Starting With Real Madrid

"Ronnie, can I trust you?"

After the morning recovery training, Gao Shen called Ronaldo to his office. The Brazilian sat down, and Gao Shen immediately asked the question.

Ronaldo was surprised and looked up at Gao Shen, realizing the seriousness of the matter. This was no joke.

"You said," Ronaldo replied, not answering directly. He didn't trust Gao Shen enough to commit without knowing why. He feared betrayal from the cunning young coach.

"For this game against AC Milan, I need the center forward to suppress their central defenders and work with the wings to press their backline, like Lyon and Inter Milan, but more aggressively. Do you understand?"

Ronaldo pondered and nodded. Aggressive pressing meant more running, diligence, and harder work, consuming significant energy.

Ronaldo wanted to win but wasn't confident in his body.

"How far?" Ronaldo asked.

"Go all out. If it goes well, the first half, maybe shorter."

Ronaldo didn't ask what if it didn't go well. He knew it would be pointless to ask.

"I can't compete for headers like Negredo. Whether it's Nesta, Stam, Maldini, or Kaladze, I can't win against them," Ronaldo said.

Gao Shen nodded. "Understand, you don't need to win headers, just limit their balls."

"And... score a goal?"

"Right."

Gao Shen wanted Ronaldo to improve scoring efficiency, though it would weaken the frontcourt press since Ronaldo couldn't provide Negredo's pressure.

"What did Lorenzo say?" Ronaldo asked, trusting Buenaventura.

"He says your body is fine; it depends on the player."

It was about the willingness to fight, to push to the limit without affecting the team's performance. But now, Gao Shen needed Ronaldo to give his all for forty-five minutes.

Gao Shen asked because it couldn't be forced. If Ronaldo promised but couldn't deliver, it would backfire. Normally, Gao Shen would prioritize Negredo.

Additionally, Ronaldo risked injury, and with the World Cup looming, an injury could make him miss it.

But Gao Shen still asked because Ronaldo had expressed a desire to win the Champions League.

Now, it was about how strong that desire was.

...

Meanwhile, in Milan, Ancelotti received a detailed report on Real Madrid's game against Getafe. They had scouts following Real Madrid's games.

"I think the young coach of Real Madrid is really interesting," Ancelotti said.

Assistant coach Mauro Tassotti nodded. "At 25, it's not easy to bring Real Madrid to this level."

The assistant coaches showed a small smile, knowing how far Real Madrid had come under Gao Shen. They were now on par with Barcelona, in the semi-finals of the Champions League, facing AC Milan.

"Unfortunately, he still can't conquer the picky Real Madrid," Ancelotti laughed.

Real Madrid President Martin hadn't committed to renewing Gao Shen's contract, indicating he might miss out this summer unless he won La Liga and the Champions League.

"But even then, he's not the favorite," Ancelotti noted.

Gao Shen was fighting for his career. Winning the La Liga and Champions League double could secure his future, but he was still the least optimistic among the semi-finalists.

"He should find a team that trusts him, let him try his tactics, and prove himself," Ancelotti reflected on Capello's advice to Gao Shen.

"But which top league team would give him that chance?" Mauro Tasotti added.

Ancelotti nodded, understanding the dilemma. Fighting fires mid-season and managing a full season were different. Gao Shen needed to prove himself over a full season.

"It's too soon for such a young coach," Ancelotti said.

"But I'm sure he will try to attack us at the Bernabeu. He wants to win."

Ancelotti smirked. "Prepare the team to focus on defending the second ball. Negredo is a threat, and if Raul and Zidane get the second ball, they're dangerous."

Mauro Tasotti noted it down.

...

The Champions League semi-final was approaching, with Real Madrid and AC Milan both winning their recent matches. Real Madrid remained surprisingly calm, with closed training and no media noise.

Was Real Madrid unsure of this semi-final?

The day before the game, the teams announced their 18-player rosters without surprises.

Gao Shen didn't attend the pre-match press conference, letting Maqueda handle it. The media made a fuss but were used to it.

Ancelotti predicted the game before leading the team to Madrid, stating AC Milan would aim for an away goal at the Bernabeu.

"We know what tactics they'll use, but we're confident they won't succeed," Ancelotti said.

He respected Real Madrid but believed the team was no longer at its peak. He wouldn't be conservative but would actively seek away goals.

"We want to bring goals from the Bernabeu," Ancelotti declared.

Regarding Gao Shen, Ancelotti acknowledged the surprise of his success at such a young age.

"To be honest, I really like Gao Shen's football concept. He's not conservative, but he still needs time to polish his team. Unfortunately, he lacks time now."

Ancelotti's implication was clear: he was sure to win at the Bernabeu.