headache. I brought you on as a substitute to get you into form and get used to high-intensity competition, and that's already achieved my goal.

Nagelsmann tapped the table with his finger, his words carrying weight, and continued:

There are two reasons why you won't be playing in this match.

First, and most importantly, is the strategic focus.

His voice turned serious: "Yan, after the Champions League match against Spartak midweek, we immediately have the away game against Dortmund this weekend."

Although the next game is our home game, I still can't be completely at ease.

Because the Russian player who targeted you last time was punished after the match, and their chances of advancing are not good, it's hard to say whether they will continue to target you in this match.

Yan Yuan listened to the coach's words and gradually understood. Nash continued.

"The intensity of the weekend's match against Dortmund will be far greater than the Champions League group stage match against Moscow midweek, and our opponents will have studied us even more thoroughly!"

I need you to save your best physical condition, energy, and focus for that time.

"This Champions League match you missed is a time for you to recharge and train hard, so you can face Borussia Dortmund in top form."

Yan Yuan listened attentively, his eyes gradually brightening and his brows relaxing. It turned out that the coach's arrangement was to prepare for an even bigger battle.

"Secondly," Nagelsmann's tone softened, becoming more like a heartfelt confession,

"Yan, you're currently leading the Champions League scoring charts, and it's very secure. Our chances of advancing from the group are also excellent. This match is at home against Spartak Moscow, which is a fantastic opportunity..."

Nagelsmann leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

"It's an opportunity for Sergi, Amiri, Kramaric, and the others."

Yan Yuan listened attentively, while Nagelsmann continued speaking softly.

"Because the international break in November is just around the corner, and the national team roster is beckoning to them."

They need to perform well in official matches at this level to impress the national team coach, especially Sergi and Amiri, who are eager to wear the German national team jersey.

But you can rest assured that I will definitely let you play in the last two Champions League group stage matches against Maribor, because the international break will be over by then.

At the same time, I'm also very interested to see what kind of new goal record you can set.

Nagelsmann looked into Yan Yuan's eyes and said more frankly:

"Giving up a spot in this round of matches to let my teammates fight for it temporarily, giving them more hope of making the national team roster, is beneficial for the team in the long run, and it will also greatly benefit your position and relationships in the locker room."

So, you... understand what I mean, right...?

Nash wasn't sure if Yan Yuan could understand, but he did speak from the heart. He knew Yan Yuan was a good kid and had always been well-liked in the locker room.

Na Shuai's heartfelt words dispelled Yan Yuan's worries.

Yan Yuan not only understood, but even felt somewhat relieved and appreciative.

His mentor not only considered his physical condition and the team's strategic focus, but also the expectations and development of his teammates in the locker room.

Football is a team sport, and the understanding between the 11 players is mutual. Everyone needs a chance to perform, and Yan Yuan needs one, as do his teammates.

It's not that whoever is stronger has to start every game; that's "locker room politics," and Nagelsmann understands that very well.

It must be said that this is a very sophisticated art of team management.

Yan Yuan smiled knowingly, his eyes clear: "Yes, I understand, Coach. You've made it very clear. I promise I'll give an even better performance in the upcoming match against Dortmund!"

As for the Champions League match this weekend, I will train hard at the training base, prepare carefully, and continue to do what I need to do.

Nagelsmann looked at his protégé's expression and those clear, determined eyes, and a rare smile of approval appeared on his lips:

"Very good, I knew you were a sensible young man. Go on, but you still need to focus on recovery these next two days. Continue with the strength training as planned and get yourself in good shape."

"I want to see a fully charged killing machine against Dortmund this weekend!"

"Yes, Coach!" Yan Yuan stood up, his steps becoming much lighter.

Stepping out of the coach's office, the training field outside was bathed in sunshine, and the sky in the distance was a pure blue.

He took a deep breath, and the feeling of suffocation in his chest vanished, leaving only anticipation for the next round against Dortmund.

A brief respite is for a more ruthless attack on a more important battlefield!