The team's gathering was scheduled for February 5, two weeks before the first match after the winter break and the DFB-Pokal semifinal at home against Hamburger SV.

  The winter break in Germany is longer than other leagues, and players can get almost two months of rest. So the first thing Yang Chen did after the team reassembled was to test the physical condition of the players and make an assessment.

  Some with stronger self-control, such as Bremer and Rutz, not only did not gain weight during the winter break, but also insisted on training every day; however, there are also some with slightly weaker self-control, whose weight increased significantly during the winter break.

  "It's obvious that you've all been living a good life for over a month now!" Yang Cheng said with a smile.

  Reunited with the team, and coupled with the momentum before the winter break, Kaiser's team was on a roll, and the atmosphere within the team was quite good, so Yang Chen's joke immediately got a response from the players.

  But Yang Chen's tone changed, "We did well in the first half, but that's still far from enough. We have three championships to compete for in the 2nd Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League, so we absolutely cannot relax!"

  The players all nodded in agreement with the head coach's words.

  "I believe that after the first half of the season, you all should have clearly seen that our team is the team with the least injuries in the 2nd Bundesliga in the first half. We are still the team with the best state after entering November and December, we are the champions of the league in the first half, which shows one thing, that is, our pre-season training was effective!"

  The players heard this and suddenly one by one they became gloomy, then dark clouds covered their heads, because one by one they sadly discovered that the happy days would finally leave them after all.

  "I don't care how comfortable your winter break was, or how much weight you gained during the winter break. In short, after two weeks, I want to see you all back in top condition, got it?" Yang Cheng asked sternly.

  "Understood, captain!" The players replied in unison.

  Yang Cheng first scared these kids for a while, then smiled and said lightly: "I'll reveal some good news to you in advance. Our club signed several new sponsorship contracts during the winter break due to our outstanding performance in the first half of the season. As a result, the club's income has increased, so each of your bonuses will also increase."

  The players heard this and were instantly overjoyed.

  "How much did you raise it, boss!" Others were secretly guessing, but Gatuso directly asked.

  Yang Cheng didn't think much of it, "Preliminary estimates, if the team wins the championship and gets promoted this season, each of your bonuses can be increased by 30% on top of the original amount. Additionally, outstanding players will also receive extra rewards!"

  "Wow!" The players were suddenly excited one by one.

  These professional players work hard playing football, isn't it just for the money?

  "Besides, the club's operation has improved a bit recently. I have discussed with the board of directors, and after this season ends, we will comprehensively review your overall performance, and then negotiate with you to determine the contract raise for next season. So, guys, if you want to get more salary, want to get more bonuses, let your performance in the game speak for itself!"

  The players were one by one excited to hear that they could get a raise and increase their wages, which was simply the best thing for them.

  However, in this crowd of excited people, there were still a few who looked somewhat despondent.

  …………

  …………

  After a day of three training sessions, the first morning training session came to an end. The players were already exhausted, some didn't even want to move and just lay down on the slightly cold grass.

  Yang Chen patted Van Nistelrooy on the back, encouraging him, although he had a mediocre first half and hadn't even scored for the team yet. However, his physical qualities were constantly improving, and his strength was increasing with his weight gain.

  This is a welcome change, and with Yang Cheng letting Paul Bayr constantly collect some famous shooters' videos and compilations for him to watch, Yang Cheng believes that Fan Wei's rise is only a matter of time.

  Arriving beside Bremmer, Yang Cheng waved goodbye to Kyle who was walking away behind him and sat down directly.

  The captain of Kaiserslautern looks somewhat depressed, probably also related to the recent news coming out of the club.

  Although the club's financial situation has improved a lot, the board of directors led by Frederik still decided to cut costs and streamline the team. After cutting costs, the next step is to streamline, including Bremer's contract will be affected.

  Yang Cheng has almost become a key figure in this storm.

  For this move that is almost like burning the bridge after crossing the river, Yang Cheng was strongly opposed to it. Moreover, the league has just passed halfway, and if such a thing happens now, it will damage the team's internal unity. However, those guys on the board of directors only care about financial statements and cannot listen to Yang Cheng's advice.

  No way out, Yang Cheng got a lot of power, but on some players' contract renewal and salary reduction issues, he could only provide reference opinions and had no final say.

  "Hey, do you think we can make it to the Bundesliga this season?" Bremer asked suddenly.

  Yang Cheng picked up a blade of grass and fiddled with it in his hand, nodding: "Of course!"

  Braemer also nodded, "Alright then!"

  After a pause, the legendary star of Kaiserslautern had a few sighs and melancholy, "Everyone will get old, looking at the current teammates who are young but extraordinary in strength, I often tell myself that it's time to retire, but it's hard to bear, especially when the team was relegated to the 2nd Bundesliga."

  "But this time...” Bremer solemnly sized up Yang Cheng, "Boss, this time I have confidence in you. You said it's possible to upgrade, then it must be possible. As long as we return to the Bundesliga, I won't have any regrets."

  Yang Cheng listened and felt anxious in his heart, "No way!"

  Braemer was taken aback, "What's wrong?"

  "My point is, Andres, you can't have retirement on your mind!" Yang Cheng said.

  Bremen smiled wryly, "I'll be 37 after this season, I should have retired long ago!"

  Yang Chen saw that he really had the intention of retiring, and his heart was also very depressed. In his plan, he really needed a Bremer to preside over the overall situation, not only because he was the team captain, but also because of his influence in the team, prestige, as well as his appeal in German football.

  "A player's value is not only reflected on the field, but also in the locker room, on the training ground, and in private life. Andres, as I often tell you, you are the captain of the team, you are the model for the players, even if you can't play, you are still the captain, you should be a role model for every one of them!"

  Yang Cheng said with some excitement, fearing that Bremmer would not be able to accept it, so he eased the atmosphere before continuing.

  "You've also seen the current state of the team, and in the dressing room we need a player like you with high moral character to lead this young team. Our goal is not just to rush into the top division, nor is it just to stand firm in the German first division. Our goal should be bigger, farther away, even if we blend well together, we can completely rush towards Europe!"