Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Bayern's Lineup is Really Strong

When the starting lineup was announced, Ye Chen felt a bit disappointed.

He wasn't playing as a striker but as a left winger!

For the striker position, Klopp chose Lewandowski.

Klopp personally explained to Ye Chen, "Ye, your skills are outstanding, but your physique is still too frail. Our overall strength isn't as strong as Bayern's, so we need Lewandowski as the focal point. Do you understand?"

How could he not understand?

Even a fool would get it!

But honestly, 17-year-old Ye Chen felt helpless.

Just like 17-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, skinny as a rail.

And Messi at 17 was the same—constantly fouled, constantly on the ground.

Physical development isn't something you can rush...

Yet over time, Ronaldo grew as strong as an ox, racking up hundreds of thousands of likes every time he posted physique photos on Instagram.

As for Messi, well, no need to elaborate. Just watch El Clásico.

Even world-class defenders like Ramos couldn't stop him with pulling or tackling...

Ye Chen really had no solution for his physical limitations!

After warm-ups, the players returned to the locker room.

Klopp outlined today's formation and tactics on the board.

For the past week, Ye Chen had been playing as a left winger. Besides attacking, he also had to defend.

And the person he'd be defending against was Germany's legendary captain, Lahm!

"We've rehearsed this tactic for more than ten days. I won't repeat the strategy. I just need to ask—do you have the confidence to beat them?"

"Yes!"

Dortmund's players responded in unison.

Klopp nodded. "Forget the pre-match noise and focus 100% on the game. Remember, we represent the Black and Yellows! Bayern may be strong, but we're last year's champions! We've already beaten them twice—tonight will be the third!"

"Yes!"

Satisfied, Klopp signaled for everyone to gather.

All of Dortmund's players huddled together.

"Victory!"

"Victory!"

"Victory!"

The players were full of fighting spirit.

On the other side, Heynckes was also firing up his team.

"Listen to the fans out there!"

"Did they come to see you lose?"

"Tell me—do you want to lose at the Allianz Arena for the second time to those guys?"

"No!" Lahm, the captain, led the response.

The others echoed him, eyes burning with determination!

"Look at Dortmund's lineup—Klopp is starting a 17-year-old kid! What does he think this is?"

Heynckes pointed at the board and shouted, "Use your feet to shut him down! Let him know Bayern isn't like those relegation teams!"

"Lahm!"

"Here!" Lahm raised his hand.

"Lewandowski and Götze are on the field. That kid will play left wing tonight. Can you handle him?"

"Boss, don't worry. You know my skills," Lahm replied with a confident grin.

"Good!" Heynckes nodded approvingly. "Remember, we are Bayern—the kings of the Bundesliga. That kid stole our trophy last season. This year, we take it back!"

"Take it back!" Gomez clenched his fists and roared.

Gomez was the youngest German Footballer of the Year in Bundesliga history, having joined Bayern from Stuttgart in 2009.

He had watched Ye Chen's recent match against Stuttgart live—and it made him furious.

Now, with the chance to face Ye Chen directly, Gomez was determined to prove he was the best striker in the Bundesliga!

Klopp had even suggested that if Löw had Ye Chen, he wouldn't have to choose between Podolski and Gomez... Wasn't that just saying Ye Chen was better than him?

Fine!

Tonight, Klopp will see who's stronger!

Gomez wanted to show that neither Lewandowski nor Ye Chen could match him!

His only rival this season was Huntelaar!

In the last match, Schalke drew 0-0 with Hannover 96, and Huntelaar didn't score—keeping his tally at 14 goals.

Ye Chen, however, had 15, leading the top scorer chart.

Gomez was right behind, third with 12 goals.

If Gomez could score a hat-trick tonight, he'd tie with Ye Chen as the top scorer.

Of course, scoring a hat-trick against Dortmund wasn't easy.

Just like Ye Chen—no one expected him to score a hat-trick tonight...

At 7:20, both teams appeared in the tunnel.

They were all familiar foes, many even national teammates, exchanging greetings as they met.

Ye Chen, the youngest, stood at the back.

The referee glanced at his watch and led the teams onto the pitch.

The Allianz Arena's DJ loudly announced each player's name...

"Leading the team is our captain, Philipp Lah~~~~m~~~~~"

"Lahm!"

"Lahm!"

"Lahm!"

"Second is our wall—Manuel No~~~~~yer~~~~~"

"Neuer!"

"Neuer!"

"Neuer!"

The fans cheered for every Bayern player.

It was overwhelming for the visiting team.

Götze glanced at Ye Chen and noticed how calm he was.

He suddenly remembered something Ye Chen once said before his debut... This guy seemed born for big games!

"Ye, could you at least pretend to be nervous? You're making me look bad!" Götze grumbled.

"What's wrong?"

"I... never mind!"

Kagawa spoke up, "His legs were shaking during his debut. If I hadn't supported him, he would've collapsed!"

Götze blushed. "Kagawa, stop bringing that up!"

"Hahaha..." Ye Chen laughed. "But seriously, this Bayern lineup is insane!"

Neuer, the world's best goalkeeper.

Other keepers guard the goal—he guards half the pitch!

Lahm, the best full-back, who could also play as a defensive midfielder...

Boateng, World Cup-winning center-back—though Messi once dropped him, he was still world-class!

Gomez, the youngest German Footballer of the Year—though injuries kept him out of the 2014 World Cup.

Ribéry, the French "Scarface," and former UEFA Best Player in Europe.

Robben—everyone knows how dangerous he is.

Once inside the "Robben Corridor," he's unstoppable!

And Müller—the most underrated yet crucial piece for Bayern.

Oh, and Kroos...

Ye Chen scanned the lineup, his heart racing.

If they could beat this team tonight, it'd be worth every second of his time-travel adventure...

That feeling—would be incredible!