SWR: Chapter 1136/1138

Chapter 1136: Isco is Not Smart

On the evening of March 3, at the Vicente Calderón Stadium in Madrid, Spain.

In the 26th round of La Liga, Real Madrid would face Atletico Madrid away.

The city derby felt different from the very beginning.

Atletico Madrid played a very rough style from the start.

Yes, rough.

Gao Shen walked to the touchline in the first minute to protest Atletico Madrid's tactics to the referee, Carlos Delgado Ferreiro.

The live broadcast even clearly captured Gao Shen shouting at the referee.

"They are testing your limits, you should pull out your cards!"

But Ferreiro did not do that.

Because this is the Calderón.

In the first minute, Atletico Madrid committed two fouls in different areas and with different levels of contact, both testing the referee's line.

From then on, Atletico let loose.

But just five minutes in, Real Madrid used a corner to create a scramble in the box.

Pogba, who started, decisively seized the chance in the chaos and produced a wonderful scissor volley, sweeping the ball into Atletico's net to score the opener for Real Madrid.

This made Gao Shen quite excited.

Although Real Madrid were leading La Liga, beating Atletico Madrid would ease the pressure and be more beneficial for the upcoming schedule.

Many on the outside had advised Gao Shen that Real Madrid now had a clear advantage and could conserve energy in the league and focus on the Champions League. It would not matter if the unbeaten record was broken, since records were not everything.

For example, after establishing a lead, immediately rotate heavily, letting substitutes and fringe players play, while resting the starters for the Champions League.

But Gao Shen did not think so.

As a Virgo, he is still a little obsessive.

Perfection is his goal.

…

Simeone is not someone who backs down easily.

After Real Madrid took the lead, Atletico still played aggressively, but the Colchoneros did not go blow for blow with Real Madrid. They responded more with defensive counterattacks.

Especially with Diego Costa as the focal point, they laid out the counterattack routes precisely.

More importantly, Atletico are very good at patience.

The game was intense and compact.

Although Real Madrid scored early and had the advantage in possession, Atletico's players were fiercer, tougher, and more aggressive. This was reflected in the foul count.

In possession, Real Madrid had roughly double Atletico's, and in fouls, Atletico had about double Real Madrid's.

This pattern persisted throughout the first half, and neither side created a better chance.

It was not until stoppage time at the end of the first half that Koke passed to Diego Costa.

The Brazilian-born striker received the ball between Ramos and Varane, drawing a double team from Real Madrid's two center-backs. Diego Costa's cunning lay in poking the ball behind the back line amid the tangle, then tugging Varane's shirt, preventing the Real Madrid defender in the best position from recovering immediately.

Instead, Villa suddenly darted through, reached the ball first, carried it into the box, and when faced with the onrushing Courtois, calmly slotted it home to equalize.

Real Madrid's players protested to the referee, believing Diego Costa had committed a foul, but the referee signaled the goal would stand.

At that moment, Gao Shen really missed the video assistant referees from his previous life.

…

In the second half, Real Madrid took the initiative again.

Against a team like Atletico Madrid, there is no shortcut. You can only attack, attack, and attack again.

Perhaps only then can you pry open the iron wall of the Bed Sheet Army.

Want shortcuts?

Sorry, no one out-dirties the bandit coach Simeone.

Tonight, Gao Shen set up Illarramendi and Mendy to hold, with Pogba and Verratti in the middle.

The front three were Isco on the right, Jesé on the left, and Džeko in the middle.

But in real time, Isco basically played as a free man across the front, while Jesé was active on both flanks.

This approach had worked in the previous match against Atletico Madrid, but it did not work now.

Simeone had clearly learned from past lessons, and this time he put four robust players in midfield.

Mario Suárez and Gabi dropped to form a double pivot. Koke and Raúl García both started, along with Villa and Diego Costa. Atletico used a 4-2-3-1 with a double pivot.

It happened to suppress Isco.

This made Real Madrid's front-line attacks less threatening.

Gao Shen made his first substitution, replacing Marcos Alonso with Marcelo to strengthen the left flank.

Soon, Simeone also made a change, replacing Villa, the scorer, with Turan.

Villa had been extremely efficient, taking Atletico's only great chance so far, but his age showed and he could not last.

Turan was very lively after coming on, positive in both defense and attack.

In the 70th minute, Gao Shen made his second substitution, bringing on Nacho for Arbeloa.

Arbeloa's performance was not particularly good tonight. When Villa scored, he lost his balance, which led to the one-on-one chance. Overall he was fine, but he contributed little going forward.

Gao Shen wanted Nacho to push up.

Both substitutions were on the flanks, attempting to open up the wide areas, stretch the defense as much as possible, force Atletico to expand, and create more opportunities to ease the pressure on Isco centrally.

But soon, Gao Shen was frustrated to find that Isco's performance still did not improve much.

This kid is so stubborn.

…

Gao Shen walked back to the visiting bench, rubbing his forehead and temples with a headache.

He began to realize that Isco could only play a tactical role. It would be difficult for him to be the core.

In other words, organizing the attack around him as the hub does not meet Real Madrid's requirements at all.

"This kid plays too casually," Carlo said with a wry smile.

Zidane and Hierro both gave bitter smiles. That was indeed a polite way to put it.

Everyone could see that Gao Shen actually liked Isco very much.

In other words, anyone who loves football would not hate a player like Isco.

Because he is very entertaining.

But professional competition demands efficiency and threat.

Isco once said he treats possession as his life.

He is that street-style player. To reduce his touches, Gao Shen even had to assign enforcers like Ramos to clamp him in training. But this kid is not Ronaldo, he is not smart.

After joining Real Madrid, Isco has changed a lot, but not at heart.

In his own words, if he changes, he is no longer Isco.

Right, quite stubborn.

Just now, Gao Shen wanted to open both wings to relieve the pressure on Isco and let him perform. But what happened?

The kid insisted on dribbling into traffic.

Who are Mario Suárez and Gabi?

Either one of them could keep you, Isco, in their pocket.

Yet he kept driving the ball straight into their defensive block, trying to get past them...

Fighting over and over after repeated failures is admirable courage, but it gives Gao Shen a headache.

I was counting on you to wise up, carry the ball out, and find a breakthrough. Is this how you repay me?

You are a piece of work that cannot be presented.

"What should we do now?" Hierro asked, also with a headache.

In situations like this, there really is no easy way to deal with Atletico Madrid.

Just like now, Simeone simply dug in and did not even change players, relying on this lineup to take on the world.

Gao Shen was also struggling.

Time was slipping away, and he did not have much left to think. He had to decide immediately.

After some thought, Gao Shen went to the bench and called Di María to warm up.

He hoped Di María could boost the attack after coming on.

"You want to replace Isco?" Zidane was a little surprised.

Isco's current embarrassment was that he had not created much threat, yet he was still the player most likely to create danger.

If Isco was taken off now, Real Madrid's attacking approach would have to change entirely.

Gao Shen shook his head. "Switch Verratti."

Carlo, Zidane, and Hierro looked at each other, then immediately understood Gao Shen's idea.

Pull Isco back into midfield, or let Pogba drop to form a double pivot with Illarramendi, and make Isco the spearhead in midfield with more freedom.

Then the answer was obvious. If Gao Shen brought on Di María, he would still use a front three.

Soon, Di María returned from warming up. Gao Shen pulled him over, gave a few instructions, and sent him on.

While making the change, Gao Shen noticed movement on Atletico's bench, but Simeone seemed to have no intention of changing, since his strongest lineup was already on.

He believed Simeone must be wondering what position Di María would take.

But the result would surprise Simeone.

Left.

The whole world knows Real Madrid broke through Atletico's defense several times on their own right side, targeting Atletico's left.

Whether it was Insúa before or Siqueira now, the left side is actually Atletico's weak point. On the other hand, Juanfran's defending on the right is solid.

In tonight's match, Juanfran's side also defended Real Madrid flawlessly.

It was somewhat unexpected that they ignored the loopholes they had tried to exploit several times and instead focused on Atletico's right.

But Gao Shen had his reasons.

Because of Isco's free roaming and Arbeloa's limited attacking threat, Real Madrid had not put much pressure on Siqueira in this game.

By contrast, Jesé had continually attacked Juanfran's area, and Pogba was also creating chances on that side, so Juanfran would be more fatigued.

At this point, Jesé was exhausted, so he was sent to the right to pin Siqueira, and the fresh Di María would attack Juanfran's side. Gao Shen believed this would create more danger.

Gao Shen has always had great confidence in Di María's threat from the left.

What is more, Pogba and Marcelo were both there.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1137: Gao Shen, You Are Really a Monster

Sitting in the home dugout, Simeone watched the situation on the pitch, especially the tactical changes Real Madrid made after Gao Shen brought on Di María. He and his assistants were very surprised.

"He can stay calm in crucial moments, still trust his own judgment, his players, and his earlier plans. In today's football, few people have that ability."

When he got excited, Simeone suddenly waved his right hand, making no secret of his admiration for Gao Shen.

Even though Gao Shen is much younger than him.

Gao Shen's plan from the start was to play around Isco, using Isco's ability to hold the ball and dribble in tight spaces to attack Atletico's defense, while Atletico stuck to their own approach of burning energy and committing rough fouls to compensate for technical shortcomings and restrict Real Madrid.

Both sides did this well and restrained each other effectively.

Tonight, Real Madrid's advantages did not come through.

In the second half, Gao Shen made two substitutions, bringing on Carvajal and Marcelo for the starting full-backs. The purpose was clear, to stretch the width and free Isco.

Many people realized Isco was not playing well. He held on to the ball too much and loved dribbling, which delayed many chances.

Even before Di María came on, Simeone, like many others, wondered whether Gao Shen would replace Isco.

That would be human nature, right?

But Gao Shen did not.

He stuck to his original plan, stuck to his earlier judgment, and still believed in Isco.

It was an admirable persistence.

At the same time, Simeone also felt threatened.

Including added time, the last ten minutes would be the most difficult and dangerous of the game.

Because the advanced setup took a step beyond the original.

Atletico's problems were now more serious.

The left side of Di María, Pogba, and Marcelo needed close attention, and the right side of Jesé and Carvajal also needed watching, especially Siqueira.

Neither flank could be relaxed, and at the same time, Isco in the middle could let go and devote himself to attacking.

Whether Atletico's defenders could adjust and switch roles in time, cover more spaces, and plug more gaps would be the biggest test in the minutes ahead.

With Di María, Isco, Jesé, and Džeko up front, Real Madrid's attacking unit is no soft touch.

If Atletico concentrated resources centrally, the flanks would inevitably be eaten up by Real Madrid. Conversely, if they split to cover the wings, Isco in the middle would take the chance to exert himself.

Simeone certainly hoped Atletico could take care of both, but what were the odds?

What is more, Simeone actually had no real option to change.

This was the best lineup he could field. Who else could he replace?

He did not have a bench as strong as Gao Shen's.

"Gao Shen, oh Gao Shen, you are such a monster."

…

After Real Madrid used up their substitutions, the game remained finely poised.

It looked like nothing had changed, but both sides knew and kept adjusting.

Especially Real Madrid.

The newly introduced Di María brought fresh instructions from Gao Shen. The midfield setup was adjusted, and the players' positions and responsibilities changed significantly, requiring redistribution, readaptation, and a re-established rhythm.

Atletico managed to turn the tide somewhat during this spell and began to launch threatening counters.

Like in the 87th minute, Juanfran overlapped on the right, received the ball, and crossed to Turan at the far post.

Turan met it at the back post and headed it back across, aiming for Diego Costa and Raúl García, but Varane recovered in time and headed it clear.

Outside the box, Pogba judged the drop, took control, leaned into Koke, turned, and fed Isco.

Isco surged through the middle, but Atletico midfielders Gabi and Mario Suárez rushed him at the same time.

Just as a three-way tangle seemed imminent, Isco read the bounce, nipped in front of Gabi, and deftly flicked the ball over, directly behind Gabi and Mario Suárez. He then stepped in and used his body to shield Gabi.

Atletico's midfielder was angered and shoved Isco hard from behind, trying to knock him off balance and halt the dribble.

This was where Isco's strengthened physical training over the past two years showed.

His ability in direct physical duels may be limited by his height and not outstanding, but his base was solid. Short and agile, he merely swayed slightly without even stumbling, continued forward, and cushioned the ball with his chest right in front of him.

Mario Suárez reacted quickly and stepped across to block him immediately, but the Spaniard's feet were faster. He suddenly stopped, rolled the ball back with his right foot, and shifted his whole body sideways.

With Gabi behind and Mario Suárez in front, Isco still managed to work the ball out despite being sandwiched by two Atletico midfielders.

He then carried it a step across to create a gap and immediately sent a diagonal pass.

Mario Suárez lunged and missed.

The whole sequence happened in a tiny space and a split second. Isco used feints and small movements to play out of the crush.

At that moment, the entire left side of the final third was practically empty.

Juanfran had just overlapped and was now sprinting back, but in a footrace, how could he match Di María?

Di María reached Isco's diagonal pass at pace and drove straight into the box.

Juanfran chased desperately inside, but he could not catch Di María and was always a step behind.

Godín and Miranda in the middle were tracking Džeko, with Jesé arriving at the far side.

Everyone knew that if any one of them stepped away, Di María would slip the pass.

Even worse for Atletico, Pogba was charging up outside the box, a step behind the rest.

This is Real Madrid's attack.

Wave after wave, one surge pushing the next.

Di María burst into the left side of the area. He was a body length ahead of Juanfran, but Atletico's right-back, tracking inside, was still narrowing his route, keeping him wide and away from goal.

Atletico's right-back is an extremely experienced player.

In the past, Di María would have looked to square it for Džeko or Jesé.

Or stopped, rolled it back, and let Pogba arrive and shoot from the edge.

The Frenchman's long-range shooting is very strong.

But now, Di María is Real Madrid's third-highest scorer.

He had barely crossed into the area, near level with the penalty spot, when he had already made his decision and set himself. By the time he hit the six-yard line, he had struck.

A left-footed instep shot, steered toward the far corner.

This is Gareth Bale's signature.

This zone is also called the Bale area.

But today, Di María struck from that area just like Bale.

When Juanfran sensed the danger, he slid in to block, trying to cut the shooting lane, and Atletico goalkeeper Asenjo launched into a full-stretch save.

The ball bent past Asenjo on the outside. He could not reach it. It kissed the inside of the right post and went in.

"goalllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!"

"Di María!"

"At the crucial moment for Real Madrid, the substitute Di María scores the decisive goal!"

"2-1!"

The entire Calderón gasped, then a wave of boos swept through.

Di María sprinted away in a rush of excitement, made a heart with his hands, and kept running, kept celebrating.

Real Madrid's players streamed after him.

On the touchline, Gao Shen leapt up and roared his celebration.

To score like this with the game nearing its end filled him with excitement.

His continuous planning, from before kickoff to the in-game adjustments, finally paid off at the last.

In particular, his trust in Isco was fully rewarded at that moment.

Without this goal, Isco's first 80 minutes would have drawn criticism.

With this goal, he is the elf on the pitch.

This is the charm of football.

"This goal from Real Madrid is sensational."

"We could see that when Isco took Pogba's pass, he lifted it over the defender with a deft touch, then used his body to block Gabi, then stopped, rolled the ball, and cut across. The whole sequence was very skilful."

"Isco's handling was crucial. It directly changed the direction and momentum of the entire attack."

"We saw that when Isco released Di María, Juanfran realized the danger on his side, but it was too late. The speed of Real Madrid's winger ripped Atletico's flank."

"This is Real Madrid."

"At the decisive moment, Isco's handling and Di María's high-speed run created Real Madrid's second goal."

The broadcast cut to the touchline. Simeone was cursing angrily, while Gao Shen hugged his assistants in excitement.

"This is a profound and wonderful command."

"He brings unexpected surprises in every match."

"Just like tonight. He trusted Isco. His previous two changes did not bring the effect, but the third, Di María, settled it."

"This is a world-class coach."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1138: Please Drink This Cup of Poisoned Milk

After defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1, Real Madrid further consolidated their advantage in La Liga.

This once again prompted the Spanish media and even the European press to express admiration for Real Madrid's strength. At the same time, many anti-Real Madrid outlets and fans shouted themselves hoarse, hoping a brave soul would stand up and slay Real Madrid's evil dragon.

From the 26th to the 27th round, within just one week, a national team match was scheduled in the middle.

There is no helping that.

The Brazil World Cup is approaching, and all participating countries are making every effort to prepare.

Such a rare warm-up window is hard to come by.

FIFA did the same, using the international break to invite famous European coaches to Zurich, Switzerland, for a football salon to build momentum for the World Cup.

As the most promising head coach in world football today, Gao Shen was naturally among the invitees.

He was even personally placed at the center by Blatter.

…

The football salon was held in a five-star hotel in Zurich.

Many media reporters and TV networks came to film the salon, but there was no live broadcast.

It is said two special programs will be produced next and aired on major TV stations and video platforms around the world.

All those present were famous figures in world football, including active coaches such as Gao Shen, Ancelotti, Guardiola, Klopp, and Simeone, as well as retired legends like Ferguson, Beckenbauer, and Heynckes.

The topics of discussion were varied. As long as it related to the World Cup, it was fair game.

But everyone had to be interviewed and answer some questions.

Some were fixed and the same for everyone, while others were not.

For example, guess who will be the best performer at the 2014 World Cup.

That was a fixed question.

But it is actually a rather silly one.

Because many present are club managers whose teams have internationals going to the World Cup, so who should they choose?

Of course they choose their own national heroes. What else can you say?

However, the person who designed the question is not necessarily foolish. He might be setting a trap.

Like Ancelotti, who found this one very tricky.

Why?

As we all know, Paris Saint-Germain currently have two ace players, Ibrahimović and Cavani.

Do not get it wrong, there was no restriction to choose only one.

Ancelotti's dilemma is that Cavani's Uruguay qualified, but Ibrahimović's Sweden did not.

If he chose Cavani, Ibra would definitely be unhappy, thinking the head coach was praising Cavani while stepping on him.

But you cannot say both.

Seeing Ancelotti rubbing his hands and looking anxious, Gao Shen, sitting beside him, could not suppress a smile.

"What are you laughing at? If you have the guts, pick Messi!" Ancelotti snapped when he saw him gloating.

Gao Shen still smiled and actually nodded. "How did you know I was going to choose Messi?"

Ancelotti snorted. How could he believe that?

In the end, the Italian chose Messi.

This would inevitably cause controversy, but there was no way around it.

If he chose Cavani, the trouble might be even bigger.

No one can say much if you pick Messi.

Although he picked Messi as the player, Ancelotti chose Italy as the national team.

"Actually, I wanted to choose Argentina, but I could not, I want to live..." Ancelotti joked to Gao Shen.

No need to explain, Gao Shen understood immediately.

Damn, are you bullying my country for not making the World Cup?

"Your picks are terrible. Your national team is poisoned by you and will not even get out of the group," Gao Shen laughed.

How could Ancelotti believe him?

When it was Gao Shen's turn, he selected three players for best performance. Ronaldo was the first he mentioned, followed by Messi and Robben. He covered all the bases, which made Ancelotti beside him furious.

As for the World Cup winner, Gao Shen chose Germany.

"Why? Because I think the German squad is at the age where results should come, especially players like Neuer and Toni Kroos, who are among the best in the world."

For the most anticipated young player, Gao Shen did not choose Brazil's Neymar, but picked two others.

"Paul Pogba, the French midfield prodigy, and Stefan de Vrij, the Netherlands' starting center-back."

As soon as Gao Shen finished, there was a stir.

Paul Pogba is understandable. Whether at Leeds United, Real Madrid, or in the youth World Cup, he has performed excellently. Naturally, he is trusted and expected.

But Stefan de Vrij...

Everyone looked at Gao Shen strangely.

This player is Leeds United's starting center-back this season and has performed well in the Premier League, but saying he will shine at the World Cup seems a bit exaggerated.

"Gao, are you sure you are serious?" Ancelotti "stirred the pot."

Gao Shen had just ribbed him, so he had to fire back.

"Of course. Maybe we can make a bet," Gao Shen said confidently.

At that, many people hesitated.

Those who know Gao Shen, including Ferguson and Guardiola, know that whenever he wants to bet, you do not go against him, because he never fights without confidence.

But the problem is Ancelotti was cornered and could not back down.

"Bet... what are we betting?" Ancelotti regretted it already.

"It is simple. Whoever loses treats me to a meal. I pick the time and place," Gao Shen said with a smile.

No need to guess. One look at his cunning eyes and you knew that if you lost, your wallet would bleed.

"What about the standard? There has to be a standard, right?" Ancelotti still tried to hold the line.

"There is only one Young Player of the Tournament, so it is hard to be exact. But being selected for the official Team of the Tournament is clear. The standard is making the official Team of the Tournament."

At that point, Ancelotti had to grit his teeth and agree.

The two high-fived to seal it.

The atmosphere at the scene became lively thanks to this bet.

…

"Are you trying to build momentum for your own players?"

After the salon, Gao Shen, Ferguson, Guardiola, Ancelotti, Wenger, and other old friends returned to the hotel for their own get-together, and soon the topic turned to Stefan de Vrij.

"What? No? I traveled all this way to support them, and I cannot even praise my own players?" Gao Shen retorted righteously.

Although FIFA covered the travel, Gao Shen had to be willing.

Time is precious, right?

It has to be said that José Fonte is truly a center-back incubator. After bringing through two youngsters, Koulibaly and Marquinhos, De Vrij and Stones have both performed very well this season.

If Leeds United can sell a center-back every year in the future, their finances will be much more comfortable.

What? No one will buy?

How is that possible?

Among the big European clubs today, how many are not short of center-backs?

Bayern, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan, Inter Milan...

They are all desperate.

If they can ride the World Cup wave and sell De Vrij at a high price, it would be a great deal.

Besides, whether it is Gao Shen, Su Qing, Lucas, or Borrell, they all know very well that Leeds United can no longer keep selling players at cut rates like before.

If the club wants to attract global investment and expand commercially, their performances must be as stable as possible.

They do not need to be overly ambitious, but at least cannot be too poor. They must stay in the top half of the Premier League and maintain visibility.

Look at it another way, if Leeds United keeps selling players so aggressively, how long can it last?

Even if Gao Shen is a transmigrator, it is impossible to keep digging up that many outstanding players for Leeds United over and over.

Sooner or later, the field will be harvested bare.

There was no other choice before, but for the new training base and new stadium, Gao Shen had to speed up.

But now it is different. The new training base is almost completed, the new stadium preparations are in full swing, and the startup capital is sufficient. Leeds United can no longer sell players like that.

Next, Leeds United will take the boutique route.

Abandon the past practice of selling players for 20 or 30 million. Try to develop better players and sell at higher prices, while ensuring the club's overall competitiveness.

From the current perspective, the biggest beast in this summer's transfer market will be Manchester United.

The well-informed The Sun has already reported early that Moyes will leave at the end of this season, and Manchester United's management will set aside a transfer budget of 200 million pounds, which will surely trigger a buying frenzy across Europe.

In addition, thanks to the increase in the Premier League's broadcast revenue share, Chelsea and Arsenal are also determined to invest more. Liverpool head coach Rodgers, who has invested heavily and performed well this season, tried to sign Leeds United left-back Bertrand during the winter break.

But the left-back has also drawn the attention of his former club Chelsea.

After Mourinho spent big on Coentrão, whose performances were underwhelming, Chelsea's left side also became a big problem. Buying back Bertrand, who has been excellent in the Premier League, can both bolster the academy narrative and improve the team. Two birds with one stone.

"The European transfer market is becoming increasingly chaotic," Wenger sighed for no particular reason.

In the past few years, Arsenal could not make ends meet due to building a new stadium and problems with the Highbury real estate project. They were forced to tighten their belts and live frugally for several years.

Now, last summer, they finally had some money and wanted to strengthen, only to find player prices had risen to a level that shocked even Wenger.

Wenger is short of defenders, midfielders, forwards, goalkeepers. In short, he is short of everything.

He had hoped to build a title-winning team with the hard-earned funds, but discovered, damn, he could not buy any of the targets he wanted.

Now he is holding money and does not know where to start.

With Arsenal's Premier League form this season, they might not even keep their top-four place.

This is thanks to Ferguson.

If he had not retired, Manchester United under Moyes would now be eighth, and Arsenal would have fallen out of the top four.

Therefore, Wenger and Ferguson have a very good relationship at the moment.

(To be continued.)