Starting With Real Madrid

After facing Capello's Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals, Gao Shen spent every night studying Ancelotti in the tactical library.

He found something very interesting: Sacchi.

In a way, Ancelotti is Sacchi's successor.

When Ancelotti was still a player, Sacchi entrusted him with the important task of being the core of AC Milan's midfield. At that time, the Rossoneri used a 4-3-3 formation, and Ancelotti played a role similar to the deep-lying playmaker in Barcelona and Dutch football.

But during his time at Roma, Ancelotti was the standard No. 10.

When Gao Shen saw this, his first reaction was: Isn't this just like Pirlo?

Both were No. 10 players, playing both front and back. Ancelotti was essentially molding Pirlo into another version of himself.

The difference is that Pirlo's style of play differs from Ancelotti's when he was a player.

If Ancelotti's decision to put Pirlo in the back was a revolutionary innovation, how great was Sacchi's use of Ancelotti nearly twenty years ago?

But soon, Rijkaard came along.

This textbook-level Dutch No. 4 came to AC Milan, forming one of the greatest football combinations in history, the Dutch Three Musketeers, while also transitioning AC Milan to a 4-4-2 formation. Rijkaard and Ancelotti sat in the middle of the midfield.

Using Ancelotti's own evaluation, this combination profoundly influenced many people. Whenever a double pivot is used, it is usually built on this model.

For example, Albelda and Baraja at Valencia, or Mascherano and Xabi Alonso at Liverpool.

Gao Shen's double pivot at Real Madrid, Gravesen and De La Red, follows the same model. Neither is a strict defensive midfielder. Gravesen is the organizer, and De La Red is a versatile midfielder with both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Milan under Sacchi was admired by countless people and revered in the football world, and rightfully so.

Gao Shen even thought that in 2009, Guardiola's Barcelona brought a similar level of subversion and revolution.

...

From Sacchi's philosophy, Ancelotti's ability to build a defensive system stands out.

Many people associate defense with parking the bus.

In reality, parking the bus is the worst form of defense. If not absolutely necessary, no one wants to park the bus.

The reason is simple: it leaves the team too passive, making effective counterattacks difficult.

Serie A defense emphasizes flexibility and layers.

Through a layered and flexible defensive system, the opponent's offensive threats are blocked outside the penalty area while still having the energy to organize a threatening counterattack.

When Gao Shen was studying Ancelotti, he realized that Ancelotti was still the same coach from his Juventus days. The difference was that he was conservative back then because he didn't know how to attack.

At AC Milan, he figured it out, and with players like Pirlo and Kaka, his team naturally thrived.

On the other hand, when Mourinho coached Porto or later Chelsea, his defense relied heavily on players, using their physicality to run, press, and tackle.

But when he arrived at Inter Milan, his defensive system was completely transformed. The two-leg match against Barcelona was the pinnacle, showcasing a layered and flexible defense.

Mourinho's Inter that season was the peak of his coaching career.

This transformation was due not only to Mourinho's thinking and improvement but also to the tempering environment of Italian football.

Gao Shen admired Italian football, but this time, at the Bernabeu, he wanted to challenge Ancelotti's defensive system with concepts inspired by Guardiola's Barcelona revolution in 2009.

He was curious and full of anticipation.

...

At the crowded Bernabeu, Ancelotti was dressed in a neat suit and tie, his white hair neatly combed, looking energetic.

As soon as Gao Shen saw him, he greeted him with a smile and extended his hand.

"Welcome to the Bernabeu, Carlo."

Ancelotti, a senior with a distinguished career, smiled and shook Gao Shen's hand.

"I was a little surprised by your starting lineup tonight," Ancelotti said.

Goalkeeper Casillas, defensive line Felipe, Woodgate, Ramos, and Abeloa, double midfielders Gravesen and De La Red, and in the front, Raul, Zidane, Beckham, and Ronaldo.

"I thought you would use Negredo, but you took a big gamble."

"I don't see it as a gamble, but as confidence," Gao Shen countered.

Ancelotti laughed. "You're still young."

Gao Shen smiled noncommittally. "Your starting lineup didn't surprise me at all, Carlo. I guessed it right."

AC Milan's lineup: goalkeeper Dida, back line Serginho, Kaladze, Nesta, and Stam, midfield Seedorf, Pirlo, Gattuso, Kaka, and forwards Inzaghi and Shevchenko.

Gilardino, heavily used recently, was on the bench. Clearly, Ancelotti had a plan.

But Gao Shen had correctly guessed AC Milan's starting lineup.

"Really?" Ancelotti didn't care. "Guessing the starting lineup is basic. Winning is the real skill."

"Wait and see."

...

The coaches exchanged words, and Ancelotti stood on the sidelines, reminding his players to watch their defense.

In the locker room, Ancelotti was surprised by Real Madrid's starting lineup. Ronaldo's physical fitness was a concern, but he was starting, meaning reduced pressing or a gamble.

"He wants to grab an early goal," Ancelotti frowned.

Real Madrid's superstar lineup was formidable. Even AC Milan had to be careful.

"This kid surprises me. When he's conservative, he's very conservative. When he's adventurous, he fights harder than anyone," Mauro Tasotti remarked.

Ancelotti nodded. "It's all about judgment based on the situation."

Indeed.

"Tell them to start steady," Ancelotti instructed.

The match was set: AC Milan defending, Real Madrid attacking. The battle would be one of offense and defense.

...

"It's as I expected!"

Gao Shen felt the excitement of anticipation and strategy.

But victory was still a long way off.

However, Gao Shen was excited because he had guessed right.

Ancelotti was visiting the Bernabeu to defend and counterattack.

Stam replacing Cafu was a clear signal. Real Madrid's right flank with Beckham was a threat. Ancelotti deployed Serginho there.

Raul and Zidane on the left meant Stam over Cafu for better defense.

Another signal was Inzaghi.

Ferguson once said Inzaghi lived on the offside line.

This meant AC Milan was prepared for counterattacks with space for Inzaghi, Shevchenko, and Kaka.

AC Milan's offensive setup indicated counterattacking, not a direct confrontation.

"Tonight, we must break AC Milan's goal!" Gao Shen resolved.

Whether Ancelotti was inducing Real Madrid to take the initiative or not, Real Madrid's goal was clear: score and prevent the opponent from scoring.

Gao Shen looked at his assistants. Lucas and Buenaventura supported him, while Maqueda seemed hesitant, being cautious by nature.

To win, to score, and defend well—did they really think they were the invincible protagonist of a novel?

You can't have it both ways.

Gao Shen walked to the sidelines, clapping and shouting at his players, not minding being overheard by Ancelotti.

"Brace yourselves! Be careful! Just like in training!"

Not far away, Ancelotti and Tasotti had just reminded their players to start steady when they heard Gao Shen's shout, making them frown.

Especially when Gao Shen looked over with a playful smile, an ominous feeling crept in.

What went wrong?

Why did it feel off?