SWR: Chapter 836/837

Chapter 836: Eat, Sleep, and Do Barcelona

The next morning after arriving in Barcelona, Gao Shen was woken up on time by the alarm on his phone.

He lay lazily in bed, mentally cursing the group of Barcelona fans who had made noise outside the hotel all night. Only after that did he finally gather his spirits and get up.

After brushing his teeth and washing his face, Gao Shen changed clothes while video-calling Su Qing, who was far away in Manchester.

Because of the continuous away matches, he hadn't been home for several days.

Su Qing was doing well. She chatted about family matters and didn't mention Leeds United at all.

This was a silent understanding between her and Gao Shen.

It was a crucial period for Manchester City, and she wouldn't bring up Leeds United to distract him.

Instead, she kept asking how his preparations were going.

Even over video, she noticed that Gao Shen looked like he hadn't slept well.

No one knew better than her what Gao Shen looked like when he was well-rested, and how he behaved when he wasn't.

"Don't even mention it. Last night a bunch of Barcelona fans were banging drums and gongs outside the hotel. It was infuriating," Gao Shen said helplessly.

"I really wanted to call Guardiola last night."

"Haha, you didn't sleep well and wanted to drag him down with you?" Su Qing giggled.

"He doesn't need me to drag him down. I'm telling you, he definitely didn't sleep well either."

When it came to understanding Guardiola, Gao Shen was second to none—even if most people wouldn't put him first.

Guardiola was a worrier. It would be strange if he slept well before a match like this.

"Honestly, with all that noise from fans, doesn't the hotel care?"

"Of course they care," Gao Shen said, exasperated. "But what can they do? The fans are just standing outside."

"That's it?"

"What else can they do? They're only making noise on the street. It's not like they came inside the hotel. That's not the hotel's responsibility."

"Didn't you call the police?"

"Yeah, we did."

"And then?"

"The police came around symbolically and told them not to disturb the nearby residents and hotel guests."

"That's it?"

"After they found out we were staying here, they just left."

"Is that even possible?" Su Qing was speechless.

"I should've video-called you last night so you could hear their lovely singing voices."

"Don't do that! Sleep is the best skincare product for women."

The two chatted off and on until Gao Shen left.

Not only had Gao Shen slept poorly, but Carlo and the others also looked groggy.

Not surprising. Unless someone is a deep sleeper, who could rest properly with all that racket?

"Honestly, we're all getting dragged down because of you."

As soon as Carlo saw Gao Shen, he started complaining.

"Why did you have to offend Barcelona fans of all people? Now we're in their territory, and they won't even let us sleep. Just imagine how much they hate you."

Everyone around laughed in amazement.

Gao Shen was speechless. "It's been years, and they haven't changed a bit. Still using the same old tricks."

"Tell me about it," Buenatula said, also frustrated.

"It doesn't matter if the tricks are old. As long as they work," Carlo added with a smirk.

The Manchester City coaching staff spent breakfast complaining.

Just like every away game, breakfast was a team activity, with all players eating together.

After breakfast, the players went back to rest before gathering on time in the hotel's conference room.

This was standard matchday routine.

Especially when playing two matches in a week, there wasn't much time for team meetings during the weekdays. So, the matchday morning meeting became especially important. Gao Shen would go over the tactical plan and highlight key points and players to watch.

Today was no different.

Carlo started the meeting by introducing the match and analyzing the opponent.

Carlos Vargas handed each player a report that included data analysis and targeted stats on Barcelona.

Buenatula and Pintus briefed the players on physical conditions and expected physical matchups.

For example, in this match against Barcelona, Manchester City had a physical edge. So even though the Champions League's officiating standards differed from the Premier League's, the coaching staff still encouraged players to increase physical confrontations within the legal limits.

This was City's strength, and they needed to capitalize on it.

After all, if it turned into a pure possession battle, could Manchester City outplay Barcelona?

That brought things to the key moment.

Gao Shen was usually the last to speak. He summarized the previous input from the coaching staff and then presented his own analysis and tactical objectives.

For this match, Gao Shen's priority was an away goal.

Manchester City obviously wanted to win, and to do that, they had to score.

"Carlos just said their data team analyzed almost all of Barcelona's matches this season and found one major pattern: they love to control the ball and the tempo."

This wasn't news, but Gao Shen wasn't finished.

"But we all know the most difficult parts of controlling the ball and tempo are at the beginning and the end."

The players nodded in agreement.

Manchester City was also a team good at ball control and tempo, so they knew that starting and ending phases were the toughest.

At kickoff, you can't control possession or rhythm instantly. There's a process.

Like a car accelerating from zero to 100—it takes a few seconds.

Nothing instantly jumps from zero to 100.

Even planes and rockets need to build up speed.

Same with controlling the rhythm of a match.

You need to control possession, manage space, and create advantages before controlling tempo.

So Barcelona's grip at the start is relatively weaker.

"When facing Barcelona, a good start is crucial."

In last season's Champions League final, Gao Shen had also aimed to score early, but failed.

"Barcelona's control this season is stronger than last. Their possession is smoother, their players more coordinated and experienced, so their control is better overall."

"So we'll aim to score early. If we succeed, great. If not, we'll switch to solid defense and counterattacks."

Gao Shen was a pragmatist. Against a team like Barcelona, he didn't mind being cautious.

He was even willing to leave David Silva out and start Yaya Toure.

The Ivorian midfielder was eager to play. He had scored in the league recently and personally asked Gao Shen multiple times to be in the squad for the Camp Nou match.

Gao Shen decided to grant his request.

Manchester City would face heavy defensive pressure at Camp Nou. A midfield of Yaya Toure, Javi Martinez, and Rakitic would bring solidity.

This decision was also backed by another data set from the analysis team.

"Barcelona often attack through the middle, especially the two channels. So even if they start wide, the ball usually ends up back in the center. Our midfielders need to be alert to this."

"Once they dominate possession, the tempo becomes monotonous. They're used to playing at a specific rhythm. So don't be too focused on winning the ball back. Keep the shape organized and tight."

"Our three midfielders can push forward, but must be able to retreat in time. The defense must be compact and force them to play out wide."

"Even our full-backs, Felipe and Lichtsteiner, when dropping back, be sure to close in toward the penalty area. Don't worry about them crossing. As long as it's not a cutback from the byline, let them cross. Understood?"

Felipe and Lichtsteiner nodded. They got it.

"They'll pass a lot, switch sides, and rotate positions frequently. You're familiar with all this, right? You know why they do it?"

The players all nodded.

Manchester City practiced this style too. The technical staff had drilled the players on both the how and the why behind these tactics.

This would help them read Barcelona's moves more clearly.

"In short, we need to take control in the opening and closing phases of each half. Let Barcelona keep the ball during the rest of the game. We just need to stay disciplined and maintain our shape."

As he spoke, Gao Shen pointed to Javi Martinez.

"Javi, your position is key. You must hold firm. Whether it's Messi playing as a false nine, or Fabregas, Aguero, or a double striker with a number 10, your job is to protect the penalty area. Understand?"

"Understood!" Javi Martinez replied firmly.

Since joining Manchester City, his level had soared. He was now among the world's best defensive midfielders, on par with Busquets and Xabi Alonso.

The difference was that Javi Martinez was more physical, especially in aerial duels and tackles. He also had solid feet and good passing, though not as refined as the other two.

But at Manchester City, Gao Shen valued his defensive and positional abilities the most.

"We've faced Barcelona before in last season's Champions League final. In the past three years, we've played many high-level opponents, even the Copa Libertadores champions."

"I believe everyone is experienced and capable of handling any kind of match. But I want to emphasize that against Barcelona, the challenges and pressure are higher."

"Even now, I can't predict what tactics Guardiola will use. But that doesn't matter."

"What matters is that you remember everything I just said, and give me 200 percent focus from kickoff to the final whistle."

"Focus is the key to winning!"

Having said that, Gao Shen wrapped up the meeting.

"No one slept well last night. Get some rest this afternoon, stay sharp, and tonight we head to Camp Nou to take on Barcelona!"

With that, Gao Shen waved his hand, and the players responded in unison and dispersed.

After seeing them off, Gao Shen stayed behind with the coaching staff for a final tactical review.

It wasn't until close to noon that he was about to head out for lunch when he suddenly received a phone call.

A friend had come to visit.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 837: The Brazilian Genius with Broken Wings

"Hey, Mauricio."

In the hotel lobby, Gao Shen extended his hand from afar as soon as he saw Pochettino.

"Hello, Gao, nice to meet you!"

Pochettino quickly walked over and gave Gao Shen a firm hug.

The two hadn't seen each other for quite some time, especially now that Gao Shen was even busier than before.

Their acquaintance dated back to Coverciano, Italy, when the Argentine came to attend Gao Shen's lectures. At that time, Pochettino hadn't even started coaching Espanyol.

Later, Pochettino found great success at Espanyol.

In his first season, he took over midway through the campaign and lifted the team from the relegation zone in 18th place to finish 10th, becoming the most eye-catching young coach in La Liga that season.

Just a month after taking charge, he led Espanyol to a 2-1 win over Guardiola's Barcelona at Camp Nou.

That match put Pochettino firmly on the map.

In the two seasons that followed, Espanyol consistently finished in the upper mid-table. However, with player departures and limited reinforcements, their results recently declined. Even so, they were not at risk of relegation.

Speaking of Pochettino's best transfer move, it had to be Osvaldo. Bought for €4 million and sold for €15 million in just one season, Espanyol made a tidy profit.

But the team's performances took a hit as a result.

Among Gao Shen's top students, Pochettino was one of the standouts.

He was accompanied on this visit by his two assistant coaches.

Argentine Miguel D'Agostino, a former professional centre-back, was Pochettino's close friend and right-hand man, with expertise in defense and tactics. Spaniard Jesús Pérez joined Pochettino's coaching staff in January 2011 and served as the fitness coach.

Gao Shen was also very courteous to both of them because he knew that in the years ahead, Pochettino's impressive rise in the Premier League and across Europe would be built heavily on the training work these two would lead.

While Pochettino was known for his unique training methods, it was his two assistants who executed them. That's why he always brought them wherever he went.

They met in the hotel café and chatted casually about their recent work. Gao Shen even jokingly asked for the secret to beating Barcelona, though of course Pochettino didn't take that seriously.

His victory over Barcelona had, in fact, been inspired by Gao Shen.

Still, amidst the joking, he shared some insightful perspectives on Barcelona.

After all, only those who've personally faced them can truly understand. And as Espanyol and Barcelona were city rivals, Espanyol always had their finger on the pulse.

Aside from visiting Gao Shen, they had a small request—to ask for match tickets.

"You've no idea. Other than the small allocation for Manchester City, the rest of the tickets have long been sold out. There's nowhere to buy them," Pochettino said, looking at Gao Shen with envy.

"Barcelona fans really love you!"

Gao Shen burst out laughing. It was something to be proud of.

In truth, these kinds of requests were common. Gao Shen himself had asked others for tickets plenty of times, and they were always happy to oblige. All it took was a phone call, and someone would deliver them.

While waiting for the tickets, Gao Shen asked him about a player.

Inter Milan had loaned a young talent to Espanyol: the Brazilian prodigy Coutinho, a genius with broken wings.

"You're really well-informed. He just arrived, and you already know about him?" Pochettino was genuinely surprised.

Everyone in the football world knew Gao Shen had his own information channels, always uncovering talents before others noticed. He had done this countless times over the years and unearthed several future stars.

That's why people often said: if it's a player spotted by Gao Shen, they must be top-class.

To be frank, Coutinho had not been well received at Inter Milan.

More accurately, Inter Milan didn't have the environment to develop young players.

At an age where he desperately needed game time, he made just five appearances in the entire first half of the season. In 250 minutes, he produced one goal and one assist.

After being loaned to Espanyol, Pochettino immediately made him a starter, but his performance in the first five games was mediocre. Espanyol suffered five straight defeats.

"Two draws and three losses, including that 5-0 defeat to Real Madrid."

At this point, Pochettino sounded frustrated. "You know, before this losing streak, we were fifth in La Liga. And just like that, we crashed down the table."

Gao Shen couldn't help but laugh.

What else could they do? After selling players like Osvaldo for good money, Espanyol refused to invest and only brought in the 36-year-old veteran Pandiani on a free transfer.

Even so, Pochettino managed to take them to fifth in the first half of the season.

But everyone knew that kind of ranking wasn't sustainable.

So in the winter transfer window, Pochettino brought in striker Kalu Uche on a free and loaned Coutinho from Inter Milan.

After that, Espanyol hit a rough patch and began to adjust their tactical approach. That led to the five-match winless run and their fall from fifth to eighth.

Honestly, that wasn't too bad.

In the last four rounds, Coutinho had scored four goals and added one assist. His performance had picked up significantly, but because Espanyol got little media attention, his form hadn't attracted much buzz.

But Gao Shen had noticed.

"It depends on how you use the kid."

When the topic shifted to Coutinho, Pochettino got excited.

"He's a typical Brazilian player, but not too typical. His footwork is excellent, he rarely loses the ball, and even though he looks skinny, he's strong. He's not fragile. You know what I mean?"

Gao Shen nodded. Many Brazilian players were like that.

Neymar, for example, looked skinny but was actually tough in one-on-ones.

If Neymar didn't have that physical resilience, his overall rating would drop by two levels.

"He's great at passing and shooting, willing to run, works hard defensively, and he's not slow. But he lacks explosiveness going forward. I don't think he's suited to being a breakthrough player. So I paired him with Didac Vilà on the left."

The Spanish left-back had good pace and was very capable when overlapping.

"Another issue is that he's seriously lacking confidence right now."

Gao Shen laughed. "Then doesn't that give you the perfect opportunity to showcase your strengths?"

Pochettino and his two assistants all laughed.

Argentines were indeed good at motivation, or you could say, injecting players with inspiration and belief.

"It's different. He's only on loan. There's no way we can buy a player of his level," Pochettino said with a hint of regret.

Espanyol sold their core player Osvaldo for €15 million, then refused to reinvest.

How could they possibly afford Coutinho, even for €10 million?

With Espanyol's current level, €3 to €4 million was already their upper limit for transfers.

This was constrained by the club's finances and positioning. As manager, Pochettino had no control over it.

"To be honest, I think he and Paulinho at Leeds United are quite interesting. Paulinho is great at driving the ball forward and breaking lines, very impactful. Coutinho isn't slow either, but he lacks that drive. However, he's great at passing."

"If you played those two in midfield, with your full-backs pushing high, I'd say you'd have a real shot at finishing mid-table in the Premier League next season, not just avoiding relegation."

Pochettino spoke with confidence.

Leading Espanyol to fifth place, even if only briefly, had filled him with belief.

Truthfully, Pochettino was being held back at a club like Espanyol.

He also wanted to prove himself on a bigger stage.

Gao Shen understood. And he knew their ideas aligned.

But Pochettino had guessed one thing wrong. Gao Shen's plan wasn't to pair Coutinho with Paulinho in midfield, but to combine Coutinho and Pogba on the left wing, plus Kurzawa as an attacking full-back.

If that trio could be formed, Leeds United's left flank would take off.

One of the main reasons Gao Shen came up with this plan was the fear that he wouldn't be able to hold onto his key players.

Local players were scarce in the Premier League, driving up their value.

Adam Lallana had been carefully chosen by the club. He had done well at Manchester City, and after joining Leeds United, he became the core of the team. He was the assist leader in the Championship and had impressed in the League Cup.

Naturally, a player like that attracted attention. At 24, if he wanted to take the next step in his career, he might not stick around for Leeds United's slow build.

Then there was Paulinho, also turning 24 soon and attracting serious interest. It was unlikely he would stay.

Given that, Gao Shen's plan was to sell Lallana at the best price and bring in Coutinho. That wouldn't just upgrade the squad, it would actually strengthen the team, though the price would be high—at least €10 million.

As for the midfield, if Paulinho were sold, then Pogba and Schneiderlin would be retained. Kondogbia had shown great form, both offensively and defensively. He could replace Paulinho and keep the midfield stable.

This would make Leeds United even stronger next season than they were now.

Gao Shen also considered alternatives. If they couldn't sign Coutinho, Mane, Salah, Zaha, and Bolasie could all play that position. The problem was, if Leeds relied only on Pogba, their midfield and attack would seriously lack creativity and passing ability.

So, that money had to be spent.

The key question was whether Inter Milan were willing to sell.

Gao Shen was always calculating, but as a professional head coach, he knew better than anyone that survival in the Premier League wasn't easy.

He had a clear idea of what money had to be spent, and where.

As for Pochettino, he was indeed very capable. But for now, Gao Shen couldn't afford to disappoint Sarri.

(To be continued.)