SWR: Chapter 1114/1115

Chapter 1114: We Are Very Strong, Please Be Patient

"Martino is the most suitable coach for Barcelona now and he deserves more support."

This is what Gao Shen said when he was interviewed by reporters at the post-match press conference after the Camp Nou match.

Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 5-0 away, but Gao Shen still believed Martino's problem was not big. The key reason lay in the lack of internal support for the head coach at Barcelona.

Although Gao Shen did not say it explicitly, the implication was very clear that Martino's authority as head coach should be consolidated.

During the interview, Gao Shen also spoke highly of Martino, saying he had made adjustments based on Barcelona's traditions and brought in new ideas. He is a very thoughtful head coach, which is rare.

"I think he should not be questioned at all," Gao Shen emphasized again.

In the current situation, the most favorable outcome for Real Madrid would be for Martino to remain in the job.

Therefore, Gao Shen did not hesitate to praise Martino.

But Gao Shen was not so polite to Barcelona's players.

In fact, apart from Messi, the performances of the other Barcelona players were not ideal.

Fàbregas tried hard, but with little effect. The iron triangle of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets did not play with enough intensity. Piqué and Puyol were also not strong enough.

As for Neymar, he has been affected by transfer scandals recently. In addition, in this game, Gao Shen specifically set up defensive tactics to cut off Barcelona's front trident, which meant Neymar did not perform at his best.

Although a few attacking moments left an impression, the threat level was insufficient.

A reporter asked about Barcelona's current investigation into Neymar's transfer. It was reported that if pushed to the limit, Neymar would not rule out a move to Real Madrid.

But Gao Shen denied it.

"As everyone saw in this game, we have three very good attackers who created five goals, and each of them impressed us."

Gao Shen was referring to Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat trick, and Di Maria and Benzema, who each scored one.

"Besides that, we have Morata, Jesé, Vázquez, Džeko, and a group of excellent players on the bench. I do not think we need any other stars. We are already strong enough."

Gao Shen reiterated that he is very satisfied with Real Madrid's current squad.

"We trust each other, and Real Madrid are in their best form right now."

Gao Shen refused to comment on Barcelona's alleged irregularities in signing Neymar.

…

Recently there has been considerable turmoil within Barcelona, and even President Rosell has been criticized and is under pressure.

The main issue is that Jordi Foncès, an opposition thorn on Barcelona's board, is forcing President Rosell to disclose all the details and procedures of Neymar's transfer, and to explain to the board where a total of 40 million euros in expenditure went during this process.

Both Foncès and other board members wondered whether the money went into Rosell's pocket.

Rosell denied this and repeatedly stressed that the actual cost of signing Neymar was 57.1 million euros, that there was no additional payment, and that the Barcelona management strictly implemented the agreement specified by the board.

According to the agreement, Barcelona's transfer spending in 2013 could not exceed 70 million euros.

But as for Foncès's question about why Santos were invited to Barcelona to play the 2013 Gamper Trophy, Rosell and others were vague, repeatedly emphasizing that this involved internal club matters and accusing Foncès of being supported by competitors.

This implied Real Madrid were involved in Foncès's moves against Rosell, because much of the information he revealed appeared in the Madrid media.

But Foncès denied this, saying he chose the Madrid media mainly because the Catalan media have close ties with Barcelona's management and he could not trust them.

Real Madrid officials also clarified that they were not involved at all.

This transfer has now become an unsolved case, causing an uproar in Spain.

According to in-depth media investigations, more and more evidence suggests that Rosell had actually reached a consensus with Neymar and his father as early as 2011, and even signed an agreement.

This is also why, later, even when Real Madrid made a higher offer, Santos still had no real say.

The latest reports revealed that Barcelona's handling of Neymar involved not just a transfer scandal, but also tax evasion issues, which the Spanish government is currently investigating.

The matter is growing larger, but some things are becoming clearer.

Neymar's total transfer expenditure will surpass Ronaldo's, and including his salary over the contract period, it may reach as high as 150 million euros.

What Rosell is involved in has even become a legal issue.

At this critical moment, the 0-5 defeat at Camp Nou further pushed Barcelona and Rosell into the abyss.

Here, the stronger Real Madrid perform, the greater the pressure on Barcelona.

It is just like how Barcelona's success once stimulated Real Madrid. It is exactly the same, only reversed.

…

Gao Shen did not have the leisure to pay attention to Barcelona's news, because after playing Barcelona, Real Madrid still faced two games in a week.

This is due to the schedule being compressed by the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

Before the 11th round of La Liga in midweek, FIFA announced the 23-man shortlist for the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Notably, Real Madrid were the most represented club, with eight players shortlisted: Casillas, Ramos, Marcelo, Ronaldo, Di Maria, Benzema, Xabi Alonso, and Modrić.

This was definitely something to celebrate for Real Madrid.

Eight of the top 23 players were shortlisted, making Real Madrid a truly star-studded Galácticos.

At the same time, the ten-man candidate list for FIFA's Best Men's Coach of the Year was announced, including Gao Shen, Ancelotti, Klopp, Heynckes, and others.

FIFA's announcement is more about publicity, but everyone knows Ronaldo is the leading favorite for this year's Ballon d'Or, and winning it is almost a foregone conclusion.

There was also little doubt that Gao Shen would win Best Men's Coach of the Year.

Of course, this does not rule out the possibility that FIFA might try to be different and create an upset.

But if they really did, it is hard to say how much authority the Ballon d'Or would retain.

…

Three days after playing Barcelona, Real Madrid faced Sevilla at the Bernabéu in the 11th round of La Liga.

With two matches in a week, Gao Shen had to rotate the lineup.

As soon as the game started, Real Madrid launched a fierce bombardment on Sevilla.

Real Madrid's morale was high, especially Ronaldo, Di Maria, and Benzema, who showed very strong momentum and hot form, causing Sevilla constant problems.

Just 12 minutes in, Real Madrid broke the deadlock. Isco played a through ball, Benzema laid it off, and Di Maria finished with his left foot near the penalty spot to score the opener.

This also reflected the Argentine's hot form. The consecutive goals showed another side of Di Maria.

Especially after Gao Shen set him the target of 20 goals and 20 assists this season, Di Maria showed astonishing improvement, giving the impression that he was in unstoppable form.

After breaking the deadlock, Real Madrid continued to bombard Sevilla, turning their penalty area into chaos.

In the 21st minute, Benzema laid it back again, Di Maria cut inside from the edge of the box, and with a curling shot, he beat Sevilla's keeper again for his second.

After that, Isco broke into the area and won a penalty. Ronaldo converted calmly to extend the lead.

But before half-time, Sevilla also won a penalty and scored, making it 3-1.

After the break, Real Madrid went into full-on frenzy mode.

First, on a quick counterattack, Ronaldo released the ball wide, Di Maria crossed from the right, and Benzema finished from the center.

Then Di Maria crossed from the right again, and Ronaldo scored to make it 5-1.

In the 62nd minute, Di Maria broke into the area from the right and was brought down by Navarro. The referee spotted it and awarded a penalty.

Both Ronaldo and Di Maria passed on the chance. The in-form Isco was entrusted with the kick, and he scored to make it 6-1.

In the 71st minute, Benzema supplied a beautiful pass and Ronaldo chipped from the edge of the box to score again, 7-1.

In the 79th minute, Marcos Alonso crossed from the left, and Benzema headed in at the edge of the six-yard box, 8-1.

The entire Bernabéu went wild.

Everyone expected Real Madrid to harvest results this season, but no one imagined the team would perform this strongly.

First a 5-0 win away at Barcelona, now an 8-1 demolition of Sevilla. Real Madrid's attacking momentum is unstoppable.

Sevilla head coach Emery said in the post-match press conference that Real Madrid's rampant performance was despairing.

"They did not even let us take a shot. How rude and overbearing."

Sevilla had only six shots all game, two on target, and scored once, while Real Madrid had 28 attempts.

Given such a huge gap, Emery's frustration was understandable.

But after the big win, Gao Shen was not satisfied with the team's performance, especially the goal conceded.

"After we went 3-0 up, some of our players started to let their guard down."

So Gao Shen scolded the team at half-time, which led to the second-half explosion.

Regarding the 8-1 victory over Sevilla, Gao Shen said proudly that the best Real Madrid is arriving.

"Say something to the other La Liga teams?"

"Well, I want to tell them, we are very strong, please be patient."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1115: Seize the Opportunity

On the evening of November 3, in the 12th round of La Liga, Real Madrid visited Rayo Vallecano.

Gao Shen made another major rotation, but Real Madrid still performed very strongly.

Just over two minutes into the game, Real Madrid seized an opportunity. Pogba played a wonderful pass, Jesé broke through with ease, cut into the left side of the box, and shot into the far corner to score the opener for Real Madrid.

In the 31st minute, a cross from Vázquez on the right found Džeko unmarked in front of the six-yard box, and he finished to make it 2-0.

In the second half, Real Madrid struck again.

In the 48th minute, it was Vázquez once more, forcing a breakthrough on the right and crossing from the edge of the area. Jesé arrived at the back post to guide it into the empty net, his second of the game, for 3-0.

In the end, Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0 with a brace from Jesé and a goal from Džeko.

Before Real Madrid's match, Barcelona defeated Espanyol 1-0 thanks to a goal from Sánchez.

This is actually an awkward situation for Barcelona now.

Players like Sánchez and Pedro have performed well, but they have never been able to secure a starting role, which has led to dull performances and a lack of clear direction.

Atletico Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home with goals from Diego Costa and David Villa.

After Real Madrid's decisive victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou, Atletico Madrid have narrowed the gap, but still sit third.

…

Three days later, in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid hosted Leverkusen.

After three straight wins, Real Madrid were the most eye-catching and explosive team in the group stage.

As long as Real Madrid beat Leverkusen at home, there would be no doubt about advancing as group winners.

Therefore, Gao Shen used his strongest lineup in this game, aiming to create breathing room for the upcoming schedule, especially with fixture congestion.

If they advance early, there is no need to go all out in the final two rounds.

Real Madrid started aggressively and went straight for Leverkusen's weak points.

Less than two minutes in, Toni Kroos threatened his old club with a long-range strike that nearly went in, only for the goalkeeper to save. The subsequent corner also almost resulted in a shot.

In the 4th minute, it was a diagonal from Toni Kroos. Di Maria brought it down, evaded the defender, and slid a left-footed pass into the area. Ronaldo timed his run perfectly, rounded the goalkeeper, and rolled it into the empty net.

1-0.

After that, Real Madrid launched wave after wave.

In the 22nd minute, Carvajal delivered to the back post from the right. Ronaldo headed it back across, and Benzema volleyed in to beat Leverkusen again, 2-0.

Just six minutes later, Di Maria forced a foul on the right. Modrić took the free kick, and Ramos powered in a header, 3-0.

In less than half an hour, Real Madrid led by three, fully showcasing their strength.

Afterwards, Real Madrid slowed the tempo and avoided trading blows with Leverkusen.

It was not until the 60th minute that Di Maria cut in from the right and drew defenders, then slipped it to Carvajal overlapping. Carvajal drilled a low cross across the face, and Benzema tapped in for 4-0.

In the end, Real Madrid beat Leverkusen 4-0 at home.

…

With consecutive big wins, Real Madrid displayed astonishing momentum, shocking European football and fans worldwide.

Especially the powerful squad built by Gao Shen.

Back in La Liga for the 13th round, Real Madrid at home defeated Real Sociedad 5-1 with a Ronaldo hat trick, plus goals from Benzema and Toni Kroos, taking another three points.

Barcelona beat Real Betis 4-1 away thanks to a Fàbregas brace.

By contrast, Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 away to Villarreal.

After hearing the news, Gao Shen shook his head in frustration.

It is not that he did not try his best, but rather that Simeone failed to seize the opportunity.

We agreed to fight Barcelona together, but what happened?

The chance was there, and you did not take it.

…

After the 13th round of La Liga, another two-week international break arrived.

This time, Gao Shen and his staff focused on monitoring the team, especially the internationals' matches and training, tracking them closely at all times.

Not only Real Madrid, but Barcelona and Atletico Madrid did the same.

Two weeks later, in the 14th round, Barcelona played first and beat Granada 4-0 at home.

But the win was questioned, as Barcelona's first two goals were both penalties.

After Barcelona finished, Simeone's team finally had their statement win.

With braces from Villa and Raúl García, Atletico Madrid beat Getafe 7-0 at home.

The result really boosted Atletico's morale.

Who would have thought that Atletico, known for their defense, could produce such a ruthless victory?

Gao Shen's Real Madrid rotated. Since they had already qualified from the Champions League group, Real Madrid would not go all out in the fifth-round home match against Anderlecht, so Gao Shen still named his strongest lineup for the away trip to Almería.

Although Di Maria crossed from the right two minutes in and Ronaldo poked home in front to open the scoring for Real Madrid, the good times did not last. Ronaldo went down after contact and Gao Shen replaced him quickly.

Afterwards, the game opened up, but Jesé, who replaced Ronaldo, took time to adapt.

Only in the second half did Jesé gradually catch up to Real Madrid's counterattacking rhythm. First he assisted Benzema to score, then Di Maria netted, and finally Jesé assisted Pogba, with Morata, who came on as a sub, scoring.

In the 85th minute, after Jesé's shot from a tight angle was saved, Pogba controlled in the box and laid it back. Casemiro struck from distance to beat Almería again.

6-0.

Real Madrid crushed Almería away.

…

After the international break, La Liga did not suffer from the FIFA virus. Instead, goals exploded.

Although one match was still to be played, 40 goals had been scored across nine La Liga fixtures, which is simply crazy.

Especially with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid all winning by big margins, everyone gained a new understanding of the league's landscape this season, particularly Atletico.

Getafe head coach Luis García said dejectedly after the 7-0 defeat to Atletico, "I could only watch the opponent slaughter us."

The gap in strength was indeed too great.

Gao Shen's assessment of Real Madrid's 6-0 away win over Almería was not overly glowing. His main point was dissatisfaction with the first-half performance, feeling the pace was too slow.

"In reality, we were moving well, but we lacked speed and efficiency."

Gao Shen was satisfied with the overall result.

The big three all won big, and the FIFA virus did not seem to pose much of a threat.

After the game, many media outlets reported that this was due to the logistical support of La Liga's top three.

For example, the three giants have repeatedly chartered flights to South America to pick up and drop off players during international breaks.

The media and fans expressed appreciation and surprise at this, but head coach Gao Shen had a different view.

Logistics are certainly effective, but the top three are doing it, and other teams have been doing it too, even earlier. So why the explosion this time?

Ultimately, after time to gel and adjust, the top three have reached a very good state.

Especially Real Madrid, with 14 consecutive wins, an incredible achievement.

Among the top five European leagues this season, Real Madrid are the only team still undefeated.

Including the Champions League, Real Madrid remain unbeaten on all fronts so far, which is remarkable.

Even Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, based on their records through 14 rounds, would be runaway leaders in the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, or Ligue 1. But in La Liga, they can only trail Real Madrid.

This also made everyone fully aware of La Liga's strength this season.

Especially Real Madrid under Gao Shen, which surprised the world.

After the 14th round, the authoritative French outlet L'Équipe named the top ten future stars on its front page.

This list was compiled through various authoritative channels. In addition to superstar Neymar, it included almost all of Europe's top newcomers.

What was truly shocking was that Real Madrid had five of them: Paul Pogba, Isco, Courtois, Varane, and Verratti.

L'Équipe explained that Real Madrid had been consistently recruiting young talents from across Europe over the past two years, including standouts like Isco, Pogba, Courtois, and Verratti, which allowed Real Madrid's overall strength to leap forward.

Under Gao Shen's guidance, this group of youngsters has shown excellent momentum at Real Madrid. It should not be long before they become the backbone of Real Madrid and forces to be reckoned with in European football.

Real Madrid alone accounted for half of the ten, making it clear they have seized the initiative in the future competition for talent resources, while no one from Barcelona was selected.

Of course, Barcelona's signing of Neymar is also seen as a top superstar for the next decade.

In addition to Real Madrid's five, Koke from Atletico Madrid, Salah from Leeds United, Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain, Schürrle from Chelsea, and Draxler from Schalke 04 were all on the list.

L'Équipe believes that European football's appetite for talent has reached a new height. Especially after the summer transfer boom, more and more teams are focusing on young players.

Real Madrid are clearly ahead, thanks to the groundwork laid when Gao Shen arrived in 2013.

Not only the five on the list, but Real Madrid have many more promising youngsters, such as Morata, Jesé, Casemiro, Illarramendi, and Nacho, all of whom are worth anticipating.

This gives Real Madrid an advantage in the talent race.

(To be continued.)