Master Tutoring Class

Chapter 213 Amsterdam Athletic's First Training Session

Chapter 213 Amsterdam Athletic's First Training Session
100 Macquarie Street, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Wei Lai dragged his suitcase, with Wei Chenggong following beside him.

The two followed the navigation and found the training base.

Taxis are expensive in Europe, and since the distance wasn't far, the two decided to walk.

Wei Chenggong was panting heavily in the back.

Wei Lai turned his head; "Dad! You need to work on your physical fitness. It's terrible. You've only covered two kilometers!"

"Two kilometers?" Wei Chenggong slumped over his knees. "At least two-thirds of those two kilometers were steep slopes. It was incredibly tiring to climb. I felt like I was hiking a mountain!"

Wei Lai pointed to the sign at the fork in the road; "We're here!"

Wei Chenggong looked up.

I don’t understand!
"Let's go then!"

The two turned onto a side road and continued walking until they saw an archway marked with the words "Amsterdam Athletic Training Base".

It's called an archway, but it's actually square, with a plaque in the middle bearing the club's name.

After walking forward for about 300 meters, we finally saw the entrance to the training base.

At the same time, Wei Lai also saw John Vannest standing at the door.

"This way!"

Van Nestor also saw Wei Lai and immediately waved.

Wei and Lai walked over quickly.

"Oh, our great lad!" John Van Nester gave him a big hug. "You were fantastic at the U17 World Cup, especially that set piece in the final, it was absolutely amazing, but that's what makes us love football, isn't it?"

Van Nestor made a shooting gesture at Wei Lai: "You killed the game!"

Wei Lai smiled, not being modest at all; it was indeed something to be proud of.

"Let's go, I'll give you a quick tour. This afternoon we'll have medical checkups and a simple joining ceremony." He paused, then turned to Wei Lai; "There's a training camp this afternoon, do you want to participate?"

Wei Lai's eyes lit up: "Of course!"

Van Nestor said with satisfaction, "Good boy!"

Atlético Amsterdam is a powerhouse team in the Dutch Eredivisie, and in Wei Lai's memory, it should be a magnificent and luxurious place.

But in reality, the place was very different from what he had imagined.

Upon entering the training base, the first thing you see are three sockets, each extending in a different direction.

The road signs clearly indicate the destination.

Left fork [Office area]

The fork in the road on the right [Youth Training Base]

The fork in the road leads to dreams.

Van Nestor led Wei Lai and Wei Chenggong to the left, while introducing them;

"Our training base and youth training are inseparable. The youth training base is very close to the first team's training ground. Some fields are even separated by only a fence. We encourage youth players to perform well and get through that fence to the first team. This is the path to their dreams!"

"The facilities inside the training base are very old. By the standards of a top-tier team, we don't even meet the requirements, but the key issue isn't the environment."

The three of them arrived together on the first floor of the office building, in front of a double-doored gate.

Van Nestor turned around, smiled, and pushed open the door.

"It's honor!"

The hall of honor was filled with trophies, gleaming in the sunlight.

One wall on the left is completely filled with a trophy.

"36 Eredivisie titles – this is the strongest proof of Atlético Amsterdam's dominance in the Eredivisie!"

Wei Lai turned his head to look at the trophy wall on the other side.

That's right, another wall is covered with trophies.

"20 Dutch Cups!" Van Nestor smiled and led Wei to the front.

Among these trophies, three stand quietly in the very center.

The designs are largely similar, with some minor variations.

However, they are all trophy bodies with ear-shaped support arms on both sides.

Wei Lai's gaze sharpened slightly.

The official name of the 'Big Ears Cup' is the 'UEFA Champions League Winners' Trophy!'

This is proof of winning the European title this season!
The highest honor that emerges from the fierce competition among countless top teams.

Amsterdam Stadium has a total of three stadiums!
Of course, this is a story from a very long time ago.

With the impact of big-spending football, Atlético Amsterdam has now become an export-oriented football factory, developing players, making a name for themselves, and then selling them, repeating this cycle over and over again.

Even so, Sporting Amsterdam remains a regular in the Champions League.

Of course, that was six years ago.

Atlético Amsterdam has missed out on the Champions League for six consecutive seasons!

Following that, Van Nestor led Wei on a tour of the training facilities, equipment room, locker room, and so on.
After this round of visits, Wei Lai had many thoughts to share.

This run-down place is no match for the Jiaozhou Willie Training Base.

Van Nestor then led Wei to the dormitory building, where the environment was quite nice, as it was a place for players to rest.

Wei Lai has a room to himself, and there are also some dormitory rooms next door. Most of the residents here are players who have trained with the youth team.

These blond-haired and black guys also looked at Wei Lai with curious eyes.

After all, this was something Vannest had found.

They can ignore Wei Lai, but they cannot underestimate Van Nester's vision.

Van Nestor acted as a tour guide for almost the entire trip, leading Wei to familiarize himself with the surroundings.

Wei Chenggong had a simple lunch in the cafeteria around noon, and that was the end of his mission.

"Our club will arrange transportation for your father to leave. We will conduct a medical examination and signing ceremony this afternoon!"

Wei Lai readily agreed: "Okay!"

"Alright!" Wei Chenggong nodded; "The rest is up to you. Dad will leave you here."

Wei Lai nodded; "Be careful on the road!"

“Flying directly to China by plane won’t pose any danger.” Wei Chenggong looked at Wei Lai again.

He's only 16!

But his son has slowly broken free from his wings and is ready to soar.

He was unable to offer his son any more help.

"Xiao Lai! Take care of yourself," Wei Chenggong said in a complicated tone.

Wei Lai smiled and said, "Dad, don't worry!"

"Okay! Then I'm leaving!"

Wei Chenggong waved to Wei Lai, then shook hands with Van Nestor before leaving under the guidance of a club staff member.

Wei Lai watched his father's departing figure, then turned to Van Nestor and said, "Let's begin, I can't wait!"

Van Nestor smiled: "Very good!"

The joint practice session will be held at 3 PM.

Therefore, Wei Lai needs to finish all medical examinations and contract signing before 3 o'clock.

Fortunately, these things are all very simple.

The signing ceremony took place in a room, where the players signed the contract and then held up their Amsterdam Athletic jerseys with the number 25 on them in front of the camera.

Around 2 p.m., Wei Lai returned to his dormitory and put on the Amsterdam Arena training uniform he had just received.

The navy blue long-sleeved training top and black training pants are both very fitted and breathable.

Finally, Wei Lai picked up his shoes and went to head coach Morton's office.

Morton, a world-renowned manager, is very famous despite his advanced age.

He has countless honors throughout his life, including four Champions League titles.

The first two were won by Atlético Amsterdam, and the remaining two were won by Atlético Torino in Serie A and Valencia in La Liga.

Based on these achievements, Morton is undoubtedly a meritorious coach of Atlético Amsterdam and has a lot of influence.

"Hmm," Morton said, tidying up some documents before turning to Wei Lai. "I didn't expect you to come so quickly."

Wei Lai: "Sir, I want to integrate into the team as soon as possible!"

Morton smiled and nodded, saying, "I like hardworking and assertive kids. You can participate in the training camp, but the contract will take effect on January 20th. Therefore, I can only judge whether you are suitable for your debut based on your performance after the winter break."

Wei Lai nodded; "I understand!"

Morton: "Little Crocodile has already sent me all your information. He loves you very much. There are a lot of his personal thoughts marked in these documents."

"A little crocodile?" Wei Lai tilted his head.

Morton chuckled and said, "It's your Willie's head coach, Zhang. I like to call him Little Crocodile because he's very fierce!"

Wei Lai grinned; this nickname was really something.
dong dong!

There was a knock on the door.

Mr. Morton said, "Please come in!"

"gentlemen!"

A young man wearing Amsterdam athletic training gear walked in.

He first nodded to Morton, then glanced at Wei Lai.

Wei Lai also turned his head to look.

McGann Hendryt is an English player and the former captain of Premier League giants Manchester City.

Mr. Morton pointed at Wei Lai: "Take him to the locker room."

Hendrick nodded; "Yes, sir!"

After saying that, he looked at Wei Lai; "Can you speak English?"

Wei Lai immediately stood up; "Yes! Captain, I'm your fan!"

Hendrick glanced at Wei Lai; "Many people say that, come with me!"

Wei Lai immediately grinned.

Oh shit!

The attempt to flatter failed!

Morton, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but burst into laughter, and the jarring laughter made Wei Lai blush deeply.

Hendrick walked ahead, remaining silent the entire way.

Based on what had happened before, Wei Lai did not take the initiative to start a conversation.

Before long, the two arrived at the locker room door.

Hendrick pushed open the door and entered.

"Come in!" The locker room was a bit noisy, but everyone quieted down for a moment after Hendrick entered.

"Introduce yourself!"

Hendrick simply stated.

Wei Lai blinked and said loudly, "My name is Wei Lai, you can call me Wei. I'm very happy to be your teammate."

“Go there!” Hendrick interrupted Wei Lai, pointing to the empty locker in the opposite corner: “That’s your spot!”

Wei Lai: "."

Wei Lai sat on the bench and couldn't help but sigh.

Sure enough, it wasn't so easy to integrate.

Although there was no obvious hostility, there were also no signs that he could be integrated.

"take it easy!"

Wei Lai shrugged.

He knew this wasn't Jiaozhou Weili.

At the Willie Club, he was the crown prince, the right-hand man, and everyone was conscious of taking care of him.

But here, he is a stranger, and even a competitor to some players.

Therefore, the current situation is largely understandable.

However, the atmosphere in the locker room was quite dull.

Of the talented roster three years from now, we've only seen Conrad Lehrman and Dennis Chilburn.

Conrad Lehmann has long, curly hair and is about 180 centimeters tall. He doesn't look particularly muscular, but he is very good at physical contact. At 20 years old, he has already shown extremely high shooting ability.

Dennis Chilburn had lost most of his hair. Although it wasn't the bald patch of later generations, you could already see the shiny halo reflecting off his head.

He is currently 21 years old, a starting right-back, and has outstanding individual abilities.

In the crowd, Wei Lai also spotted an unexpected person.

Juan Felix, the Spanish 'Holy Child'.

El Niño is also known as the Holy Child, but unlike He Chaoyue, who is self-proclaimed by his club, he is the universally recognized Holy Child in Spain.

At his peak, he was a nightmare for the defense.

However, due to problems such as injuries, declining form, and inability to integrate into the squad, they were gradually abandoned by the top five leagues.

The Red Army in Merseyside once launched a grand "Save Felix" plan, but no matter what they did, they were unable to reactivate the former Holy Infant.

Wei Lai recalls that Felix eventually returned to Spain to end his professional career, but he never expected to end up here now.

After all, news about him has become much scarcer since he withdrew from the mainstream European stage.

To be honest, Wei Lai quite likes Felix.

The reason is simple: he plays football well, and he's also very handsome!

He had long, golden hair and some freckles on his face, but his features were very handsome, especially his melancholy eyes, which had captivated countless European models.

Wei Lai kept staring at it, and Felix seemed to sense it too, looking up at him.

Wei Lai immediately smiled.

Felix paused for a moment, then nodded at him.

"Let's go! We need to warm up!"

Hendrick shouted, and everyone immediately stood up and left the locker room.

Wei Lai quickly followed.

The training model in Europe is different from that in the Chinese Super League.

Strictly speaking, the daily intensive training only lasts for two hours, which is roughly equivalent to the high-intensity training of a single match.

Of course, it definitely can't be two hours.

For example, an hour before intensive training, the players will warm up and practice ball control for an hour under the guidance of the assistant coach.

During intensive training sessions, more competition-oriented drills are conducted, such as tactical running and teamwork.

After training, the coaching staff will arrange small warm-up matches to relax, or individual players will go to the equipment room for strength training, etc.

Therefore, although the specific time is two hours of intensive training.

However, the overall training time is approximately five hours.

Of course, the preseason will be even busier, with two training sessions a day, including painful physical training.

As the competition approaches, the intensity of training will decrease.

Bang bang bang!
Wei Lai was also among the crowd during tactical training sessions.

He was unremarkable.

But it is precisely because he is inconspicuous that he receives attention.

Assistant coach Pesson raised an eyebrow as he observed Wei Lai's movement and passing timing; "He's practiced these things?"

"I think so!" Morton said slowly, his hands behind his back. "After all, Little Crocodile also came from here, and his coaching philosophy is very similar to mine."

After all, Wei Lai, a student taught by Morton, is not surprising to know these tactical movements under Zhang Zhenting.

"Two warm-up matches are scheduled for today!" Morton announced. "Let him get used to the pace of European football!"

Morton, who has also coached Chinese Super League teams, knows very well that the biggest difference between Chinese Super League players and European players is the difference in pace.

Even top Chinese Super League players may not be able to keep up with the fast pace of European football.

Therefore, Morton hopes that Wei Lai will adapt to these things quickly.

He did have some expectations for Wei Lai!

For example, that terrifying level of evolutionary growth ability.

call!
After two hours of intensive training, Wei Lai let out a sigh of relief.

"The intensity is quite high!"

Although it cannot be compared with professional competitions, the intensity of this training is indeed quite high.

Peschan nodded, took a step forward, and called out, "Next, we'll start the warm-up matches by coaching staff!"

Ultimately, the coaching staff divided the teams into 8-on-8 mini-warm-up matches.

Wei Lai was naturally included in this category.

He was wearing a yellow vest, and the 25 people were divided into three groups, with the main players and substitutes mixed up.

"So fast!"

Wei Lai watched the game from the sidelines; it wasn't their turn to play yet.

The overall pace is very fast, with high passing frequency, off-the-ball movement, and especially the transition between attack and defense, where a single touch is all it takes to switch from defense to attack.

The overall pace kept Wei Lai on his toes.

Snapped!
The ball was passed from the left to the right, but the pass was poor, with a series of bounces.

But Konrad Lechmann arrived precisely at the target, flicked the ball with his foot to evade the goalkeeper's save, and then slotted it home with his right foot.

hiss!
Wei Lai gasped.

This handling alone is enough for He Chaoyue to study for a while.

“So stable!”

About 15 minutes later, Peschan called out, "Let's switch groups and continue!"

Wei Lai immediately got up and entered the stadium.

His group also includes captain Hendrick, Felix, Roland, Kenny Taylor, Deco, Hasto, and Kovic.

Apart from Hendrick and Kenny Taylor, the rest are substitutes.

"Where did you kick?" Hendrick asked Wei Lai.

Wei Lai: "Halftime!"

This is the consequence of not letting me introduce myself; you still have to ask!

Wei Lai made a small complaint.

“Then you’ll partner with me in midfield!” Hendrick nodded.

Wei Lai's eyes lit up; he was about to experience firsthand the high-intensity teamwork of a Premier League midfielder.

Of course, this is nothing new.

Everyone took their positions, ready for the warm-up match to begin at any moment.

Morton, standing on the sidelines, suddenly laughed and asked, "Do you think he can adapt?"

Pessan shook his head: "It will definitely be difficult at the beginning, but just don't make too many mistakes. After all, the difference in rhythm is very difficult."

Morton nodded; "I think so too, let him adapt slowly."

Meanwhile, the warm-up matches began.

Felix passed the ball back to Hendrick, who then passed it back to him.

Wei Lai instinctively tried to drop back to receive the ball, but he found that Hendrick had already moved ahead of him.

Wei Lai grinned.

He forgot that he wasn't the core figure here.

Hendrick received the ball and turned, immediately facing pressure.

At the same time, a sound came from the side.

"Pass!"

Hendrick caught a glimpse of the yellow vest out of the corner of his eye and immediately passed the ball.

Wei Lai watched the ball roll towards him, and heard the sound of footsteps approaching; someone was trying to steal it.

"Choose the safest approach!"