Starting With Real Madrid

Real Madrid officials quickly responded to the speculation about Martin's "anger."

Not only did Real Madrid's official website post a clarification, but media close to Real Madrid, such as *Aspen* and *Marca*, published an exclusive interview with Chairman Martin. In this interview, the helm of the Galacticos expressed his support for Gao Shen, stating that the rumors of him threatening Gao Shen in the locker room were fabricated. He emphasized that he still trusted and supported Gao Shen as always.

Everyone knew that after Martin took over as chairman, the only significant achievement he had was appointing Gao Shen, who led Real Madrid out of a difficult period. Martin had been working hard to create his own image as a talent scout who discovered Gao Shen.

With the presidential election approaching and the team's performance reaching a critical juncture, Martin couldn't let his image collapse, so he chose to clarify and continue supporting Gao Shen. He even mentioned that the club had started preparations to begin contract renewal negotiations with Gao Shen.

However, Gao Shen did not respond to Martin's clarification.

After the draw with Villarreal, Gao Shen locked the entire team in Valdebebas, prohibiting any interviews with the media, including Real Madrid's official website and Real Madrid TV. This was somewhat strange.

Meanwhile, Gao Shen's bold statement about winning all the remaining four league matches triggered strong backlash from Catalonia and media supporting Barcelona. They did not believe Real Madrid was capable of winning the remaining games.

Yet, the media focused all their attention on Gao Shen, largely ignoring Real Madrid's draw with Villarreal and Ramos's red card.

This was exactly what Gao Shen had intended. After the draw with Villarreal, he was most concerned that the media would dig into the insider stories of Real Madrid, affecting the team's preparation, especially regarding Ramos's red card and penalty. Therefore, Gao Shen's bold statements at the press conference diverted media attention.

As for being the media's focal point, Gao Shen didn't mind.

…

The Bernabeu draw had an impact on Real Madrid players, but it only lasted for a day. The players quickly put it behind them.

The team had an upcoming match against AC Milan at San Siro on Wednesday. Despite winning 3-0 at home in the first leg, the second leg was crucial. Any carelessness could turn Real Madrid into the stepping stone for an AC Milan miracle.

In such a high-stakes match, any slack could be fatal.

Gao Shen was extremely busy, not only comforting the players and helping them overcome their mistakes and missed chances against Barcelona, but also adjusting their form and boosting their morale. He needed to ensure the players were in their best spirits for the match at San Siro.

Originally, the Bernabeu wanted to hold a press conference with Gao Shen and Martin to clarify matters, but Gao Shen refused. Real Madrid TV also wanted to record a clarification interview, but Gao Shen declined. Even exclusive interview invitations from *Aspen* and *Marca* were strictly rejected by Gao Shen.

Only Martin needed the clarification; Gao Shen did not.

Anyone experienced in the workplace knows that a good boss needs to be managed, not indulged. Blind obedience only worsens the situation in the long run. Many excellent middle managers fail because they don't know how to manage their bosses effectively.

Managing a boss is a profound skill, requiring strength, confidence, and the right techniques.

In Gao Shen's current position, the summer presidential election made Martin dependent on him, not the other way around. Why should Gao Shen cater to Martin's needs?

Gao Shen's top priority was leading the team to good results. The rest didn't matter to him.

Moreover, if he didn't cooperate, what could Martin do to him?

When Gao Shen first took over Real Madrid, he was worried about being fired, so he had to appease Martin. Now, with Martin's arrogance, should he continue to indulge him? If so, wouldn't Martin become even more insufferable?

…

"Okay, Emilio, we are all understanding people. Would it be interesting for you to draw this kind of cake for me?"

In a phone call with Vice President Butragueno, Gao Shen was straightforward and blunt, exposing the ploy.

He was a master of cake-making himself, and in his opinion, Martin's attempt was very poor.

"Your King of Spain also once said that if I beat Juventus, he would let me sit on the throne. Otherwise, you can ask him for me when he plans to fulfill that promise."

Butragueno on the other end could only respond with a wry smile.

When King Juan Carlos I was in the VIP box, someone leaked it, and the media published it. The media even jokingly gave Gao Shen a picture with the Spanish crown on his head and seriously planned a path for Gao Shen, including marriage.

"Gao, the public opinion outside…"

"It's none of my business, Emilio. I'm just a rookie who can get fired anytime, anywhere."

After that, Gao Shen found an excuse to hang up Butragueno's call, laughing secretly.

Previously, Martin had threatened to fire him in public. Now, with the pressure from public opinion, he wanted cooperation?

I said, Mr. Chairman, you enjoy the credit, and I take the blame?

Why don't you go to heaven?

…

Bernabeu, Real Madrid administrative office.

After Butragueno hung up Gao Shen's call, he snorted and almost laughed out loud.

After confirming that his office door was closed, he laughed outright.

The new president of Real Madrid had a habit of doing impulsive things, just as Florentino had said.

Drawing against Villarreal already caused trouble in the locker room, making Gao Shen anxious. But then, Martin had to add to the chaos.

Well, being blocked by Gao Shen, he was so angry that he felt humiliated and shouted to fire him on the spot.

Please, they are all adults. Can't they speak without thinking?

Or maybe being a boss for too long made Martin accustomed to being the boss. In addition, Real Madrid had been smooth sailing recently, making Martin even more arrogant and high-spirited.

However, Gao Shen's toughness surprised Butragueno.

No wonder Florentino thought so highly of him.

He really seized the opportunity, even stepping on the Real Madrid president.

Of course, Martin was also too rude.

Butragueno composed himself in his office and then walked to the chairman's office next door.

Martin was already anxiously awaiting news.

"How is it?" The Real Madrid president asked as soon as he saw Butragueno.

Butragueno, a professional player with a close relationship with Gao Shen, didn't copy Gao Shen's words verbatim but delivered them tactfully.

Martin, not being stupid, guessed that it was an excuse, and almost started cursing again.

But seeing Butragueno's expression, he forcibly swallowed his words.

If scolding was useful, he wouldn't be in this situation now.

The more he scolded and spread the word, the greater the damage to his image.

"What should we do now?" Martin asked Butragueno. "No one believed my clarification statement."

Who said it wasn't?

A one-sided clarification is always weak.

Some media even speculated that Gao Shen's silence implied that the media's reports were true.

Think about it, firing a talented coach over a draw? What sense does that make?

Martin's image as a talent scout was now in jeopardy.

Now Martin regretted creating such an image in the first place.

For some reason, seeing Martin so anxious, Butragueno felt a sense of pleasure.

Maybe he also looked down on the Real Madrid president.

At least, compared to Florentino, Martin fell short.

"The top priority now is to have Gao Shen come forward to ease the pressure of public opinion," Butragueno suggested.

Martin nodded hastily. "Yes, you're right, but… how should we do it?"

"If he won't come, let's go to Valdebebas with reporters from the official website and TV stations."

"No," Martin immediately objected. "If I go to Valdebebas, it's like admitting my mistake to him."

If he did that, he would never be able to hold his head high in front of Gao Shen again.

Butragueno silently laughed inside, but outwardly looked very embarrassed.

"Then I really have no choice. Otherwise, just fire him. I think this kid is a little spoiled."

Fire him?

Martin smiled wryly. If he could, he would have done it already.

Butragueno shrugged and stayed out of it.

After much thought, Martin finally agreed to go to Valdebebas, reasoning that he needed to mobilize the team for the upcoming away game against AC Milan.

"We need to find a reason, like mobilizing for the team's away game against AC Milan," Martin said, trying to save face.

Butragueno nodded. "Then I'll make the arrangements."

But inwardly, Butragueno was disdainful.

Both were presidents, but there was a huge difference between them.

With Martin's temperament, could he even win the upcoming presidential election?

Even if he did, could he be reliable?

Butragueno felt he needed to have a good talk with Florentino.