Currently, all of Dortmund is engulfed in news about the Champions League.
Inter Milan players are voicing their opinions, and Dortmund is not backing down.
As captain, Kehl was interviewed, saying, "Although Inter Milan has many famous players, compared to us, they are just an old, rusty car!"
Lewandowski's interview was straightforward and blunt, "Fight? Let's fight! For the humblest dream!"
Ye Chen also accepted an interview after being chased down by reporters. "When I was in Manchester United's youth team, my teammates told me that the one who laughs last is the true winner. I watched Forlán's video. I hope they stay that happy."
With one week remaining until the first leg of the Champions League knockout stage, the excitement is palpable.
Both teams are on edge, ready for battle.
However, at this moment, Klopp called for a team meeting.
"Forget about the Inter Milan match. Our next game is against Hertha Berlin!"
"Although we have an advantage in the league, don't forgetâour real opponent is Bayern Munich!"
"With all of us competing in three tournaments, their strength is definitely greater than ours!"
"We cannot let our guard down at this moment!"
Despite Klopp's repeated warnings, the players were not particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming away game against Hertha Berlin.
After all, Hertha Berlin ranks fourth from the bottom. This season, they have scored 25 goals but conceded 36, making them the second-most porous defense in the league.
As the media put itâlackluster offense, paper-thin defense!
Facing Dortmund, the Bundesliga's most potent attacking force, this match seemed like a complete mismatch.
But on February 15, the official website of the German national team announced the squad for the upcoming friendly matches!
Goalkeepers: Neuer (Bayern), Wiese (Bremen)
Defenders: Aogo (Hamburg), Boateng, Badstuber, Lahm (Bayern), Höwedes (Schalke), Hummels, Schmelzer (Dortmund), Träsch (Wolfsburg)
Midfielders: L. Bender (Leverkusen), Rolfes, Schürrle (Leverkusen), S. Bender (Dortmund), Khedira, Ãzil (Real Madrid), Kroos, Müller (Bayern), Reus (Mönchengladbach)
Forwards: Gomez (Bayern), Klose (Lazio), Ye Chen (Dortmund)
Seventeen-year-old Ye Chen, after gaining citizenship, was selected for the German national team for the first time!
After the Bundesliga match on February 27, players are expected to report to the national team on February 28.
Dortmund had only three players selectedâHummels, Sven Bender, and Ye Chen!
Golden Boy Götze, when healthy, is a regular for the national team.
The media quickly picked up on this story!
With Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Götze, and Mertesacker sidelined by injuries, and Mönchengladbach striker Hanke overlooked despite his strong form, the newly naturalized Dortmund striker Ye Chen was chosen instead!
Stuttgart's striker Cacau immediately expressed his dissatisfaction on Instagram.
"Coach Löw should give me a chance to compete directly with Ye. Don't forgetâI have experience playing against Chinese players!" Cacau openly challenged Löw.
Journalists soon dug up that his first national team call-up was indeed against China.
However, in that match, Hao Junmin scored in the fifth minute, while Germany's Podolski equalized in the seventh. The game ended in a 1-1 draw...
Fans swarmed Cacau's Instagram comments.
"You dare complain after drawing 1-1 with China?"
"I watched the match. You came on for Gomez in the 63rd minute and got completely shut down by Feng Xiaoting. Embarrassing!"
"Honestly, I think you're secretly praising the Chinese team. How much did the Chinese FA pay you, Cacau?"
Cacau quickly deleted the post.
He was so focused on venting his frustration that he forgot about the match result... How embarrassing!
Ye Chen's first national team match turned out to be against France... and fans couldn't wait!
The match is set for March 1 (local time), but it will actually take place on the evening of February 29 at 9:30 PM.
To ensure more fans can attend, midweek games are scheduled for the evening!
At Dortmund's training ground, Ye Chen approached Klopp.
"Boss, I'm feeling good on the wing lately. How about trying me on the left?" Ye Chen paid little attention to outside noise and focused on training.
After earning 500 points, he used them to unlock a new positionâleft winger!
In modern football, traditional strikers like Messi and Ronaldo often play on the wing rather than as central forwards, much like Mbappé today.
Although Ye Chen had always played as a forward, football tactics have shifted. The 4-4-2 formation lacks control compared to the dominant 4-3-3 used by Barcelona's legendary team.
Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets dominated the midfield, leading both Barcelona and Spain to unprecedented success, winning the 2008 Euros and 2010 World Cup.
To maximize Ye Chen's talents, Klopp adjusted the tactics. The 4-4-2 offered attacking power but lacked midfield control and defensive stability.
Ye Chen knew this and was eager to adapt by training in a new position.
His explosive speed and dribbling made him a natural fit for the wing.
Klopp was skeptical but gave Ye Chen a shot on the left...
To his surprise, Ye Chen excelled!
His confusion about wing play was gone. He broke through when needed and crossed when appropriate, though his passing accuracy needed work.
But that could be trained...
Ye Chen relied on one secret weaponâRobben's signature move, cutting inside!
In training, Ye Chen tormented Piszczek on the right flank. Eventually, Klopp had to send Sven Bender to help out, but that left gaps in midfield.
Kagawa exploited the space, assisting Lewandowski for an easy goal.
Hummels and Weidenfeller could only shake their heads.
Playing against Ye Chen was exhaustingâplaying with him felt far better!
On February 18, Dortmund departed for the Hertha Berlin match.
The players joked and laughed on the bus, but Klopp looked grim.
He sensed this away match wouldn't be so easy...
For Hertha, every point was vital in their battle to avoid relegation.
Would they hand over three points at home?
Klopp could only hope his players delivered and avoided any unexpected disasters!