The interview lasted over 40 minutes, covering a wide range of topics.
From football to life, and then back to football.
The past, present, and future were all part of the conversation.
Despite being only 18, Ma Fanshu spoke clearly and articulately, showing consideration for Ye Chen's feelings during the interview.
When topics arose that Ye Chen didn't want to discuss, Ma subtly shifted gears.
Naturally, Ye Chen was reluctant to talk about the Football Association, describing their relationship as "peaceful coexistence."
Ye Chen admitted that he couldn't change much, so he chose to step away. This, he believed, was the best decision.
Now, his focus is solely on the club, striving to help Dortmund achieve greater success. Everything else is secondary.
After the interview, Ye Chen took on the role of tour guide, leading the crew to film at Signal Iduna Park. However, with his recent foot injury, he refrained from showing off his skills.
Later, he even invited the crew to his home.
Lina happened to be there, preparing a meal for them. She briefly appeared on camera while Ye Chen recorded a fitness session.
Ma Fanshu was stunnedâYe Chen insisted on training despite his injury. Was this the secret to his success?
To be fair, upper-body exercises don't require much footwork.
The crew from the sports channel left satisfied after the shoot.
On November 5th, Dortmund hosted Wolfsburg.
Dortmund thrashed their opponents 5-1. Lewandowski scored one goal and assisted another, earning an 8.6 rating for his stellar performance.
Götze scored twice, while Shinji Kagawa notched one goal and three assists, winning the MVP award.
For Dortmund fans, this victory was electrifying.
Following the match, players with national duties returned to their teams, while the rest stayed in Dortmund for training.
On November 11thâSingles' DayâChina's national team faced Iraq away. In a repeat of history, China lost 1-0.
Angry fans lashed out at the players, demanding changes in the Football Association during interviews.
Many thought of Ye Chen, but he remained silent.
On November 12th, Ye Chen resumed training at Dortmund, fully recovered from his ankle injury. Klopp was amazed by his quick recovery.
Moreover, Ye Chen appeared stronger than before. Building full-body muscle requires consistent effort, but noticeable results take time.
On November 14th, the crew from "Football World" recorded the training session. Klopp invited them to cover a friendly match on November 16th, where Ye Chen would start.
As the showdown against Bayern approached, the buzz around the National Derby intensified.
Ye Chen's return fueled discussionsâthis would be his first National Derby.
Skeptics doubted his hat-trick streak, attributing it to weaker opponents. But Bayern posed a true test.
If Ye Chen scored a hat-trick in this match, he would silence all doubters.
But was that even possible?
Bayern remained one of Europe's top teams.
Both teams were in excellent form, setting the stage for a fiery clash.
Bayern's home ground was a fortress for visiting teams. Since their 0-1 loss to Gladbach at the start of the season, Bayern maintained a perfect home record without conceding a single goal, boasting a goal difference of 23-1.
Dortmund was equally formidable, winning their last six matches to secure 18 pointsâoutpacing Bayern.
Crucially, if Dortmund defeated Bayern, they would climb to the top of the Bundesliga table for the first time in the 2011-2012 season.
This was the true battle for supremacy.
Pre-match news swirled around both teams, but Jupp Heynckes and Klopp issued strict media bansâno interviews were allowed.
There would be no war of words, only action on the pitch.
Robben and Boateng returned for Bayern, while Ye Chen resumed training for Dortmund.
Ye Chen's cutting style on the field resembled Robben's, earning him the nickname "Little Robben."
Ye Chen brushed it off with a smile.
He wasn't anyone's successorâhe was the first and only Ye Chen.
Meanwhile, rumors circulated that Bayern was eyeing Dortmund's golden boy, Götze, and possibly Ye Chen.
However, Ye Chen's release clause stood at â¬88.88 million, making Götze the more likely target.
Götze downplayed the speculation, saying, "It's just Bayern's smokescreen. Don't believe it!"
But Ye Chen knew Bayern's interest in Götze was genuine.
By 2013, Bayern did sign Götze.
Ye Chen admired Götze as a talented playerâhis winning goal in the World Cup final prevented Messi from securing the title of world champion.
Some believed Götze used up all his luck with that goal.
Ye Chen disagreed, attributing Götze's struggles to injuries. This made Ye Chen even more cautious.
Even with his resilience and strength, Ye Chen wouldn't take unnecessary risks.
This match was also Bayern's chance for revenge.
From 2008 to 2010, Bayern dominated Dortmund, winning three out of four league encounters.
But last season, Dortmund humiliated Bayern with two victories and clinched the title.
Bayern sought redemption.
Heynckes and Klopp avoided media battles, saving their energy for the pitch.
At the pre-match press conference, Klopp confidently predicted a Dortmund victory, while Heynckes believed Bayern had the upper hand.
History supported Bayernâover the past 20 years, Dortmund won only once at Bayern's home ground.
Klopp faced a dilemma.
Lewandowski's stellar performance in the last league match earned him an 8.6 rating, with a goal and assist.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen, fresh from injury, scored five goals in a friendly.
Long shots, free kicks, dribbles, and a cheeky backheel goal screamed one message: Boss, I want to start!
Dortmund rarely had such attacking depth.
But Barrios, once a starter, now struggled for a spot even on the bench.
Klopp's promise to Barriosâ"You'll start once you're fit"ânow seemed hollow.
"Lies! You crafty old man..."