Master Tutoring Class

Chapter 247 What I Taught You

Marseille's home ground is called the Marseille Olympic Stadium. It was relocated two seasons ago and has many more seats available for fans to watch the games.

This also brought Marseille an additional source of income; however, since the home stadium is owned by the city hall, a share of the profits is required.

Atlético Amsterdam arrived in the afternoon for a training session.

The match will take place at 7 p.m., so this is a good time to get used to it.

In the simulated classroom, Wei Lai experienced the European League, and although it was a stripped-down version, it still put a lot of pressure on him at the time.

Wei Lai is quite looking forward to seeing how he will perform now.

As coach Casemiro once said, the Europa League is more about the different regional characteristics of the competition.

For example, the physicality of the Premier League, the control of La Liga, the attacking power of the Bundesliga, and the chain defense of Serie A—these regional characteristics can cause significant problems for teams that cannot adapt to European competitions.

Fortunately, Ligue 1 doesn't have any particularly distinctive features, and its pace is similar to that of the Eredivisie, so there isn't much of a sense of abruptness.

The tactics have been set up and the site inspection activities have ended.

The team returned to the hotel by bus and now only needs to wait for the start of the European competition.

At night, the city, illuminated by neon lights, is set ablaze after darkness falls.

The southeastern part of the city, where the Marseille Olympic Stadium is located, is particularly vibrant.

Marseille fans, dressed in blue jerseys, marched through the streets, chanting "Victory and Fight!" as they headed towards their home stadium.

European competitions are more popular than domestic leagues.

Although it can't compare to the level of the Champions League, it's still exciting enough.

Amsterdam Athletic arrived at the stadium an hour early, at 6:00.

Wei Lai was warming up on the field. He could feel the sharp hostility from the Marseille fans. It has to be said that French fans are quite skilled at swearing. Even if you can't understand what they are saying, it doesn't bother you. It just makes you feel uncomfortable.

He tried to dismiss these thoughts and turned to look at the Marseille players on the other side of the field.

To be honest, I recognized quite a few of them.

Sakho, former starting center-back for Moscow in the English Premier League.

Genel, a Brazilian player, previously played for Atlético Torino in Serie A.

Milita previously played for Real Espanyol in La Liga.

It's fair to say that many of these players once played for top clubs in the five major European leagues, either relinquishing their positions due to age or being relegated to Ligue 1.

But its overall strength is still very formidable.

Of course, the way these people looked at Amsterdam Athletic was also extremely wary.

Despite Marseille being a strong team in Ligue 1, Sporting Amsterdam is a powerhouse in the Dutch Eredivisie, boasting two Champions League titles and a distinguished history. In Europe, based solely on their accolades, they certainly deserve the status of a top club.

Moreover, given Atlético Amsterdam's outstanding performance in European competitions, no team should underestimate this young team.

It can be said that, in European competitions, Atlético Amsterdam has a greater reputation than Marseille.

"Don't be nervous, you can handle it!"

Musar walked over and saw Wei Lai staring intently at the opposite side. He naturally assumed that Wei Lai was nervous.

Wei Lai nodded; "I'm ready!"

"Good!"

Musar responded with a smile, and then the two followed the team back to the locker room.

Inside the locker room, the starting lineup has been announced.

Wei naturally entered the starting lineup, and since the beginning of this season, he has been one of the main players.

Everyone is preparing to enter.

Wei Lai also put on his jersey, cut holes in his socks, and finally put on his boots before entering the field.

There was no passionate speech, and certainly no motivational encouragement.

Everything proceeded in silence, yet it seemed as if everything was under control.

In this environment, even newcomers won't seem particularly nervous.

That's right!

Marseille is a formidable opponent!

But for Marseille, they are an even stronger opponent to overcome.

"Get ready to enter the game!"

Dennis Chilburne called out, and everyone began to emerge from the locker room.

Inside the players' tunnel, Wei Lai stood in the middle of the team.

The noise from the outside world occasionally drifted into my ears, and the Europa League theme song also resounded throughout the stadium through the speakers in the dome.

A tight and dynamic instrumental piece.

Unlike the majestic, magnificent, and sacred theme song of the Champions League.

The UEFA Europa League theme song is more like a young person climbing a mountain, emphasizing vitality and hard work.

call!
Wei Lai slowly exhaled and looked ahead.

Passing through the players' tunnel ahead, you'll soon reach the Europa League stadium.

Unlike simulated classrooms, all of this is real.

In just over two years, Wei Lai has made tremendous progress and has even stepped onto the Europa League stage.

Wei Lai clenched his fist tightly, constantly reminding himself that even so, he could not relax in the slightest.

"Ready to enter!"

The referee in front turned around and shouted.

The volume of the theme song suddenly increased, and cheers exploded at the same time.

The players from both sides began to enter the field.

"This is the first round of Group B in the 2027/2028 UEFA Europa League, with Ligue 1 team Marseille hosting Eredivisie powerhouse Atlético Amsterdam. As expected, Wei Lai will start again, making him the first Chinese player to play in European competition!"

Zhan Jing's eyes were shining, and his last shout was powerful and resounding.

The moment Wei Lai stepped onto the field, countless Chinese fans were moved to tears.

He made his Europa League debut at the age of 17.

All of this tells them that the future is promising.

"Oh my god! I peed in my eyes!"

"Wei Lai! You've really lived up to expectations!"

"From the Dutch Eredivisie to the Europa League, keep it up, Wei Lai! Keep striving!"

"Rise up! Wei Lai!"

"Show some performance! Defeat Marseille!"

"Awesome! Awesome!"

Amidst the lively comments and discussions, the players from both sides, accompanied by their caddies, entered the field.

The camera focused on close-ups of several star players, and Wei Lai also received some screen time. After all, he is a well-known talent in the Dutch Eredivisie, and the Europa League organizers are familiar with Wei Lai's background.

Moreover, Wei Lai is a Chinese player, and as a major broadcaster of European leagues, they naturally have to give him some consideration.

As the UEFA Europa League theme song drew to a close, everyone in the audience applauded when the music ended.

Meanwhile, after the players from both sides shook hands, the referee kept the two captains behind for the coin toss ceremony, while the others went onto the field to prepare.

The starting lineups for both teams are as follows:

Marseille (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Lodi.

Defenders: Pról Lsko, Carcata, Koschenac.

Midfielders: Gené, Camara, Pai.

Forwards: Parker, Milita, Dier.

Amsterdam Athletic (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Rutte.

Defenders: Dennis Zilben, Shutak, Kakabanja, Lent.

Midfielders: Robinson, Wei Lai, Musar, Reyessa, Konrad Lehmann.

Forward: Felix.

"Both teams have set up their formations, and the match is about to begin. Both sides have fielded their strongest lineups to prepare for their first Europa League game."

"Marseille's Sakho, Genél, and Milita all started, while for Sporting Amsterdam, Mussar, Felix, and Konrad Lehmann also started."

As the commentator began his opening remarks, Konrad Lechmann, standing in front of Wei Lai, looked at him earnestly and said:
"Attack fiercely! Focus your attack on my side!"

Wei Lai grinned and immediately nodded, indicating that he understood.

There's a bit of a feud between Conrad Lechmann and Marseille player Parker.

Both were nominated for the Golden Boy award, but Parker beat out the competition and won the award that year.

But frankly, that year's Golden Boy Award was not convincing.

Parker's performance wasn't particularly good; it was more due to his potential and status.

After all, the Golden Globe and Golden Boy awards are both organized by French media.

The year after Parker won the Golden Boy award, he transferred to Baines Athletic, but was returned to the club in less than two seasons.

He couldn't even return to Paris International, because Paris International didn't want him either, and in the end he could only slink away to Marseille.

As it turned out, the nominees for that year's Golden Boy award were highly prestigious.

Konrad Lechmann carried Atlético Amsterdam in the Eredivisie!

Lineker, managing the midfield for Dortmund, is showing signs of mastery!
Rodri has secured a starting position at Premier League giants Liverpool at the age of 19!
All the other substitutes are doing very well, but this golden boy has become a wandering striker.

In response, many media outlets and fans joked, "Out of a bunch of talented players, they chose the weakest one!" and "If he didn't have French citizenship, he wouldn't even be on the reserve list."
Last season, Marseille faced Liverpool in the Champions League.

Rodri had Parker figured out exactly what to do, and Parker's performance in that game was simply disastrous.

Now it's Konrad Lechmann's turn!

For all the Golden Boy nominees that year, everyone except Parker was qualified to win the award, but he did, so they were going to start slapping the organizers, 'France Football,' in the face.

The players from both sides were already standing on either side of the field, with Marseille kicking off the first half.

Milita stood in the center circle, stepping on the ball.

In the front half of the Amsterdam Arena, Konrad Lechmann stood with one foot in front of the other, his body slightly crouched, back arched, arms hanging down, his eyes fixed on the front, a fierce glint in them. Parker was guarding him, and he could feel the fierce look in Lechmann's eyes.

In fact, we saw the same look in Rodri's eyes last season.

These guys are all staring at me.

"It's so annoying!"

Parker couldn't help but make a comment.

Is it really necessary for you guys to make such a fuss over a Golden Boy award?

Beep!
The moment the whistle blew, Konrad Lehmann charged into the opponent's half like a cheetah, running intensely and pressing aggressively.

At the same time, he also directed his teammates to put significant pressure on the opponent.

"Lehman's fighting spirit is extremely high!"

Pessant exclaimed in admiration.

Morton chuckled; he enjoyed seeing this. Regardless of his mindset, Konrad Lehmann displayed tremendous aggression in this match.

boom!
The opposing full-back was eager to pass the ball, but his shot bounced off Konrad Lechmann and into the penalty area.

Faced with Felix's fierce charge, the opponent could only kick forward.

"First landing point!"

Musar looked up at the trajectory of the ball and shouted.

Reyesa immediately retreated, and together with Shutak, he pressed down on Milita, while simultaneously heading the ball forward.

Wei Lai dropped back to receive the ball, and watching where it was going to land, he pulled slightly to the right wing.

As the ball bounced off the ground, Musar poked it away first.

Wei Lai did not actively meet the ball, but waited for it to come to him.

He was waiting for Dale to get close, but just as he was bracing for the impact, all was calm.

Before receiving the ball, Wei Lai turned his head to observe one last time.

He noticed that Dale was standing just three meters away, without moving any closer.

Snapped!
Wei Lai held the ball firmly.

Dell immediately lowered his center of gravity, adopting a defensive stance.

But... this is the frontcourt!
Why didn't you come to force us to rob you, instead of pulling this stunt?
Wei Lai felt confused and immediately passed the ball to Dennis Zilburn.

He didn't know what this guy was up to, so he decided to be careful.

Dennis Zilburne received the ball, and Dale indeed rushed over as well, but just like before, he stopped three meters away and lowered his center of gravity.

Wei Lai: "???"

Dennis Chilburn: "???"

The latter then passed the ball to Wei Lai, who stopped the ball and looked up.

Dell remained in a defensive stance at three meters.

Wei Lai dribbled two steps laterally, and at the same time, he passed the ball diagonally to Robinson.

After the ball was passed out, Dale slowly stood up and let out a breath.

As if he had finished his work
"This guy's just putting on an act!"

In the world of professional football, there are many lazy guys, and even more guys who slack off during matches.

Take Dell for example. It seems like they're always making aggressive moves and keeping up with the pace, but it's all for naught.

High-pressing tactics emphasize 'pressing'.

He doesn't stick close, so he can't force anything or even apply any pressure.

But if you don't look closely, it's really hard to tell the difference since this guy follows you every time.

Wei Lai was somewhat surprised.

If Marseille can make it into the Europa League zone, how good must the others be?
However, thanks to Dier's "laissez-faire" approach, Marseille's high pressing was ineffective, making it easy for Atlético Amsterdam to pass the ball out.

Wei Lai ran forward, while also keeping an eye on the positions of Mussar and Konrad Lehmann.
When he looked at Lehmann, the other man was also looking at him.

'Pass the ball to me!'

Konrad Lehmann practically had that phrase printed on his forehead.

Snapped!
The moment Wei Lai received the ball, he immediately passed it to the left, handing it to Konrad Lechmann, who continued to make a diagonal run forward, intending to play a one-two.

If the opposing defensive midfielder keeps up with him, he can also help Konrad Lechmann draw defensive attention and create one-on-one opportunities.

Sure enough, Genel came directly to him, but he remained about three meters away, still extending some of his defense to the flanks.

Even if Conrad Lehmann breaks through, this guy can immediately run over to restrict him.

"Well"

After thinking for a moment, Wei Lai decided to stand still.

Meanwhile, on the wing, Konrad Lehmann has already begun to break through.

Unlike his previous skillful breakthroughs, Lehmann was much more aggressive in this match.

He sprinted along the side of the road, intending to use his speed to shake off his opponent.

But Marseille full-back Prola's interference was crucial; he managed to hold off Konrad Lehmann.

But the latter suddenly flicked the ball with the instep, and it slipped past Pulola as Konrad Lechmann cut inside from the side.

"coming!"

Wei Lai immediately started.

He didn't rush towards the flanks, which would only make Genel's defense easier.

And the way that gave him the biggest headache was
Wei Lai suddenly darted diagonally towards the side lane.

"Pretty!"

Konrad Lechmann secretly admired Wei Lai's off-the-ball movement and support, which was also excellent.

Genelle also noticed this scene, but he couldn't pay attention to Wei Lai.

Just as he was about to approach Konrad Lehmann, the latter suddenly stopped and twisted his body slightly forward, as if he was about to pass the ball to Wei Lai.

"Don't even think about it!"

Genel suddenly stretched out his foot, but the next second, Lehmann suddenly pulled his body back and continued running sideways, leaving Genel behind in the process.

Seeing that his task was completed, Wei Lai stopped walking.

He didn't rush into the penalty area; his responsibility was to control the zone.

When a shot is blocked, he needs to occupy the left side of the field to receive the pass.

Konrad Lechmann curled a shot, and the Marseille goalkeeper dived to the side, but failed to catch the ball and let it slip through his fingers.

Marseille center-back Sakho quickly kicked the ball away, which landed perfectly in the left-hand area.

Wei Lai immediately moved up position and moved forward to receive the pass.

"Wei Lai has the ball on the wing, should we lob it in? But Pulola has already pulled back, he's blocked the position!"

Wei Lai lay gently on the ball, maintaining his threat.

Will he break through?
You know nothing!
He was just putting on an act to scare people.

He was waiting for Konrad Lehmann to return to his position.

"coming!"

Konrad Lehmann ran over.

Wei Lai grinned.

This guy finally arrived!
With a quick pass, Wei Lai immediately ran to the flank area, which was his main offensive zone.

Back in his familiar spot, Wei Lai turned his head to observe.

Marseille's overall positioning was very dense, with few good passing options.

"Let's pull it back first!" Wei Lai frowned. "Let's pull the space out first!"

The moment he received the ball, Wei Lai immediately turned around.

At the same time, Musar, who was diagonally behind him, suddenly spoke up.

"Pass!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it was very powerful.

Wei Lai instinctively passed the ball in his direction.

Musar ran forward, his pace unhurried and leisurely.

Immediately, he suddenly swung his right foot and slammed it with the instep.

The ball didn't have much force, but it had a slight curve.

Most importantly, it was the angle of that cold shot.

Marseille's goalkeeper was positioned near the left post, while Musar rounded the goal, aiming for the top right corner.

The ball speed wasn't fast, but the angle was tricky.

Marseille's goalkeeper made a desperate save, but still couldn't touch the ball.

The ball floated lightly into the goal.

Swish!
The ball bounced into the net.

"Wow!"

Wei Lai opened his mouth wide.

Can you do this?

Musar winked at Wei Lai and laughed, "Observe the goalkeeper's positioning! I taught you that!"

Wei Lai: "."

Musar then ran to the sidelines to celebrate.

Despite the boos that greeted him from the crowd.

(End of this chapter)