Aachen's nickname is the "Heart of Europe."

It boasts the hottest springs in Central Europe and is a renowned health resort.

Havertz didn't bring Li Kang and Brandt to soak in the hot springs.

He floored the accelerator and took them to his donkey farm.

This kid is a fourth-generation rich guy.

He uses all his salary and bonuses from the club...plus his pocket money, to raise donkeys.

Soon.

The three arrived at a modern donkey farm.

The gatekeeper recognized the license plate and enthusiastically waved.

No job is easier than guarding the gate here.

Besides Havertz coming every few months, no outside vehicles ever enter or leave.

That's right.

The donkeys here will not be slaughtered or sold.

They are all Havertz's private pets...no, good partners.

...

"Hee-haw! Hee-haw!"

Two little donkeys rushed forward enthusiastically.

Havertz opened his arms excitedly and hugged them.

A group of veterinarians and breeders also came out to introduce the situation of each little partner.

Brandt seemed a little stimulated and thought to himself, "More people than donkeys? Several people taking care of one donkey? What is that? A feeding trough?"

He walked over and took a look, almost shouting out his inner thoughts: 'These donkeys eat better than me?'

Looking around, the chubby guy couldn't help calculating the donkey farm's costs...enough to buy many houses, right?

He wouldn't easily express his opinions.

A genius from a poor family, he learned to accept reality early on.

Although he lived frugally, he wouldn't impose his standards on his friends.

His eyes were filled with simple envy.

"Li, I might stay at Leverkusen next season. The club promised to give me the same salary as Çalhanoğlu and guarantee me a starting position..."

Li Kang was scratching the little donkey's head.

He couldn't help but be stunned when he heard this.

After breaking into the Champions League semi-finals, the value of all Leverkusen first-team players skyrocketed.

When he left the club this morning, scouts and executives from major European powerhouses were going in and out of the office building.

Son Heung-min couldn't be kept; he was always pursuing a higher stage.

Kießling was old and on the verge of retirement.

Kramer longed to return to Gladbach day and night.

Çalhanoğlu? He had long been head over heels with a certain Serie A powerhouse in private.

Van Dijk had played his way to a high price, and after his loan contract expired...Southampton wouldn't renew it. They would definitely cash in after the summer transfer window opened.

Leno's performance in the Champions League was very brave, making him the most popular among the big clubs.

Leverkusen was falling apart.

Havertz looked up and said, "Mr. Völler also talked to me. He said I'm still young and shouldn't run around. Even if I go to Bayern, I won't be able to play as a starter."

Li Kang smiled and nodded seriously.

As long as Leverkusen kept the two twin stars, they would have the cornerstone for rebuilding the team and have a bright future.

That's right.

And Coach Toppmöller and Dino, and a group of coaching staff members. Next season, North Rhine will still be a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League!

"I'm not leaving. Leverkusen was able to advance to the Champions League semi-finals because of Li!"

"Without matching strength, you will be exposed if you go to a better club!"

Brandt patted the little donkey's butt: "Li, maybe we'll meet in the Champions League next season!"

"Hee-haw! Hee-haw!"

.....

Leverkusen.

Sports director's office.

Völler saw off several Middle Eastern men wearing headscarves.

The little assistant asked in surprise: "Boss, are they from the Abu Dhabi consortium? Is Li going to Manchester City?"

Völler shook his head: "They are from a certain Qatari club. They are interested in Bellarabi, but that kid doesn't want to leave Leverkusen."

After speaking, he picked up his cup and took a sip of coffee.

"Boss, there are a few more offers for Li, all from Chinese Super League clubs..."

Pfft!

The little assistant was sprayed in the face with coffee!

Völler choked and took a long time to recover.

"Listen, reject all offers from outside the Premier League and La Liga."

"Li can only go to a powerhouse."

....

Tactics room.

After discussing the tactical arrangements for the game against Hamburg, the coaching staff members left one by one.

In the huge venue, only old man Toppmöller and Dino remained.

The little assistant coach hesitated for a long time, clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and turned around to close the conference room door.

Old man Toppmöller frowned: "What do you want to do, kid?"

Dino pressed his hands down and said weakly: "Boss, calm down, a Bundesliga 2 club has invited me to be the head coach next season..."

He didn't wait for the expected rage.

The Leverkusen coach was stunned, took a deep breath, and smiled:

"This is good news, isn't it? There's no need to make it look like you're doing something wrong!"

"I am gratified by your frankness and proud of your excellence!"

"No one can be an assistant coach for life! Call me anytime if you encounter problems you don't understand in the future."

"But you have to put this matter aside first. Leverkusen will face many challenges next!"

Isn't the assistant coach's dream to be able to become a head coach one day?

The treatment and power are completely different levels.

Old man Toppmöller expressed his understanding.

Dino breathed a sigh of relief, bowed deeply to his mentor, and left the venue.

....

The setting sun shone through the window, reflecting the white-haired old man's vicissitudes face.

Accompanied by a sigh.

Old man Toppmöller vaguely remembered the "Three Sub-Champions" of fourteen years ago.

What they lacked from the championship was not just one breath.

The better a common powerhouse performs in European competitions, the more external influences the players and coaching staff receive.

Pursuing a higher stage.

Pursuing better treatment.

These are all human nature and completely understandable.

This is a problem that no "dark horse" in Champions League history can avoid.

It's just that the season hasn't ended yet.

The temptation came too early.

With scattered hearts, the team is not easy to lead...

Squeak~

The conference room door was pushed open again.

Dino returned in a hurry, his face flushed, and waved frantically:

"Boss, I was almost led astray by you. What I wanted to say was... I rejected the Bundesliga 2 invitation!"

"Everyone on the coaching staff will not be distracted! We want to win the championship!"

...

Turin Allianz Stadium.

Only black and white remained!

Juventus vs Bayern Munich.

The peak duel between the Serie A hegemon and the Bundesliga hegemon was particularly fierce.

A contest between spear and shield!

The audience was thrilled!

Morata, who gets stronger when he encounters the strong, descended to earth like a god, turning the tide!

The total score of the two sides was tied at 4:4!

The first penalty shootout in the knockout stage of the 15/16 Champions League was born!

The hearts of both fans seemed to be hanging high.

Buffon and Neuer, two generations of old and new goalkeepers, faced off again tonight!

Allegri and Guardiola were expressionless.

The on-site DJ's voice trembled.

Finally.

The fifth penalty taker for the Bianconeri took the stage.

Morata!

Without time to build up the atmosphere, the Spanish striker scored in one fell swoop, breaking through the gate guarded by Neuer!

Fireworks soared into the sky.

Salutes fired in unison.

The city of Turin was plunged into a carnival!

Juventus advanced to the Champions League semi-finals!