SWR: Chapter 1111/1113

Chapter 1111: The Wolf

As a South American head coach with no experience in European football, taking charge of a top club like Barcelona, Martino is well aware of the pressure he will face.

Even with the support of Messi and the Barcelona management, Martino could still feel the unfavorable situation in the dressing room, most notably the players' lack of enthusiasm.

It is a very strange feeling.

Barcelona is still dominant on the pitch, with nine consecutive wins. They have also performed well in the Champions League and seem unstoppable. They even produced results like a 7-0 home win over Levante and a 4-0 away win over Rayo Vallecano.

However, Martino still felt that this Barcelona team played without passion.

At the very least, it is completely different from any team he has coached before.

How to put it?

That is something only a head coach can feel.

It means the players do not want to play for you.

They still cooperate with you, still carry out your tactics, and still listen to your arrangements and instructions, but you can clearly feel the huge gap between you and them.

They are willing to listen and execute, not because of you as a person, but because you are Barcelona's head coach.

Maybe some would think, is this not fine?

It is like working in a company. You do not necessarily have to like the job or the boss from the bottom of your heart, but does that stop you from doing the job?

Yes, of course not.

But it makes your work mechanical and lacking in enthusiasm.

Football is different from working in a company. Without passion, there is no creativity.

Even if everyone meshes together like precise gears, driving the machine smoothly, there are no surprises, and everything feels pre-programmed.

As head coach, Martino feels this most deeply.

Even now, Barcelona's players, especially the local ones, rarely take the initiative to communicate with him.

Everything seems harmonious, but only Martino knows they are not willing to play for him.

During pre-match talks, they watch him "perform" calmly. At half-time, they examine his adjustments with suspicion. After the game, they wonder inwardly how much the head coach actually contributed.

In fact, many may already be thinking in their hearts: how long can he stay at Barcelona?

Two years? One year? A few months?

This is a very bad state.

Although to outsiders, it still looks good for the time being.

Martino understands this very well, so he has made every decision carefully this season.

Barcelona's players and the media resisted his adjustments to the traditional possession style, so he kept tweaking his thinking, changing Barcelona bit by bit through fine-tuning.

He tried to add more variation to Barcelona's passing and possession.

But every step was taken very carefully, for fear of provoking resistance from players, media, and fans.

Publicly, he repeatedly emphasized that he had no intention of changing Barcelona's tradition. He repeatedly praised Barcelona's possession system because he knew that to gain a foothold at Camp Nou, he needed to integrate into Barcelona rather than change Barcelona.

Integrate first, then try to change.

For example, he has consistently used Messi on the right this season. Why?

As we all know, Barcelona have long emphasized central and flank attacks, but this strategy has been figured out by opponents.

In high-profile matchups, a tactic lacking surprise can be deadly.

Martino wanted to attack more down the wings, but this cut against Barcelona's tradition, so he placed Messi on the right. In this way, it became natural to attack both wings.

This would bring more variety to Barcelona's offense.

If it did not work, then they would go back to the traditional route.

An interesting pattern has often occurred this season. In games, Barcelona start by attacking the wings, but after little success, they return to their traditional possession style and end up winning.

So the players, media, and fans were all satisfied because it was a victory for traditional Barcelona football.

Sometimes it works the other way around, which brings forth something new.

And there is Fàbregas.

Barcelona have a special preference for this local player because they pursued him for a long time and like him very much. Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and others also like Fàbregas a lot.

Therefore, regardless of how well Sánchez, Pedro and others played, Martino often chose to start Fàbregas.

Why?

Because he needed Fàbregas.

In this way, Martino stumbled along and brought Barcelona to where they are today.

He also knows that this game against Real Madrid has a very special meaning for him.

Because in the past, Barcelona never beat Gao Shen. Last season, Barcelona lost to Real Madrid four times.

If he can beat Real Madrid, he might be able to break the ice with his players.

At the very least, it could create a crack.

…

On the evening of October 26, at Camp Nou in Barcelona.

When Gao Shen shook hands with Martino before the game, he could clearly see that the Argentine's hair was noticeably grayer than a few months ago.

Being a head coach is exhausting and the pressure is immense.

Gao Shen could understand Martino's current situation as Barcelona's coach.

In fact, to some extent, this is a tragedy, doomed from the beginning.

By normal logic, Martino had neither the qualifications nor the possibility to coach Barcelona.

The whole world knows how he became Barcelona's head coach. If he wants to prove his ability, he needs to do more and do better, producing more convincing results.

A head coach's job sounds simple, with many assistants and professionals handling their specialties, but it is far from simple.

Especially at top clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Those who play for such teams are top stars. Why would they recognize you?

Gao Shen still remembered that in his previous life he had read Lahm's autobiography, which mentioned the difference between Löw and Klinsmann.

The German captain said that after Klinsmann took over at Bayern, training focused almost entirely on fitness, with very little tactical content. Players had to hold their own meetings before matches to discuss how to play.

"After only six to eight weeks, the players already knew that Klinsmann was not the right coach for the team."

Why?

Was there such a big gap between Klinsmann going from Germany's national team coach to Bayern's head coach?

Because of Löw.

Lahm described Löw as a tactical master from his first session with the national team, giving a very detailed analysis of each position.

"No coach had ever told me how to play left-back before."

According to Bisanz, head of the German coaching program, the reason Klinsmann chose Löw as his assistant was that the two had already begun discussing reforms of German football during the coaching course.

At that time, the back three was popular in Germany, and the libero and sweeper were traditional.

"But it took Löw two minutes to explain to Klinsmann the advantages of a back four."

This is why, after Klinsmann became Germany coach, he appointed Löw as his assistant, and why Klinsmann's performance plummeted after moving from the national team to Bayern.

Gao Shen has always known that in head coaching, especially in the fiercely competitive top European leagues, there can be no bluffing. Real strength and standards must be shown.

Mr. Nan Guo will not last long in this role.

Even when Gao Shen coached Real Madrid by chance, it took a huge effort, and only with the help of the Tactical Library did he manage to gain a foothold.

After that, he relied on steady progress step by step to climb to where he is now.

But what about Martino?

He almost reached the top in one step.

This is very dangerous.

Not only for him, but also for Barcelona.

Barcelona looks calm on the surface, but there are turbulent undercurrents behind the scenes.

Put simply, when Barcelona play well, everything is fine. But once they encounter a tough battle, Barcelona are in trouble.

Even Martino will find it difficult to fix.

Because Barcelona's players do not trust him deep down and doubt his decisions.

This kind of doubt is fatal on the pitch.

Gao Shen saw Barcelona's situation. Simeone saw it. Everyone who knows and studies Barcelona saw it. The only difference is when it will break out.

Therefore, both Gao Shen and Simeone feel Barcelona have no hope this season.

"Tonight, we have to score first and then step on Martino's head," Gao Shen said calmly as he watched Martino's lonely back as he walked away.

It is cruel, but this is professional football.

From the moment Martino decided to come to Barcelona and wade into this mess, this outcome was inevitable.

Shortcuts are not so easy.

Especially in professional football.

They often come at a heavy price.

…

Goalkeeper: Valdés.

Defense: Alba, Puyol, Piqué, and Alves.

Midfield: Busquets dropped deep, with Iniesta and Xavi in the middle.

Forwards: Neymar, Fàbregas, and Messi.

This was Barcelona's starting lineup, with almost no surprises.

There were also few surprises in Real Madrid's starting eleven.

Goalkeeper: Courtois.

Defense: Marcelo, Ramos, Pepe, and Carvajal.

Midfield: Xabi Alonso sat deepest, with Toni Kroos and Modrić in the middle.

Forwards: Ronaldo, Benzema, and Di Maria.

Both teams fielded complete lineups, showing the importance of the game.

But the difference was that Real Madrid showed far more aggressive intent.

In recent years, Barcelona have often started slowly and focused on keeping the ball.

But at Camp Nou tonight, Real Madrid ceded the fight for possession from the start and adopted aggressive high pressing. They even swarmed into Barcelona's penalty area like a pack of wolves, charging straight toward the goalkeeper.

This caught the Barcelona players off guard.

They did not expect Real Madrid to be so determined.

Caught unprepared, Valdés made a mistake that should not have happened.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1112: Martino Cried

After the opening, Real Madrid almost pinned Barcelona in their own half.

Even at Camp Nou, it is rare to see such a frantic and one-sided scene.

But it showed up tonight.

The most typical example came in the third minute, when Barcelona won a throw-in in their own half.

This was after Carvajal played a straight pass. Di Maria was harried by Alba and failed to bring the ball under control in time. His follow-up action was not handled properly, and the ball went out of bounds.

Alba quickly threw the ball to Puyol, who had pulled wide to the sideline.

Benzema pressed Puyol immediately, trying to pin the Barcelona captain on the wing.

Di Maria, Modrić and Ronaldo also boxed in Barcelona's players at the same time, leaving Puyol with no passing option, so he had to play it back to the goalkeeper.

Piqué quickly drifted away and, together with Puyol, stood at the edges of the penalty area to receive the ball. But Ronaldo stuck tight to Piqué, and Benzema closed down Valdés from Puyol's side.

Real Madrid's midfielders like Modrić and Toni Kroos also put pressure on Busquets and the others, making it difficult for Valdés to find an effective passing route.

At the critical moment, Fàbregas dropped from the front line to receive the ball just outside the D, but Xabi Alonso chased him all the way, making it hard for Fàbregas to turn. He had to knock it back again.

This back pass put Valdés in a passive position.

On the one hand, there was no passing lane available. On the other, Fàbregas's return was hurried, and Benzema was not far away, so Valdés had no time to adjust. He could only follow the return and try to play it to Puyol in space.

But the pass went slightly off target.

And it drifted toward Real Madrid.

Puyol rushed to it, but Di Maria, who was closer, reacted quicker.

The Argentine winger got there first, took the ball on the half turn in front of Puyol, then suddenly accelerated.

Puyol tried to pull him back, but Di Maria broke free.

After Di Maria carried it inside, he quickly shook off the hastily reacting Busquets and slid a straight pass with his left foot.

The ball cut diagonally from the right side of the arc toward the left of the penalty spot. Ronaldo, who had been tracking Piqué, suddenly made a diagonal dart. Unmarked, he took Di Maria's pass with his left foot and shot at once with his right.

Valdés sensed the danger as soon as he made the pass. He reacted quickly to Ronaldo's strike, but it was still out of reach.

The ball flew into Barcelona's goal at great speed.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!"

"Cristiano Ronaldo!!!!!"

"Just four minutes in, Real Madrid score the opener!"

"1-0!"

Ronaldo spun and looked for Di Maria, waving. He sprinted to the touchline, leapt and twisted gracefully, then swung his arms down in his iconic Eiffel Tower celebration.

Di Maria and the Real Madrid players chased over and mobbed him.

"Real Madrid's pressing right from the start has been overwhelming."

"Barcelona are completely unsuited to this tempo and cannot keep up with Real Madrid's pace."

"It was the second shot on target of the game, both from Real Madrid, and it results in a goal."

"From the replay, you can see Barcelona's handling here was very problematic."

"Especially Fàbregas's back pass, which practically roasted Valdés over the fire."

"In the end, Valdés's pass turned into an assist for Di Maria's assist."

Camp Nou was filled with boos, the crowd furious at conceding so early.

But there was nothing to be done.

…

Bang!

After seeing Ronaldo score, Gao Shen applauded the players for their brilliant play, but at the same time signaled them to stay focused, stay calm, and avoid rushing.

"Luka, Xabi, Toni."

Gao Shen shouted to Real Madrid's three midfielders, signaling them to push up and keep the pressure on Barcelona.

How long has it been since kick-off?

According to Real Madrid's pre-match plan, they had to press for at least ten minutes to disrupt Barcelona's rhythm.

Now, even though they lead by a goal, it is still not enough. If there is a chance, they need a second.

When Barcelona start to find a foothold and control the tempo, Real Madrid will switch to steady defending and counterattacking.

The three midfielders heard the coach's shout and raised their hands to show they understood.

Gao Shen then turned and walked toward the away bench.

As he walked back, he glanced at the home bench and saw Martino nervously calling for his players to push up and prevent Real Madrid from sustaining this pressure near the penalty area.

This is extremely dangerous.

Once forced into the box, a mistake can be punished in minutes.

However, under Real Madrid's high-intensity press, Barcelona found it hard to find a way out and could only move it with constant short passes.

Occasionally there was a long ball, but Neymar and Messi up front had no advantage in the air. Even if they brought it down, it was hard to threaten. Carvajal and Marcelo focused on defending Barcelona's two superstars.

As the game went on, though, Barcelona gradually increased their pressing on Real Madrid's midfield and back line.

In the 12th minute, Messi's persistent pressure caused Ramos to miscue a long pass intended for Di Maria on the right. Alba seized the moment and headed it to Piqué.

Piqué headed it beyond halfway under Benzema's pressure, and it dropped on the right side of Real Madrid's half.

Carvajal outjumped Neymar and headed it back.

Neymar raised his hand for a foul by Carvajal, but the referee did not blow.

Di Maria dropped and fed Modrić on the right side of the center circle.

Just as Modrić was about to take it inside, Xabi Alonso warned him from behind.

It was Xavi who came rushing in to press.

Modrić reacted quickly, used his body to shield, returned it to Di Maria, and sprinted forward.

He had planned to carry it across to draw defenders, let Di Maria drive up, then suddenly thread a diagonal ball in behind for Di Maria to create danger.

But now, that pattern was not on, so he had to change.

After giving it to Di Maria, Modrić decisively burst forward.

Di Maria knocked the ball inside with the outside of his left foot, carried it across the center circle, shrugged off Alba, drew Xavi's attention, and quickly clipped a half-height pass with his left to hit Modrić's run.

"A beautiful midfield pattern from Real Madrid."

"Di Maria finds Modrić."

"There is a chance!"

Modrić is not lightning quick, but he went early, broke Barcelona's line in one go, and only Puyol could recover in time.

Almost simultaneously, Benzema and Ronaldo were primed.

Real Madrid now had two arrows on the string, just waiting for Modrić's pass.

As the Croatian got to the ball, he saw Puyol and also scanned across Real Madrid's attacking line.

After more than a year together, he knows Ronaldo and Benzema's tendencies, especially their speed and habits.

If he played it to Benzema, he would have to pass closer, but to avoid Puyol's slide and still put it into the area, Benzema's receiving angle would be tight.

By contrast, Ronaldo's position was better.

Modrić made the decision almost instantly and, after cushioning the ball, bent a cross.

It arced and dropped toward the outside-left corner of the six-yard box, exactly the spot that puts a keeper in two minds. He wants to come, but he does not dare.

Almost at the same moment, Ronaldo was like a flash of lightning, shaking off his marker and hitting the spot. As it bounced, he guided it with his right foot toward the far corner.

Valdés was shifting left along the ball's flight when Ronaldo suddenly redirected it the other way. He had no chance and could only watch it nestle in.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!"

"2-0!!!"

"It is Ronaldo again!"

"A brace!"

"Only 12 minutes in, Real Madrid have two!"

Ronaldo tore toward the sideline again, and Real Madrid's players chased after him to celebrate.

Gao Shen was drinking water beside the home bench. Seeing Ronaldo score, he clenched the bottle so hard water splashed everywhere.

"Yes! Great job, Ronnie!"

Gao Shen pumped his fists and tossed the bottle aside.

Other Real Madrid coaches and subs rushed out, hugging and celebrating.

2-0.

This goal came at the perfect time and was crucial.

"This is Ronaldo's value," Gao Shen laughed.

Everyone nodded.

It has to be admitted that Ronaldo is truly strong.

Many think his output is due to tactical resources being funneled to him, but it is an interaction.

On the one hand, because he is that good, the team is willing to tilt tactical resources his way. On the other, because resources tilt his way, his threat is amplified.

Just like that chance, he could seize it.

As for criticism about speculative shooting, it exists. But often those shots come from suboptimal situations, some of which are opportunities Ronaldo creates by himself.

What more can you say?

"At 2-0, Martino will cry," Zidane joked.

Gao Shen nodded repeatedly.

Conceding twice in the first 12 minutes, Martino had already suffered a heavy blow to start the night.

More importantly, this was at Camp Nou.

"It is harsh to say for Martino, but we really should drop off now and stop taking risks."

Gao Shen laughed.

With a two-goal lead, Real Madrid had to defend solidly and counter, forcing Barcelona to push up.

You know, Real Madrid's quick counter is second to none in Europe.

If the game falls into that rhythm, Barcelona will suffer most.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1113: Winning the Championship in One Go

"Real Madrid make a successful interception at the edge of the penalty area."

"Pepe plays it forward."

"Modrić finds Benzema."

"Out to the wing, Carvajal overlaps, then clips it diagonally in behind for Ronaldo."

"Ronaldo squares it left, and Di Maria is bursting through."

"Real Madrid have a chance!"

"It is in!"

"Di Maria!"

"Real Madrid score again!"

"A left-foot strike from Di Maria!"

"This slender Argentine was like an angel descending from the sky. He scored a wonderful goal to seal the win for Real Madrid!"

"5-0!"

…

Di Maria was so excited he lost himself. He made a heart with his hands and sprinted out of the pitch, running all the way.

The close-up on the broadcast clearly showed his emotions in that moment.

Especially when he ran a loop around the touchline and rushed to head coach Gao Shen, lifted him up, and roared, venting all his inner excitement.

Tonight, all five of Real Madrid's goals were connected to Di Maria, all born from the coordination and planning of him and his teammates.

The Argentine's excitement was understandable.

He was the brightest star at Camp Nou tonight, not inferior even to his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat trick.

All of this was down to the guidance and encouragement of head coach Gao Shen.

Since his time at Napoli, Di Maria has admired Gao Shen. After Gao Shen took over at Real Madrid, Di Maria reached a new peak in his career.

Previously, whether under Pellegrini or Mourinho, he had been lost and his performances were not what they once were. Especially as he got older, many felt he had not developed as expected.

But after Gao Shen arrived at Real Madrid, he was fully activated.

He is now not only part of Real Madrid's midfield engine, but also the team's spearhead when they surge forward.

The key is that Di Maria can switch between these roles, making him very hard to defend.

…

"Real Madrid's counter was superb, the fast break was a joy to watch."

"Everyone involved took it in one touch, without hesitation."

"It was thrilling. More importantly, every pass was precise, giving the receiver maximum comfort."

"This is the artistic football Real Madrid advocate."

"In this moment, on this night at Camp Nou, Real Madrid turned attacking play into an art form."

"Gao Shen and his staff were celebrating wildly on the touchline."

"After beating Barcelona 5-0 away, Real Madrid now have ten straight wins this season and look unstoppable."

"More importantly, under advanced training, these Real Madrid players are playing a brand of football completely different from before, full of the magnificent aesthetic of attacking football."

"Look at the Real Madrid players, full of respect for the coach, all gathered around him."

"With less than ten minutes left, it is destined to be a painful night for Barcelona."

"And Martino, he should reflect on his tactics tonight. From the start to the adjustments, he lacked adaptability."

"Barcelona were completely outplayed by Real Madrid tonight."

…

When the players returned to the pitch, Gao Shen raised his fists high and roared.

Camp Nou was filled with boos.

Barcelona fans do not like the sight of Gao Shen, especially Gao Shen like tonight.

They have not beaten him for years, and many times they have been routed, like tonight.

The repeated hope before the game and the repeated disappointment after it have become a thorn in their hearts.

But Gao Shen had no such awareness.

He turned and high-fived and hugged his assistants one by one, celebrating the win.

Finally, he stood upright on the touchline, watching the last few minutes, enduring the fury pouring down from the stands at Camp Nou.

As the TV commentator said, not without complaint, "You could have just sat back in the dugout and ignored the Barcelona fans. Why stand on the touchline?"

On the pitch, after conceding five in a row, Barcelona's confidence and fight were shattered.

The players were merely circulating the ball across midfield and the back line. No one dared to play it forward.

Only Messi would occasionally drop deep, try to carry it up, and attempt to attack, but his efforts were ineffective.

Two fists cannot beat four hands. No matter how strong Messi is, he is still one man.

Neither Neymar nor Fàbregas, who started, nor Agüero, who replaced Fàbregas, could offer much help now.

Real Madrid's defending cut off Barcelona's front trident, forcing them to fight alone.

And how can one player break through Real Madrid's layered defense?

When the referee blew for full time, Gao Shen pumped his fists and cheered again on the touchline.

Real Madrid's players rushed to hug and celebrate, and the substitutes even sprinted onto the pitch.

The scene resembled Real Madrid winning La Liga, everyone wildly excited.

This is the clásico.

An exclusive showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

It is also a final between two super giants.

…

"Congratulations to Real Madrid."

"Tonight, at Camp Nou, Gao Shen's team gave us a wonderful, classic match."

"5-0, a number to remember."

"In the history of Real Madrid and Barcelona, almost every 5-0 represents the beginning or the end of an era."

"Tonight at Camp Nou, this 5-0 may mean the era of Real Madrid's elegance has arrived."

"Congratulations also to these Real Madrid stars. They have found a coach like Gao Shen at Real Madrid. We have every reason to believe that as long as they maintain this form and momentum, they will have the chance to win more trophies and honors."

"Especially since they already have the Spanish Super Cup and the European Super Cup. If they can win the Club World Cup, they will complete the 2013 Grand Slam."

"Let us wish Gao Shen and Real Madrid good luck."

…

"Good luck, my friend."

After the match, Martino graciously came to the away dugout and shook Gao Shen's hand firmly.

He looked more dejected than before the game, and more alone.

At Barcelona, he was like a lone soldier, trapped on a heavily surrounded battlefield, isolated and helpless.

But that was his own choice.

It began when he decided to take over Barcelona and accepted this gamble.

Returns always come with risk.

Martino has to bear the risk and the cost of this gamble.

"Will this get him sacked directly?"

After Martino left, Carlo asked with some reluctance.

He is about the same age as Martino.

Seeing Martino like this, he could not help recalling the predicament he faced when he coached Real Madrid.

But that is fate.

Back then, everyone felt it unfair that he was replaced by Gao Shen. Who would have thought he would now be Gao Shen's right-hand man, following him to such renown in the football world.

Sometimes, Carlo could not help but think that if he had continued as a head coach, it would have been hard to achieve what he has now.

Today, he is successful and makes good money. The only regret is that he is not a capable head coach.

But the world is realistic and cruel. It is impossible for everything to go your way. You always have to make choices.

After thinking about it, Carlo looked again at Gao Shen beside him.

He suddenly noticed that Gao Shen had white hair.

"Hey, Gao, when did you go gray?" Carlo blurted, as if he had discovered a new continent.

Gao Shen reached up to his temples. "Just two or three strands."

"Have you counted them?" Zidane was curious.

Gao Shen curled his lip and ignored them.

How would he count them?

Use a mirror?

The head coach's job is exhausting. He is only in his early thirties, yet already has gray hairs.

People like Ferguson and Wenger developed heart issues because of the strain. After Mourinho's two years at Real Madrid, his hair turned white.

And Ancelotti. That guy has been dyeing his hair for years, and he does it secretly, as if he is afraid of being found out.

Guardiola also has a lot of gray.

It is truly punishing, especially on the body.

"My wife says I overuse my brain and work too hard, so my gray hairs are coming fast. From now on, I am going to let you do as much as possible so I can worry less," Gao Shen said seriously.

Zidane, Carlo, Hierro, and the others looked at each other and nearly burst into laughter.

"Gao, how about you check mine?" Hierro suggested.

Carlo leaned over. He also had a lot of gray.

Only Zidane, looking at Hierro and Carlo, then at Gao Shen, was almost in tears.

"You... you are bullies."

Everyone burst out laughing.

After a 5-0 win over Barcelona, Real Madrid now sit alone at the top of La Liga.

More importantly, it is the meaning of this win and its ripple effects.

In a heavyweight clash like the clásico, the impact is never just 3 points.

For example, as Carlo speculated, will Martino be sacked?

From Gao Shen's perspective, they certainly do not want Martino to be fired.

The reason is simple. Changing a coach is like changing the blade. Who knows who will come in?

Luis Enrique is the favorite, and he is no pushover.

Rather than that, it would be better to keep Martino and let Barcelona continue wasting time in the dressing room.

As things stand, Martino cannot hope to control the dressing room. Avoiding infighting would already be good.

But it will be very hard for them to keep threatening Real Madrid, let alone challenge Atletico Madrid.

Of course, nothing is absolute.

Therefore, Real Madrid still need to stay focused, stay vigilant, and push together to win the title.

Until it is in hand, everything remains uncertain.

In football, no one knows what will happen next.

(To be continued.)