As for the criticism coming out of Barcelona — especially from sections of the Catalan media — and the deliberate attempts to manufacture a confrontation between Yang Yang and Lionel Messi, neither Liverpool nor Yang Yang paid it any serious attention.
Such narratives were hardly new. Creating a rivalry between two rising stars was a familiar media tactic. It generated headlines, fuelled debate, and kept public interest high. Inside the Liverpool camp, however, the focus remained strictly on football.
When the team returned from Barcelona to Liverpool, the atmosphere was entirely different from the one they had experienced at Camp Nou.
Despite the late hour, supporters gathered at the airport to welcome them home. Applause echoed as the players emerged. Scarves were raised, songs were sung, and there was a clear sense that something important had been achieved.
Winning in Barcelona was not just another European result — it carried symbolic weight.
The British press reacted enthusiastically.
Several newspapers praised Liverpool's resilience and tactical discipline, but most of the spotlight fell on Yang Yang. His hat-trick at Camp Nou had stunned European football.
The Times ran a bold headline:
"Yang Yang Defended the Dignity of the Premier League!"
The reasoning behind that statement was straightforward.
In the same round of sixteen, the other three English clubs had failed to deliver convincing performances.
During the group stage, Premier League representatives had been dominant. All four English teams had finished first in their groups. Expectations were therefore high when the knockout draw was made.
Arsenal were paired with PSV Eindhoven from the Eredivisie.
Manchester United drew Lille of Ligue 1.
Chelsea faced Porto, a club still closely associated with José Mourinho's previous success.
On paper, progression looked likely for all three.
By contrast, Liverpool had drawn Barcelona — arguably the strongest side left in the competition. Before kickoff at Camp Nou, most observers believed the Reds would struggle. Even optimistic supporters would not have confidently predicted an away victory.
Yet the actual results told a different story.
Arsenal travelled to Eindhoven and were beaten 1–0. They struggled to break down PSV's compact defensive shape and left the Netherlands frustrated.
Chelsea went to Porto and conceded first. Later, Arjen Robben delivered a precise assist for Andriy Shevchenko to equalise. Despite pushing forward in the second half, Chelsea could not find a winner. The match ended 1–1.
Manchester United's visit to Lille was equally tense.
For much of the game, Sir Alex Ferguson's side controlled possession and territory. They created openings but repeatedly failed to convert. The longer the match remained goalless, the more anxious their play became.
In the 67th minute, Ferguson made a change.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been active but inefficient in front of goal, was substituted.
The Portuguese winger did not conceal his frustration.
As he approached the touchline, he swung his leg angrily at a cluster of water bottles near the technical area. The plastic scattered across the ground, drawing attention from cameras and spectators alike.
Almost immediately, Ronaldo grimaced.
He had struck the bottles awkwardly. As he walked toward the bench, there was a slight stiffness in his movement.
Manchester United later declined to elaborate on the extent of any discomfort. However, reporters observed at the airport that Ronaldo appeared to be walking carefully. Questions soon emerged about his availability for the upcoming Premier League fixture.
If the physical issue was minor, the media attention surrounding him was not.
At the time, Ronaldo's relationship with British model Gemma Atkinson was a frequent subject in the tabloids. Their on-and-off romance had been widely publicised.
Recently, fresh rumours of tension had surfaced.
Some tabloids went further, speculating that Atkinson had been linked with other footballers. The gossip intensified quickly.
A few columnists even suggested — without solid evidence — that Ferguson had grown weary of the distractions surrounding Ronaldo's personal life. They implied that the substitution might have carried a disciplinary message.
Those closer to the club adopted a calmer tone. They noted that Ronaldo might simply benefit from a brief rest, both physically and mentally, similar to how Wayne Rooney had occasionally been managed during congested periods.
Whether coincidence or unfortunate timing, Ronaldo's week had become turbulent on and off the pitch.
In contrast, the tone of certain British tabloids toward Yang Yang had changed dramatically.
When he first joined the Premier League, The Sun had boldly declared that it would uncover damaging information about him within a month.
More than half a year later, no such revelations had appeared.
The explanation was simple: there was nothing scandalous to reveal.
The only minor surprise concerned Yang Yang's previously low-profile relationship. It later emerged, through sources within Liverpool, that he and Su Ye had been quietly dating for nearly two years.
His former Ajax teammates and his current Liverpool teammates were already aware of her. The relationship had never been a secret within his professional circle.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, playing in Italy at the time, publicly expressed support for his friend. He joked that Yang Yang had finally decided to introduce his girlfriend more openly.
Within Liverpool, players such as Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso spoke positively about the couple. They described Yang Yang as devoted and serious.
Gerrard once remarked in an interview that Yang Yang's most unusual "flaw" was that he did not drink alcohol at all — something the captain teased him about in the dressing room.
Subsequent performances reinforced a simple conclusion.
With stability in his personal life, Yang Yang appeared even more focused and disciplined. His professionalism was evident in training and on matchdays.
His form in Europe spoke for itself.
Some commentators could not resist drawing a comparison.
Perhaps, they suggested with a hint of irony, Cristiano Ronaldo might benefit from similar stability.
...
According to various reports circulating in the media, the atmosphere inside Liverpool's dressing room was far more relaxed than the outside world imagined. Most of the stories being written were treated as light entertainment.
Yang Yang had never shown much interest in tabloid gossip. He rarely read what was written about him, whether praise or criticism. However, one piece of sensational news from The Sun caused quite a stir inside the Liverpool locker room.
The article claimed that young women in London nightclubs believed Yang Yang avoided nightlife because, in their words, "the quality of girls in Liverpool is too poor." According to the report, they were supposedly planning to "invade" Liverpool to compete for business.
When Yang Yang read the headline, his expression darkened immediately.
What kind of nonsense was this? He had done nothing, yet somehow he had become the centre of a fabricated dispute between nightclub scenes.
The rest of the dressing room, however, erupted in laughter.
Fábio Aurélio nearly bent over from laughing so hard.
"You have to understand," Steven Gerrard said with a grin, "this is profitable business. You're good for sales."
"Exactly," Jamie Carragher added, enjoying himself. "If they're talking about you, it means you're valuable. Why don't they talk about someone else?"
Xabi Alonso shook his head, half amused, half thoughtful. "Honestly, sometimes I think the media environment in England isn't healthy for young players."
"Forget that," Daniel Agger said with mock aggression. "If one comes, we deal with one. If two come, we deal with two together."
"Let's be honest," Jermaine Pennant chimed in with a smirk, "the girls in London are better looking than in Liverpool."
Pennant had spent much of his early career in London, including time at Arsenal and Birmingham City, and he was no stranger to the capital's nightlife. Earlier in the season, he had even joked about dragging Yang Yang and Xabi Alonso out to experience London properly. It was obvious that he considered himself something of an expert in that field.
"I've heard," Pennant continued, lowering his voice dramatically, "that some London tabloids are offering good money. Any woman who can get close to Yang Yang will get paid immediately. Instant fame."
He looked at Yang Yang with exaggerated seriousness.
"So when we play away in London, don't go jogging alone in the morning. If you get ambushed, don't blame us."
The room exploded again.
"You're ridiculous," someone said. "He's an athlete. He can't even go for a run now?"
"Exactly. If Yang Yang doesn't want to cooperate, who could possibly force him?"
Pennant shook his head knowingly. "You lot have no experience. Some of these women are professionals."
"Come on."
"Is that even real?"
"I'm serious," Pennant insisted. "They're like hunters. If they succeed, they leave evidence. Photos, messages, whatever. If you never become famous, nothing happens. But if you do? They'll come out years later with an interview."
"London sounds dangerous," someone joked. "Don't go out at all!"
"Yeah," another added. "One wrong step and you'll regret it."
Listening to the exaggerated warnings, Yang Yang felt both helpless and amused. He chose not to engage further. He simply sat down, adjusted his boots, and focused on preparing for training.
In Europe, professional football was a kind of vanity fair.
It resembled Hollywood in many ways. Young, wealthy, athletic men were constantly placed under bright lights. Temptation was everywhere.
Some women sought proximity to players for status or exposure. Stories of overnight fame were common. But for Yang Yang, such matters held no appeal.
He preferred a quieter life.
While the tabloid rumours were treated as jokes, another topic circulating around the club was far more serious — the potential takeover of Liverpool by American investors.
As club captain and the emotional core of the team, Gerrard had been involved in meetings alongside manager Rafael Benítez. He therefore had a clearer understanding of the situation than most of the squad.
"The manager and I met representatives from the Dubai International Capital group twice," Gerrard explained. "They were serious about buying the club. Very serious. But we couldn't agree on certain terms."
He paused before continuing.
"There was also an investor — John Miskelly — who came close to completing a deal at one stage. But it never quite reached the final stage."
The dressing room listened carefully.
"George Gillett contacted us early," Gerrard went on. "At first, he wanted to buy the club alone. Later, he joined forces with another American investor — Tom Hicks. Together they launched a takeover bid. From what we're hearing, it's close to being completed. Some people say it's almost ready to be announced."
"How strong are they financially?" Xabi Alonso asked. It was the question on everyone's mind.
Gerrard nodded slowly. "From what I've seen, they have resources. But I'm not a financial expert. The capital market is complicated. Rick Parry has assured me that whatever happens won't affect the team's operations."
The underlying reason for bringing in new ownership was clear.
Liverpool needed significant investment.
Manchester United had strong commercial backing. Chelsea had transformed under Roman Abramovich's funding. Arsenal were operating with long-term financial planning and a new stadium project.
To compete consistently at the highest level, Liverpool required similar financial strength.
Big capital entering the Premier League was no longer unusual.
Now, it appeared to be Liverpool's turn.
...
...
Liverpool had finally changed hands.
After Manchester United, the century-old Reds had become the latest Premier League giant to be acquired by American businessmen. The purchase price was reported at approximately £470 million, including the assumption of the club's existing debts.
The news spread rapidly across Europe and quickly became a global football headline.
Coming so soon after Liverpool's emphatic 3–1 away victory over Barcelona, the timing amplified the impact. The club was riding a wave of momentum on the pitch, and now it appeared to be entering a new financial chapter off it.
Throughout Liverpool — from supporters to staff — the reaction was overwhelmingly emotional.
Former chairman David Moores, whose family had been associated with the club for decades, agreed to sell his majority stake as part of the takeover. For many, it marked the end of an era.
Die-hard supporters spoke openly of a "new beginning." Some described it as the dawn of a revival. The hope was clear: Liverpool would once again compete consistently at the very top of English and European football.
The two new co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, moved quickly to make a statement.
Their first major gesture was a public commitment to increase investment in the transfer market. They promised to provide Rafael Benítez with stronger financial backing to strengthen the squad.
Their second pledge was equally significant.
They confirmed plans to build a new stadium with a capacity of approximately 60,000 seats, replacing Anfield in the long term. The project had been under discussion for years, but funding had always been a challenge. With new ownership in place, the proposal suddenly appeared more concrete.
In interviews, chief executive Rick Parry spoke enthusiastically about the possibilities.
A larger, modern stadium would significantly increase matchday revenue. Improved commercial operations, enhanced hospitality facilities, and expanded corporate partnerships would allow Liverpool to compete financially with rivals such as Manchester United and Arsenal, both of whom had invested heavily in infrastructure.
Steven Gerrard and Rafael Benítez also addressed the media.
Both publicly welcomed the American owners. Gerrard emphasised the importance of stability and ambition. Benítez highlighted the need for continued investment if Liverpool were to close the gap on Chelsea and Manchester United.
Across the city, optimism surged.
For years, Liverpool supporters had watched as rivals benefitted from foreign capital. Roman Abramovich's investment had transformed Chelsea almost overnight. Arsenal were operating within a carefully structured financial plan linked to their stadium move. Manchester United remained commercially dominant.
Liverpool, by contrast, had often relied on careful budgeting and astute management.
The shift from earlier takeover talks with Dubai International Capital to the final agreement with Hicks and Gillett reflected one central truth: the club urgently wanted to compete on equal footing.
It was important to note, however, that ownership and football operations were distinct layers of the club.
The management structure, the coaching staff, and the players functioned independently of boardroom negotiations. Yet the psychological effect of the takeover was undeniable.
Once the acquisition was officially confirmed, morale among supporters soared.
That confidence filtered into the dressing room as well.
The message from the new owners was simple and clear: perform well, and the rewards would follow.
Improved contracts, stronger investment, and greater ambition were now openly discussed.
For a squad already buoyed by European success, the timing felt significant.
The sense within Liverpool was unmistakable — a long-awaited resurgence might finally be within reach.
...
At the weekend, Liverpool returned to Anfield to face Sheffield United.
It was not a glamorous fixture on paper, but the atmosphere inside the stadium carried added significance. For Tom Hicks and George Gillett, it marked their first appearance at Anfield since completing the takeover.
Before kickoff, the two new owners visited the dressing room to meet the players.
Steven Gerrard had already spoken with them during earlier discussions, but for most of the squad, this was the first face-to-face introduction.
Among the players, the one who drew particular attention was Yang Yang.
Their interest was not simply because he was Chinese.
"You appear quite often in American sports magazines," Hicks said with a broad smile, clearly attempting to establish familiarity. "Even outside England, people are talking about you."
The Texan businessman was tall and confident, his manner unmistakably that of a seasoned entrepreneur. To Yang Yang, the impression was neutral rather than warm. He had grown up in Quanzhou, a region known for its strong culture of private enterprise. Many families there were involved in business. He held no prejudice toward businessmen, but by nature he preferred straightforwardness and disliked overly exaggerated compliments.
Hicks' style leaned toward enthusiastic promotion.
Even so, Yang Yang remained polite and composed. He thanked him for the recognition and kept his response brief.
Hicks and Gillett were evidently eager to create a positive first impression. They spoke about ambition, growth, and rewards. Hicks even mentioned performance bonuses in broad terms, suggesting that success on the pitch would be directly supported financially.
From certain details in their conversation, it was clear that neither man possessed deep football expertise. Their language was more commercial than tactical.
But within modern English football, that was not unusual.
The Glazer family did not come from a football background either, yet Manchester United remained a commercial powerhouse. Ownership and sporting knowledge were often separate roles. What mattered most to the players was whether the club would receive the investment it needed.
On that front, confidence was rising.
The new owners had publicly committed to strengthening the squad. Improved financial backing meant better contracts, increased stability, and stronger competitiveness in the transfer market.
One immediate example was Javier Mascherano.
The Argentine midfielder's situation was complicated due to third-party ownership arrangements dating back to his time at West Ham United. Because of the high financial cost and contractual complexities, Liverpool had initially secured him only on loan.
Under the new ownership, however, the message was clear.
If Mascherano performed to expectations, the club would move decisively to complete a permanent transfer.
That assurance significantly boosted his morale.
For a player of his intensity and professionalism, knowing that his future could be secured through performance provided added motivation. It also reinforced the broader mood within the squad: this was a period of transition, but one filled with opportunity.
With financial backing promised and momentum building on the pitch, Liverpool's dressing room sensed that a new chapter was beginning — one that demanded results to match the ambition.
...
In the following Premier League fixture, Rafael Benítez rotated heavily.
With Manchester United due at Anfield the following weekend for the North West Derby, and the second leg of the Champions League round of sixteen against Barcelona looming shortly after, he made seven changes to the starting eleven. Squad management during a congested spring schedule was essential.
Sheffield United, fighting near the lower half of the table, were not considered overwhelming opponents before kickoff.
Benítez set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation. Peter Crouch partnered Robbie Fowler in attack. The structure was simple and pragmatic, designed to control possession, stretch the visiting back line, and maintain defensive balance through midfield.
Liverpool imposed themselves quickly.
In the twentieth minute, a high ball was delivered into the penalty area. Crouch rose to contest it but was caught awkwardly by a defender during the aerial challenge. The ball dropped dangerously inside the box. While Sheffield United's defenders hesitated, Fowler reacted instantly.
The veteran striker adjusted his body, steadied himself, and calmly guided the ball past the goalkeeper.
1–0.
Crouch, however, remained on the turf. Blood was visible from a cut sustained in the collision. After brief treatment near the touchline, it became clear he could not continue. Dirk Kuyt replaced him.
Liverpool's momentum did not waver.
Five minutes later, Steven Gerrard drove forward from midfield. Spotting Fowler's run between centre-backs, he delivered a precise pass into the area. Fowler timed his movement well, opened his body, and finished confidently to double the lead.
By halftime, the match was firmly under Liverpool's control.
After the break, Sheffield United attempted to tighten their defensive shape, but Liverpool's tempo and movement continued to stretch them.
Midway through the second half, a corner kick caused confusion inside the visitors' penalty area. The delivery arced toward the near post, where Sami Hyypiä rose above his marker. The Finnish defender powered a header into the net.
3–0.
The pressure persisted.
Three minutes later, Javier Mascherano won possession in midfield with a well-timed challenge. He quickly shifted the ball forward into space. Fowler collected it, advanced toward the edge of the box, and then squared it across goal. Gerrard, arriving late from deep, struck cleanly into the bottom corner.
4–0.
There were no late scares. Liverpool controlled the remainder of the match with discipline, preserving energy ahead of the crucial fixtures to come.
From the directors' box, Hicks and Gillett witnessed an emphatic victory — an ideal introduction to Anfield.
Yang Yang was not included in the matchday squad. Benítez had granted him a full rest in preparation for Manchester United and Barcelona. He watched from the stands alongside Xabi Alonso and several other teammates.
His attention, however, focused closely on Mascherano.
The Argentine midfielder delivered an outstanding performance.
Paired with Gerrard in central midfield, the roles were clearly defined. Gerrard operated with attacking freedom, surging forward when opportunities arose. Mascherano anchored the midfield, shielding the back four.
His coverage of space was extensive. He tracked runners diligently, anticipated passing lanes, and executed several sharp interceptions that prevented Sheffield United from building any meaningful attacks. His defensive positioning ensured stability in front of the defence.
For the fourth goal, his forward pass initiated the move that led to Fowler's assist for Gerrard. The decision-making demonstrated not only defensive acumen but also composure in transition.
"He's a classic Argentine midfielder," Xabi Alonso commented quietly from his seat. "Similar to Fernando Redondo."
Yang Yang was familiar with Redondo's reputation. The former Real Madrid midfielder had once been regarded as one of the most elegant players in Europe. Injuries, particularly after his transfer to AC Milan, had severely disrupted his later career.
But Xabi Alonso shook his head slightly.
"They're controlled holding midfielders," he clarified.
"Controlled?" Yang Yang asked.
"Yes. Redondo had strong defensive instincts. He could be physical, even ruthless at times, but he also had excellent vision and passing range."
He nodded toward the pitch, where Mascherano was again closing down space.
"Mascherano came through the Solari family's football school in Argentina. His style is very similar. Watch him carefully."
The Solari family had deep roots in Argentine football. Santiago Solari, who had played for Real Madrid and Inter Milan, was among its most famous members. Fernando Redondo had married into that family as well.
Yang Yang followed Mascherano's movements more closely.
"I think Benítez will like him," he said thoughtfully.
Mohamed Sissoko was physically powerful and relentless in pressing, but his technical consistency and awareness were sometimes limited. Mascherano, by contrast, combined aggressive defending with refined ball control and measured distribution.
Xabi Alonso nodded.
"Remember the pair in Valencia?"
"David Albelda and Rubén Baraja," Yang Yang replied immediately.
"Yes. They were considered one of the strongest double pivots in Europe. Benítez relied heavily on them."
The comparison was clear.
At Valencia, Albelda provided balance and defensive security, while Baraja contributed dynamism and tactical intelligence. At Liverpool, a partnership between Xabi Alonso and Mascherano could offer similar structural control — perhaps even greater composure in possession.
Yang Yang considered it carefully.
If Mascherano had started in Barcelona, would the first goal have been conceded so easily? It was impossible to know, but the thought crossed his mind.
He smiled slightly.
"Looks like you'll have to adjust to your new partner."
Xabi Alonso shrugged calmly.
"I don't think we'll need much time."
Some midfield partnerships, he believed, formed naturally — a mutual understanding that did not require long adaptation.
From the stands, Yang Yang sensed that something within Liverpool's structure was quietly evolving.
...
...
Liverpool secured another four-goal victory.
After the final whistle, the Reds received unanimous praise from the media. Particular attention was given to Benítez's bold rotation of seven regular starters. Despite the changes, the team maintained cohesion and intensity, delivering a commanding 4–0 win.
The performance reinforced a key narrative: Liverpool's squad depth was genuine, not superficial.
Veteran striker Robbie Fowler's brace attracted widespread recognition. With the arrivals of Yang Yang and Dirk Kuyt, and with Peter Crouch often preferred as a starting option, Fowler's opportunities had been limited this season. Nevertheless, he demonstrated sharp movement and clinical finishing when called upon.
At the same time, speculation continued regarding his future. Fowler remained competitive and was not content with a peripheral role. With his contract situation approaching the summer, rumours suggested he could depart in search of more consistent playing time.
Steven Gerrard was named Man of the Match.
His partnership with Mascherano allowed him greater attacking freedom. With the Argentine anchoring midfield and covering defensive transitions, Gerrard was able to surge forward without hesitation. His late runs into the box and overall influence were widely seen as decisive in the 4–0 result.
Several commentators openly suggested that Benítez should continue to "fully release" Gerrard's offensive potential in this manner.
Mascherano's performance also drew considerable praise. His composure, defensive anticipation, and disciplined positioning gave observers a glimpse of a potentially stable long-term midfield structure.
However, replacing Mohamed Sissoko outright would require time.
Sissoko had delivered an energetic and eye-catching performance away at Barcelona. His physicality and pressing ability remained valuable assets. Mascherano would need further matches to cement his position.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Liverpool's rivals also secured victories, though not without difficulty.
Manchester United travelled to Craven Cottage to face Fulham. The home side scored first, unsettling the league leaders. However, Ryan Giggs equalised, and Cristiano Ronaldo later found the net to complete a 2–1 comeback.
Arsenal edged Aston Villa 1–0 away from home, with Abou Diaby scoring the decisive goal.
Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1–0 at Stamford Bridge, Frank Lampard converting a penalty to secure the points.
After twenty-eight rounds, Manchester United remained top of the Premier League table with 66 points.
Liverpool followed closely with 63.
Chelsea stood on 60 points, while Arsenal occupied fourth place with 55.
The title race remained tightly contested.
In the race for the Golden Boot, Yang Yang led with 22 goals.
Didier Drogba had 17.
Cristiano Ronaldo trailed closely behind with 16.
Against this backdrop, the second North West Derby of the season approached.
Anfield would soon host Manchester United once more.