SWR: Chapter 1256/1260

Chapter 1256: Premier League in Action

Less than a minute into the game, Leeds United intercepted the ball in their own half and launched a quick counterattack.

Kimmich played a through ball to Mbappe on the left flank of the attacking third. The French star dribbled past the defenders and cut diagonally toward the left side of the penalty arc before unleashing a powerful shot that grazed the left post and went out of play.

The shot came suddenly, with both power and angle perfectly executed.

Although it didn't result in a goal, it gave the more than 50,000 Ajax fans in the stadium a real scare.

This was a clear sign that tonight's match was going to be thrilling.

As expected, Ajax showed no signs of conservatism against Leeds United.

Van de Beek quickly linked up with Neres in the attacking third before sending the ball to the right side of Leeds United's penalty area. Neres made a run and fired a low shot, but Alisson rushed out to make the save.

Then, both teams launched into a fast-paced offensive battle.

They created chances almost every minute, with some spectacular shots drawing gasps from the crowd. The game was filled with twists and excitement.

It was evident that Ajax's defense wasn't solid, so they adopted an aggressive approach, relentlessly attacking Leeds United's backline. Ruben Dias and De Ligt, the central defensive pair, were constantly under pressure.

Both sides were in difficult situations, but neither could find the net early on.

...

"What a fantastic match!"

Gao Shen sat in the VIP section, repeatedly praising the action.

From the very start, his attention never wavered. The game was fast-paced from the first whistle.

Neither side played defensively.

Ajax lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the midfield shaped into a triangle. Van de Beek played the number 10 role, pushing forward in attack.

Neres, Tadic, and Ziyech formed the attacking trident up front.

Frenkie de Jong and Daley Blind orchestrated the midfield, while full-backs Tagliafico and Mazraoui constantly pushed forward to support the attack.

This setup clearly reflected Ajax's emphasis on speed and agility.

The players' quick passing, excellent ball control, and sharp movement created a distinct playing style.

Leeds United also fielded their strongest lineup.

With Mbappe, Vardy, and Dembele forming the front three, Milinkovic and Bernardo Silva in midfield, and Kimmich dropping back, their attacking midfield and forward lines were exceptionally strong. Not to mention the offensive threat posed by full-backs Robertson and Arnold.

Leeds United's attack was more complete and dangerous than Ajax's.

For example, in the 7th minute, Vardy unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area that nearly found the net, but Onana made a miraculous save.

With both sides attacking and counterattacking in rapid succession, the match was bound to be exhilarating, and goals would surely come.

Ajax's attacking style was fluid and skillful, but there was a clear weakness.

Aerial presence.

In the 9th minute, Mazraoui, whom Gao Shen had been closely watching, made an impressive forward run.

Whether it was a tactical arrangement from the coach or simply his own instincts from his midfield background, Mazraoui frequently made overlapping runs before cutting inside. Meanwhile, Ziyech would drop deep and drift wide, hugging the right sideline.

Mazraoui surged into Leeds United's territory, then suddenly passed to Ziyech, who had dropped back. After releasing the ball, he cut diagonally into the left side of Leeds United's penalty area—the exact space Ziyech had just vacated.

Ziyech quickly returned the pass.

Robertson failed to intercept in time. Mazraoui beat his marker, reached the byline, and delivered a low cross.

Tadic met the ball at the near post, but due to De Ligt's close marking, his shot went high over the crossbar.

If Ajax had a tall target man in the box, this type of delivery could be dangerous.

Of course, although De Ligt lost the optimal position, his defense was still effective.

"Back then, we had high hopes for this kid. But unfortunately…" Van der Sar said with a sigh.

That was in 2015, when De Ligt was just 16. He skipped a level to join Ajax's U19 youth team and made a name for himself at the Future Cup and the Amsterdam Invitational, winning Best Player in both tournaments.

He was a top prospect that everyone at Ajax believed in. The club should have nurtured and developed him carefully.

However, Ajax performed poorly in the 2015 summer transfer window.

Looking back, 2015 was their lowest transfer revenue in recent years—only 6 million euros, and that was in installments, which was far from enough to cover the financial gap.

At that time, Leeds United came knocking with an offer for Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong. De Jong had just transferred from Willem II and was already 18. Both players had shone with the Dutch youth national team.

Ajax chose to sell De Ligt because Leeds United offered 5 million euros in cash, a deal they couldn't refuse.

Of course, Leeds United rejected Ajax's request for a resale percentage.

In hindsight, keeping Frenkie de Jong was the right decision. The mistake was not pushing for a resale clause on De Ligt just to gain an extra 1.5 million euros.

Gao Shen chuckled after hearing Van der Sar's remark.

"If that's the case, I really regret not signing Frenkie de Jong back then."

Everyone laughed.

That's just how football is sometimes.

After the joke, Gao Shen turned his attention back to the field. He felt that Mazraoui was very impressive. He had quick feet, pace, and was strong in one-on-one situations. The way he got past Robertson was particularly eye-catching.

Gao Shen was very satisfied.

...

Both teams kept attacking, the tempo staying incredibly high.

Milinkovic fired another long-range shot that threatened Onana's goal.

Ajax responded by charging into Leeds United's penalty area, but Ruben Dias cleared the danger with a long ball.

After a few quick transitions, Dembele dribbled down the right wing and successfully beat Tagliafico. He surged into the right side of the penalty area and reached the edge of the penalty arc.

Vardy drew the attention of both Ajax center-backs, while Dembele attracted defensive midfielder Blind. But after a clever feint, Dembele slipped a low cross to the left side of the penalty area.

Mbappe had been waiting there, raising his hand to call for the ball.

He met Dembele's cross and smashed a powerful shot into Ajax's goal.

"Goalllllllllllllllllllll!"

The entire Arena stadium erupted in stunned gasps from the Ajax supporters.

Gao Shen and Borel applauded and cheered from the stands.

This counterattack was lightning-fast and executed to perfection.

In particular, Dembele's pass to Mbappe completely exposed Ajax's defensive flaws.

After Mazraoui had pushed forward, he couldn't get back in time to track Mbappe on the counter.

Of course, you can't blame Mazraoui too much. There aren't many full-backs in the world who can keep up with Mbappe.

Especially when you've just pressed forward and suddenly get caught out on the counter.

"Your players are stronger," Van der Sar said with a helpless sigh.

The difference in quality was clear.

Whether it was Mbappe, Dembele, Milinkovic-Savic, or Bernardo Silva, they were all a level above Ajax's players.

"Your tactics were excellent, and your play was brilliant," Gao Shen complimented.

He meant it.

Ajax's football this season was far from boring. It was fast-paced and combined technique with speed.

This had always been their style.

Although Ajax and Barcelona share footballing roots, Ajax was never obsessed with Barcelona's possession-based approach. They preferred constant attacks and relentless pressure.

Gao Shen had discussed this with Van Gaal, who once said something that left a deep impression on him.

"Football is a show, a performance to entertain the fans!"

Van Gaal said that maybe it was different elsewhere, but in the Netherlands, football must be played beautifully.

Having coached in La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League, Gao Shen understood that every country viewed football differently, and fans had their own preferences.

But one thing was constant—they all needed to entertain their fans.

In Europe, football is deeply rooted in local communities.

That's why even lower-league and amateur teams have loyal supporters.

Because these clubs represent their hometowns, the teams they've supported since childhood.

Another example: the Premier League's Community Shield used to be called the Charity Shield. Why was it renamed?

According to the FA, it was to honor the volunteers who support local communities.

Despite its commercial success, the Premier League has always placed great importance on community development.

Take "Premier League Community Action," for instance. It revolves around the league itself and calls on clubs across the country to take the lead in supporting local causes.

This applies to the Bundesliga, Serie A, and other leagues too.

Back in the day, as an ordinary football fan in China, Gao Shen would only see occasional news reports of footballers visiting nursing homes, kindergartens, or hospitals during major holidays like Christmas.

But in truth, the bond between football clubs and their communities is everywhere.

This idea left a deep impression on him. It's a kind of emotional connection that many fans in China may not fully understand.

That's why Van Gaal's words meant so much to Gao Shen.

Now, his Leeds United and Van Gaal's Ajax were delivering a spectacular attacking display on the pitch.

Neither side held back. Both were attacking with everything they had.

Despite conceding a goal, Ajax fans didn't fall silent or show frustration. Instead, they became even more passionate and animated, cheering loudly and urging their team on.

For a moment, the atmosphere at the Arena Stadium was more electric than ever.

This energy pushed both teams to an even higher level on the pitch.

This is the best twelfth man!

When fans generate such an intense atmosphere, the players feel it. It's like catching fire, their bodies surging with energy.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1257: A Textbook Example of a Counter-Offensive Battle

In the 26th minute, Leeds United launched another quick counterattack.

Their front line surged forward rapidly, while Ajax retreated at full speed to defend.

In the scramble, Vardy failed to control the ball cleanly in the attacking third and nearly lost possession. He was forced to pass the ball back to the midfield to reorganize the play.

But by then, Ajax's defense was already in place.

Leeds United maintained possession outside Ajax's 30-meter zone. Kimmich, Bernardo Silva, and Milinkovic passed the ball around skillfully in midfield, slowing the tempo slightly.

This was the biggest difference between Leeds United and Ajax tonight.

Dutch Eredivisie teams are known for their fast-paced and aggressive style but often lack the ability to control the tempo of the game.

Leeds United also specialize in blitz-style attacks, but unlike Ajax, they know how to slow the game down when needed.

As Gao Shen once told Pochettino: It's not hard to play fast football. It's not hard to play slow football. What's hard is being able to switch between fast and slow at will.

Slowing down without losing possession requires a high level of technical ability.

Especially in a high-intensity match like this, where the opponent offers no space or time on the ball, controlling possession depends on the players' strength, awareness, and off-the-ball movement. Without those, there's no way to manage the tempo.

Leeds United slowed the pace inside Ajax's 30-meter zone, circulating the ball under pressure from the home side.

Arnold made a run along the wing, and Dembélé tried to cut inside, but Ajax's defense rotated effectively.

With no space to break through, Dembele passed the ball back to Bernardo Silva on the right flank.

The Portuguese midfielder had been closely monitoring the attacking third.

After Dembele cut inside to the right side of the penalty arc, he suddenly pulled back, seemingly to receive a pass from Bernardo Silva.

The Leeds United players coordinated seamlessly. Bernardo Silva quickly understood his teammate's intention.

Tagliafico had been pulled out wide by Arnold, while Dembélé dropped back and forth, dragging Blind's attention with him.

Bernardo Silva noticed Vardy's movement.

Sure enough, as Dembélé dropped back, Vardy shifted a couple of steps laterally to the right, just outside the box. It didn't seem like much, but it created a key opening for Bernardo Silva's pass.

Bernardo Silva controlled the ball with his left foot and feinted as if passing to Dembele while also sidestepping the retreating Neres. Then, with his left foot, he suddenly played a through ball.

The ball sliced through Ajax's defense like a scalpel, slipping between Blind and another defender, cutting sharply into the right side of the penalty area. Vardy had started his run at the exact right moment, shaking off his marker and breaking through into the space to latch onto the pass.

Without stopping the ball, Vardy fired a shot immediately.

The ball flew past Onana and into Ajax's net.

"Goallllllllllllllllll!"

The whole move sounds like it took a long time, but it happened in the blink of an eye.

By the time most fans at the Arena Stadium reacted, the ball was already in the back of the net.

Over 50,000 spectators gasped at once.

That's the beauty of football!

It can change everyone's emotions in an instant.

...

Gao Shen couldn't contain himself this time. He stood up and applauded Vardy's goal with genuine excitement.

He was already 32 years old, but this guy just kept getting more and more unpredictable with age.

"He's a typical English player," Van der Sar said admiringly beside him.

The Ajax CEO had spent most of his playing career in the Premier League, so he understood English football very well.

"Yes, but after the youth system reforms, there are fewer and fewer players like him. That makes them all the more valuable," Gao Shen replied.

It was a difficult feeling to put into words.

Just like today's young English players—there were fewer and fewer fighters like Gerrard, Lampard, and Vardy. These were the types of players who truly gave everything on the pitch, burning their energy every second.

They had a kind of fighting spirit that could get your blood pumping.

Maybe they weren't the most technically gifted, maybe they lacked creativity, and sometimes their movements were a bit clumsy. But you couldn't dislike them. You might even feel genuine admiration for their sheer willpower.

"That's a real issue," Van der Sar nodded. "Germany has faced the same problem after its own football reforms. Their younger generation is more technical and tactical, but they've lost that traditional spirit."

"Could it be a generational issue?" Gao Shen asked.

"That's part of it. After all, times are changing. It's unrealistic to expect today's youth to be like those of the past. Many of them just see football as a job, nothing more."

"But Dutch football has done a great job maintaining its traditions," Gao Shen praised.

De Ligt was also a fighter.

"But as you've seen, we've also had a talent gap in recent years. We're reflecting on that now," Van der Sar replied with a slightly bitter smile.

Sometimes it's hard to say whether reform is good or bad.

Traditional Spanish football wasn't always tiki-taka. In the past, they used wingers like Joaquín and Vicente and tall strikers like Morientes, Morata, and Llorente.

Back then, Spain played with intensity and aggression, especially down the flanks.

What took Spain to the top was their passing and possession style.

From Barcelona to Vicente del Bosque's Spain, the style gradually became more conservative, slower, and heavily possession-oriented.

Germany was the same.

So was England.

The youth development reforms have produced many talented players, but they've also broken the chain of succession.

It's a contradiction that can't be easily resolved.

To change, or not to change?

Is there a way to have it both ways? To remain true to your values while adapting to the times?

"Personally, I think change is necessary," Gao Shen said with a smile.

Van der Sar was stunned for a moment, but then he understood the deeper meaning and laughed.

If you change, you have a chance to thrive. If you don't, you'll just be barely surviving.

Tradition and legacy matter less than being able to compete at the highest level.

"Then we should cherish players like Vardy even more," Van der Sar said.

Gao Shen nodded. "He's different from traditional English strikers."

"How so?" Van der Sar asked, surprised.

Gao Shen pointed to his own temple. "He's smarter. Cunning like a fox. That move he just made was genius."

Van der Sar couldn't help but laugh. Gao Shen's comment pleased him.

That move was pure brilliance.

Vardy first made a lateral run to mislead the defenders, which helped open the passing lane for Bernardo Silva while also avoiding being offside. It was a clever, multi-layered play, clearly the result of years of experience.

And it showed he had put serious thought into his game.

Some players never grow. They play the same way when they start out as they do when they retire.

Others are different. The more they play, the more they understand, and the sharper they become.

Vardy clearly belonged to the latter group.

...

Just before halftime, Ajax finally broke through and scored.

In this high-paced, back-and-forth battle, goals were inevitable.

Tadic assisted Ziyech, who found the net and pulled one back for Ajax.

The first half ended 2-1 in favor of Leeds United.

In the second half, both teams came out with the same lineups and continued to play at a relentless tempo.

Ajax's early second-half pressure caused Leeds United to look disorganized for a while.

But in the 57th minute, Leeds United launched a counterattack down the left. Robertson dribbled forward and passed to Milinkovic.

The Serbian midfielder acted as a pivot just outside the penalty arc, then laid it off for Mbappe, who struck it cleanly and restored Leeds United's two-goal lead, making it 3-1.

However, just four minutes later in the 61st minute, Ajax struck back again.

This time it was Van de Beek providing the assist, and Tadic beat Alisson to make it 3-2.

The entire Arena Stadium erupted!

This was the Champions League quarterfinals!

Ajax showed no intention of backing down.

Ten Hag brought on Dolberg and Huntelaar to bolster the attack, clearly showing the intention: "You're not leaving here tonight unless I take you down."

Leeds United were equally determined.

Since it was an away match anyway, they wanted to score as many away goals as possible. No fear, just fight.

As both sides went all out, Ajax equalized in the 82nd minute.

Van de Beek fired a long-range effort from outside the box, beating Alisson and making it 3-3.

But their joy didn't last long.

In the 87th minute, Leeds United won a corner. De Ligt rose high and powered in a header, putting his side back in front at 4-3.

Both teams were playing like their lives depended on it.

The Ajax fans in the stadium were going absolutely crazy.

"This is definitely the best game of the season, no, the best in recent seasons," Borrell exclaimed.

The most important part was that both teams were fully committed to attacking, so the tempo was incredibly fast and neither team held back.

In modern European football, where stability is often the priority, such attacking shootouts are becoming increasingly rare.

Moreover, both sides weren't just attacking aimlessly.

Whether it was technical ability, tactical awareness, or individual talent, both teams were excellent. That made the game smooth, exciting, and rapid from start to finish.

A football match is always 90 minutes, but some feel like they drag on forever, while others feel over in a flash.

Tonight's game definitely belonged to the latter.

"Yes, this was a classic, a textbook example of an offensive battle!" Gao Shen laughed heartily.

Though he was a head coach, he was also a football fan. Watching such a spectacular game made the entire trip worthwhile.

Even better, not only did Leeds United win, but Mazraoui, whom he had been observing closely, had a standout performance.

That gave him even more clarity about his plans.

"Edwin, thank you for the hospitality. I hope we can meet again soon. I look forward to working with you in the future."

After the match, Gao Shen stood up and shook hands with Van der Sar, Overmars, and the others, sharing warm hugs.

"Same here," Van der Sar replied with equal warmth.

For Ajax, losing to Leeds United was disappointing, but they had been mentally prepared.

A partnership with a team like Leeds United would be a very promising opportunity for Ajax.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1258: Team Master

Leeds United beat Ajax 4-3 away from home!

This match quickly sparked heated discussion around the world, not only because of the number of goals, but also because the game was incredibly exciting.

More importantly, both teams were made up mostly of young players, and both performed exceptionally well.

Ajax players such as Van de Beek, Ziyech, Neres, Frenkie de Jong, Tagliafico, and Mazraoui all delivered outstanding performances.

Leeds United, needless to say, also played brilliantly.

Mbappe scored twice, while Vardy, Dembele, Bernardo Silva, and others were all in fine form. De Ligt even scored the decisive goal against his former club.

The players' energy and talent have injected fresh vitality into European football.

Everyone now realizes that the hottest young talents in Europe are concentrated in these two teams.

Take Mbappe for example.

The 20-year-old forward is currently leading both the Premier League and Champions League scoring charts, shocking media and fans worldwide.

It's worth noting that the youngest Golden Boot winner in Champions League history was Inter Milan legend Mazzola, who won it at 21. Among modern stars, Cristiano Ronaldo won it at 23, Messi at 22.

Mbappe is only 20 and already leading the race for the Golden Boot. He has a real chance to break records.

The media and fans across the world are full of anticipation.

French newspaper L'Équipe published an article stating that Mbappe has made rapid progress this season.

"Leeds United created a tailored training program for him, including physical development sessions. His stamina has clearly improved, and his footwork and movement frequency have also increased, making him far more dangerous on the pitch."

"But the most surprising thing is his shooting."

L'Équipe noted that although Mbappe had performed well in the past, his shooting was inconsistent and his efficiency was not high.

This season, with focused technical training, his finishing has improved dramatically.

The newspaper also cited a previous interview with Mbappe, suggesting that Leeds United's detailed and structured training methods were crucial in his breakthrough.

Last summer, many were puzzled as to why he stayed at Leeds during the World Cup, but L'Équipe now states, "We have to admit, it was a very wise decision."

"This season has seen Mbappe evolve from a promising youngster into a superstar. He has become one of the most lethal attacking weapons in European football and a core figure in Leeds United's success in both the Champions League and Premier League."

L'Équipe also revealed that several top clubs are closely following Mbappe, including Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, and Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.

According to British media, Leeds United have placed a €250 million price tag on Mbappe, a fee that would break Neymar's world record and become the highest transfer fee in history.

The valuation is high, but considering his performances this season and the fact that he's only 20, no one doubts that he's worth every cent.

...And whoever finalizes the deal will make headlines around the world.

...

Leeds United's 4-3 win away to Ajax has largely removed the suspense from the two-legged tie.

Of course, based on both teams' performances in the first leg, Ajax are not weak. It's entirely possible for them to overturn the result at the Amazon Stadium and complete a comeback against Leeds.

At the post-match press conference, head coach Pochettino said that if the team wants to reach the semi-finals, they will have to give their all at home and perform even better than they did in Amsterdam.

Dutch youngster De Ligt, who scored the winning goal against his former team, received a wave of praise after the match. In an interview with Dutch media, he expressed his gratitude to Ajax but stated that he now belongs to Leeds.

"I'll always be an Ajax fan. But unfortunately, this is the Champions League knockout stage, and I have to give my all for Leeds United."

He also spoke about the changes he experienced moving from the Netherlands to the Premier League, saying that Leeds United's youth development system is quite different from Ajax's.

"What exactly are the differences?"

"It's hard to explain. At the AXA Centre in Leeds, we work with scientists every day. Some are from Oxford, Cambridge, or Leeds University. They're all professionals in their respective fields."

He shared a specific example. He isn't from Amsterdam, but from a small town called Leeddorf, a suburb of Leeddon near The Hague, over 50 kilometers from Amsterdam. Commuting to the Ajax training ground was inconvenient.

During his youth years at Ajax, he considered moving closer, but the club didn't offer any good housing arrangements.

At Leeds, it's different.

"There's a dedicated relocation department. After you sign, the staff reach out in advance to prepare everything for you. They even help with your daily life and are very friendly."

De Ligt believes this is something Ajax could improve on.

Football-wise, while he's grateful to Ajax for giving him a foundation, it's at Leeds that he's made the biggest progress. At his current age, he's now a regular starter in both the Premier League and Champions League, something unimaginable before.

Thanks to his standout performances this season, top clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern, Juventus, and PSG have all shown interest in signing him.

But De Ligt said he hasn't thought about the future yet.

"I just want to help Leeds achieve better results in the Premier League and Champions League."

With his rising value now exceeding €80 million, he is becoming another star centre-back developed by Leeds United.

...

As Leeds United sits top of the Premier League and continues their excellent run in the Champions League, the players' hunger for success continues to grow.

...After Gao Shen took over as Real Madrid's technical director, Spanish media revealed that the club had prepared over €500 million to sign several Leeds players in a major youth recruitment plan.

His appearance at the Bernabéu and the interview after Real Madrid's win over Athletic Bilbao all confirmed one thing: Gao Shen is getting closer and closer to Real Madrid.

But just after Leeds United's 4-3 win over Ajax, The Sun broke an even bigger story.

Gao Shen would also be taking over Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.

This news sent shockwaves across European football.

Just days ago, reports emerged that he was joining Real Madrid as technical director. Now, suddenly, he's also heading to Paris?

Which story is true?

L'Équipe quickly followed up, citing insider sources at PSG, stating that Gao Shen would be serving as technical director for both Real Madrid and PSG simultaneously, a first in European football.

"Previous statements from FIFA and UEFA have already confirmed that they will not interfere with club personnel matters. Their focus is on fair competition between clubs."

According to L'Équipe, "Originally, Paris didn't want Gao Shen to work for two top clubs at the same time, but since he signed with Real Madrid first and persuaded PSG's board, they finally accepted the plan."

"Gao Shen will assemble teams in both Madrid and Paris, working for two of Europe's elite clubs, something never seen before."

L'Équipe also revealed that Gao Shen had a special mission at PSG: to "Frenchify" the dressing room.

"This has very strong and specific significance for PSG's management," the article stated.

It's been mentioned that the French government and football association were instrumental in Qatar's successful World Cup bid. PSG's participation in Ligue 1 is seen as a way to give back and help rejuvenate the domestic league.

Both the government and FA want more French stars to remain in the country, and PSG is the ideal platform. Gao Shen's appointment comes with that mission.

Players like Mbappe, Dembele, Griezmann, Pogba, Varane, and Giroud are all within PSG's potential selection pool.

"More importantly, as the best manager in world football, Gao Shen is also known as the best team builder. PSG hopes that with his arrival, the club can finally undergo reform, restore order, and become a true European powerhouse."

The paper noted that despite massive spending in recent years, PSG's competitiveness has not grown significantly.

Club management believes Gao Shen's arrival marks the beginning of a new era.

...

As more media reports emerge, coupled with the momentum built by Real Madrid and strong support from L'Équipe and France Football, the news of Gao Shen joining both clubs is gradually being confirmed.

Fans, however, are more concerned about whether he can manage two teams at once.

Another major question is whether his arrival will disrupt the current squad hierarchy.

For instance, will Neymar, who has been trying to leave, finally depart?

After clashes with Leonardo and Andro Henrique, can Tuchel still remain in charge?

A new king brings a new court.

No one knows what kind of storm Gao Shen will stir up after arriving in Paris.

But Gao Shen himself doesn't need to worry about external matters. Real Madrid and PSG have already hired the best PR firms in Europe to handle all communications. He just needs to cooperate.

What he is really concerned about is the workload for the new season. This includes not only player recruitment, but also a full range of support operations.

In war, logistics is everything.

To his complete surprise, on the day he arrived in Paris, an uninvited guest showed up.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1259: The Fighter of Noob Stomping

The technical director and the head coach are two very different roles, and that distinction is clear from the people they interact with.

At Real Madrid, the executive offices are located in the club's main headquarters, not at Valdebebas.

When Gao Shen arrived in Paris, President Nasser and CEO Jean-Claude Blanc decided to host a banquet to welcome him. Everyone present was a head of department within the club's office.

These were all people Gao Shen would have to deal with in the future, especially in the more administrative areas.

How should he put it?

In a club, the football operations department is like a factory within a larger corporation.

Is it important?

Of course it is, because that's where the product is made.

But in an era driven by capital, it doesn't always seem that way.

To Gao Shen's surprise, halfway through the dinner he received a call from PSG's head coach, Tuchel.

Tuchel hadn't been invited, nor did he even know that Nasser and Blanc were hosting a banquet for Gao Shen. Instead, he went straight to Gao Shen's hotel and waited there.

Faced with this uninvited guest, Gao Shen told him to wait at the hotel café for a bit, as he would return later.

After hanging up, Gao Shen could already tell that Tuchel's situation in Paris wasn't very good.

That wasn't surprising at all.

When Gao Shen worked in a company in his previous life, he met plenty of people like this.

To put it nicely, Tuchel was a straightforward person. To put it bluntly, he was rigid, short-tempered, and not very adaptable.

Gao Shen and Tuchel had a good relationship. They'd known each other for years, and Tuchel had always been one of Gao Shen's most outstanding protégés. After so much time together, Gao Shen understood him well.

Tuchel was the type who either got along with you perfectly or treated you like a complete stranger.

The key point was that, like Guardiola, he could be indecisive. And in the high-pressure environment of professional football, that could be deadly.

All of this made it difficult for Tuchel to get along with others.

For example, Gruzek, a former board advisor at Borussia Dortmund, once said that Tuchel had skipped many fan and club events, including the 50th anniversary celebration of Dortmund's 1966 European Cup Winners' Cup triumph.

Now, whether such events were important or not could be debated, but since they were organized by the club, valued by the board, and supported by fans, he should have gone. Yet he simply refused to go, no matter what anyone said.

Doesn't that sound familiar?

In a company, when there's a team-building event, some people go willingly, while others refuse under any circumstance.

Setting aside his personality and people skills, Tuchel was undeniably talented. His football philosophy was similar to Gao Shen's—favoring fluid, attacking play and control of the tempo.

But what Gao Shen especially admired was that Tuchel saw himself as a service provider.

He had once told Gao Shen that his job was to serve and support his players.

That mindset was very close to Gao Shen's own, and it fit perfectly with what he needed right now.

But look at tonight—everyone in Paris knew Gao Shen had arrived, and everyone knew about his close relationship with Tuchel. Yet no one had invited him.

...

After ending the call with Tuchel, Gao Shen returned to the table and continued his conversation with Blanc and the others.

They began talking about Real Madrid's Varane.

Varane's agent had informed PSG that the player had spoken with Gao Shen.

Gao Shen didn't deny it. "Yes, but convincing Real Madrid to let him go won't be easy."

Of course, that wasn't something Gao Shen could decide on his own.

If it were that simple, he'd be a millionaire overnight.

Sell Varane cheaply, get a huge rebate from PSG, and pocket tens of millions? Please. There's no such thing as easy money.

That's not how modern football management works.

A proper management system relies on division of labor and collaboration.

Varane wants to leave, Gao Shen agrees in principle, so they talk. But Real Madrid has specific people in charge of transfer negotiations. Gao Shen can oversee, but he can't make unilateral decisions.

It would be absurd if he could.

Does anyone really think Real Madrid is foolish enough to just let a top player go at any random price?

In truth, very little in football is truly secret. Most of the time, everyone knows the score and negotiates openly.

For instance, when Varane wanted to leave, both Real Madrid and PSG were aware. Negotiations simply revolved around agreeing on a reasonable transfer fee.

"Pogba is also a possibility. It depends on the situation. But the midfield definitely needs strengthening. As for Di Maria on the right, forget it, he's staying at Real Madrid."

Unlike in Gao Shen's previous life, Di Maria had remained at Real Madrid and had been a key figure in their six consecutive Champions League titles and five straight La Liga championships.

He was getting older, but his skills and influence were still clear for all to see.

In today's football, how many right wingers can truly compare to Di Maria?

The key is his versatility—he can also play on the left and in midfield.

"Griezmann is determined to join Barcelona. It'll be difficult to persuade him," Gao Shen continued.

The Griezmann-to-Barcelona transfer saga had dragged on for over a year. Last year, Atletico Madrid offered him a record salary to stay, which disrupted the team's wage structure and didn't help his performances.

Now, it was almost certain Atletico wouldn't be able to keep him.

"How much is his transfer fee?" Gao Shen asked.

"120 million euros."

Nasser and Blanc exchanged glances, both immediately understanding the other's thoughts.

They weren't fools.

Griezmann was already 28. Though still at his peak, paying such a high fee for a player of that age didn't seem worth it.

Nowadays, youth equals value.

Take Mbappe, for example. At 20 years old, Leeds United dared to ask for €250 million. But if he were 25, that price would easily drop below €200 million.

Age is the biggest advantage in modern football.

PSG could afford Mbappe's fee, but as Gao Shen had already analyzed, signing him could create tension with Neymar.

Their playing styles and personalities were very different, and the question would become: who adapts to whom?

Unlike before, when Mbappe joined PSG as a young talent from Monaco, this time he was already a superstar. Meanwhile, PSG had already spent over €200 million on Neymar.

No matter how you looked at it, signing Mbappe again would be a gamble.

"I'll draft a detailed season and recruitment plan. We can discuss it further after that," Gao Shen said.

Both Nasser and Blanc trusted Gao Shen's team-building ability.

Gao Shen then casually brought up Tuchel.

As expected, Nasser and Blanc gave mixed reviews.

It wasn't that Tuchel was incapable—he was simply difficult, with a prickly personality and a temper.

But one thing was surprising.

"He gets along well with Neymar. Also with Benatia, Kurzawa, Jorginho, Navas, Rabiot, Kante, and Marquinhos," Blanc added, smiling. "I suppose that's because they all have one thing in common—you."

Apart from Neymar, all the others had worked with Gao Shen before, either coached by him directly or coming from Leeds United.

Come to think of it, PSG had poached quite a few players from Leeds in recent years.

They'd gotten addicted to it.

Mbappe and Dembele were still on their wish list.

Gao Shen knew all this. He just wanted to confirm his assumptions about Tuchel's current situation.

"You're thinking of changing the coach?" Blanc asked after studying Gao Shen's expression.

Gao Shen smiled and shook his head. "It's hard to say. I'll talk to him first."

PSG's management didn't seem opposed to the idea.

How should he put it?

Tuchel's record wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.

In Ligue 1, PSG was 20 points clear at the top—utter domination, like a fighter jet bombing weaker sides.

They had reached the French Cup final and were likely to win it.

But they had been knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16.

The club hierarchy had mixed feelings about Tuchel's work. It wasn't terrible, but it didn't inspire much confidence either.

...

The banquet went on late into the night. Gao Shen politely declined to stay longer and returned to his hotel.

By then, Tuchel had been waiting almost two hours, downing cup after cup of coffee.

When Gao Shen called, the German, his beard now fully gray, practically ran to his room.

He was tall and thin, and his appearance seemed even more peculiar under the dim hotel lights.

"I'm not trying to be harsh, Thomas," Gao Shen said as he welcomed him in, "but you're too impatient."

Tuchel froze. He had been suppressing a lot of frustration. After reading all the rumors in the media, he'd come tonight hoping to vent.

But instead, Gao Shen scolded him as soon as they met.

Unfortunately, he couldn't even argue.

"Tell me, in a situation like tonight, if the media caught you showing up uninvited and reported it, what good would it do you?"

After a pause, Gao Shen smiled slightly. "Or did you actually believe the rumors that I wanted to fire you?"

"No, Gao, I…" Tuchel stammered, unable to continue.

"Don't explain. You shouldn't have come tonight. I'll talk to you myself later."

When faced with Gao Shen, Tuchel could only accept the criticism.

Fortunately, Gao Shen didn't continue. He gestured for him to sit and poured him a glass of water.

After so much coffee, Tuchel's throat was dry, and he drained the glass quickly.

Gao Shen poured him another, and this time he only drank half.

Tuchel knew Gao Shen understood him.

After all, they had known each other for years. He trusted Gao Shen completely and didn't believe he would ever betray him.

Still, there were things he needed to get off his chest.

Has anyone ever seen a club with three different people simultaneously handling transfers, each trying to push their preferred players into the first team? It makes the head coach's job almost impossible.

There were so many things he couldn't say to anyone else, so he just wanted to come and let it out.

"Alright, you've had your water. Now, speak your mind," Gao Shen said calmly.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1260: Is Paris in Chaos?

Gao Shen could tell that Tuchel had been suppressing his emotions for a long time.

This German, who usually wasn't very talkative, spoke nonstop for nearly two hours, venting his frustration and expressing deep dissatisfaction with the daily operations and management at Paris Saint-Germain.

He felt that dealing with the club's management structure was consuming most of his energy.

While coaching PSG, he didn't feel like he was leading a football team in training and matches. Instead, he felt like he was playing a political game, constantly maneuvering against other departments, locked in a web of backstabbing and infighting. Even the staff at the training ground weren't there to serve or assist him.

"I'll give you the simplest and most ridiculous example," Tuchel said bitterly, as if he were ready to resign on the spot.

"Coke. Everyone knows what that is, right?"

Gao Shen had just scolded him, but now he listened seriously, nodding in response.

"Have you ever seen any top team today openly allow Coca-Cola to appear on players' tables?"

"They even include it on the team menu."

"Really?" Gao Shen frowned.

"Yes. Anyone can choose it, anytime, whether they're in the first team or the youth team."

"You didn't try to stop it?"

"I did, but they don't see it as a problem. More importantly, they said it's always been like this, so why change now?"

"And then?" Gao Shen narrowed his eyes.

"I went to Leonardo and others. They told me it's complicated."

"How complicated?"

"Exactly what I asked. What's so hard about it?"

"They said Coca-Cola is a global sponsor and has been working with PSG for 20 years. That's how it's always been. The club needs influential partners like Coke, and you know why."

Gao Shen nodded.

The reason was simple.

PSG had been investing heavily for years. Everyone knew where the money came from. But finances couldn't be run purely on capital injection. It required multiple revenue streams and commercial sponsors.

Which brought them to this issue of image.

If all the sponsors were tied to Qatar, it would look bad. So having a global brand like Coca-Cola gave PSG legitimacy, allowing them to claim they had top-tier partnerships.

Naturally, this meant Coke received preferential treatment, like being included on the team menu. In 2019, no other top club in Europe would allow this.

What followed was endless internal passing of the buck.

Tuchel thought it was unacceptable and brought it to Leonardo. Leonardo probably took it to the business department, where they complained about how difficult it was to secure world-class sponsors like Coke.

Finally, the problem landed back on Tuchel's desk.

Sorry, sponsors are the real bosses. We can't upset them. Figure it out yourself—just stop the players from drinking it.

The Coke remained on the table.

Gao Shen could imagine the scenario with very little effort. It was all too familiar from his corporate days.

This kind of bureaucratic blame-shifting was common in poorly run organizations.

Paris Saint-Germain had handled many things unprofessionally.

Since being taken over by the Qatari consortium, PSG had spent a lot of money, but they lacked professionalism in areas like team building and internal management.

This was actually common in many clubs backed by capital.

But for Gao Shen, it was also an opportunity—for himself and for the club.

He could bring a complete, professional management system to clubs like PSG.

But of course, it had to come at a cost.

...

Beyond Coca-Cola, there were plenty of other issues. Sponsors, staff, and internal operations.

Cavani was the team's top scorer this season, but he had suffered six injuries, missing 153 days and 25 matches. Half of those were hamstring and muscle-related injuries.

And then there was Neymar.

At the end of February 2018, he fractured a metatarsal and missed the rest of the season.

This season, he missed matches due to various muscle problems, then suffered an adductor injury, and in January 2019, he fractured the same metatarsal again and still hadn't returned to play.

Why did PSG exit the Champions League in the round of 16 this season?

Tuchel's voice was heavy with resentment. "Because both my top scorer and my star player were out."

He listed a long list of injuries PSG players had suffered. Many people blamed the fitness coach, but Tuchel believed the real problem was PSG's lack of professionalism in its support departments.

There were issues in all areas: training, recovery, medical care, physical exams, even diet.

Even the sanctity of the locker room was constantly violated.

The club's training base was outdated. PSG had bought land in Poissy, near the A13 and A14 highways, to build a new base, but construction hadn't started.

At the current facility, equipment was outdated, and staffing was a mess.

For example, players' rooms could be entered without their permission while they were resting.

During team meetings, unrelated people walked around freely.

Even the locker room had outsiders coming and going.

These were the consequences of years of loose internal control, but they also exposed serious problems in PSG's management structure.

"I'm just the head coach, damn it!" Tuchel roared.

"But I spend most of my time on these petty matters, wasting hours dealing with these people, getting angry, losing focus..."

Gao Shen listened quietly the whole time, only occasionally interjecting a word or two.

He wanted Tuchel to fully vent.

Not just to let him release his frustration, but also to better understand the situation at PSG.

It turned out, things were worse than Gao Shen had expected.

Ten years ago, such chaotic clubs were everywhere.

But since then, football management across Europe had improved.

Clearly, Ligue 1 had not caught up.

The arrival of the Qatari consortium had poured money into PSG, raising their profile and squad level. But it also attracted many vested interests looking to benefit from the team.

That was inevitable.

Whether a wealthy individual, a corporation, or a country owned the club, they couldn't avoid these problems. All they could do was implement better regulations.

As Gao Shen listened to Tuchel, a book popped into his head: Is Paris Burning?

At this point, he had to ask: Is Paris in chaos?

...

Once Tuchel finished speaking, Gao Shen finally responded.

"Thomas, I understand everything you've said."

Gao Shen knew that since Tuchel had come to him, he had to give him an answer.

"Let me make my position clear. I will take strong action to fix the issues at the training ground. I can't guarantee everything else, but I will have full authority over the training base."

"From now on, you report directly to me. You give feedback on anything and everything, and I'll handle it. I will make sure you have a quiet, focused coaching environment, and I will provide as much support as possible."

Then he changed the tone, looking directly at Tuchel.

"But I have something to say too. Don't act impulsively, and watch your temper—especially with the players. I'll be pushing for a full-scale data reform at the Paris training base. Trust me, it will help both you and your coaching staff."

"Is it the same model as Leeds United?" Tuchel's eyes lit up.

He was so familiar with Gao Shen that he had long been envious of Leeds United's training system.

He even suspected that Pochettino had refused to leave because of how good the data system was, especially when it came to making tough decisions. It had proved invaluable.

"Yes. But it also requires full cooperation from your staff."

Germany was the heart of Europe's industrial system, and German football had long emphasized data. Coaches like Klopp and Tuchel were strong supporters.

Gao Shen, and later Klinsmann, had been early pioneers in this area. Klopp and Tuchel followed that path, so there was no reason for them to oppose Gao Shen's new system.

"Don't worry. I'm fully on board."

Gao Shen smiled, nodded, then stood up.

"When you get back, write a full list of all the problems you've encountered at the training base and the club, and email it to me. I want to get a clear picture of everything."

As he spoke, Gao Shen walked to the side of the room, pulled out his briefcase, and found a USB drive. He walked back and handed it to Tuchel.

"I know Dani Alves is leaving, and you've been struggling with the right-back position. This has some data on a young Ajax player, Mazraoui. Take a look."

Tuchel took it immediately.

In his tactical system, both full-backs were crucial.

PSG had Bernat and Kurzawa on the left, but no real options on the right. Veteran Alves was too old, and Meunier didn't suit Tuchel's system.

Right-back had long been a headache for him.

"Before I came, I specifically watched the Champions League quarterfinal between Ajax and Leeds. Mazraoui isn't lightning fast, but he's technically sound and makes smart runs. He loves to cut inside. He's your kind of player."

Tuchel could feel Gao Shen's sincerity and understood what was being entrusted to him.

He held up the USB, nodded firmly, and promised to study the player carefully.

"Don't worry. This summer, I'll build a squad that satisfies you!" Gao Shen promised.

(To be continued.)