Starting With Real Madrid

(4/6)

Manchester United in the 1995-1996 season marked the beginning of a legend, but it was also a classic tale of highs and lows.

Through their deep narratives, figures like Lucas and Buenaventura conveyed the myriad challenges Ferguson and his Manchester United overcame during that period, particularly in overturning Newcastle.

The world often remembers only the outcomes, rarely delving into the legendary process.

The misinformation about overcoming a twelve-point deficit was widely circulated.

As practitioners of football, both Lucas and Buenaventura knew how daunting, if not nearly impossible, it would be to replicate Ferguson and Manchester United's feats.

They suddenly realized that Gao Shen had been quietly doing his homework.

"We Chinese have a saying: 'When you've traveled ninety miles, you're only halfway there.' Gao Shen looked at his two right-hand men and continued, "It means that reaching the last ten kilometers is harder than the first ninety."

After a pause, Gao Shen admonished, "Our current situation is similar. It seems we're close to Barcelona, just two points behind, but any slip-up, any lapse in vigilance, and it could all unravel."

This is the reality facing Real Madrid, the pursuer, and Barcelona, the leader.

The difference lies in Barcelona's stronger overall strength and higher margin for error.

"Understood," Buenaventura nodded solemnly. "I'll focus on the players' training status. Additionally, I'll pay close attention to their emotional and psychological adjustments."

Gao Shen nodded. "Real Madrid isn't Manchester United, and I'm not Ferguson. None of us can guarantee that, if we face a setback like Manchester United did, we'll bounce back the way they did."

As he concluded, Gao Shen emphatically tapped his right index finger in front of Buenaventura and Lucas.

How resilient must one be to rise again after such a devastating fall?

Gao Shen recalled a former classmate who chose to retake the college entrance exam after initially failing. Initially confident that an extra year of study would lead to better results, he ultimately succumbed to the pressure and failed again.

In his career, Gao Shen had encountered successful businessmen and entrepreneurs who, in their moments of triumph, exuded confidence and sometimes arrogance, oblivious to the challenges they once faced.

"People who have never fallen or fallen hard often don't understand how arduous the climb back up can be!"

Real Madrid, fragile at the moment, might seem under control now, but only if they continue winning. A significant loss, however, could dash all hopes once more, leaving Gao Shen in a situation worse than Luxembourg's.

That's the truth.

Ultimately, Manchester United was Ferguson's team, whereas Real Madrid lacks such seasoned resilience.

"I plan to speak with Beckham soon. He experienced Manchester United's comeback firsthand. I hope he can share his insights with us."

This idea struck Gao Shen after studying Ferguson's tactics the previous night.

Ferguson approached coaching from a head coach's perspective; Gao Shen sought insights into player dynamics and locker room morale.

"Before that, our coaching staff must be fully prepared psychologically. Each upcoming match will only get tougher!"

Both Lucas and Buenaventura nodded in agreement.

Especially Buenaventura, who seemed reinvigorated by the profound insights gained since joining forces with Gao Shen.

Meanwhile, far from Madrid, in Turin, Italy, at Juventus' training base, Capello and his assistants analyzed the recent "century derby."

Prior to the match, no one expected Real Madrid to defeat Barcelona 1-0 away and narrow the points gap successfully.

Even the optimistically inclined Capello had not foreseen such an outcome.

"Ronaldo," Capello pondered over the name that surprised him.

Before the game, no one anticipated Gao Shen would deploy Ronaldo, especially as a substitute.

"In retrospect, I suspect Gao Shen's decision was based on various considerations. Ronaldo's fitness may not have sustained a full match, especially with the required running and pressing," speculated assistant coach Italo Gabbiati, delving into the matter.

"Since Ronaldo couldn't manage the full game, Gao Shen opted to use Negredo to exhaust Barcelona's defense. Puyol was recovering from injury, and Oleg and Belletti were under continuous pressure. It was nearly time to exploit Ronaldo's substitution advantage."

Capello nodded, sharing the same view.

"Beyond Ronaldo's goal, I find Gao Shen's timing of substitutions intriguing," continued Gabbiati. "He waited, clearly anticipating Barcelona's move. Only when Rijkaard made a change did he act."

"Because Barcelona couldn't settle for a draw at Camp Nou!" Capello remarked.

"Exactly. It was a face-off game," Gabbiati said, eliciting a chuckle from Capello.

From this perspective, Gao Shen's approach seemed audacious indeed.

"Why? No one can say for sure if Gao Shen would have acted without Rijkaard's move, but from his prior actions, he projected a steadfastness to play through."

It wasn't surprising that many had criticized him as overly cautious, conservative, or even the worst coach in Real Madrid's history.

"It lightened his burden and allowed him to release," Gabbiati said with a laugh.

However, Capello disagreed, shaking his head repeatedly. "No, Italo, even under pressure, I believe he would have acted boldly. He reminds me of myself." He chuckled again.

"In fact, he truly understands the professional game of football."

Fans have varied expectations—some desire offensive displays, others crave tactical analysis, while some prefer stability, adventure, or flair.

But for a head coach, success is measured solely by victories!

"This is a high-risk profession. A head coach who fails to lead his team to victory will inevitably face dismissal."

At a young age, Gao Shen already grasped these nuances, yet he lacked the seasoned coaching experience. His tactical layout and in-game decisions still needed refinement.

"I think he should come to Serie A for a few years to gain experience and refine his tactical acumen and strategies," Gabbiati suggested, surprised by Capello's profound insights.

"How do you think he'll fare at the Bernabeu?" Gabbiati inquired.

Capello reclined in his chair, nearly tilting it back, with one leg casually resting on the desk.

"That kid believes he's hiding his intentions deep, but from his formations, in-game decisions, and every move, it's clear he's eager to seize control. At Camp Nou, he couldn't wait to make a strategic substitution in response to Rijkaard's."

"He claimed to have identified our weaknesses, yet I've watched our last match five times and found nothing amiss. I'm curious—is he bluffing or has he truly discerned something?"

Capello was astute, knowing that even experts can overlook glaring mistakes when reviewing their work, much like students who miss obvious errors until the teacher hands back their papers.

"Why? Do you think he'll take the initiative?" Gabbiati asked.

Capello smiled and nodded. "Absolutely, one thousand percent. Rijkaard won't settle for a draw at Camp Nou, and this kid won't want extra time against us at the Bernabeu, lacking the necessary leverage."

"So, what's our plan?" Gabbiati queried.

Capello grinned, "Tonight against Treviso, we'll field a reserve squad, recharge our batteries, and observe what tricks he has up his sleeve at the Bernabeu. I hope he won't disappoint me."

Juventus currently held a comfortable lead in Serie A, eight points ahead of AC Milan and thirteen points clear of Inter Miranda.

Capello aimed not only for the Serie A title but also coveted the Champions League.

"We must win against Real Madrid next Wednesday!"