Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

Chapter 26: As Long As He Hasn't Left, He'll Start in the Champions League for Real Madrid

By late September, all the noise surrounding Li Ang in the media seemed to have finally faded away.

Especially after he was informed in advance by the coaching staff that he would not be starting in the upcoming La Liga Matchday 5 fixture against Levante.

Li Ang decisively blocked out all distractions and immersed himself fully in Valdebebas.

He spent his days training obsessively, using every opportunity to "test" the results of his extra workouts on his teammates.

Mourinho, meanwhile, was feeling increasingly troubled.

His intention behind rotating Li Ang was simple: to give the kid a break amid a tight schedule and intense self-training, to prevent overtraining injuries.

But Li Ang?

Flat-out refused to take it easy.

According to staff at the training ground, the Little Lion might as well have moved into the facility.

And honestly? He almost had.

He'd even brought a suitcase to Valdebebas.

If Karanka hadn't stopped him, Li Ang might actually be living a regimented loop of "Training Ground – Club Cafeteria – Club Dorms."

Never underestimate the determination of a grinder with infinite stamina.

Li Ang genuinely thought it would be a great idea.

No cooking. Two steps from bed to the pitch. Laundry done for him. For most players, base life would be dull, but to him, it was ideal—a dream schedule, maximizing every minute for training.

At least for this phase of "specialized improvement," this was exactly what he needed.

But Karanka?

He was terrified.

The assistant coach practically jumped every time he got a call from the fitness staff assigned to supervise Li Ang.

He worried that if he ever took his eyes off the kid, Li Ang would literally train himself into the hospital.

Li Ang, of course, had a system.

With recovery potions available, he could push his body past its normal limits without consequences.

As long as the mid-tier and high-tier stamina potions worked as advertised, he saw no reason to slow down.

But the coaching staff didn't know that.

If it weren't for Li Ang's weekly medical reports coming back perfectly clean, Mourinho and Karanka would have forcibly shut him down already.

Even so, they couldn't allow him free rein.

On the evening of the 24th, after Li Ang completed yet another session of short-passing drills under Karanka's watchful eye, he obediently headed to the therapy room.

An hour later, he underwent a full physical examination. Only after the medical team nodded at Karanka did the assistant finally breathe easy.

"What's today's date?"

Karanka asked casually after calling Mourinho with a routine report. Li Ang, who was massaging his calves, blinked.

"Huh?"

He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

Karanka sighed.

"You're not allowed at the training ground tomorrow. José said it himself—whether you stay home or go hang out with friends, it doesn't matter. Just don't show up here."

Li Ang blinked again.

"But aren't we leaving for Valencia in the morning? Shouldn't we meet at the facility first?"

Even though he wasn't starting, Li Ang had still made the 18-man squad for the away match against Levante.

Karanka's brows furrowed.

"You've been given a day off! Sleep in. Eat a real breakfast. Shave that scruffy chin. You forgot today's date because all you think about is training. God help me..."

He chuckled, then gave Li Ang a gentle pat on the head.

"You're a professional footballer, not a professional machine. You can't just live for training. Do you really think having a guaranteed starting spot matters that much right now?"

Li Ang pressed his lips together and gave a small, quiet nod.

That was all Karanka needed to see.

"Fine. Rest tomorrow. No arguments. You'll need that energy."

He paused, then added:

"You don't want to lose your starting spot in the Champions League match on the 28th, do you?"

Li Ang's head snapped up.

"Coach, are you saying—?"

"I didn't say anything. And neither will you. Go home, rest, and come back fresh. Understood?"

"Understood!"

With his spirits lifted, Li Ang ran off toward the parking lot as Karanka waved him off, grumbling under his breath.

From the office window, Mourinho watched the scene with a soft smile.

"You deserve it, Little Lion."

Three days later—September 27th, Mourinho sat in front of the press for the pre-match conference ahead of Real Madrid's second Champions League group stage match against Auxerre.

Two days earlier, in La Liga Matchday 5, Madrid had drawn 0–0 with Levante.

The four-game win streak had ended.

But Mourinho wasn't upset. He was calm in his post-match interview and remained calm at the Champions League press event.

Naturally, the media swarmed him.

First, because the much-hyped attacking midfielder he'd started against Levante had been disappointing.

Second, because Barcelona had closed the points gap in La Liga to just one.

So the questions came flying.

But Mourinho didn't hold back.

He spread his hands wide and fired back with full force.

"I don't understand. Did we lose?

Why does one draw make it seem like Madrid is collapsing?

There are many reasons why we drew that match, but this is a Champions League press conference. Do I need to teach you how to ask the right questions?"

"You're trying to bait me into criticizing certain players. Let me be clear—I'm satisfied with all my first-team players."

"Auxerre is not some pushover. They finished third in Ligue 1 last season. We have to stay alert and treat them like a top-level opponent."

Then he pointed to the final reporter for one last question.

The reporter got right to the point.

"Will Li Ang—who performed so well two matches ago—be in the starting XI for this Champions League match? We saw he made the 18-man squad again."

Mourinho raised an eyebrow. Then, uncharacteristically, he gave a straight answer.

"Yes. He will start."

The press room erupted.

The reporter who asked the question nearly jumped out of his seat.

It was the quote of the day—the headline they were waiting for.

After dropping that bomb, Mourinho stood up and left without another word.

What he didn't say—what he could only keep to himself—was this:

"As long as he hasn't left, he will be my Champions League starter."

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