Ye Chen could never have imagined that Ole Gunnar Solskjær's close friend was none other than Zeljko Buvac, assistant coach to Borussia Dortmund's head coach Jürgen Klopp!
Klopp and Buvac were hailed as the "golden duo," working together for an impressive 17 years before parting ways in 2018.
No one knows the real reason for their split, but Liverpool's rise owes much to their joint efforts. Together, they were the architects of the "gegenpressing" style of play.
Many believe Buvac was the mastermind behind this relentless style, as he was even more experienced than Klopp during their early years.
Since Ye Chen had decided to leave, he wanted a clean breakâno lingering attachments.
Pre-match press conferences were not typically held for U18 matches, but this game, being a Manchester United vs. Liverpool youth derby, took place at Old Trafford, an unusual venue for U18 games of this scale. This was all thanks to Manchester United's influence.
The match started at 11 a.m. Ye Chen showered in the locker room after the game and returned to Carrington. However, without even stopping for a meal, he grabbed his backpack and left.
That afternoon, a light drizzle fell over Old Trafford. It felt as if even the skies were mourning for him.
But such emotions are natural.
When you're heartbroken, everything seems sorrowful.
Just as Ye Chen stepped out of Carrington, he heard a car horn.
"Hey, Ye, over here!"
He was startled to see a Volkswagen Beetleâa modest car but undeniably cute.
Inside the car, waving at him, was none other than Lina, the eldest daughter of United U18 head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
"What are you doing here?"
"I've been waiting for you for ages. Hop in!" Lina gestured to the passenger seat with a smile.
"I'm afraid I can't go out with you. I have a flight to catch at 6 p.m.," Ye Chen declined her invitation.
"My dad told me everything. I'm here to take you to the airportâand give you a proper send-off!" Lina replied with a warm smile.
"Ah?"
"What are you waiting for? Get in the car!"
Seated in the passenger seat, Ye Chen found himself staring at Lina's profile.
She's so beautiful...
What a pity I won't see her again.
"Am I pretty?" Lina asked teasingly.
"Of course you are!" Ye Chen nodded. Having been reborn into this world, he wasn't shy. "I wonder who the lucky guy will be to call you his girlfriend someday."
Lina chuckled. "What if that lucky guy is you?"
"If I were staying in Manchester, maybe I'd have a chance. But now I'm leaving. It's going to be hard to see you again!"
"Not necessarily," Lina replied with a grin. "But I believe you'll succeed in Germany!"
"Yes! I believe in myself too!" Ye Chen clenched his fist. "I'll come back somedayâas an opponent!"
"Will you hate Manchester United?"
"Of course, I will. Representing Manchester United has always been my dream. But I didn't even get the chance to prove myself before being discarded!" Ye Chen said bitterly.
Who wouldn't feel upset in his position?
He had once laughed at Dong Fangzhuo for playing only three official games for United. Now, his own record was worseâjust one U18 game before being released!
"Ye, have you ever heard this saying?" Lina stopped the car, turned to him, and said seriously, "Sometimes you have to leave so you can return stronger."
Looking at her delicate face, Ye Chen's heart skipped a beat.
Her words reminded him of Paul Pogba from his previous life.
In this world, Pogba was a young star shining in the United youth ranks, already promoted to the reserves and on the verge of first-team appearances.
But Sir Alex Ferguson famously distrusted young players. Even a prodigy like Pogba struggled for opportunities in the senior squad. When Scholes came out of retirement the next season, Pogba's development was further stalled.
This was why Pogba had left United on a free transfer.
Joining Juventus, Pogba proved his worth and returned to United in 2016 for a then-world-record £89 million fee (â¬100 million).
Lina's words perfectly summed up this journey.
Of course, that wasn't the end. Before Ye Chen's rebirth, Pogba had again left United as a free agent, returning to Juventus.
In the process, Juventus made a net profit of â¬100 million!
In this world, Ye Chen and Pogba had met, though they weren't close.
After all, Pogba was a prodigy, while Ye Chen was an unremarkable player with no talent to speak of.
But none of that mattered anymore. With the system now on his side, Ye Chen was determined to become a legend in football.
First, though, he had to ace his trial at Dortmund!
Dortmund, Germany. In the head coach's office.
Assistant coach Zeljko Buvac entered with a laptop in hand.
"Jürgen, my good friend Ole sent me a video. You should watch it!"
"Can it wait? It's dinner time," Klopp said, rubbing his temples as he removed his glasses.
"I promise you won't regret watching this!" Buvac insisted, pressing play.
Klopp reluctantly put his glasses back on. On the screen, a group of young players in training kits appeared.
"Which team is this?" Klopp asked curiously.
"Manchester United U18."
"United's youth setup is so enviable!" Klopp remarked as the footage shifted to Ye Chen's off-the-ball runs and goals.
"Who's that black-haired boy? I want all his details!"
"Hold on, keep watching!" Buvac replied calmly.
Klopp took a sharp breath. "That's Sterling! I remember himâfast, skilled, an exceptional English talent!"
"Yes, but our focus is this young Chinese player," Buvac clarified.
"A Chinese player? He's from China?" Klopp was surprised. "I still remember Yangâhe was an excellent striker!"
"Yes, and this boy is also a striker!"
Just as Buvac finished, Ye Chen unleashed a brilliant volley in the video.
"This isn't luck!" Klopp exclaimed, eyes wide. "His spatial awareness and shooting technique are top-notch!"
"There's more to see!" Buvac smiled.
The second goal came.
"Incredible instincts and a clear mindâthese are the hallmarks of great Asian players!" Klopp said, giving a thumbs up.
"Patience, there's more!" Buvac's grin widened.
When the video showed Ye Chen scoring a long-range lob from midfield, Klopp jumped to his feet.
"What's this boy's name? I need all his information! I want him on my teamânow!" Klopp said excitedly.
Dortmund had struggled early in the season, sitting 11th in the table with just two wins, one draw, and three losses after six matches. Their title rivals Bayern Munich were leading the table with five wins.
What frustrated Klopp most was that star striker Lucas Barrios was sidelined for two months, leaving Dortmund with no reliable forwards.
Seeing Klopp's eagerness, Buvac checked his watch. "He should arrive at the airport in about an hour. I promised Ole I'd pick him up."
"Let's go together!" Klopp said, grabbing his coat.
Buvac smiled as he followed Klopp. This time, he really owed Ole a big thank youâfor leading them to a brilliant young striker, free of charge!