Starting With Real Madrid

The benefits of not being recognized became apparent upon arriving at Valdebebas.

Despite the team's 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, many Real Madrid fans protested at the training base. Consequently, they completely overlooked Gao Shen, allowing him to openly ride his bicycle through the gates. This irony was not lost on him.

Gao Shen was the first person to arrive at the coach's office, where he found a report on the players' physical examinations after the previous night's game, focusing on Woodgate and De La Reid.

Lucas had overseen these examinations with the team doctor upon the team's return the previous night.

The results were satisfactory. Woodgate was not injured, but having been out of action for a while, the team doctor couldn't yet determine if he would be fit to play on Wednesday. De La Reid, on the other hand, was cleared with no issues.

The conditions of the other players were generally similar, with all professional athletes carrying some minor injuries that did not impact their ability to play.

As Gao Shen read through the report, Lucas, Maqueda, and the rest of the coaching staff began to arrive, ready to start their work.

As was customary, the coaching staff held a special meeting to devise the training programs before the upcoming match.

Gao Shen's first directive was to cancel the team's half-day off, aiming to allocate more time for targeted training. Achieving this required adjusting the training schedule and effectively communicating these changes to the players.

"I will handle the communication with the players, while you should draft a new training schedule as soon as possible," Gao Shen instructed.

Many fans often encounter this situation: when media outlets criticize a team's poor performance, they often cite the challenge of midweek games, believing it significantly impacts the team. Why? Isn't three days enough time for recovery?

In reality, this reflects a misunderstanding among fans regarding the team's training regimen.

As is well-known, once the competition schedule commences, the team's training revolves around the matches, broadly categorized into three stages: daily training, pre-match preparation, and post-match analysis.

Daily training occurs between games and focuses on enhancing players' technical skills, tactics, physical fitness, and mental acuity to achieve optimal performance.

Pre-match preparation involves targeted training sessions and tactical drills tailored to the upcoming opponents.

Post-match training typically includes player feedback and game analysis, followed by specific training sessions designed to address identified areas for improvement, which significantly enhances team performance.

From a scientific standpoint, with one game per week, players can balance work and rest, engaging in eight to ten training sessions weekly while ensuring adequate recovery and adjustment time, which is deemed optimal.

In contrast, with two games per week, the number of training sessions reduces to five to seven, with players usually receiving only half a day's rest after each match, which proves insufficient.

Beyond physical conditioning, this frequency of games compromises tactical and targeted training, contributing to increased player fatigue and potentially impairing the team's technical and tactical abilities.

While a seasoned team may manage the risk, it poses considerable challenges for a team like the current Real Madrid.

Gao Shen believed it imperative to squeeze in an additional training session to conduct a simulation exercise specifically tailored for facing Arsenal. Otherwise, upon arriving at Highbury, Real Madrid might find themselves unprepared, potentially forfeiting rather than competing.

The coaching staff also recognized the challenges posed by midweek matches, fearing potential player resistance.

However, with Gao Shen committed to personally communicating with the players, they had little room to object.

"Secondly, regarding the clash at Highbury on Wednesday, I want to hear everyone's opinions," Gao Shen declared seriously.

Maqueda and the others exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unprepared.

Observing their hesitation, Lucas attempted to speak first but was silenced by a stern look from Gao Shen.

What Gao Shen sought now were opinions, whether positive or negative—he insisted on hearing them out.

Lucas was well aware of this. He didn't want Lucas to merely echo his sentiments; otherwise, how would others dare to voice their own?

"It's alright, everyone should speak freely. It doesn't matter whether I agree with them or not," Gao Shen encouraged.

Yet Maqueda and the others continued to exchange hesitant glances, each reluctant to speak up.

Gao Shen understood that their hesitance stemmed not from lack of courage or ideas but from their reluctance to contradict him.

"In that case, allow me to share my thoughts first," Gao Shen said, rubbing his hands as the weather turned cold.

"We all know that in Champions League history, only once has a team managed to overturn a home defeat in the first leg of a knockout round—Ajax against Panathinaikos. Thus, in many people's minds, losing the first leg at home in the Champions League is akin to a death sentence."

Maqueda and the others, seasoned football practitioners, were well aware of such statistics.

This pessimism pervaded Real Madrid's ranks and extended to the media and fans alike.

"However, I personally believe we should set aside these probabilities and data and focus on the game itself."

Gao Shen's words held merit. Excessive fixation on statistics and probabilities would be unprofessional.

At times like this, every head coach must do their utmost and accept fate.

"We're down 0-1 at home, which means we must score at Highbury. Only a victory will see us through; a draw is of no use, so we must attack."

This aspect of the Champions League knockout phase is enthralling. The away goals rule and two-legged format infuse the second leg with suspense of various kinds. These nuances cannot be encapsulated by mere statistics.

Historical data serves to bolster Arsenal players' psychological advantage, nothing more.

Maqueda noted that Gao Shen's analysis was sound, prompting him to interject, "Gao, you're right. Therefore, I believe our foremost requirement is Ronaldo and the Brazilian gang—Robinho, Baptista, Carlos, and Cicinho—they represent our strongest offensive firepower."

Many nodded in agreement.

Indeed, Real Madrid's offensive prowess relied heavily on the Brazilian contingent.

In fact, this was the confidence that emboldened the Brazilian gang to challenge management and assert their influence over local talents.

Hadn't Ronaldo himself recently underscored this point?

Real Madrid needs him!

Gao Shen scrutinized everyone, as Maqueda and the others observed him in turn, each trying to discern the others' thoughts.

At such moments, Gao Shen couldn't afford to waver. Having declared his intention to hear everyone's opinions, how could he now refute Maqueda's suggestion to reconcile and reinstate the Brazilian gang?

Lucas, standing anxiously on the sidelines, yearned to speak up in defense of Gao Shen but was restrained by Gao Shen's gesture.

"You're right, but have you considered this? If we start them, can our defense hold up at Highbury Stadium?" Gao Shen posed the question directly without revealing his stance.

Maqueda found himself momentarily speechless.

It's an undeniable fact that Brazilian players are remarkably effective due to their superior strength and attacking prowess. However, their defensive shortcomings are widely recognized. Ronaldo, aside from scoring goals, isn't known for his defensive contributions, and Robinho is much the same. Carlos and Cicinho excel in attack but struggle defensively—they can push forward but struggle to recover.

While outsiders may not realize it, the Real Madrid coaching staff understands the critical roles played by Abeloa and Felipe in the team's recent 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at home. Their ability to press effectively was pivotal.

Could Real Madrid hold their ground without them?

Could Raul and Zidane be given the freedom they need?

The 0-1 deficit from the home leg means Real Madrid must score at Highbury. However, if the defense isn't solid, Arsenal's formidable attacking firepower could overwhelm them. In such a scenario, they might face an even heavier defeat.

The knockout system of the Champions League is shrouded in mystery, offering myriad possibilities. Both teams must anticipate each other's strategies and devise tactics accordingly.

This is why many argue that defense is crucial in the Champions League knockout stages.

The reasoning is straightforward—strong defense ensures invincibility, regardless of the tactics employed by the opponent.

Real Madrid's current challenge lies in the dilemma: should they focus on attacking or defending?

There's no definitive answer.

Gao Shen speculated that if he possessed such clarity, he wouldn't need to solicit opinions.

"Let's approach it differently—what tactics do you think Arsenal will employ?" Gao Shen redirected the discussion.

This prompted everyone to ponder deeply once more.

After some time, Maqueda hazarded a guess, somewhat uncertainly, "Defensive counterattack?"

Encouraged by Gao Shen's approving glance, Maqueda elaborated, "Arsenal's defensive strength at Highbury is well-known. Given our need to attack, they might opt for a defensive stance and capitalize on their counterattacking prowess with Henry, Reyes, and others."

Many nodded in agreement, though differing viewpoints emerged.

"I don't think that's right. If we've anticipated it, Wenger must have considered it too. Besides, Arsenal's squad is predominantly young players—they might not be certain about our lineup with Ronaldo and others, so they're unlikely to sit back and defend."

"Exactly. Premier League teams excel in fast-paced offense and defense. Arsenal's passing and ball control are formidable. I think they'll intensify the game, pressing and aiming to outlast us. Frankly, we might struggle to keep up."

"Arsenal has a match against Liverpool coming up this weekend, and they'll prioritize advancing to the quarter-finals over everything else."

The debate continued, with a myriad of ideas and opinions being voiced.

Gao Shen refrained from making any definitive statements, instead listening attentively.

Sometimes, as a leader, attentive listening proves invaluable.

While no conclusive agreement was reached, the discussion gradually crystallized Gao Shen's strategic insights regarding Arsenal.

Specifically, he began to grasp the various strategies Wenger might employ.