SWR: Chapter 941/943

Chapter 941: Gao Shen is Going to Fight to the Death!

October 14, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid.

In the third round of the Champions League Group D, Real Madrid faced Manchester City at home.

In the 7th minute of the game, Manchester City center-back David Luiz made a long pass to the front to find Suarez.

The Uruguayan striker, pushed from behind by Pepe, could not control the ball and pushed it too far.

Toni Kroos, tracking back, reached the ball first and sent a diagonal pass to Di Maria, who was in space on the right side. The Argentine winger controlled the ball, cut inside, and then made a diagonal pass with his left foot, sending the ball straight to the left edge of Manchester City's penalty area.

Ronaldo got to the ball first, drove into the penalty area, and faced Kompany one-on-one.

The Manchester City captain kept retreating, but Ronaldo, with skill and boldness, beat Kompany.

The Portuguese drove into the box and feinted repeatedly, forcing Kompany off balance. Then he suddenly pulled the ball back onto his right foot and unleashed a powerful shot.

The entire process, from controlling the ball to striking it, happened in an instant. Although Manchester City goalkeeper Neuer made a save, he still failed to keep the ball out of the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"

The Portuguese superstar turned and sprinted away to celebrate.

1-0!

The entire Bernabéu erupted into deafening cheers.

This is the power of a superstar!

They can stay calm and take their chances at decisive moments when opportunities appear.

…

On the touchline, Gao Shen secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Real Madrid was taking a big risk tonight.

Goalkeeper: Casillas.

Defense: Marcos Alonso, Pepe, Varane, and Ramos.

Midfield: Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín, and Di Maria.

Marcelo had undergone surgery, which went smoothly, but he will be out for at least three months.

Arbeloa is also injured and will miss at least three weeks.

Benzema's injury is not serious, but he also needs to rest and is only on the bench tonight.

With so many injuries, even a careful arrangement of players has been severely affected.

He didn't even dare to start Carvajal on the right, because he couldn't imagine the outcome if Carvajal had to face Gareth Bale directly.

The reason for choosing Casemiro in midfield is because the Brazilian has performed well in training. He has strong defensive ability and great physical fitness, exactly what Gao Shen needs.

Especially since Manchester City are using Yaya Toure and David Silva today.

Xabi Alonso cannot handle Yaya Toure.

With so many injuries, Gao Shen has no choice but to take a risk, so he brought out his best plan and started with an all-out attack from the first whistle, forcing Manchester City into a very uncomfortable situation.

And just now, after only seven minutes, Ronaldo has already scored.

This was Real Madrid's third shot of the game.

"Hey."

Gao Shen walked to the sideline and called out to the players who were celebrating.

"Stay alert, one goal is not enough. Push forward and try to score another. Understand?"

"Ronnie, calm down, play steady."

"Pay attention to protecting the midfield, and stay organized when pressing. Don't get messy!"

Gao Shen kept directing the team from the sidelines.

The Real Madrid fans in the stands shouted with excitement because of the goal.

Who would have thought that before the game, when Real Madrid was written off by countless people due to a long injury list, they would be the first to score?

Gao Shen's deployment is always unexpected. He knows Manchester City inside out, and he knows how to hit them.

…

The game restarted.

Real Madrid continued their attacking pressure on Manchester City and even increased the intensity of their pressing in midfield and up front.

Just two minutes later, Ronaldo got another chance.

Higuaín passed from the middle, Ronaldo took the ball on the left, dribbled past Kompany again, and shot with his left foot.

But this time, Neuer made a superb save.

If that wasn't a good chance, then just after, in the 13th minute, Di Maria retreated into space in the middle, received a pass from Modric, turned and sent a ball behind with his heel.

Ramos surged up from the right, controlled the ball, entered the penalty area, but his shot was awful.

The best chance came in the 17th minute.

It was Di Maria again, retreating to midfield and delivering a direct pass. Higuaín beat the offside trap, one-on-one, but was intimidated by Neuer, who came off his line, and his touch went straight to the German keeper.

Neuer was ruthless, charging to the penalty spot to snatch the ball.

On the sideline, Gao Shen held his head with both hands, his expression pained.

That was a one-on-one!

"Damn it!"

Gao Shen turned back to the coaching bench, looking extremely dejected.

Not just him, but Carlo, Zidane, Hierro and the others all looked the same.

"If we had just taken one of those chances, it would be 2-0!" Gao Shen said bitterly.

He knew very well that he couldn't fully blame the players because Manchester City's players are simply too strong.

Gao Shen knows this better than anyone. These Manchester City players were all developed under his coaching, and he knows their abilities inside out.

In such a strong match-up, for this injury-hit Real Madrid to press Manchester City like this is already remarkable. The players are giving everything.

But it is not enough!

"If Manchester City find their rhythm and settle, we're finished!" Gao Shen knows Manchester City far too well.

This is a very mature and solid team.

Look at them now. Even under heavy pressure and a goal down, are they panicking? Are they flustered?

As Champions League title holders, the mentality of Manchester City's players is completely different.

How to describe it?

They now have a kind of calmness, a detached composure, like masters who are above the fray.

This is the temperament of a strong team.

"You can't keep pressing like this," Carlo reminded from the side.

It has been 20 minutes.

If they continue to play at this intensity, Manchester City will seize an opportunity to counterattack and Real Madrid's lead will disappear.

Of course Gao Shen knows this.

But he refused to back down.

If the squad was complete, he would have the confidence to fight Manchester City toe to toe, but now…

In the 23rd minute, Higuaín held the ball in the front, laid it off, and Ronaldo's shot from the edge of the box was blocked. Toni Kroos followed up with a long-range shot, but Neuer pushed it over the bar.

Corner kick.

Real Madrid's corner failed to create danger, as Javi Martinez headed the ball clear.

Gao Shen knew he had to change his approach.

…

From the 25th minute, Real Madrid gradually slowed the pace and focused on defense.

At this time, the Galácticos were leading 1-0.

Relying on their overall strength, Manchester City gradually took control of the game and began to organize wave after wave of attacks.

The attacking trident of Bale, Suarez, and Robben began to exert their power. With Yaya Toure and David Silva controlling midfield, Manchester City attacked aggressively.

Gao Shen had already arranged for this. Yaya Toure was marked by Casemiro, while Toni Kroos and Modric formed a defensive wall in midfield.

In the 31st minute, Kompany launched an attack. Yaya Toure quickly passed the ball to the left.

Gareth Bale accelerated straight into the left side of Real Madrid's penalty area and fired a left-foot shot, which was saved by Casillas.

This attack made everyone in Real Madrid break out in a cold sweat.

Casillas lost his starting position in La Liga earlier this season, but he has performed very well in national team and cup games.

Manchester City kept up their attack, launching a fierce siege on Real Madrid.

But in the first half, Real Madrid successfully held on to the 1-0 lead.

After the break, Real Madrid once again launched an aggressive attack. But this time Manchester City were ready. The effect was far less than at the start, and they still could not break Neuer's goal.

Instead, in the 66th minute, David Silva switched the play to the right during a counterattack. Robben received the ball, shook off Marcos Alonso, cut inside, and sent a through ball behind.

Suarez ran through the gap between Pepe and Varane, beat the offside trap, entered the penalty area, and calmly scored to equalize for Manchester City.

1-1.

In the 71st minute, Bale sent a diagonal pass from the left. Varane failed to intercept. Suarez dribbled into the box, was closely marked by Pepe, suddenly stopped, and passed the ball to the right.

Robben cut into the box at high speed from the right and shot with his left foot, easily beating Casillas.

2-1!

Manchester City turned it around!

…

As Robben scored, Gao Shen closed his eyes on the touchline.

He had been ready for such a result.

In fact, he was not worried about losing, because he coached both teams.

Gao Shen versus Gao Shen, what else can be said?

Besides, Real Madrid are full of injuries now.

The key issue is, what should Real Madrid do?

Gao Shen quickly opened his eyes again. He already had the answer.

Real Madrid cannot lose this game!

No matter what, they have to fight to the end!

Otherwise, how can they play the remaining three matches?

Would that mean that after Gao Shen took over, Real Madrid would once again be eliminated in the group stage?

"Karim, warm up!"

Gao Shen turned around and shouted to Benzema on the bench.

Benzema, unable to stay seated any longer, immediately ran to the sideline. After a few sprints back and forth, he came back ready.

Soon, Gao Shen made a substitution, replacing Varane with Benzema.

Varane had been involved in both conceded goals, but Casemiro had been much better in midfield.

Of course, Gao Shen understands that Varane is young, and facing a strong striker like Suarez is a huge test. It is unrealistic to expect him to make zero mistakes.

But now, Real Madrid has to attack!

After the substitution, Real Madrid switched to a 3-4-3 formation.

Marcos Alonso was pushed up into midfield, playing as a left winger, while Pepe, Casemiro, and Ramos formed a back three.

Everyone could see that Gao Shen was ready to fight to the death!

The Bernabéu fans were excited!

The real Real Madrid will not be afraid of any difficulties or obstacles, will not be afraid of any strong enemy, and will only become stronger when facing stronger opponents!

Manchester City may be the strongest team in world football today, but here at the Bernabéu, there is nothing more to say.

Go for it!

(To be continued.)

Chapter 942: Real Madrid, Are You Still Attacking?

How do people become stronger?

American writer Goffman once said in his dramaturgy theory that society and life are a big stage.

On this stage, everyone is a performer, with a distinction between the front stage and the backstage.

The front stage is the side shown to the world, while the backstage is the hidden side of yourself that is unknown to others.

In dramaturgy, people are born wearing a mask, playing a role.

It is like playing an RPG game called "Life."

In this game, the developers have designed all kinds of tasks and storylines for the players. Everyone, every profession, has a different starting point. Some are born with good cards in their hand, some start with misfortune, and some start with nothing but a bowl…

Some people embrace these tasks and storylines, some are forced to complete them, while some don't want to do the quests at all and just lie around in the novice village basking in the sun…

In the end, what level you can reach, what equipment you can get, how many dungeons you can conquer… all depend on your own choices.

This is true for individuals, and it is true for teams as well.

Many people say that Gao Shen is very good at coaching, that he can always lead a strong team.

There are even many who want to learn from him.

Every time he goes to give lectures, someone always asks him this question: How do you lead a strong team?

Gao Shen always answers with a smile: When you ask this question, you are already missing the point.

Yes, strong teams are never built by copying others.

Instead, they are forged by overcoming difficulties and obstacles time and time again, through their own choices.

Just like tonight at the Santiago Bernabéu.

When Real Madrid was trailing 1-2, what should a weakened team do against Manchester City, a side stronger than themselves?

The smart choice is to fight!

This is not something that can be accomplished with a few words, nor by a single decision.

Because just after Real Madrid made their adjustments, Manchester City quickly scored again.

In the 76th minute, Suarez laid the ball back, and Yaya Toure fired from the edge of the box, breaking through Real Madrid's goal once again.

3-1!

Still attacking?

Do you still want to fight?

Gao Shen's choice did not change, without a moment of hesitation!

Keep attacking!

He stood on the touchline, constantly shouting encouragement to the team, calling on the players to press forward and not give up…

The match time ticked away.

In the 87th minute, Di Maria dropped deep to receive the ball near the halfway line. He dribbled forward, cut diagonally into the middle, passed two Manchester City players, and then sent a through pass to Benzema at the top of the box.

The French striker controlled the ball to the right side of the arc, turned to shake off David Luiz, and shot directly.

The shot bounced low off the ground, tricking Neuer, and just brushed the right post into the net.

3-2!

Gao Shen cheered loudly and excitedly from the sidelines, calling on the players to hurry back and keep pushing. He was more fired up and passionate than any player on the pitch.

After scoring, Benzema immediately rushed into the goal, grabbed the ball, and ran back with it.

Real Madrid's fighting spirit was reignited.

But Manchester City are not an easy opponent.

Real Madrid's all-out counterattack also gave Manchester City many chances to counter themselves, and several counterattacks were very dangerous.

But Real Madrid were fearless.

Gao Shen made no changes.

In his view, this game had only two outcomes: win or lose. There was no third option!

It wasn't until the second minute of stoppage time that Modric, receiving a pass from Di Maria, drove forward on the right, drew the attention of Javi Martinez, and sent the ball into the box.

Benzema used his body to shield off the Manchester City center-back, laid the ball off without stopping.

Toni Kroos charged to the left side of the arc, met Benzema's layoff, and struck first-time, launching a powerful long-range shot from the edge of the area.

Earlier, he had taken a similar long shot, which Neuer pushed away. This time, Neuer got a hand to it, with a miraculous save, but he only managed to deflect it back into play.

The ball was still in the penalty area.

Ronaldo reacted quickest, rushed in, and smashed the ball into Manchester City's goal.

3-3!

The Portuguese forward roared wildly, sprinted straight out of the pitch, and ran all the way to celebrate.

On the sidelines, Gao Shen dropped to his knees in the technical area, clenching both fists and raising them high above his head.

The entire Bernabéu was silent for a moment, before erupting into wild cheers.

Real Madrid fans went crazy!

Many were moved to tears, because Real Madrid fought so hard tonight!

But it was so, so difficult!

…

3-3!

This was the final result of the match.

Real Madrid took the lead, but Manchester City equalized with three goals in a row. Then, at crucial moments, Real Madrid struck back with two goals.

In the end, the two sides shook hands, sharing the points with a 3-3 draw.

But this was at the Santiago Bernabéu.

After the game, Gao Shen sent the Real Madrid players down the tunnel one by one and made a point of shaking hands and hugging every Manchester City player waiting for him. These players never forgot Gao Shen's contribution to Manchester City.

When he walked into the Real Madrid dressing room, Gao Shen's first words were…

"We could have won!"

All the Real Madrid players raised their heads, looked at the head coach, and nodded.

Yes, Real Madrid could have won.

They started brilliantly but wasted several scoring chances.

This is very costly.

Against such a strong opponent as Manchester City, there are not many opportunities, but Real Madrid missed them.

"I am proud of everyone's performance tonight, but…" Gao Shen paused, then looked sharply at the players, "I must also say that we could have won. We are not inferior to Manchester City."

"In fact, at many moments, we performed better than Manchester City, such as at the start."

"I want every one of us, including you, me, and the coaching staff, to think carefully about why the match ended like this. It was because we were not good enough."

"We won't assign blame, but how do we avoid making the same mistakes next time?"

"In half a month, we will go to Manchester, and that will be a real tough battle!"

…

At the post-match press conference, Gao Shen was disappointed with the draw. He felt his team created more danger and deserved the win, but he also congratulated Manchester City.

"They once again proved themselves to be the strongest team in European football, and we had a chance to beat them. That is a great encouragement for a team like us, which has just undergone a restructuring and is still in a growth phase."

Gao Shen also looked forward to the trip to Manchester in half a month. He believed that his team has a chance to win away from home.

But from the media's reaction after the game, Real Madrid's situation is not very optimistic.

Dortmund defeated Porto 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from Lewandowski.

As a result, the group of death standings are Dortmund first with 6 points, Real Madrid and Manchester City both with 4 points in second and third, and Porto at the bottom.

But the points difference between the four teams is only one game.

If Porto can beat Dortmund at home in the next round, the Portuguese side can turn the group around.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Manchester City are now locked in a close race.

Judging from the match, even though Real Madrid showed courage in the end and, as many media outlets said, moved the Bernabéu, this does not hide the disadvantages shown during the game.

Especially on the flanks. In order to defend Robben and Gareth Bale, Marcos Alonso and Ramos hardly dared to step forward, which caused serious problems in Real Madrid's attacking play.

More importantly, Ronaldo and Higuaín still have issues with finishing.

Especially Higuaín, who missed a one-on-one chance that should never have been wasted.

He was supposed to be a very efficient scorer.

If Real Madrid go to Manchester in this form, they will be in great danger.

But there were still some bright spots.

Casemiro played very well in this game. Not only did he contribute a lot defensively, but he also passed excellently, with a pass success rate of 91%, which is rare.

Gao Shen also praised Casemiro by name at the press conference, hoping he would maintain his form and continue improving. He will definitely have the chance to become an excellent, even top-level midfielder in the future.

But Sky Sports also pointed out Real Madrid's weaknesses.

Ramos, focusing on marking Gareth Bale on the right, could not perform as usual.

Marcos Alonso and Varane are both young players with huge potential, but when thrown onto a Champions League stage like this, facing a Manchester City side capable of reaching the final, the gap between them and world-class attackers was evident.

Varane was involved in both of Manchester City's first two goals, and Marcos Alonso also had problems.

It can be said that Manchester City's attacking players are world-class, and the demands on these two young players were simply too high. In the game, they just could not stop them.

Sky Sports also revealed that Gao Shen currently has no better solution.

Instead, they quoted what Gao Shen said at the post-match press conference.

"I don't think it's a bad thing. On the contrary, it's a danger, but also an opportunity."

"It is very rare for young players to have the chance to face world-class players like Robben, Suarez, and Gareth Bale directly, but now they have the opportunity to learn."

"I believe tonight's game will be a valuable asset for our young players and will help them grow faster."

"I also believe that as long as we survive this tough schedule and get through the current difficulties, we will become stronger, and everyone will see a stronger and better Real Madrid!"

Finally, Gao Shen reiterated his belief that the team can qualify from the group.

"Don't forget, we still have a home game against Dortmund and an away game against Porto."

"It is far too early to say we have lost the chance to advance!"

"I am still confident that we can get out of the group!"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 943: Complete Victory, Another Complete Victory

On the evening of October 28, in the ninth round of La Liga, Real Madrid played away against Mallorca.

From the very first minute, Real Madrid's forwards kept testing Mallorca's Israeli goalkeeper Aouate.

Even though it was an away match and there were many rotations in the lineup, Real Madrid still launched fierce attacks.

In the 6th minute, Di Maria made a through pass, the ball deflected high after hitting the opposing center-back, but Higuaín reacted quickly and scored with a beautiful volley.

1-0!

After that, Real Madrid continued their attacks, constantly threatening Aouate's goal.

In the 22nd minute, after a combination between Kaka, Di Maria and Higuaín, Ronaldo shot from the right side of the penalty spot inside the box and scored again for Real Madrid.

2-0!

In the 34th minute, after another series of passes in midfield, Kaka played a through ball. Ronaldo broke into the box and scored again, further extending Real Madrid's lead.

3-0!

After halftime, Real Madrid continued to control the match with ease.

Gao Shen made substitutions early, but starting from the 70th minute, Real Madrid once again launched another wave of fierce attacks.

First, Higuaín scored again, then young substitute Jesé scored.

Later, Morata, who replaced Higuaín, provided an assist for Vázquez to score in the 91st minute.

In the end, Real Madrid defeated Mallorca 6-0 away from home.

…

Although Barcelona also won 5-0 away against Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid's victory seemed more convincing.

More importantly, young players like Jesé, Morata, and Vázquez all performed well after coming on as substitutes.

Both AS and Marca believe that under Gao Shen, Real Madrid's young players have been given more playing opportunities and a stage to showcase their talent.

Their current level is still far from being able to handle the Champions League, especially in a group of death, but no one can deny that their development will bring huge long-term benefits to Real Madrid.

"As Gao Shen said before, Real Madrid will be a team with great potential this season!"

"Obviously, we can see it now."

The 6-0 win against Mallorca was a morale boost after the 3-3 draw with Manchester City at home.

It made it clear to everyone that Real Madrid is still Real Madrid.

...

October 31, the first leg of the fourth round of the Copa del Rey.

Real Madrid traveled to eastern Spain to face Alcoyano, a team from Group 3 of the Spanish Third Division.

This team is currently ranked third in Group 3 of Segunda B, roughly the same level as Real Madrid's C team.

Because of this, Gao Shen fielded a fully rotated squad for this match.

Captain Casillas started in goal, with a rotated backline.

Marcos Alonso, Albiol, Varane, and Nacho.

Carvajal had played the full match against Mallorca and was not in the starting lineup here.

In midfield, Casemiro partnered with Granero and Isco.

The front three were Jesé, Morata, and Vázquez.

Gao Shen's intention was very clear. He wanted to give these players more minutes and experience, while letting the main players rest. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ramos were not even in the squad, staying in Madrid to recover.

Because up next, Real Madrid will play Zaragoza in the league, followed by an away match against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Both matches are crucial, especially the one against Manchester City.

…

With heavy rotation, Real Madrid's start was a bit messy.

Especially since many of these players hadn't played many competitive matches together, and there was little chemistry.

But their overall strength showed, and they quickly stabilized.

From the 21st minute onward, Real Madrid completely took control of the match, launching wave after wave of attacks on Alcoyano.

Jesé scored first, followed by Isco, giving the team a two-goal lead at halftime.

In the second half, Vázquez scored, then Kaka and Morata added goals.

In the end, Real Madrid beat Alcoyano 5-0 away.

After such a result, there is no reason for Real Madrid to be worried about qualifying when they return home for the second leg.

After the match, Gao Shen praised the young players, saying they had performed at a very high level and encouraged them to continue working hard.

...

This weekend, in the tenth round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Zaragoza at the Bernabéu.

Gao Shen continued with rotation in the starting lineup.

Goalkeeper: Courtois.

Defense: Nacho, Albiol, Varane, and Carvajal.

Midfield: Casemiro dropped deeper, with Toni Kroos and Verratti ahead of him.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín, and Di Maria.

Benzema remained on the bench due to an old injury.

Since returning from national team duty, he has not been able to train properly, so Gao Shen decided not to risk starting him.

…

Gao Shen's instructions to the players were simple: just win.

Next Wednesday, Real Madrid will face Manchester City away in a key match. Therefore, Real Madrid's approach was to use their strength, control possession and the tempo, and take it easy against Zaragoza.

Even Cristiano Ronaldo was repeatedly reminded by Gao Shen to conserve energy and not overexert himself.

"Save everything for the Champions League next Wednesday!"

As a result, after kickoff, Real Madrid played very steadily, without rushing.

Zaragoza, playing away, started cautiously. But after seeing Real Madrid's slow approach, they gradually became more adventurous.

In the 23rd minute, Real Madrid took advantage of a corner. Toni Kroos delivered a cross, and Albiol headed in to open the scoring.

Just two minutes later, Di Maria received the ball, broke into the right side of the penalty area, and scored with his left foot.

2-0!

After taking a two-goal lead, Real Madrid slowed the pace and played calmly.

The fans at the Bernabéu knew that the real test lies at the Etihad Stadium, not here. So even if the match lacked excitement, they continued to cheer and encourage the team.

After the 60th minute, Gao Shen began making substitutions.

In the 65th minute, Zaragoza almost scored, but Courtois made another excellent save, keeping the clean sheet.

The Belgian goalkeeper once again used a series of brilliant saves to demonstrate his quality and defend his place at Real Madrid, leaving Casillas helpless.

The Real Madrid captain has performed well for the national team and in cup matches, but he still cannot shake Courtois' hold on the starting spot.

Of course, there is also a deep balance behind this.

When Courtois performs this well, Gao Shen gains more leverage to keep Casillas in check.

After a round of substitutions, Real Madrid increased their intensity from the 75th minute.

First, in a scramble inside the box, Higuaín almost scored. Then, in the 89th minute, Casemiro surged forward into the box and calmly finished, sealing the victory for Real Madrid.

In the end, Real Madrid beat Zaragoza 3-0 at home.

…

Another complete victory, though the performance itself was not pretty.

Zaragoza simply could not compete with Real Madrid in terms of strength, which led to them not daring to attack at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid, meanwhile, held back throughout the match, and many players clearly did not go all out.

For example, Ronaldo. This was the first time he failed to score this season.

In the previous nine league rounds, he had scored 16 goals. But this time, he not only failed to score, he was substituted as early as the 60th minute.

At the post-match press conference, Gao Shen explained this decision, saying he hoped Ronaldo could recover well.

"He is very important to us!"

Benzema and Ramos did not play. According to information from Real Madrid, both players are still injured.

Gao Shen confirmed this.

"Since returning from international duty, they have not been able to train normally. Ramos' problem is with his legs, and Benzema also has an old injury. Our coaching and medical teams are working on them, but the progress in training has not been optimistic."

Gao Shen revealed that both players are likely to miss the key match against Manchester City.

"There's nothing we can do. We have too many injuries."

Gao Shen felt helpless. He even joked that this is the worst season for injuries since he took over, except for his first year at Napoli.

"It's like all the injuries from past seasons have come together in this one."

Real Madrid has analyzed the situation internally, and the main problem is that many players have long-standing injuries.

For example, Ramos now has leg and knee issues. These are old injuries that have never fully healed.

That is a big problem.

The same goes for Benzema, and even Ronaldo has some injuries.

In this respect, Real Madrid's previous handling of injuries has been irregular and unscientific.

Not long ago, a Marca reporter told Gao Shen they planned to publish a report on Monday focusing on Ramos' injury, emphasizing how he plays and trains despite the pain.

After reading it, Gao Shen rejected it immediately.

He does not think this is something to glorify or promote.

"If you are injured, you should recover, not play through it. And then you want to turn this into a so-called tough guy spirit, calling it the symbol of Real Madrid, the Juanito spirit… Forget it!"

"What era are we in? Why are we still doing this?"

The Juanito spirit should be reflected in matches, not in unprofessional behavior like this!

Gao Shen even called Butragueño, telling him that any such stories should be stopped from being published in the newspapers.

But it is undeniable that Real Madrid is short of players right now.

So much so that after the game against Zaragoza, reporters asked Gao Shen what his biggest wish was before the upcoming match against Manchester City.

Gao Shen smiled bitterly and replied, "That when I wake up tomorrow, all the injured players are miraculously healed!"

You know what, there really was good news.

The next day, the team doctor and Buenaventura reported to Gao Shen that Arbeloa had returned to training.

But the Real Madrid full-back would still not be able to make it in time for the match against Manchester City.

(To be continued.)