SWR: Chapter 1129/1131

Chapter 1129: Barcelona's Catastrophe

Reality is often stranger than fiction.

The "war" on the football pitch is never as exciting as the stories off it.

After the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, the home team won 2-0.

Spanish media speculated that Real Madrid and Barcelona meeting in the Copa del Rey final was "destined."

Obviously, behind every "destiny" there is a story.

Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid was reflected on the pitch in their sophisticated selection and strategic planning, especially in daring to rotate the team's top star, Cristiano Ronaldo, in such an important game.

More importantly, Real Madrid won.

After the match, AS editor-in-chief Alfredo immediately updated his column, saying that for Real Madrid this was a game that did not look very impressive, but was of great significance.

"It further establishes that Real Madrid is a collective team, not just a group of stars."

If Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid was convincing both on and off the pitch, then Barcelona's 2-0 win over Real Sociedad was particularly embarrassing.

Referee Gonzalez's three decisions completely changed the course of the game.

The first came in the 35th minute, when Barcelona could not break down Real Sociedad for a long time and were frequently threatened by the visitors' counters. Puyol committed a tactical foul on striker Carlos Vela when stopping a counter in the attacking third. He was shown a yellow card instead of a red, which caused considerable controversy.

But the biggest controversy came in the 43rd minute when Carlos Vela received a teammate's pass and headed straight toward Barcelona's goal. Puyol gave chase, trying to halt the Mexican's run, and there was contact along the way.

Carlos Vela also played smartly, using his hands to protect himself and giving Puyol no chance. But upon entering the penalty area, Puyol had no choice but to clamp Carlos Vela's arm, causing him to lose balance and his shot as he fell lost its threat.

From the reactions on the pitch, even Barcelona's players sensed danger. Camp Nou fell silent, and it felt like the minimum would be a yellow card and a penalty.

But Puyol already had a yellow.

Even so, Gonzalez said nothing and signaled play to continue.

This caused great indignation among Real Sociedad's players.

Both decisions were clearly biased, beyond an ordinary mistake.

Taking advantage of Real Sociedad's confusion, Barcelona quickly scored the opener, but even more damaging was what followed. While Barcelona's players celebrated, Real Sociedad center back Ingor Martinez protested to the referee, believing the decision was unfair.

This time, Gonzalez was decisive, showing a straight red and sending Ingor Martinez off.

After these three decisions, the game lost all suspense.

Real Sociedad head coach Artest blamed the referee afterward, saying the officiating was a disgrace.

Artest said that playing at Camp Nou is already difficult, but tonight was even harder.

"There is no doubt Barcelona were once a team to be admired and they achieved great things, but now, tonight, they have been incredibly disappointing."

Artest even said that if a team playing like this could win La Liga, it would be a tragedy for the entire league.

Compared with his earlier praise for Gao Shen's Real Madrid, the implication was obvious.

In the title race, he supported Real Madrid.

…

One win was deserved, the other was not.

This sparked a huge reaction after the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

It was not the first time Barcelona benefited from a red card at Camp Nou, and it once again drew public attention.

Even Barcelona's mouthpieces, Sport and Mundo Deportivo, had to admit that Puyol's second foul was a very obvious error.

Many Spanish professionals, especially former international referees, spoke up. Most believed that the first tactical yellow could barely be defended, but failing to give even a yellow or a penalty for Puyol's second foul was definitely an amateur mistake.

Some media also pointed out that Barcelona urgently needed a trophy, and the Spanish Football Federation was trying to "help" Barcelona through the current public opinion crisis.

Because just two days before the match, the controversy over Barcelona's signing of Neymar finally broke out. Several dissenting board members took Rosell to court. Former president Laporta also voiced support, demanding that Neymar's transfer terms and the destination of the funds be made public.

Rosell could not withstand the pressure and resigned. First vice president Bartomeu took over as Barcelona president.

This caused an uproar in Barcelona and across Spanish football.

Combined with the controversy from this Copa del Rey semifinal, everyone was disappointed with Barcelona.

Even Sport published that Camp Nou attendance continued to decline.

Barcelona's mouthpiece listed detailed data, showing that this season's attendance at Camp Nou had hit a record low.

Take the Copa del Rey as an example. In Barcelona's match against Real Sociedad, only 38,000 attended.

At the Bernabéu, more than 80,000 Real Madrid fans attended, more than double Barcelona's figure.

Sport felt this comparison might not be entirely objective, so they compared the two quarterfinal home games.

Real Madrid hosted Espanyol with over 78,000 at the Bernabéu, while Barcelona hosted Levante with only 25,000 at Camp Nou, less than one-third of the Bernabéu's attendance.

And Camp Nou's capacity is much larger than the Bernabéu's.

Sport felt the Copa del Rey comparison alone was not convincing enough, so they compared the Champions League group stage and La Liga this season, finding that so far Barcelona's average La Liga attendance was under 60,000.

What about the Bernabéu?

Every match was sold out.

How bad had Camp Nou's attendance become?

Barcelona's star Alves once publicly criticized Barcelona's fans, saying those who did not come to watch were not as loyal to the Blaugrana as they claimed.

"Sometimes, I even feel like I am playing away."

It was clear that Camp Nou's attendance had reached an embarrassingly low level.

Although Barcelona found various reasons for this, including kickoff times and others...

After Sport published a questionnaire, fans gave two answers. First, Barcelona's results were falling behind Real Madrid, and they might not even be able to win at home.

Second, Barcelona's football was getting increasingly boring.

"The players clearly lack motivation. They are getting bored and cannot find the drive to play. Every match is carried out step by step. On the pitch, they just complete tasks mechanically, lacking excitement and thrill."

"Everyone sees the ball circulating, but no one is excited anymore because it poses no threat."

"The team also lacks an overall plan and a vision that inspires excitement and anticipation."

Sport made a pointed comparison with Real Madrid and the Bernabéu.

"The Bernabéu is always packed because fans know a strong team can surprise them at every home game."

"Just like against Atletico Madrid, they sustained a high-intensity, fierce contest for dozens of minutes, then suddenly erupted, making everyone feel football's passion and excitement again."

"They can watch the younger generation, like Pogba, Verratti, Casemiro, Varane, Jese, Morata, and others at the Bernabéu, follow their growth and progress, and even look to the future through their mistakes."

"They can also watch Gao Shen command from the Bernabéu dugout. They can see the world's top coach setting lineups and making plans, doing his utmost to bring victory, and they can look forward to the unprecedented treble Gao Shen has promised, and that great era belonging to Real Madrid."

"In comparison, we have nothing. Even our head coach, Martino, seems like a mediocre bystander in front of the dugout."

"Although we had expected him to bring more changes to the team."

Mundo Deportivo believed Barcelona fans had completely lost confidence in the team's football.

This was not only erased by Barcelona's football itself, but also defeated by Gao Shen and Real Madrid.

There is no harm without comparison.

It was precisely because Real Madrid's performance was so amazing and so strong that Barcelona looked mediocre, and naturally could not draw fans to Camp Nou.

Sport also raised a question.

Two days ago, the world-renowned sports magazine World Football published a ranking of players' annual salaries.

Surprisingly, of the top ten earners in world football, four were Barcelona players, namely Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Neymar.

What about Real Madrid?

Only Ronaldo.

Mundo Deportivo believed this should draw the attention of Barcelona's new management.

Although Barcelona's revenue reached 480 million euros, second among world clubs, Real Madrid's revenue exceeded 600 million euros, first among world clubs.

Florentino even said at a recent members' meeting that Gao Shen's coaching and the outstanding results he delivered had strongly promoted the globalization of Real Madrid's business, and it was expected that in 2013-14 revenue would exceed 650 million euros.

While Barcelona's revenue was far below Real Madrid's, their wage bill far exceeded Madrid's, which was absolutely unhealthy.

Sport believed that if Barcelona's management did not make a decision on this and exercise control and restraint, Barcelona would sooner or later suffer a major setback due to player salaries.

It could even drag the team into an irretrievable financial crisis.

That would be Barcelona's real catastrophe.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1130: The War between Gao Shen and Barcelona

"Barcelona's problems are unsolvable!"

In a restaurant in Valdebebas at mealtime, Gao Shen, Zidane, Hierro, Carlo, and others sat together discussing Spain's hottest topic.

How to cure Barcelona's illness?

The most interesting thing about this world is that, as individuals, everyone is very smart, but when combined, they sometimes become very foolish.

This is what Barcelona are like now.

The problem is obvious, everyone can see it, yet it cannot be solved, and there is no way to stop the slide toward the abyss.

Perhaps this is the most fatal flaw of membership clubs.

Almost all non-Spanish Real Madrid fans underestimate Florentino's importance and contribution to Real Madrid.

Gao Shen was like this in his previous life, but now he does not think that way.

Because he knows very well how membership clubs work.

He also knows why all the membership clubs in Spain went bankrupt back then, and now only Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Athletic Bilbao remain.

Because it is inevitable.

Many Real Madrid fans have probably forgotten that before Florentino took office, Real Madrid won the Champions League twice in three years and were in the spotlight. But on the other hand, the club's debt was so high that UEFA almost stripped them of their Champions League qualification.

Many people think Florentino got where he is thanks to Figo, which is a huge misunderstanding.

Figo was just one card in his hand. His real trump card was the promise to improve Real Madrid's dire finances.

That was the card that convinced Real Madrid's members and the board.

Since Florentino took office, a series of groundbreaking reforms have brought tremendous change to world football, especially regarding players' image rights and global promotion. Jose Sanchez even used Hollywood-style marketing to promote Real Madrid.

This has been the key to Real Madrid's continued success over the past decade and into the next.

But Real Madrid's success is inseparable from its chairman, Florentino.

Even football giants such as FIFA president Blatter and UEFA president Platini praised Florentino many times in front of Gao Shen. Florentino's connections and relationships in European football are second to none.

Because everyone knows it was Florentino who built Real Madrid's business empire.

He even changed the football world.

The strong Florentino changed Real Madrid's management structure and introduced a modern management system.

For example, Jose Sanchez, whose official role is CEO, reports to the chairman and the board and is responsible for all business affairs of Real Madrid, including football.

Yes, Real Madrid are now managed by professional managers.

This can be called Florentino's biggest transformation of Real Madrid.

Many people should be familiar with this.

That is right, Bayern also has a dual-track model. The Bundesliga giant's mechanism includes a supervisory board and a board of directors that constrain each other.

This is why Barcelona's problems are unsolvable.

Because it is still a very traditional Spanish membership club.

…

"In fact, during Florentino's first term, the problems with the membership system were already very clear. Even Sanz before him, and President Mendoza, had similar issues while in office."

Hierro is one of those who know Real Madrid and Spanish clubs best.

"In a membership club, it is hard to limit the president's power, especially after he controls the board. Even a great president like Mendoza could make many bad mistakes and even stupid decisions, not to mention the corrupt Sanz."

Before Sanz became Real Madrid's president, he was a board member, then Mendoza's vice president, and then he succeeded Mendoza as president.

It is worth mentioning that former right back Salgado is Sanz's son-in-law.

Whether under Mendoza, Sanz, or further back, Real Madrid's management was long dominated by people with connections, especially in departments with big kickbacks, which were highly coveted. These connected people were like parasites, sucking Real Madrid's blood.

It was not just former stars involved.

Naturally, under this complex, intertwined network of interests, all kinds of conflicts and factions were normal. This is almost an inevitable result in all membership clubs.

If you meet a president like Mendoza who can control the situation, everything is calm. If you meet a mediocre president like Sanz, you can barely maintain it. But if you meet an incompetent one like former Barcelona president Gaspart, it falls apart immediately.

Rosell's resignation this time ultimately stems from this.

But Florentino's transformation of Real Madrid introduced a modern management system, further constrained and rectified the club's management, and fully empowered professional managers. This was a very drastic and powerful reform.

To a certain extent, the biggest conflict between Hierro, Del Bosque, and others with Florentino lay here.

But Barcelona is different from Real Madrid.

As a traditional membership club, the chairman has the final say, but is also constrained by the board.

Bartomeu will be unable to handle what Rosell could not stabilize, so they need to win more votes.

If you want more support from fans, you have to cater to more fans.

What do fans want?

More stars. Better results.

"The biggest confidence of membership clubs is that they never worry about bankruptcy, so they will do anything, even without considering the future, overdrawing potential to meet immediate needs."

Hierro has deep experience with this.

Around the turn of the century, Real Madrid won the Champions League twice in three years, and even the rivalry between Mendoza and Barcelona's Dream Team left Real Madrid with a huge debt of 63 billion pesetas.

Maybe many people have no sense of this number, but as a reference.

Back then, with that money, you could sign six Zidanes.

UEFA even issued a ban that year, requiring Real Madrid to resolve the debt crisis as soon as possible, otherwise they would not be allowed to participate in the Champions League.

That was the defending champion.

Today, what is happening to Barcelona is a replay of what happened to Real Madrid back then.

…

"It is different. Barcelona's situation is more difficult now." Gao Shen agreed with Hierro's analysis, but he felt Barcelona's problems were more serious, even more deadly than what he had seen in his previous life.

So bad that Luis Enrique's Dream Team 4 might not even appear.

In Gao Shen's previous life, many said Barcelona's financial collapse began with the outrageous operations after Neymar's transfer. This is true, and it shows how poor the overall level of Barcelona's management was then.

But it should be noted that before this, Barcelona had several very successful signings, including Suarez, Rakitic, Mascherano, and Ter Stegen.

Especially Rakitic. After Xavi aged, he was key to supporting Barcelona's midfield.

But where is Rakitic now?

Manchester City.

Can Barcelona sign Rakitic from Manchester City?

Apart from Rakitic, who can replace Xavi?

Toni Kroos, Modric, and Verratti are at Real Madrid. De Bruyne, David Silva, and Rakitic are at Manchester City. Who else?

The answer is obvious. Barcelona can no longer find a suitable candidate for this role.

Up front, Neymar and Messi both have natural weaknesses. After their possession style was figured out and restrained by the world, it was difficult for Barcelona to find a center forward like Suarez to knit the front line together.

In this case, what options does Barcelona have?

"Who can replace Xavi?" Gao Shen asked the ultimate question with a smile.

If they cannot replace Xavi, Barcelona's midfield weakness cannot be filled. If the midfield cannot be strong, then Barcelona can forget about results.

With poor results, the management will be under heavy pressure and will recruit again, which means increased transfer spending. At the same time, Barcelona will do everything possible to retain existing core players, offering higher salaries.

Poor results reduce revenue, while transfer and wage costs continue to rise. This further increases debt and eventually forms a vicious cycle.

Zidane, Carlo, Hierro, and the others looked at each other, clearly shocked by Gao Shen's words and question.

They had thought about this issue, but not as deeply or thoroughly as Gao Shen, and would not have linked it to Barcelona's debt.

"All of this is because Barcelona are trapped in this possession system and cannot extricate themselves." Gao Shen shook his head and sighed.

But how easy is it to find players who fit this system?

"Did you think about this problem when you signed Verratti and Pogba?" Zidane was stunned.

If so, that would be outrageous.

"No, I just wanted to strengthen the squad." Gao Shen denied it. "At most, I wanted to prevent Barcelona from snapping up talented players, that is all."

Is this not also a war waged by Gao Shen, Real Madrid's head coach, against Barcelona?

But Zidane, Hierro, and the others all looked skeptical.

"I do not believe it. You always surprise me."

"Yes, just like Leeds United's recent move. I do not believe there was no advice from you behind the scenes." Hierro kept shaking his head.

Gao Shen said helplessly that he was being wronged.

"Wait, the Leeds United move is clearly an innovation, okay? Even Florentino and Jose Sanchez praised it and said that if Leeds United succeed, Real Madrid should consider doing the same. How can that be called a fancy move?" Gao Shen protested.

Zidane and Hierro could not help but laugh.

But it has to be admitted that the picture of Barcelona's future outlined by Gao Shen does make people see the rapid fall of a dynasty.

With Barcelona in decline and Atletico Madrid's financial resources limited, who can compete with Real Madrid in La Liga in the future?

This is probably what Gao Shen meant. It is not just about winning a treble, but about creating the source of confidence for an era.

Zidane and the others would never believe Gao Shen had never thought about competing with Barcelona for talent.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1131: Subversion, Picking Up the Loop, and Entering the Finals

While Gao Shen was coaching Real Madrid through the intensive La Liga winter schedule, Leeds United, led by Fernando Lucas and enlightened by Gao Shen over Christmas, began to adjust their direction and strategy. They achieved incredible results in just over a month.

Leeds United announced a three-party cooperation agreement with American online sports retail giant Fanatics and the famous British high street fashion brand Riverd.

Under this agreement, Leeds United will authorize Riverd to design the club's three home and away kits, as well as training wear and casual sportswear, including women's and children's lines for fans, along with other club apparel and souvenirs.

Once the designs are finalized, American sports e-commerce giant Fanatics will handle global sales.

This model completely overturns the traditional approach and creates what Real Madrid CEO Jose Sanchez called a vertically integrated kit manufacturing model.

In the traditional model, as with Real Madrid and Adidas, the club signs a sponsorship deal and receives an annual fee, then authorizes Adidas to design, produce, and sell the kits. The club only takes a share of the profits, while all aspects remain in the sponsor's hands, which is very unfavorable to the club.

Leeds United are now flipping that model.

Design is handled by a renowned British high street brand, sales by an American sports e-commerce giant. As for production, this is not a problem for the manufacturing powerhouse behind Gao Shen. The entire production chain is controlled by Leeds United, which is undoubtedly a subversion of the past.

For Riverd, which mainly targets men and women aged 18 to 35, their traditional channels will be accelerated online by partnering with Leeds United and Fanatics.

For Fanatics, whose main market is North America, they are determined to expand into Europe and Asia. Leeds United is an excellent breakthrough to enter Europe, especially the UK market.

More importantly, Leeds United also has extraordinary influence in Asia.

The only party that loses out here is Leeds United's kit sponsor Adidas. But Leeds are not a top club like Real Madrid, and Adidas has never focused on them, with limited resources devoted.

For example, all kits are standard templates.

Leeds United's withdrawal of the license will have some impact on Adidas, but overall it will not be significant.

Of course, if Leeds United's model succeeds, it will undoubtedly bring more pressure to Adidas, since clubs will have greater say.

This cooperation won high praise from Real Madrid president Florentino and CEO Jose Sanchez. They believe that if it succeeds, it will be a subversion of the current business model.

Gao Shen knows that Fernando Lucas achieved this result quickly because of Gao Shen's initial advice to change positioning and mindset, to regard the club as a platform, provide more services and value to sponsors, and create win-win outcomes.

This is undoubtedly a very good start.

The cooperation will begin next season. This summer, Leeds United will travel to the United States for the International Champions Cup. They will take the opportunity to hold a high-profile joint press conference in the United States with Fanatics and Riverd, inviting media and fashion outlets to open up the North American market.

Speaking of the International Champions Cup, the tournament also recently announced this summer's schedule.

Like last year, eight top European teams were invited.

The first edition was held hastily, and many giants were cautious, so enthusiasm was limited. After last year's successful event, the giants wanted to participate, but for various reasons, there are still eight teams this year.

Four Premier League teams are invited: Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Leeds United.

Three Serie A teams: Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma.

Only one La Liga team: Real Madrid.

Barcelona chose to develop the Asian market on their own last year. They wanted to go this year but failed to get a place.

Leeds United benefited from last year's bargain and signed a three-year deal. They will participate again this year, on par with many top clubs.

This is also a huge boost for Leeds United.

Especially after broadening his thinking and adjusting his ideas, Fernando Lucas is ambitious about the North American market again. This time he vows to open a gap in North America and take a real bite.

…

On the evening of February 8, in the 23rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Athletic Bilbao at home.

Gao Shen made major rotations, but they got off to a flying start.

Just 6 minutes in, Varane, who replaced Ramos in the starting lineup, launched a long pass from the back, aiming to put the ball behind Villarreal's defense, but it was intercepted by center back Dorado around halfway.

At that moment, Jese, who had just started, suddenly changed direction, intercepted, flicked it behind him, then burst forward at top speed, sprinted into the box, latched onto the ball, and finished one-on-one to open the scoring for Real Madrid.

After taking the lead, Real Madrid continued to intensify attacks down the right.

Jese was lively and growing in confidence.

First, in the 8th minute, he crossed from the right and almost assisted Dzeko for a headed goal.

Just one minute later, Real Madrid came again.

This time Pepe hit a long pass forward.

After Dzeko won the first contact, he cushioned it to Jese on the right.

The young Real Madrid forward drove forward, forcing Villarreal left back Costa to retreat step by step, eventually dropping into the box. Jese then whipped a low cross from the byline, and Dzeko arrived near the penalty spot to steer it into the net.

2-0.

Soon after, Jese broke through on the right again and delivered another cross from the byline. Dzeko met it at the near post and knocked it home.

3-0.

Villarreal pulled one back, but Real Madrid added two more in the second half, with Jese and Dzeko each scoring.

Dzeko completed a hat trick.

In the end, Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 5-1 at home.

Barcelona beat Sevilla 4-1 away thanks to a brace from Messi, plus goals from Sanchez and Fabregas.

But after this game, Sanchez, who had been in excellent form yet short of playing time, finally voiced dissatisfaction with Barcelona's situation and admitted he was considering leaving.

This triggered a strong reaction from the Catalan media, especially criticizing Sanchez's lack of loyalty.

Atletico Madrid, however, lost 0-2 away to Almeria.

Simeone's team dropped points again, closely related to the Copa del Rey schedule.

As Simeone himself said at the post-match press conference, the Colchoneros were determined to go all out at home against Real Madrid and overturn the 0-2 from the first leg at all costs.

Therefore, against Almeria, Simeone did not even start his main players.

But three days later, at the Calderon, Simeone was surprised again by Gao Shen's lineup.

Contrary to the caution shown in the first leg, Gao Shen launched a fierce start away from home. With two away goals in hand, most expected Real Madrid to sit in and counter. Instead, Gao Shen pushed forward and attacked, catching Atletico off guard and pinning them back.

In the 3rd minute, Di Maria dribbled on the right of the final third, drew a foul from Insua, and won a free kick.

Toni Kroos delivered, Cristiano Ronaldo rose for the header.

Di Maria, lurking behind the crowd, suddenly surged in, met Ronaldo's flick at the back post, and guided it in with his left foot, finishing a slick free-kick routine.

1-0.

Eight minutes later, Real Madrid built another attack in Atletico's half, particularly down Di Maria's right, which had become the most active zone.

While Atletico's players were focused on Di Maria, Modric, and Carvajal, no one expected Illarramendi, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the starting lineup, to time a run. He took two touches forward, then swung a cross to the far post.

Ronaldo burst through and headed in from close range before Atletico's defenders could react, steering it into the right side.

Goalkeeper Asenjo was shifting left, but Ronaldo went the other way, leaving him no chance.

2-0.

The Calderon fell silent.

After 11 minutes, Real Madrid had ended the tie.

The aggregate became 4-0, and anyone could see Atletico had virtually no chance to advance.

After two early goals, the tempo dropped.

Real Madrid eased off, focusing more on possession. Atletico also looked short on interest and fight.

With qualification unlikely, asking Atletico's players to press and battle was too much. Even Simeone seemed less animated on the touchline.

In the 29th minute, Di Maria drove into the box from the right and was tripped by Insua's tackle from the side and behind. Amid boos, the referee awarded a penalty.

Ronaldo converted to make it 3-0.

At 5-0 on aggregate, Atletico were completely desperate.

In the second half, Gao Shen made a series of substitutions, and Simeone had no intention of chasing. Both sides played out time in a scrappy finish.

Real Madrid eliminated their city rivals Atletico Madrid 5-0 on aggregate.

Barcelona took the lead away through Messi, but after Griezmann equalized, Real Sociedad launched a fierce counter and at one point looked like they might turn it around.

In the end, Barcelona drew 1-1 away at Real Sociedad and advanced 3-1 on aggregate.

As many expected, the two teams in the Copa del Rey final are indeed Real Madrid and Barcelona.

(To be continued.)