Starting With Real Madrid

On matchday mornings, Gao Shen usually spends his time chatting.

Real Madrid's players had heard about this habit before, and now they were used to it. After spending time together, most of them actually enjoyed talking with Gao Shen. Many times, they even used these chats to bring up small issues they were facing, and Gao Shen would do his best to help them resolve them.

This had always been his approach to managing players.

Although the head coach is not a babysitter, ensuring that players can play with peace of mind is part of a manager's responsibility.

Through these interactions, Gao Shen maintained great relationships with his players. No matter the team, he had never had any major locker room problems. The players were always willing to fight for him.

On the morning of the Clásico, the first person Gao Shen spoke to was Casillas.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper had gradually accepted his current role within the team. Especially at the beginning of the season, he had made several errors after coming on, which allowed Courtois to take over the starting spot in La Liga.

It wasn't that Gao Shen hadn't given Casillas a chance—it was just that the Belgian was too consistent.

It was as if he never made mistakes. He was incredibly steady.

There was nothing else to be done. Casillas could only focus on the Champions League now.

But this was the Clásico, not an ordinary match. Given Casillas' awkward situation, Gao Shen had a private chat with him, mainly to explain why Courtois would continue as the starter.

There really was no other option.

Courtois had started the previous few matches and performed well. Dropping him for the Clásico would be difficult to justify. How would Courtois feel? How would the others feel?

Who would be convinced?

Casillas understood. Even though he was eager to play, he had no choice but to accept it.

The main issue was still those mistakes early in the season.

With Casillas on the bench, the captain's armband was handed to Ramos.

Gao Shen called Ramos next. He reminded him to fully embrace his role as captain on the pitch and to maintain good communication with the referee—especially to remain rational and calm.

Gao Shen was most worried about Ramos and Pepe. He feared these two might lose their tempers and get sent off, putting Real Madrid in a difficult position.

But you couldn't restrict them too much either.

As defenders, if you overly restrict their actions and make them hesitant, it's ultimately detrimental.

So for Gao Shen, the key was to keep a clear head and avoid unnecessary fouls.

"You've seen the situation. Iker can only play in the Champions League and cup games now. You have to take responsibility. Both I and the higher-ups have great confidence in you. The only issue is that you need to correct this flaw."

"You're a smart guy, Sergio. And smart people don't make stupid mistakes. Understand?"

Ramos nodded repeatedly.

Since Gao Shen reorganized the defensive structure this season—especially with more investment from the midfield and forward line in defense—the pressure on Real Madrid's back line had significantly decreased. Ramos and Pepe's errors had also gone down.

It just proved once again that defending requires a collective effort.

The so-called "recklessness" of Real Madrid's center-backs in the past was largely due to them being constantly exposed to direct attacks.

The third person Gao Shen spoke to was Pepe. He delivered a similar message as he had to Ramos, urging Pepe to control his temper. But this time, he emphasized more praise and affirmation.

"I believe that as long as you stay composed, you're one of the best central defenders in the world right now."

That was the truth. Pepe's physical attributes were elite.

In fact, he was one of the most well-rounded physical specimens in world football.

Speed, flexibility, technique, leaping ability, strength in duels—he had it all.

It reminded Gao Shen of Koulibaly from Leeds United. Both players were the type you could instantly tell were top-level talents.

For Courtois, Gao Shen focused mainly on encouragement.

The Belgian keeper possessed a maturity and steadiness beyond his years. Even though this was his first Clásico, he showed no nerves. On the contrary, he looked eager to take the stage.

The focus of the morning's discussions was on Modric and Toni Kroos.

These two positions were not only crucial to Gao Shen's tactical system but also essential in tonight's Clásico. Especially Kroos, who would be directly facing Xavi.

Gao Shen's talk with Kroos felt more like a tactical seminar.

Kroos first raised several questions, all based on possible in-game scenarios. Gao Shen answered them one by one and shared his own thoughts.

For example, if Benzema pinned down Busquets, Xavi might drop deep to receive the ball.

"Follow him, pressure him, and don't let him pass easily," Gao Shen said without hesitation.

"What about the space I leave behind after stepping up?" Kroos asked, concerned.

Barcelona was known for baiting players forward, then exploiting the space they vacated.

"There's Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, Marcelo, and even Ramos. They'll cover for you. Trust your teammates," Gao Shen replied.

Kroos nodded firmly. "Got it."

"But remember, don't get dragged in for too long. Don't get overexcited trying to win the ball. Like Fernando at Porto—he would always get tricked by Barcelona's passing and movement."

"Don't worry, boss. When I step up to Xavi, I'll cut off his passing options. Once I neutralize the threat, I'll drop back right away."

Kroos had always been calm and composed, and Gao Shen trusted his temperament.

"Remember, switch the play more and hit the wings, especially Di María's side," Gao Shen emphasized.

Alba and Alves were both aggressive attacking full-backs. They often played like wingers, constantly pushing high up the pitch.

Gao Shen required his own wingers to track back and contain Barcelona's flanks. But when launching counterattacks, they had to push forward quickly if the opportunity arose.

Benzema would also play a vital role.

Busquets was the key point. Benzema's pressure on him could determine success or failure.

Gao Shen spent the entire morning communicating with his players, paying no attention to the chaos outside.

…

There's always been an unwritten rule in European football.

Before a match, the home club's management hosts a meal for the visiting club's leadership.

The life-or-death battle on the pitch doesn't conflict with the cordial exchanges and cooperation off it.

But this time, Barcelona made the event more extravagant.

Because this was the first time Real Madrid president Florentino had personally attended an away match.

Barcelona president Rosell showed great respect for the man widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in European football.

When Rosell had first taken over Barcelona, he considered launching a legal investigation into former president Laporta and even threatened to have him imprisoned.

The incident caused a huge stir at the time.

But when it began spiraling out of control, Florentino personally called Rosell and advised him to drop the case, in order to protect the club's image.

Just like how he never pursued Calderón.

Once such matters become public, they tarnish the club's reputation and open a Pandora's box.

After all, could Rosell's successors one day hold him accountable?

Clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, both run by members, inevitably have all kinds of internal issues.

If you really want to dig into corruption, who's cleaner?

Rosell took Florentino's advice. Now, this time, he was returning the gesture with respect and goodwill.

At the recent Real Madrid members' meeting, Florentino passed a resolution: future presidential candidates must pay 15% of Real Madrid's seasonal budget out of their own pocket as a campaign deposit.

This was clearly aimed at preventing grifters like Calderón.

But everyone knew that with Real Madrid's current budget, 15% amounted to 80 million euros. That wasn't a sum just anyone could produce.

It was an obvious move to secure his re-election.

Rosell found it very interesting and asked many questions about it.

The two men, along with their entourages, dined at a high-end restaurant near Camp Nou. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed—nothing like the gunpowder-filled air of the Clásico. Rosell treated Florentino with full courtesy.

But as dinner ended and the match approached, the conversation shifted to football.

"Gao Shen really shouldn't have encouraged you to come to Camp Nou tonight, Florentino," Rosell said with a smile.

The implication being: this was a losing battle.

Many speculated that Florentino had been coaxed by Gao Shen into making the trip.

"I have full confidence in him," Florentino replied with a calm smile and a firm tone.

"You know, things at Camp Nou tonight won't be pleasant. His remarks and behavior before the match have made him and Real Madrid the most hated figures here. It will be difficult for us to control the situation."

But Florentino still smiled and nodded. "I understand. The fans need an outlet for their emotions."

Rosell didn't know how to respond. He was facing a man who kept smiling but never gave anyone an opening.

"To be honest, I don't think it was a smart choice for him to provoke the Barcelona players, fans, and media before the game. Tonight, Barcelona will unleash an unprecedented level of fighting spirit. The result might disappoint you."

"It's fine. I've already prepared myself for the worst," Florentino replied with a smile.

Rosell felt a bit frustrated. This old man was tough to handle.

But no matter.

Just keep smiling!

Once the match starts and you watch your team get dismantled piece by piece, I hope you're still smiling.

Tonight, Camp Nou will be Gao Shen's Waterloo!

(To be continued.)

***

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