Starting With Real Madrid

The day before the match, after their morning training session and a brief lunch break, the team set off for the Abu Dhabi Palace.

The entire process of meeting the sheikh was steeped in ceremony. There were designated staff to instruct Manchester City on where to go, how to proceed, and what etiquette to observe. It was said the event would also be broadcast on Al Jazeera.

Everyone at Manchester City took it very seriously. Mubarak and others accompanied the team, acting as interpreters.

Gao Shen was undoubtedly the central figure. Naturally, he led the team at the front, with everyone else following behind.

The UAE isn't a large country, and Abu Dhabi likely doesn't have a heavy load of governmental affairs, but their president was still very busy. All ministers were present for the entire audience, making the occasion appear particularly grand.

The Manchester City delegation waited in the palace for about half an hour before they were finally ushered in for the audience.

The sheikh and ministers were dressed in their finest attire, but the whole meeting lasted less than ten minutes.

As the most powerful figure in the UAE and Abu Dhabi, the sheikh first praised Manchester City's contributions to Abu Dhabi and the UAE, especially after winning the Champions League, which had brought great positive exposure to the country.

He specifically mentioned Gao Shen, shook his hand, and exchanged a few words with him—mainly affirmations and words of gratitude.

Several lesser-known ministers also said a few words, after which the Manchester City group took their leave.

Although brief, the entire process was full of formality and left a deep impression of majesty and solemnity.

Gao Shen understood that this was more than just a meeting with Manchester City. It was more like sending a signal.

Over the years, the Middle East has been wealthy, but its people have been plagued by troubles.

As the saying goes, a man's wealth is his own undoing.

When you hold immense wealth without the power to protect it, that often marks the beginning of misfortune.

The Middle East has been in turmoil for many years because of oil.

In fact, everyone in the Middle East, including the ruling class, has always been concerned about one thing: what if, one day, oil ceases to be a strategic resource? Or worse, what if it runs out entirely?

They weren't just thinking about themselves, but about future generations too.

That's why, over the years, the region has been pushing for transformation and breakthroughs.

For example, the UAE has heavily invested in developing Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Wealthy individuals from various Middle Eastern countries have gone on spending sprees across Europe, buying stakes in banks, ports, investment companies, and acquiring assets like London's Knightsbridge.

Ultimately, they're all seeking a future no longer dependent on oil.

Perhaps, this meeting with Manchester City is also a part of that signal.

After leaving the palace, Gao Shen and his group visited Mansour's private residence.

He had prepared a lavish banquet to host the Manchester City squad and their families.

During their stay in Abu Dhabi, all accommodations, meals, and transport were arranged by Mansour. At the banquet, he also gave each guest a valuable gift.

Of course, it wasn't the kind of watch worth hundreds of thousands like last time. These were more modest. After all, there were too many people this time, and even billionaires must be cost-conscious occasionally.

After the banquet, Gao Shen asked Carlo and Brian Kidd to take the team back to the hotel, as they would later visit the stadium to get familiar with the pitch. He stayed behind to chat with Mansour, Mubarak, Gary Cook, and others.

Mubarak reported the outcome of his talks with other Premier League clubs. The responses were mostly negative.

Most clubs did not want Gao Shen to continue managing Manchester City. They all recognized that if he stayed, Manchester City would become the dominant force in the Premier League.

The Premier League itself had a similar stance.

From the league's perspective, they didn't want to see a single team monopolizing success. That would eliminate competition and suspense, making it harder to promote the league.

Why had the Premier League been packaging the so-called Big Four all these years?

Because each of those teams had the strength to contend for the title.

Now, Manchester City had joined them.

In La Liga, it's clear: Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate. In Serie A, Inter Milan has struggled, Juventus is catching up, and Napoli occasionally shines. In the Bundesliga, it's Bayern Munich's domain, with Dortmund only occasionally showing promise.

Only the Premier League has the most intense title race.

Manchester City had dominated the league for three straight years. If Gao Shen stayed, it would harm the competitive balance of the Premier League.

"No one wants to watch a league without suspense!" Premier League CEO Richard Scudamore had reportedly told Mubarak.

It was obvious that he still resented Manchester United's dominance in recent years, but he couldn't do anything about it—United had the strength, the money, and Ferguson.

Then Chelsea rose. Now, here comes Manchester City with Gao Shen.

The league didn't want another Ferguson and Manchester United-like dominance.

After listening to Mubarak and Gary Cook's report, Mansour kept nodding. "From a business perspective, their view is understandable. The only problem is, we're too strong."

With that, he burst into laughter.

Everyone else smiled.

That was indeed the case. If Manchester City weren't this strong, others might have agreed.

After all, if both Manchester City and Leeds United were in the Premier League, any losses would be against Manchester City's interests.

Could Gao Shen really control other teams?

The issue now was that Manchester City was just too strong, and no one wanted Gao Shen to stay.

Mansour was decisive. Since there was no alternative, he had no choice but to accept it. So, he quickly changed his tone and encouraged Gao Shen to continue working hard and strive for even greater achievements this season.

"Don't worry. I've already told the players: our goal this season is to win four titles!"

Gao Shen's words surprised both Mubarak and Gary Cook. They hadn't heard this before.

In Premier League history, only Manchester United and Manchester City had ever won a treble. No one had ever won a quadruple.

If you included the Community Shield, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup, that would make seven titles.

More importantly, no team had ever defended the Champions League title since its format change.

Seven trophies and a Champions League title defense—Gao Shen's goal was bold and ambitious!

Even Mansour was moved after hearing Mubarak's explanation.

"Alright, Gao, I wish you and the team success in achieving your goals!"

It was certainly a pity to lose a manager like Gao Shen. But if he could deliver seven trophies and defend the Champions League, that would be an unprecedented feat.

It would greatly elevate Manchester City's status in the Premier League and across Europe.

It would solidify the club as a true European powerhouse!

Gao Shen had done so much—what more could Mansour say?

"Gao, that's a lofty goal," Mubarak said with concern as they returned to the Royal Palace Hotel.

Manchester City was indeed strong, but beating everyone? That was a tall order.

Didn't they just have a fierce battle with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge?

Nothing is ever 100% certain in football.

If matches could be decided just by stacking strength, then what's the point of playing? Isn't it just simple math?

"It's definitely not easy. I even think maybe that goal was a bit too bold to say in front of the big boss," Gary Cook said cautiously as he looked at Gao Shen.

All employees, no matter how high their salaries or positions, instinctively shy away from setting too many KPIs in front of the top boss.

But Gao Shen was different.

If he simply coached step by step, life would be too easy.

He liked things to be exciting and challenging.

"Too bold?" Gao Shen looked at Gary Cook. This guy lacked guts and had only average competence. No wonder he was fired in his previous life.

"We need a goal like this to inspire the team. We're not just Manchester City anymore—we're treble winners, Champions League winners. Think about what Ferguson did after winning the treble."

He sold Stam and brought in Veron.

That was Ferguson's signal that he wanted to rebuild Manchester United.

It was a bold move.

Back in 1999, Manchester United wasn't the strongest team in Europe.

If they really were that dominant, how did they get outplayed by Juventus and Bayern Munich and only pull off a miracle comeback?

But now, Manchester City really was strong.

Not even inferior to Barcelona.

In that case, Gao Shen's only goal could be to win everything. Only then could he and his players summon the fighting spirit to push forward.

"I want to leave an unforgettable memory for Manchester City!" Gao Shen declared firmly.

And it wasn't just his desire.

After Gao Shen spoke to the players in the locker room, they all supported his decision and expressed their willingness to fight for all the titles with him.

This wasn't just about Gao Shen, the players, or Manchester City. It was about everyone.

"Well said!" Mubarak was fired up too. "Just lead your players forward. Gary and I, and everyone at the club, will be your strongest support. I promise you won't have any worries!"

Mubarak had made his stance clear, and Gary Cook immediately voiced his full support for Gao Shen as well.

Thus, in this extended Rolls-Royce on the way back to the Royal Palace Hotel, Manchester City's "Big Three" reached a unanimous agreement.

After returning to the hotel, everyone got back to their own work.

Gao Shen took a brief rest before taking the team to the stadium for their final familiarization training session.

Incidentally, the final would also be held at this stadium.

Gao Shen was determined to win both matches!

(To be continued.)

***

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