SWR: Chapter 893/894

Chapter 893: The Master of Drawing Cakes

Gao Shen's reputation as a devil coach was long established.

Even if the current Real Madrid players hadn't experienced it firsthand, they had surely heard the stories.

Especially with players like Di María, who had gone through intense pre-season training under him, the series of "horror stories" had already circulated through the locker room.

But hearing and experiencing are two very different things.

When Gao Shen officially took over as Real Madrid's head coach and launched the summer training camp, the terrifying atmosphere could be felt right from the very first training session on the first morning.

By the end of the day, the players were already drained.

Many people say that Mourinho's training intensity was high, but compared to Gao Shen's, it was nothing.

Yet, this kind of fatigue was different. It wasn't just physical—it was deeper.

In terms of duration, each training session was 90 minutes, no longer than anyone else's. As for the training content, there didn't seem to be anything particularly special, and every drill had reasonable rest intervals.

It all seemed scientific and well-structured, right?

But somehow, after every single drill, the players still felt completely wiped out.

Gradually, they figured out the reason.

The highly professional coaching staff focused heavily on details and execution, requiring every player to give 100% effort and stay fully concentrated throughout.

Combined with the scientifically connected training sequences, the sessions didn't seem intense on the surface, but once players moved from drill to drill, the accumulated fatigue became overwhelming.

What was even more terrifying was that there was no room for protest.

If someone said they were worried about injury, a member of the coaching team would immediately step in to explain the science behind the drill, which muscle groups were involved, and why there was no risk of injury.

In short, there was always scientific evidence to reassure the players. "Don't worry, we're monitoring the intensity."

And sure enough, after several days of training, no one got injured.

Even those players with recurring issues were given tailored programs by the coaching staff. Except for sitting out a few drills, they trained alongside the team. Miraculously, none of them had relapses. Some even showed signs of recovery.

It was truly bizarre.

But the most frustrating part was the long-distance running at the end of every session, arranged by Pintus, which was absolutely soul-crushing.

That bald Italian definitely wasn't a good guy. He tortured the players while feeding them dreams of glory.

"Do you know why Napoli players were so good at running back then?"

"Do you know how Manchester City managed to fight on four fronts last season, win seven trophies, and dominate in the Champions League final?"

"I'll tell you why. These long runs after training aren't just about building stamina. More importantly, they build your mental toughness. Don't slack off. Your boss is watching you through the cameras. He doesn't want players with weak minds."

"Come on, everyone! Stay focused! Faster! Sprint!"

The players were absolutely devastated.

Damn, this coaching staff were the kings of selling dreams.

…

Every player at Real Madrid was either a global superstar or one of the most promising young talents in world football.

Such players were almost always highly skilled and tactically aware.

In fact, anyone who could join Real Madrid didn't have issues with ability. The key was whether the tactics allowed them to showcase that ability.

Gao Shen held tactical meetings for the players between daily training sessions, focusing on instilling his own tactical philosophy, or letting his assistants explain the theories behind each training drill, with particular attention to details and objectives.

Gao Shen often used video analysis to explain his entire tactical framework and defensive system.

Each Real Madrid player was individually brilliant. To be honest, even without a coach, they could be thrown onto the pitch and still produce strong attacking performances.

So, for a team like this, the focus should be on defense.

Improve the defense, and the team's overall competitiveness improves.

In recent years, Real Madrid's defense had always been seen as unreliable—because it lacked a systematic structure.

During Mourinho's two years in charge, the defense was good, but still not quite enough.

Moreover, Gao Shen's current defensive approach differed from Mourinho's.

The Portuguese preferred a more conservative strategy—solid defending and counterattacking. As soon as the ball was lost, the team would drop back quickly. Gao Shen, on the other hand, implemented a high pressing system, initiating counter-pressing immediately after losing possession.

This required the backline to push higher, which opened up more space behind the center-backs, increasing the risk.

So how to prevent getting exposed?

From front to back, the nearest player to the ball had to immediately apply pressure, delay the opponent's counterattack, and try to win the ball back as quickly as possible.

Another distinctive feature of Gao Shen's tactics was frequent switching of play.

For instance, in one tactical session, Gao Shen paused the training and asked everyone to freeze. He personally stepped onto the pitch to demonstrate player positioning, movements, and how to switch play.

At Bayern Munich, Toni Kroos played mainly as an attacking midfielder. His best spell was at Leverkusen, where he operated as a left-sided attacking midfielder, essentially an advanced playmaker cutting in from the wing.

Why?

Because he's right-footed.

Marcos Alonso, tall and strong, had great technique and solid defensive ability, but was a little slow.

But that's relative.

On the pitch, the difference in individual speed isn't as exaggerated as the numbers shown in Football Manager.

In many situations, if he gets a good start, even Marcos Alonso—whose speed rating might be only 11—could outrun Ronaldo.

And the Spanish defender had decent flexibility.

In Marcelo's absence, Gao Shen deployed Marcos Alonso as the left-back. His instructions were clear: push forward as much as possible and join the attack.

What about cover behind him?

Xabi Alonso, Ramos, Pepe, and others would track back to provide support.

Toni Kroos would also shift over to help.

This created a three-man offensive setup on the left flank, and sometimes even the striker would join in.

If the left-wing attack drew too much defensive attention and couldn't break through?

Toni Kroos needed to move into open space and find a favorable angle. When receiving the ball, he had to face the center, keep his right foot away from the defender's reach, then deliver a long diagonal pass to the right side, looking for the right winger or overlapping full-back.

This kind of switch often created attacking chances on the right.

Conversely, if there was no threat on the right, they'd attract the defense and switch back to the left.

With constant switching, the opponent's defensive structure would eventually show gaps. Real Madrid's players, with their excellent off-the-ball movement and ability to seize chances, would then deliver a fatal blow.

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso played a key role with his long passes.

Everyone knew the Spanish midfielder had excellent vision and passing ability, especially long passes and shots from distance.

But he wasn't great under pressure and struggled to escape tight marking.

No problem. Gao Shen had him play as a single defensive midfielder. When the full-backs pushed up, he would drop deep as a fixed receiving point—much like a traditional number 4.

No team would waste several players pressing someone who'd dropped so deep, practically next to the center-backs.

So do they still maintain their defensive shape?

Initially, Gao Shen had concerns. Could Toni Kroos, Modric, and Xabi Alonso really handle defensive duties?

But after repeated simulations and data analysis with the coaching staff, the conclusion was: yes, they could. As long as the team applied enough pressure in midfield and up front, it was feasible for Xabi Alonso to be the sole defensive midfielder.

In fact, when Ancelotti led Real Madrid to the Champions League title, Xabi Alonso played in a midfield three alongside Modric and Di María.

When Gao Shen was at Napoli, he used Biglia and Rakitic as a double pivot.

Over and over again, facts had proven that with a well-organized defensive system, even technical players could defend.

As for Modric, he was two-footed and played on the right side of midfield. He wasn't just a stable passing option—his dribbling could also spark attacks down the right.

With the left already strong, and Modric and Di María on the right, whether it was Arbeloa or Carvajal at full-back, both were capable of supporting the attack.

At the very least, Arbeloa had shown his attacking threat during the European Championship.

More importantly, Toni Kroos had steady distribution, Modric controlled tempo and carried the ball well, and Xabi Alonso had superb vision and organization.

This midfield gave Real Madrid complete control and endless attacking options.

The concept was excellent, but reality had its challenges.

Toni Kroos was fine. His style looked simple, but he had high individual ability. He'd played as a left-sided playmaker at Leverkusen and later as a left midfielder. He could adapt without problems.

But Modric, Xabi Alonso, the full-backs, and the two center-backs all had to make major adjustments. They needed time to adapt and build chemistry.

That required more training and more warm-up matches.

Gao Shen also used spare moments during training to chat with the players, listen to their complaints, answer their questions, or check in on their life in Madrid and help solve any issues.

Time passed during these busy, intense, and rewarding training days.

The players gradually adapted to the intensity imposed by Buenaventura and Pintus. And with continued effort, they began to feel changes and improvements in their physical condition.

After two weeks of training at Valdebebas, the team finally played their first warm-up match.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 894: Real Madrid Is Finished

Real Oviedo is a Spanish club competing in the third-tier C1 League.

Many people may not be familiar with this league, but the picture becomes clearer with a comparison.

Real Madrid's reserve team, Castilla, won the C1 League last season, finishing 14 points ahead of second-placed Tenerife and securing promotion to the Segunda División. With Castilla moving up, Real Madrid's C team, which had been working hard in the fourth division, finally got their chance and were directly promoted to the C1 League.

This is due to the Spanish Football Association's rule that the C team cannot compete in the same division as the B team, or at a higher level.

Oviedo competed in the C1 League last season as well, finishing sixth with the same number of points as Atlético Madrid's B team.

However, it's worth noting that Castilla lost both matches against Oviedo last season.

They suffered back-to-back defeats, home and away.

Before heading north to Oviedo, Gao Shen was interviewed by AS and Marca and smiled, saying he wanted to avenge the youth team's losses.

…

That said, judging by the starting lineup, it was clear that Gao Shen hadn't fielded his strongest team.

Goalkeeper: Courtois.
Defense: Marcos Alonso, Pepe, Ramos, Carvajal.
Midfield: Kaká, Granero, Verratti.
Forwards: Jesé, Morata, Vázquez.

This lineup looked more like a defensive training exercise.

Only nine minutes into the match, Ramos sent a long ball from the back. Jesé suddenly accelerated in the final third, beat the offside trap, and drove into the penalty area from the left. Facing the onrushing keeper, he calmly slotted the ball into the net to open the scoring for Real Madrid.

Just six minutes later, Morata unleashed a long-range shot that forced a save from Oviedo keeper Barrio. Kaká followed up with another powerful shot, but it narrowly missed the target.

Four minutes after that, Vázquez broke down the right and delivered a cross. Morata met it with a volley in front of goal, extending the lead to 2-0.

In the 35th minute, Morata received the ball and, while being double-teamed, dribbled into the box and suddenly cut it back. Kaká followed up and tapped the ball into the net with ease, making it 3-0.

Real Madrid kept piling on the pressure.

Four minutes later, Morata played a through ball and Vázquez broke into the right side of the box and finished, making it 4-0.

In the 41st minute, Jesé cut in from the left and whipped in a cross, forcing an own goal and taking the score to 5-0.

Having effectively secured victory in the first half, Gao Shen completely switched tactics in the second, opting for a back three.

Varane, Nacho, and Albiol formed the new defensive line, and the front line saw frequent adjustments.

Higuaín, Di María, Granero, and others all made appearances throughout the second half.

In the end, Real Madrid scored three more goals after the break, defeating Oviedo 8-2 away from home.

…

After returning from the warm-up match in northern Spain, Gao Shen criticized the team's defensive performance during the review the next day.

The first half was fine, but in the second half, after taking a big lead, the team didn't apply enough pressure. The defenders failed to coordinate effectively, allowing Oviedo three clear chances and conceding twice.

Gao Shen acknowledged that the lack of chemistry and unfamiliarity with new tactics were understandable, but he considered poor execution or player complacency to be unacceptable.

He made it clear to the squad: only 22 players would be on the training camp roster to the United States at the end of the month.

"Take care of yourselves!"

…

Three days later, the team left Madrid for Lisbon, Portugal.

They were invited to take part in the Eusebio Cup, a warm-up match held at Estádio da Luz.

Once again, Real Madrid used a back-three formation.

But unlike before, this time Gao Shen paired Pepe, Xabi Alonso, and Varane in defense.

As a result, the team conceded within the first four minutes.

Real Madrid regained the lead with two goals from Di María, but the score was soon leveled again.

In the second half, Gao Shen made widespread substitutions, and Benfica conceded three straight goals.

Kaká's performances in two consecutive matches were far from impressive.

In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Toni Kroos, Verratti, Modrić, and others all came on and scored, but the team's overall performance remained lackluster. New signing Toni Kroos' appearance as a center-back was especially poor.

After the match, Gao Shen told the media that the team had just completed over two weeks of intensive physical training, and their form was still being adjusted.

Surprisingly, Gao Shen seemed more pleased with the intra-squad training matches than the actual games. He didn't criticize the players for conceding five goals, instead expressing satisfaction with the team's progress.

This stood in stark contrast to the outrage and even skepticism expressed by fans and media.

Everyone knew Gao Shen never placed much importance on warm-up matches, but conceding five goals was still quite embarrassing.

…

After finishing the Eusebio Cup in Lisbon, Real Madrid returned to Madrid.

The next day, Gao Shen took 22 players to the United States. Their first stop was Los Angeles on the West Coast.

On August 2, Real Madrid faced LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center.

Gao Shen once again adjusted his tactics, this time using a 4-4-2 formation. In the first half, goals from Higuaín, Di María, and Vázquez gave Real Madrid a 3-1 lead.

Former Real Madrid star David Beckham assisted a teammate with a free kick for LA Galaxy's goal.

In the second half, Morata and Jesé both found the net.

In the end, Real Madrid defeated LA Galaxy 5-1.

Cristiano Ronaldo came on in the second half and played 45 minutes. He was very active, but his finishing was poor and he failed to score despite several attempts.

Although Real Madrid claimed a big win, the overall flow of the match and the quality of their defense were far from convincing.

Marca commented that Real Madrid was still far from being a finished product.

Alfredo, the editor-in-chief of AS, noted that Gao Shen's team had clearly developed a different tactical style, one that was more aggressive and focused on ball control and tempo, consistent with Gao Shen's philosophy.

"But with the current level of performance, it's still nowhere near enough to compete in La Liga."

Nevertheless, both of Real Madrid's media mouthpieces repeatedly emphasized that Gao Shen never took pre-season matches seriously.

So far, in the first three warm-up matches, Gao Shen had used six different starting lineups and tactics.

…

On August 5, Real Madrid faced the reigning Liga MX champions Santos Laguna in Las Vegas.

It turned out to be a tough game, as the opponent had solid team strength and individual talent.

Xabi Alonso opened the scoring with a long-range effort in the first half.

But in the 25th minute, the Mexican side equalized.

As usual, Gao Shen rotated the entire squad in the second half and adjusted the team's tactical approach.

Toni Kroos scored the winning goal in the 72nd minute with his signature long-range strike.

Real Madrid edged out Santos Laguna 2-1.

…

On August 8, Real Madrid traveled from the West Coast to the East Coast for a showdown with AC Milan in New York.

This was a marquee fixture and the highlight of their U.S. tour.

According to a previously signed agreement, Real Madrid had to field a full all-star starting eleven.

It was the first time that Gao Shen used his main squad.

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas.
Defense: Pepe, Xabi Alonso, Ramos.
Midfield: Toni Kroos, Kaká, Modrić, Di María.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuaín.

The stars were all on the pitch, and Real Madrid deployed a 3-4-3 formation. It was the first time they used this system in the summer friendlies, with Kroos returning to his left attacking midfield role, and Kaká and Modrić operating in central midfield.

This intricate style of play helped Real Madrid dominate early on.

In the first half-hour, Real Madrid completely controlled possession and tempo. AC Milan didn't manage a single shot, while Real Madrid constantly created chances.

However, Ronaldo, Benzema, and Di María all missed their opportunities.

It wasn't until the 24th minute that Ronaldo's high pressing forced Bonera into an error. The Portuguese broke into the left side of the box and squared the ball across goal. Higuaín arrived and scored with his left foot.

But after taking the lead, Real Madrid lost their grip.

Before halftime, defensive lapses allowed Cassano and El Shaarawy to each score, giving AC Milan a 2-1 lead.

In the second half, both sides exchanged waves of attacks, but with Gao Shen continuing to rotate players and adjust tactics, Real Madrid's performance failed to improve.

Even though Ronaldo scored twice in the second half, AC Milan eventually sealed a 5-3 win with goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng (twice) and Emanuelson.

So far, Real Madrid had played five summer friendlies and conceded five goals in two of them. It was absurd.

The media and fans around the world voiced their concerns about Real Madrid's prospects for the upcoming season.

Sport, the Catalan daily, pointed out that from Pellegrini to Mourinho, Real Madrid had only conceded five goals in a match once over the past few years—and that was against the mighty Manchester City.

Yet in less than half a month under Gao Shen, Real Madrid had twice conceded five goals.

To make matters worse, on August 11 in Philadelphia, Real Madrid lost 0-2 to Scottish side Celtic.

Across six friendlies, the team had three wins and three losses, scoring 15 goals and conceding 16.

This record was unimpressive by any standard, especially since eight of the 15 goals were scored against a third-tier Spanish side.

Against stronger opponents like Benfica, AC Milan, and Celtic, Real Madrid suffered three consecutive defeats, scoring just five goals and conceding twelve—truly humiliating.

In contrast, AS and Marca remained patient. They emphasized that Gao Shen's teams had always performed poorly in pre-season and that he had constantly rotated players and shifted positions during the six matches.

Clearly, this was more like military training.

But for the media and fans, such heavy defeats and consecutive losses were a major concern.

Rumors started to surface.

From questions about Gao Shen's job security, to accusations that Real Madrid could only bully weaker teams, to reports of dissent in the locker room—speculation ran rampant.

It created the illusion that Real Madrid was finished.

Yet the club remained silent.

Only Florentino Pérez reiterated his support for Gao Shen during the team's stop in New York after the 3-5 defeat to AC Milan.

(To be continued.)