Starting With Real Madrid

If the media had previously focused on the new chairman Martin, now, with Carlos's criticism, attention shifted to the rookie coach, barely 25 years old, at Real Madrid.

He was the youngest and least convincing head coach in Real Madrid's history, and perhaps the most pitiable.

Various newspapers, large and small, speculated on how long Gao Shen could hold onto his position as Real Madrid coach.

Morning? Afternoon? By night?

Optimism was to hope he could last until the next day.

Historically, no Real Madrid coach who publicly clashed with superstars had ended well.

But there was another surprise awaiting them all.

By evening, instead of news of a coaching change at Real Madrid, an unexpected interview surfaced.

Dela Morena, the renowned Spanish radio host, interviewed Raul, the captain of Real Madrid, on his own show. It was Raul's first appearance in the media since Florentino's departure.

During the interview, Raul discussed Florentino's tenure and acknowledged Real Madrid's achievements over the past six years. Regarding Florentino's resignation, he mentioned being informed in advance.

"He spoke to me about it, and he believed it was the necessary step to bring change to Real Madrid."

De la Morena also queried Raul about Florentino's comment regarding spoiling certain individuals.

Raul stated he hadn't personally heard such remarks and didn't know the context behind them.

"However, it certainly doesn't apply to me. I've been here for fifteen years, always giving my all for the team."

Raul expressed his initial opposition to appointing a 25-year-old rookie with no credentials as head coach.

"When I first heard the news, like everyone else, I thought it was a ludicrous decision. But after interacting with Gao Shen a few times, I've come to see that he has his own ideas. He's ambitious and full of energy."

"You know, sometimes, what we perceive as maturity—caution and deliberation—might actually cause us to miss out on great opportunities for self-correction."

When asked if he supported Gao Shen, Raul refrained from endorsing him outright.

"I don't know. But he's currently the head coach of Real Madrid. As captain, my responsibility is to support him."

After a brief pause, Raul added, "For a team like ours, the head coach's role is simultaneously the least important and the most crucial."

"It's not about who he is, because we boast the world's strongest squad. As long as we work together and perform as expected, we can defeat any team."

"I emphasize his importance because managing the dynamics within the locker room, ensuring everyone works in harmony, is a significant challenge. In that respect, the new head coach, despite his lack of experience, has done commendably."

Raul also issued a plea concerning Real Madrid's current situation.

As captain, he stressed the need for unity amidst the team, especially in preparation for the upcoming derby and next week's Champions League match.

"Real Madrid now requires a unified external voice, with all of us sharing a common goal to navigate this challenging period. Anyone acting against this is an enemy to the locker room."

...

Raul's interview immediately sparked widespread discussion in the media.

Many interpreted it as Real Madrid's captain responding indirectly to Carlos's earlier interview, suggesting that actions speak louder than words.

However, some critics felt Raul sidestepped addressing Gao Shen's appointment directly.

In his column, Alfredo, the editor-in-chief of Aspen newspaper, analyzed that Vicente del Bosque would be the most acceptable choice for all factions within Real Madrid. If paired with Fernando Hierro, it could greatly benefit the club.

Firstly, Bosque enjoys Martin's favor as the new chairman. Secondly, Raul has publicly expressed support for Bosque. Additionally, stars like Ronaldo and Zidane hold Bosque in high regard. Lastly, Bosque, currently available, stands ready to step in at any moment.

It's a perfect alignment of time, place, and personnel.

Bosque appears tailor-made for Real Madrid.

The main hurdle remains Florentino and his allies, staunchly opposed to Bosque's return.

Bosque once asserted that only after Florentino's departure could he entertain returning to Real Madrid.

In essence, if Bosque returns, it signals Florentino's total loss of influence at the club.

Alfredo posited that Bosque's return would be the final step.

Should Gao Shen falter in the weekend derby, Martin would likely seize the opportunity, dismiss Gao Shen, and rally support to install Bosque as head coach.

At that juncture, even Florentino and his supporters would find it difficult to obstruct.

Gao Shen paid little heed to the external tumult. His days were consumed with rigorous training sessions during the day, refining tactical approaches and player coordination. At night, he immersed himself in tactical studies, fortifying his own capabilities.

Even the prospect of being replaced by Bosque failed to unsettle him.

...

...

Knock~knock~knock.

Gao Shen, engrossed at his desk before the computer, heard a knock at the door. He looked up to find Raul standing there.

"It's late; you're still here?" Gao Shen waved him in, stretching his stiff neck. "What's up?"

Raul nodded as he entered. "I just received word that there might be... well, some more extreme banners and comments at the Bernabeu tomorrow night. You should brace yourself mentally."

Gao Shen acknowledged he was prepared for this.

Especially after this afternoon, he had opted not to attend the pre-match press conference in person. Instead, Assistant Coach Maqueda had gone, announcing that, save for Felipe Luis, all Brazilian players were excluded from the lineup for tomorrow's match.

What was previously speculation was now all but confirmed. Everyone, including ordinary fans, could see clearly that Gao Shen was making a decisive break with the Brazilian contingent.

"Are you still here so late just to remind me of this?" Gao Shen noticed the hesitancy in Raul's expression.

Raul seemed surprised. Each time he faced Gao Shen, he felt as if his thoughts were transparently laid bare, which left him slightly unnerved.

After all, wasn't Gao Shen just twenty-five years old?

Why did he exude such cunning and insight?

"To be honest, we're all concerned," Raul admitted with a sigh.

"Understandable," Gao Shen replied with a slight smile.

In the Real Madrid locker room, the Brazilian contingent's dominance didn't merely stem from their numbers but from their formidable abilities. Physically speaking, the local players were no match for them.

Over recent years, the backbone of Real Madrid had been the Brazilians and the superstar contingent, while the local players' influence waned.

Now, by sidelining the Brazilian group decisively, Gao Shen was metaphorically severing an arm of Real Madrid. Could a team so fiercely competitive in La Liga manage with just one arm? Could they overturn Arsenal in the Champions League's return leg?

Raul and others were naturally apprehensive. They loved the team deeply and understood the Brazilian squad's strength and contributions.

Did Gao Shen not understand this?

On the contrary, he understood perfectly well.

But it was a necessary step.

Having decided to throw his support behind the local players, Gao Shen had to press on with this strategy. Otherwise, his tenure as head coach wouldn't just be at risk—it would be over.

In management, subordinates were categorized into two groups: those useful and those not. For now, many of the Brazilians fell into the latter category.

When Gao Shen stabilized his position and they softened their stance, he would reconsider using them to balance the local players, thus asserting his authority over the locker room.

Of course, all this assumed he could maintain his position at Real Madrid.

The path Gao Shen had chosen was arduous but necessary, guided by principle and a clear understanding.

Queiroz, del Bosque, Luxemburgo, and even returning to Bosque—all had compromised and appeased, managing symptoms but not addressing root causes, perpetuating a vicious cycle.

From the outset, Gao Shen had resolved to tackle the root issue head-on. Success was imperative; failure was not an option.

"We Chinese have a saying: 'A man should act with integrity and adhere to his principles.' It means there are lines one must not cross, principles to uphold. Some actions are necessary; some are not."

Gao Shen's words surprised Raul, resonating deeply with him.

Despite his 1.8-meter stature, Raul felt exposed in Gao Shen's presence.

"Don't worry. After these intense training days, I'm confident. That's why I haven't asked the players to stay at a hotel tonight but to rest at home. You should go home and rest early too," Gao Shen reassured him.

Raul realized he had nothing more to add, so he simply nodded and left.

Watching Raul depart, Gao Shen chuckled inwardly.

There was another critical reason why he was so determined to sideline the Brazilians, and that reason was Martin.

Anyone still blind to the power struggle between Martin and Florentino was simply refusing to see.

The Brazilian contingent had been Florentino's favored faction. By sidelining them, Gao Shen was dismantling Florentino's legacy. Did Martin care about the team's performance?

Let's be real—Real Madrid had already plummeted to this state in the current season. How much further could they realistically fall?

In other words, Gao Shen needed results to secure his position, but Martin did not.

If Gao Shen leaned on the Brazilians now and failed to deliver results, he'd be dismissed. But if he succeeded, it would imply the Brazilians weren't