SWR: Chapter 948/949

Chapter 948: Practice

Gao Shen and the coaching staff once made a joke in private.

If Modric is the Pirlo of Real Madrid, then who is the Gattuso?

Carlo, Zidane, Hierro and the others looked at each other, and in the end, they all pointed at Modric.

Strictly speaking, Modric is neither Pirlo nor Gattuso.

The combination of Pirlo and Gattuso is like fitting pieces of a puzzle, pairing players with different functions together. That is called complementarity.

But what are the characteristics of Modric, Toni Kroos, and Xabi Alonso?

In fact, they all share one thing in common: versatility.

All of them are very complete!

From the moment he took charge of Real Madrid until now, Gao Shen has never fully sorted out the relationships in Real Madrid's midfield.

In other words, the players have not yet fully understood the advanced requirements.

Toni Kroos, Modric, and Xabi Alonso are all core midfielders. So how do they play together? Who takes the lead? Who provides support?

That is the problem.

In an advanced tactical concept, there is no strict distinction between primary and secondary roles. Whoever has the ball at his feet takes control.

It is just like his requirements for Modric: when he plays in the number 10 position, he plays as an advanced playmaker; when he plays as an 8, he acts as a box-to-box midfielder; when he drops into the number 4 position, he takes on the defensive midfielder's responsibilities.

The same goes for Toni Kroos and Xabi Alonso.

Even Di Maria is the same.

Do you think this sounds familiar?

Yes, that was exactly how Gao Shen positioned Gareth Bale when he was at Manchester City.

Blur the positions completely and bring out the all-around qualities of the players.

But that takes time.

Especially when it comes to integrating all these players together. It will take more time.

And what Real Madrid lacks most right now is time.

…

Gao Shen mainly spoke to Modric about his cooperation with his teammates, especially with Toni Kroos, Xabi Alonso, and Di Maria, and asked him about the problems he had encountered in daily training and matches.

He also hoped that the Croatian midfielder could give some suggestions, which he would consider as appropriate.

Stars at Real Madrid's level basically know how to train.

In fact, they often know it better than the coach.

This is why people say, half-jokingly, that top players could manage themselves even if you tied up the coach and put a crown on a dog.

The stars are so strong that they can handle training themselves, and they can coordinate and work out tactics in the dressing room. So what do you even need a head coach for?

Of course, that is a joke, but it also reflects the abilities of top players.

Modric shared many of his own experiences and insights. For example, he felt he was not suited to play wide on the wing.

"You know, I lack speed. When I am on the wing and face players with explosive power, I struggle, whether in attack or defense. I've spoken to Di Maria about it, and many of his approaches just don't suit me."

A deep understanding, but also an explanation.

Originally, the responsibility for the wing was to be handed over to the full-back, while Modric was more active in the half-spaces. But wasn't it because Arbeloa's attacking ability was not strong before?

Therefore, Gao Shen had no choice but to let Modric and Di Maria work together.

"In the next match against Dortmund, I want Carvajal to play at right-back, just like Marcelo on the left, taking on the responsibility of attacking the flank. But this requires you to stay vigilant at all times, especially in covering the space behind you."

Modric laughed when he heard this and said, "That's exactly what I am good at."

Gao Shen hoped that Modric could guide Carvajal more, and also emphasized that he must cooperate well with Xabi Alonso, because Dortmund's high pressing can be very dangerous.

"To break through Dortmund's high pressing, we can't just keep possession. We need to vary the tempo, especially with off-the-ball movement and dribbling, to create threats behind them and make them hesitate."

Letting Dortmund press forward unopposed is slow suicide.

So, we need players who can hold and pass the ball under pressure and create danger.

Real Madrid does not lack such players. The key is to seize the right moment while keeping control of the ball.

Instead of just circulating the ball like Barcelona, they have to pass behind Dortmund's back line, even under high pressing, to create danger.

As long as there is a threat behind them, Dortmund will be forced to worry, and the pressing in the middle and front will be slightly reduced.

This way, Real Madrid will have the opportunity to wear down their stamina.

Otherwise, the first half-hour will be very difficult!

Modric understood what the coach meant.

"Also, we have to control the tempo."

"You know Dortmund cannot keep up a high tempo for the entire match. They are human beings, not machines. After a spell of high-intensity play, they always have to slow down."

"I have studied Dortmund and Klopp. They always start with a burst of intensity, for ten minutes or so, and then they begin to slow a little. Once they recover, they launch another wave, and so it goes."

Gao Shen gestured with his hands, turning them like a wheel, and then suddenly made a cutting motion with his right hand.

"We have to stop their fast attacks. When they slow down, we increase our own tempo again, constantly wearing them down and giving them no chance to breathe."

Any head coach in a top league must have a complete strategy loop.

Take Klopp as an example.

He knows very well that his team consumes a lot of energy. So how does he manage it?

Just as Gao Shen described: attack in a wave, rest, attack in another wave, rest again.

In theory, if the opponent allows them to implement this strategy perfectly, their stamina can last the whole match.

But if the opponent speeds up the tempo precisely when they need to rest, they will not be able to recover. Their energy consumption will increase, and eventually, the accumulated fatigue will turn them into the so-called 60-minute team.

The problem is that there are very few teams in European football that can force Klopp's Dortmund to become a 60-minute team.

"Luka, your role in this match is extremely important."

"Dortmund's pressing will definitely target our midfield, especially Xabi Alonso and Toni Kroos. They are both vulnerable to pressing, so you need to take on more responsibility and help them control the midfield and the rhythm. Do you understand?"

Modric understood what the head coach meant and also felt the great trust and expectations Gao Shen had placed on him.

"Boss, don't worry. I will find time to have a good talk with Xabi and Toni."

Gao Shen nodded with satisfaction. "In this match, the midfield battle will be the key to victory!"

…

After talking with Modric, Gao Shen returned to his office.

This weekend, Real Madrid will face Levante away.

This team is quite strong and is currently ranked sixth in La Liga, even ahead of teams like Sevilla and Valencia. More importantly, they are unbeaten at home so far.

Four wins and one draw in five matches.

That record is excellent.

Gao Shen planned to use this opponent to test the team's tactics in a real match.

For Real Madrid right now, the top priority is to qualify from the Champions League group stage. Everything else has to be secondary.

Not to mention the Copa del Rey, even the gap in the league can still be closed with time. But if Real Madrid is eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage, it will be a huge blow to the team's confidence.

Levante plays with a rough and aggressive style, and since the match is away, it is very suitable to simulate Dortmund.

Carlo, Zidane, Hierro, and the others also agreed with Gao Shen's approach.

This match against Dortmund is extremely important. It could decide Real Madrid's future in the Champions League this season. No matter what, they must win.

"Next, we will need to make some adjustments in training, focusing on strengthening passing and ball control."

Gao Shen laid out his requirements for training based on his ideas.

For years, he has been the one making the demands, while assistants such as Carlo and Zidane have been responsible for carrying them out.

The coaches have worked together for many years and have already developed excellent chemistry. As soon as Gao Shen gives instructions, they know what to do.

In fact, not just Levante, but also Athletic Bilbao, their opponent in the 12th round, is a team with a very aggressive style, which makes them very suitable for practice.

According to Gao Shen's plan, these two league matches will be used as preparation for the team's tactical play against Dortmund.

Of course, Gao Shen is also very aware that Klopp will definitely send scouts to watch Real Madrid's matches, so he will make some adjustments and keep certain things hidden during the matches.

If Levante and Athletic Bilbao play the way Gao Shen expects in both matches, he will be more confident in facing Dortmund's attack and pressing at home.

The coaching staff basically agreed with Gao Shen's approach.

After reaching an agreement, everyone dispersed and went back to their work.

After Gao Shen returned to his office, he called Valdano and asked about some of the team's current matters, focusing on contract renewals.

Many people think that Real Madrid players' annual salaries are very high, but in reality, they are not as high as rumored.

At present, the player with the highest salary at Real Madrid is Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns 9 million euros after tax.

There are rumors that it is 12.5 million euros, but that is not true. It is 9 million euros.

Of course, he also owns part of his image rights, so he can earn a considerable amount of additional income from the club.

Kaka also earns 9 million euros after tax. This is one of the main reasons why many people want to move on from Kaka.

With the same salary, the gap in performance between Ronaldo and Kaka is significant.

Professional football is cruel. Kaka's injuries are certainly not his fault, but he has to bear the consequences.

Next is Casillas with 7 million euros after tax.

Among them, the contracts of Ronaldo and Kaka will expire in 2015. According to the standards of top stars, they should begin contract renewal negotiations now.

Real Madrid has been in talks with Ronaldo, but the Portuguese forward's salary demands are very high, even reaching 20 million euros after tax.

The club also has its own considerations, especially regarding Spanish tax law. When Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, he was able to benefit from the famous "Beckham Law" and only had to pay 24% tax in the first six years.

But there is a problem. After 2010, the Spanish government completely revised this law. As long as an annual salary exceeds 600,000 euros, the tax rate increases to 43%. In 2012, it was further raised to 52%.

Those who signed earlier enjoy the old system, those who sign new contracts follow the new one.

After the 2012 amendment, it only applies to new contracts. For example, Gao Shen's contract does not enjoy the benefits of the "Beckham Law," but Ronaldo's current contract still does.

However, if he renews his contract, he will have to follow the new tax rules.

This will place a huge financial burden on Real Madrid, which is why the club has been reluctant and is still negotiating.

But this time, Gao Shen's concern was not about Ronaldo. It was about Xabi Alonso.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 949: Renew the Contract

Xabi Alonso knocked on the door of Gao Shen's office.

The door was open. Standing at the door, Xabi Alonso saw Gao Shen focused on watching a video on his tablet. He looked up when he heard the knock, smiled, and waved at him, inviting him in and asking him to close the door.

After turning off the tablet, Gao Shen poured a glass of water for Xabi Alonso.

"Boss, are you looking for me?" Xabi Alonso asked, sitting down.

Gao Shen nodded. "I have something to talk to you about."

Xabi Alonso vaguely guessed what was going on.

Gao Shen had already spoken with Modric and Toni Kroos, and Xabi Alonso figured it was his turn. The main topic should still be about the upcoming home game against Dortmund and the Champions League group stage.

Right now, Real Madrid's situation is precarious, with a lot of noise from the media. Some tabloids even reported that Gao Shen would be fired if Real Madrid were eliminated from the group stage.

Real Madrid's management quickly held a press conference to clarify matters, reiterating their support for Gao Shen and expressing confidence that the team would progress smoothly.

But it's difficult.

Dortmund is really strong.

What Xabi Alonso didn't expect was that Gao Shen didn't want to talk about the match, but instead began discussing his contract renewal.

"Your contract is up in 2014, and it's actually the shortest among the entire team," Gao Shen said.

It was already 2012, and 2013 was fast approaching. In other words, Xabi Alonso's contract situation was becoming quite urgent. If it wasn't renewed soon, he could find a team on his own.

But the issue with the Spanish midfielder was that he was already 31 years old.

With this contract, he would almost be 33 when it expired.

In fact, Real Madrid's management had been debating whether to renew Xabi Alonso's contract.

In hindsight, it would seem obvious to renew it quickly.

But from the perspective of Real Madrid's technical staff and management, this was also a dilemma.

How many players' performances have dropped significantly after contract renewals? By the time they reach a certain age, their performances are heavily reduced. What should be done?

Many fans criticized Wenger for renewing players' contracts every year after they turned 30, but he actually had his reasons.

Of course, Gao Shen believed that Xabi Alonso was not one of those players.

As a time traveler, he clearly knew how long Xabi Alonso's condition could last.

"I've already officially sent a fax to the technical department, asking them to quickly reach an agreement with you and your agent on the contract renewal. I don't want this matter to drag on any longer."

Gao Shen's statement surprised Xabi Alonso a little, but it was also within the realm of what he expected.

What really surprised him was the next sentence.

"As for the annual salary, my initial suggestion is 6 million euros after tax."

Xabi Alonso was obviously stunned. "Six million euros... after tax?"

"Yes, do you think that's too little?" Gao Shen asked with a smile.

"No, no, no, I just feel a little...," Xabi Alonso was genuinely moved.

From the moment he entered the room until now, Gao Shen had been carefully observing the changes in Xabi Alonso's expression.

The Basque man was usually calm, collected, and hard to surprise. But he was clearly taken aback by the renewal terms Gao Shen was offering.

His current annual salary was 3.8 million euros after tax, putting him in the middle of the Real Madrid salary list.

At 31 years old, the jump to 6 million euros after tax was a massive boost for him.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Gao Shen was treating him like his right-hand man!

Why else would he fight so hard for such a generous contract renewal?

"Don't get too excited. This is just a proposal I've made to the office. They also have their own review process. We'll discuss it further. But I think there will be some changes in the details, though it will remain generally the same," Gao Shen explained.

Now, Gao Shen had such authority.

Xabi Alonso was genuinely excited and moved.

"For this contract renewal, I personally suggest a 2+1 model," Gao Shen continued. "That means a two-year extension. If your playing time remains similar, we can extend it for another year. So, the longest we can go is 2017. By then, you'll be almost 36 years old."

For Xabi Alonso, this would be almost like a lifetime contract.

"Boss, I didn't expect this," Xabi Alonso said, genuinely surprised.

"Just get used to it. I will never mistreat players who contribute to the team, especially outstanding core players like you. I will keep you in Real Madrid no matter what," Gao Shen said firmly.

Having heard all of this, what could Xabi Alonso possibly say?

He was moved, and then pledged his absolute and unconditional support for Gao Shen.

"You've done a great job, Xabi. Really," Gao Shen confirmed with a smile.

After a pause, he slightly shifted his tone. "But I believe you're a smart person, so I'll be frank with you."

"Your age is a factor, but your experience is an invaluable asset to us. So, I hope you can help guide the younger players in the team. I can guarantee that in my plan, you, like them, occupy a vital position. You are one of the most important players."

If it weren't for the contract, Xabi Alonso might have had some concerns. But with such a heavy contract offer, if he still questioned Gao Shen's words, he would no longer be Xabi Alonso.

Who would take the fourth-highest salary on the team and still doubt the coach's intentions?

"I understand, boss. Don't worry, I'll never let you down," Xabi Alonso promised solemnly.

"The match against Dortmund is very, very important to us. It is crucial. We need to be in our best form and win by at least two goals at home."

Xabi Alonso understood that Gao Shen had made up his mind, and immediately agreed.

…

After discussing tactics and strategies for the Dortmund match, as well as his role in transforming the team's midfield, Gao Shen let Xabi Alonso go.

But it still gave him a headache.

When working in a large company, the most exhausting part is often not the specific tasks, but the internal communication.

They call this "corporate disease."

The same applies to Real Madrid.

It doesn't matter if the head coach knows tactics, can train, or sign players. The most important thing is communication and being able to manage the stars in the locker room.

For example, people often criticize Bosque's coaching ability.

He won two Champions League titles, yet after leaving Real Madrid, not a single top club came knocking for him. He struggled in Turkey and eventually joined the Spanish national team. Isn't that outrageous?

Many would argue that Bosque did well with Spain, winning the World Cup and the European Cup...

But if you ask people in the football community, those two titles are important, but not necessarily ground-breaking.

Would Mourinho coach the Portuguese national team, or Guardiola coach Spain?

To be blunt, the national teams are sometimes like retirement homes. Coaches only consider these roles when they can't make it in the professional league anymore.

But one thing that has to be admitted is that Bosque was a perfect fit for Real Madrid. He remains one of the most beloved head coaches in the club's history.

Sometimes, people can be very strange.

Gao Shen spoke with Toni Kroos, Xabi Alonso, and Modric one after the other. His main goal was to break down the barriers in midfield so they could work freely together.

Of course, the issue of contract renewals was also important.

Gao Shen called Valdano earlier and didn't worry about Ronaldo's renewal. That was already being discussed between Ronaldo's team and Real Madrid.

Gao Shen focused on four players: Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Benzema, and Di Maria.

He asked for these renewals to be completed as soon as possible.

Among them, Xabi Alonso's was the most urgent. His contract was expiring in 2014. Ideally, the renewal should be finalized this season, but for the 31-year-old Spanish midfielder, the renewal process would be more relaxed.

Marcelo and Benzema's contracts expire in 2015. Benzema's annual salary is 5 million euros after tax. There's no rush to renew, but it's something to consider.

Marcelo must be renewed.

The Brazilian left-back's current annual salary is 2.3 million euros after tax, which is the lowest in the squad. Now that he is injured, Gao Shen feels this is the perfect time to offer him an extension so that Marcelo can focus on playing football with peace of mind in the future.

Di Maria is also in a tough spot. His salary is 3.5 million euros after tax, but his contract expires in 2018, which is too far away.

Gao Shen's idea was to keep the contract term unchanged, but assure Di Maria that if he continues his great performances, his contract would be renewed next summer, and his salary would be increased.

Did you see it?

Florentino and the Real Madrid management have been incredibly smart and thorough in handling the contract renewal matters.

Take Higuain, for example. His annual salary after tax is only 3.8 million euros. Are you kidding me?

Pepe earns 3.5 million euros, while Albiol and Arbeloa are both on 2 million euros after tax.

This is the salary structure that sets the benchmark for European football.

But the current situation is clear—there will be a surge in salaries soon.

Ronaldo's contract renewal negotiations have been ongoing for some time. His annual salary has been raised twice at Barcelona. With Real Madrid's performance not ideal, they have suppressed it, but now they can't hold back any longer.

The salaries in top leagues like the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 are also rising.

Real Madrid can't suppress this wave.

Gao Shen's handling of the matter was fully supported by Valdano and Florentino because Xabi Alonso's renewal is indeed urgent. It expires in 2014. If it isn't renewed now, when will it be?

Do they need to wait until he's a free agent?

But Gao Shen also had a vague feeling that Real Madrid would soon face a wave of contract renewals in the next one or two years. As the head coach, he could certainly continue to do good things, but Kaka would likely leave the team.

The reason is simple: it frees up 9 million euros in annual salary after tax.

Given Kaka's current situation, it is basically impossible for him to get a contract renewal. Jose Sanchez also said before that his commercial value has dropped significantly, and with an annual salary of 9 million euros after tax, if he were to renew his contract under the new tax rate, Real Madrid would be under tremendous financial pressure.

Ronaldo was able to renew because the Portuguese star still has both competitive and commercial value, but Kaka…

There is nothing Gao Shen can do about it.

After all, running a top football club is not like running a charity. You cannot be emotional.

(To be continued.)