Chapter 36: Mr. Eric, you need to trust me

Checking the schedule, Utrecht's next match against Zwolle was less than a week away. Tang Ye could wait, but he truly wanted to claim that Portuguese treasure chest. After some internal struggle, Tang Ye knocked on the door of Ten Hag’s office.

Knock, knock!

"Come in!"

"Wow?"

Seeing that it was Tang Ye, Ten Hag set aside the documents on Zwolle. "What is it? Are you asking for leave tomorrow?"

"No."

Tang Ye greeted Van der Gaag, who was sitting on the sofa reading a football newspaper, then walked straight forward.

"Then... the day after? Or the day after that? You aren't going to ask for leave during the match, are you? I won't allow you to take leave during a match, not even the day after tomorrow—we have endurance training then."

Ten Hag continued to organize his files while speaking. Tang Ye pulled an office chair from the corner and sat down in front of him. "Erik, you’ve misunderstood. I’m not that kind of person; I won't be asking for leave."

"You wouldn't even take a free day off tomorrow?" Ten Hag raised an eyebrow.

"Really? No need to make up the training hours later?"

Tang Ye’s eyes lit up, but then he realized he had fallen into a trap. He quickly coughed to ease the awkwardness. "No, sir, I was just joking with you. What I mean is, regardless of whether it's real or if I have to make it up, I won't be asking for leave."

"I am focused on the team's training."

Tang Ye’s eyes were firm. It was the first time Ten Hag had seen such an expression in his eyes, and for some reason, he couldn't help but want to laugh.

"Oh, sorry, I just thought of something funny."

"Mr. Erik, you should be serious. I am being very serious right now," Tang Ye reminded him. Ten Hag coughed twice and sat up straight. "Right, I should be serious. Okay, what do you want to tell me? Are you asking for a pay raise? I can talk to the club about that for you."

"No." Tang Ye shook his head, pointing at the files in Ten Hag’s hands. "Do you want me to look at those?"

Ten Hag handed over the materials. It was the data compiled by Van der Gaag, detailing the characteristics of each Zwolle player and the tactics favored by their head coach, Omond. The information was so incredibly detailed that Tang felt he could become a coach himself just by reading it.

Tang Ye returned the files. "If I want to start in the next match, would there be a chance?"

"..."

"You already talked to me about this last time. The reality is that you shouldn't be too impatient," Ten Hag replied. He hadn't expected Tang Ye to approach him twice about starting.

"I feel that I am ready to start now. I can run for the full match." There was a hint of bravado in Tang Ye’s words. But truth be told, if he could have a Vardy Red Bull before the game, playing for 90 minutes really wasn't impossible.

"Hmm... I know. You’ve been improving very quickly lately. I see your determination; you are finding ways to become better."

Ten Hag rubbed his left index finger with his right hand. He was in a difficult position. The problem was that Tang Ye was simply too young. A 16-year-old starting in the Eredivisie? What kind of concept was that!

"Mr. Erik, I think you should believe in me, just like you did when you put me in during the Dutch Cup." Tang Ye had his speech prepared. Today, he had to move Ten Hag! For the sake of his starting spot—and that Portuguese treasure chest!

"..."

Ten Hag took a deep breath. He was silent for nearly 20 seconds.

"How about this: we have three days left. If you don't arrive late once in the next three days, I will consider letting you start." Ten Hag made his decision. "Tang, you know you don't yet possess the ability to start in the Eredivisie, but if you are willing to impress me with your attitude, you will have a chance."

Ten Hag gave a vague answer—so vague that Tang Ye still couldn't tell if he actually had a chance to start the next match. However, since Ten Hag had said that, Tang Ye had no choice but to comply. It looked like he would have to set his alarm half an hour earlier for the next three days!

Tang Ye walked out, then remembered something. He opened the door again and leaned in, showing only his head. "Mr. Erik, you need to believe in me! Thank you!"

"I know, I know! Remember to close the door!"

Bang!

After the door closed for the second time, Van der Gaag put down his newspaper. "Mr. Erik, why are you deceiving a 16-year-old player?"

"I'm deceiving him? What did I deceive him about?" Ten Hag shrugged nonchalantly and picked up the files again.

"He already has the ability to play in the Eredivisie. Not letting him start is really about Ayoub, isn't it?" As a member of the coaching staff, Van der Gaag knew the details. Janssen and Ramselaar were guaranteed starters; if Tang Ye wanted to start, he had to take Ayoub’s position.

The problem lay with Ayoub. He had contributed a great deal to Utrecht and had more seniority than Ten Hag by a long shot. If he were to be benched directly because of poor early results, it might cause issues in the Utrecht locker room! That was Ten Hag’s biggest concern right now.

"I don't think we should lock a player into a starting position just because of their previous contributions. This is..."

"Alright, alright, don't say any more." Ten Hag looked up and stopped Van der Gaag. "I will consider it. Fine, don't say any more."

...

Over the next few days, Tang Ye adjusted his alarm as planned. Training started at 8:30, and he needed to arrive at the canteen by 8:00 to finish eating. Including the time needed for his daily tasks, Tang Ye had to wake up at 7:00 AM. It was a challenge, but he succeeded.

Having arrived early at the training ground for three consecutive days, Tang Ye fulfilled Ten Hag’s requirement. On the morning of the final day, after careful consideration, he decided not to seek out Ten Hag again. He had done all he could. If he could start, he would. If not, talking wouldn't change anything. He had to wait! Wait for tomorrow's match!

For some reason, Tang Ye felt a surge of excitement. It was the thrill of anticipation, filling Tang Ye with a passion he hadn't felt in training before.

...

The time reached 2:30 PM, October 23, Amsterdam time. Half an hour remained before the start of the 10th round of the Eredivisie between Zwolle and Utrecht. Utrecht posted their starting lineup on Twitter and Instagram. The most eye-catching part was the line for the forwards:

99 Tang Y (U17)

The bold "U17" struck the hearts of the fans. The Eredivisie! A U17 player starting!