Starting With Real Madrid

As April approaches, the temperature in Spain gradually warms up, though the nights remain quite cool. Especially tonight, with a slight breeze bringing a chill to the air.

Gao Shen handed over the scouting report from Barcelona to Raul.

With the upcoming match, various pieces of information from Barcelona arrive daily, and each piece is analyzed to predict Barcelona's possible formation for the national derby. This isn't a recent arrangement; Real Madrid has always had scouts in Barcelona.

Raul frowned upon seeing Puyol's information. He and Puyol are teammates on the national team, a forward and a defender, so Raul is well aware of Puyol's strength.

In terms of personal defensive ability, Puyol is undoubtedly one of the best in European football. His lack of height can be a disadvantage against tall center forwards, but it also makes him very agile, with strong fighting and recovery abilities. If you doubt this, just look at Barcelona's defense when Puyol isn't playing—it's clearly weaker.

"It's a bit troublesome," Raul said, handing the report back to Gao Shen.

Gao Shen nodded. "We need someone who can break through Puyol's defense during counterattacks."

Raul, Zidane, Negredo, and even Beckham are all excellent players, but they lack the speed needed to break through Puyol on a counterattack. None of them fit that role.

There are many ways to counterattack, but breaking through Puyol would be the most deadly and threatening. Few players in the Real Madrid team can do this. Owen could have, but he's back in the Premier League now. Callejon has speed, but he's too inexperienced to be relied on in such a crucial match.

Raul guessed whom Gao Shen was referring to. "I heard Ronnie came to see you at noon?"

There are no secrets in the dressing room. Ronaldo visiting Gao Shen was well-known, just like when Zidane and Beckham visited Gao Shen overnight. Raul knew why.

In fact, there aren't many so-called conspiracies.

"Yes, he wants to play, but I didn't promise him," Gao Shen replied lightly.

Raul understood the implication.

Gao Shen was essentially asking if Puyol was starting and Ronaldo wanted to play, should they let him? Raul wasn't stupid. After thinking it over, he said, "The team's current situation wasn't easy to achieve. We should gather our best players and form the most competitive lineup for Camp Nou. If you think it's appropriate, I have no objection."

Gao Shen turned and stared at Raul. "Really?"

"On the pitch, I will cooperate with everyone as best as I can. I'll also try to persuade everyone in the locker room and in private. But as for Sergio..." Raul hesitated.

The conflict between Ramos and Ronaldo occurred when Real Madrid lost 1-2 to Real Mallorca. Ramos scored first for Real Madrid, but no Brazilian players celebrated with him, which angered Ramos.

After the team was reversed by Mallorca, Ramos criticized some teammates in the locker room, clearly targeting the Brazilian players, which led to Ronaldo and Carlos's accusations and caused infighting. Ronaldo even called Florentino to exert pressure.

"I'll talk to him personally," Gao Shen nodded, then sighed. "But I'm also troubled. With Ronaldo's current physical condition and fitness, how long can he last in our current strategy?"

Raul pondered and nodded.

Gao Shen was indicating that he still trusted Raul and the local players and that Real Madrid would continue with their previous tactics.

Can Ronaldo run like Raul and press like this? The team already has Zidane. Adding Ronaldo would weaken the midfield and front-line pressing tactics, increasing defensive pressure and causing the defense to falter.

Wouldn't the team revert to its old ways?

After Raul left, Gao Shen returned to the training building.

At the coach's office door, he hesitated, recalling Ronaldo's earlier visit, and immediately called Lucas to find Ramos. Then he walked into the coach's office.

Even if he didn't work there, he could entertain guests there, right?

Ramos, passionate and fearless, had his issues. On the field, some of his moves were always too aggressive. Experience is one thing, but habits formed over many years are harder to change.

Otherwise, why would Caparros have trained him?

From a 2021 perspective, Ramos is somewhat like Real Madrid's Puyol.

Gao Shen liked this type of player. He believed no coach would dislike them. Of course, when they make mistakes, the coach would also be frustrated.

But that's football.

Ramos soon arrived, just as he was about to knock on the door, Gao Shen waved him in.

Gao Shen had prepared a cup of hot water for Ramos.

Though not an Argentine, Ramos had the long hair and white headband typical of an Argentine player. Every time Gao Shen saw him, he felt like he was seeing a non-mainstream "Killing Matt."

Such an innocent boy!

"You wanted to see me?" Ramos asked, smiling as he sipped his water.

After all, he was young and energetic. He had played a tough game last night, followed by two recovery training sessions today. After a hot bath, he seemed unaffected.

Of course, if he were to play now, he wouldn't be in ideal form.

Gao Shen sat opposite him and nodded. "I just reviewed your recent game and training data. It's still the same old problem—too many big moves and mistakes. The fall in the Juventus game was fatal."

Ramos became serious.

"I'm sorry, I had a brain cramp at the time."

"I understand. I'm not here to blame you. In fact, I think you performed very well in that game. I'm considering applying for a new contract for you at the Bernabeu after the second leg against Juventus."

"Huh?" Ramos was dumbfounded.

Didn't he just say he didn't perform well and made serious mistakes? Why is he talking about a new contract now? I've only been with Real Madrid for less than a season.

"What? Not happy?" Gao Shen laughed.

"I... I signed an eight-year contract," Ramos said, feeling it was a strange situation.

"I know, but your annual salary is only 750,000 euros. I think it's too low for your performance."

Many misunderstand Florentino, thinking he foolishly overpays for players. Actually, it depends on the situation.

Take Ramos, for example. 25 million euros was too much for a young defender in 2005. The market valued him at less than 7 million euros, so Real Madrid's offer was ridiculously high.

But consider the transfer's age and salary aspects. Ramos is young and more skilled than his peers, hence a higher premium.

To put it simply, with equal skill, the younger the player, the higher the value.

Moreover, Ramos's salary in Sevilla was low. When Real Madrid offered 750,000 euros annually, he readily accepted and signed for eight years.

Clearly, Real Madrid is grooming Ramos as a future leader, but his salary is the lowest on the team.

"The next two games are crucial for us, and I don't need to tell you more."

Ramos nodded vigorously. Of course, he knew.

"Barcelona's Eto'o, Larsson, and Ronaldinho, Juventus' Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic, Zalayeta, Mutu, and Del Piero—these are all top attackers. I hope you can show your best and most stable performance in these games and play a key role in our defense."

Ramos nodded again, fully understanding.

"After this battle in Turin, you should know you can do it. The key is minimizing mistakes and unnecessary moves. At Camp Nou and the Bernabeu, show everyone your importance to the team."

Ramos felt his importance in Gao Shen's plan and his enthusiasm soared.

"Don't worry, I won't let you down."

Gao Shen smiled, patting Ramos on the shoulder. "You never disappoint, Sergio!"

Pausing, Gao Shen continued, "After these two games, I'll definitely fight for a contract renewal for you at the Bernabeu."

Ramos nodded firmly.

Gao Shen relaxed the atmosphere a bit, then remembered something. "By the way, keep this a secret, but prepare yourself mentally."

"Huh?" Ramos was surprised.

"Puyol will likely start. For the match at Camp Nou, I'm planning to bring Ronaldo. You'll need to look out for him and focus on team unity, okay?" Gao Shen said, patting Ramos's shoulder as if it were a minor issue.

Ramos, thinking it was a big deal earlier, laughed. "Got it. As long as he doesn't provoke me, I won't provoke him. On the field, I'll cooperate as needed."

Satisfied, Gao Shen nodded.