Football: Starting with managing Manchester United

"Jack's ball control is rare among young players in the Premier League. I knew this when I was coaching him. I don't want him to be a simple striker, I don't want him to force his way through or shoot. What I want him to do is draw the opponent's defensive focus to him."

"When he stands there, he's like a nail driven into the opponent's formation, pinning down two defenders, which opens up all the gaps on our flanks and in the middle, giving our players places to run and pass."

Zhang Yang reached out and pushed the napkin, turning it so that Randy Lerner could see it more clearly.

"So that's how it is!" Randy Lerner exclaimed in realization.

Actually, his football skills are terrible, otherwise he wouldn't have been fooled.

Look at the people Vera bought before.

They are all outstanding talents.

It just goes to show that Americans don't understand football. Glazer is one example, and so is Randy Lerner.

"Zhang, our transfer fee for the new season won't be much, maybe even less than five million. We'll need to sell some players first, and I have to tell you that in advance."

Randy Lerner also brought up the issue of transfer funds.

He saw that Zhang Yang was preparing to purge so many players, so there would definitely be personnel to replace them.

But his bottom line is not to make any further investments.

No matter how eloquently Zhang Yang talks, it's impossible for him to invest more money.

"I know, five million is enough. Can I specify who should use it?"

Zhang Yang still remembers what the head of Manchester United's transfer department said.

"Of course, since I've promised to give you the rights, I won't interfere with you."

Randy Lerner nodded.

He wasn't a good boss, but he wasn't a bad boss either.

He trusted every one of Villa's coaches.

But there was no reward.

This is the last time he will trust anyone. If it still doesn't work, he will give up football completely and go back to the United States to play for an American football club.

"Mr. Lerner, you won't be disappointed."

Zhang Yang's lips curled slightly.

Several names flashed through my mind: Kanté, Nzonzi, Koulibaly, Jan Sommer, and so on.

But he's having a bit of a problem with only five million.

I wonder how much Darren Bent and the others can be sold for?

Let's try negotiating with Caen first. If we can get Kanté over, it will be worth it even if it costs more money.

The main reason for Villa's poor performance in recent seasons lies in their midfield.

There was no control, no organization, and no oppression.

Aston Villa's lack of a midfielder resulted in them being completely uncompetitive in the Premier League.

To achieve results, defense is the top priority.

Just as the saying goes.

Defense wins championships, offense wins over audiences.

in other words.

Defense is the foundation of all tactics.

If the defense isn't solid, with a sieve like Villa, no matter who you replace the striker with, it won't make a difference.

As for the others...

Zhang Yang plans to loan out several veterans and young players to complement the team's existing roster.

Improving grades should be enough.

Of course, all of this is just his idea; how it will be implemented remains to be seen.

Zhang Yang admitted he couldn't make a definitive statement.

......

At 2 p.m., Zhang Yang's agent arrived in Birmingham to confirm that there were no problems with the contract.

Zhang Yang signed a contract with Vera.

Aston Villa's official website also released an announcement: Aston Villa Football Club is very pleased to announce that Mr. Zhang Yang has officially taken over as the team's first team head coach. The two parties have completed the signing of the contract, and Mr. Zhang Yang will take up his new post immediately and take full charge of all related work such as the team's training, matches and tactical deployment.

Meanwhile, the original head coach, Paul Lambert, had already been dismissed from his contract due to poor performance.

During his two years managing Aston Villa, his win rate didn't even reach 30%.

The fans had been complaining for a long time.

The press conference five days later.

"Welcome Mr. Zhang Yang to Aston Villa. The club firmly believes that a team's growth requires a clear tactical direction and a strong team spirit, and Mr. Zhang Yang is the one who can bring us all of that."

"We will give him our full trust and support, allowing him complete autonomy in football affairs, and work together to get the team back on track and protect the glory that belongs to Villa."

Randy Lerner said.

"I am deeply honored to become the manager of Aston Villa. It is a club with a long history and a strong fan base. Behind the red and gold crest is the love and expectations of countless people."

"I am fully prepared to fight alongside the coaching staff and all the players, and to approach every training session and every match with the utmost professionalism."

"We will start with the details, unite the team, repay the club's trust with practical actions, and bring more joy to Villa fans."

Zhang Yang also spoke according to a prepared script.

Then the two of them signed the contract, which was actually just a blank page; they were just pretending to sign it.

The contract was actually signed a few days ago.

The Sun was not among the media invited by the club today. After the applause subsided, a reporter from The Guardian raised his hand and asked, "What are Villa's goals for the new season? Is it to avoid relegation?"

Staying in the league?

Before I arrived, Villa had already secured their place in the league, and after I arrived, they still managed to avoid relegation.

Then I came for nothing, didn't I?

Zhang Yang smiled as he held the microphone, "Aston Villa's goal is to finish in the top ten of the Premier League."

Actually.

His contract with the club stipulated a top-twelve finish.

As for the claim of challenging for the Champions League qualification zone...

This would only invite ridicule, but even so, the audience erupted in chaos.

The reporters clearly did not agree with Zhang Yang's goals.

If Aston Villa, with no money and no players, can break into the top ten, then all the Premier League clubs that spend so much money must be being ripped off.

"So, has Aston Villa made any transfer plans for the summer transfer window?"

The reporters did not ask any further questions.

After all, it's someone's inauguration ceremony; there's no need to go overboard.

They're not like The Sun.

"Yes, we have players we're currently in contact with, and we expect to hear back soon," Zhang Yang nodded.

......

The news of Zhang Yang becoming Aston Villa's head coach spread quickly throughout the British Isles.

He previously led Manchester United to four consecutive victories and secured a Europa League spot, which made him a minor celebrity.

Even now, many Manchester United fans still miss him.

The Sun: Zhang Yang, the Chinese coach who was sacked by Manchester United in disgrace, is now going to Aston Villa to start his coaching career, using a team hovering on the edge of the relegation zone as practice? Aston Villa's owners should prepare for relegation first!

Why are they starting with a Premier League team? Wouldn't it be better to gain some experience in the Championship first?

Manchester United fans say they don't care; Aston Villa is not a rival of Manchester United.

I feel Zhang will soon reveal his true level, because Aston Villa players can't compare to Manchester United players.

- [Van Gaal's Netherlands team has already reached the World Cup quarterfinals, and who knows, they might even win the World Cup this year. Then they could come to Manchester United and win the league title—perfect!]

- [In a recent interview, Van Gaal said he wouldn't consider making Zhang Yang an assistant coach, and also said his tactical philosophy was too mediocre.]

How can Zhang Yang be compared to world-class coaches?

Aston Villa fans also expressed their incomprehension, saying they should have chosen a coach with relegation experience, like Crystal Palace, instead of someone who only knows how to use big-name players.

Hopefully, Aston Villa won't be relegated next season.

- [......]