SWR: Chapter 831/832

Chapter 831: First Championship in 2012
"We should start preparing as early as possible."

After the match, while Manchester City's players were celebrating their victory, the Leeds United players were disappointed, but they had no regrets.

They had given it their all.

Gao Shen walked over to shake hands with Sarri.

As preparations for the podium got underway, Gao Shen, Sarri, Borrell, and Fernando Lucas, who had come down from the stands, stood off to the side and chatted.

When he said this, Gao Shen had a helpless expression on his face.

Because many things had gone beyond his expectations.

If Gao Shen had followed his original plan, he wouldn't have wanted the team to be in the spotlight this early.

Why?

Because European football is starving.

Yes, starving—literally.

In recent years, from Manchester City to Paris Saint-Germain, from Málaga to Roma, more and more foreign capital has poured into European football, frantically searching for footballing talent.

At first, they fought over famous stars. At PSG, it was Pastore and Cavani. Málaga landed Van Nistelrooy and Demichelis.

But that's only a small part of it. The truly frightening part is the purchasing power of the Premier League.

With skyrocketing revenue from domestic and international TV rights, Premier League clubs now have astonishing buying power.

Take Newcastle, for example.

They were promoted from the Championship to the Premier League in 2010. This season was their second back in the top flight, and so far, they had maintained a solid position around fifth to seventh place.

During the winter break, they signed Cissé from Bundesliga side Freiburg. The transfer fee wasn't high, but his weekly wage was £100,000.

Add in Demba Ba and Andy Carroll, and Newcastle's overall strength was nothing to scoff at.

Newcastle's owner, Mike Ashley, made his fortune in sporting goods retail. When he took over the club in 2007, he spent £134 million and took on £70 million in debt. The result? The Magpies' performance declined and they were relegated.

Why?

Because Ashley tried to buy low, sell high, and develop young players, relying heavily on the legendary Kevin Keegan as manager. Needless to say, that approach failed miserably.

But in the Championship, Ashley figured things out. Upon returning to the Premier League, he focused on maintaining squad stability and making targeted signings in key positions. The overall investment was modest, but the results were much better.

Especially this season.

Credit goes to manager Alan Pardew.

And it's not just Newcastle—look at Southampton.

After the Saints were promoted from the Championship to the Premier League, they spent over £20 million on Jay Rodriguez and Gastón Ramírez. But Ramírez, the most expensive signing, didn't make much impact.

This proves one thing: after promotion to the Premier League, the best approach is stability.

Maintain the core squad, strengthen a few key areas, and gradually raise the overall level.

That's the best and most efficient path to Premier League survival.

But right now, Leeds United are too eye-catching—and that's not a good thing.

Premier League clubs and others across Europe are already targeting them.

Talents are hard to come by in today's football world. Leeds United now have a group of highly performing young players in their early twenties. Who wouldn't be keeping an eye on them?

Some clubs even made offers during the winter break, but Leeds United rejected them all.

Come summer, however, the club will face a dilemma.

Sell, or renew contracts?

Neither is ideal.

Selling would disrupt the stability of the squad. The systems and tactics refined in the Championship would collapse.

Renewing contracts isn't any better.

Contract negotiations will be tough. Leeds United can't match the offers of wealthier clubs. Even if they did, the result would be a bloated wage structure.

One raise leads to another. Eventually, the whole salary system collapses.

That's why, more often than not, clubs prefer selling players to raising wages.

It's not about being stingy.

Lucas, Borrell, and Sarri all shared Gao Shen's concerns.

They were well aware that this problem was inevitable.

It wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It was just a "happy problem" that gave them headaches.

If the team had performed poorly, that would be a real problem.

"Next, we need to further stabilize and improve the team's tactical framework, build a mature and systematic style of play, and prepare mentally for the loss of core players," Gao Shen reminded.

This is almost unavoidable.

Take Courtois for example. He conceded six goals tonight, but Manchester City fired nearly 35 shots, 16 of which were on target, and only six resulted in goals. What more could be asked?

Leeds United also performed admirably, registering 18 shots, 7 on target, and scoring 3.

Tottenham Hotspur, who are desperate for a goalkeeper, have been chasing Courtois since the winter break. Their initial offer was £5 million, but Leeds United refused to even entertain discussions.

But what about the summer window?

In the Belgian league, there were still doubts about the quality of performances. But now, after featuring in the League Cup and FA Cup—especially this final against Manchester City—there's no more doubt.

This final was the ultimate test for Leeds United.

Gao Shen and the Leeds United board understood this well, which is why they fully supported Sarri in going all-out against Manchester City.

Put simply, since you can't keep them, you might as well put them on full display—and raise their value.

"We plan to increase our efforts to develop other players, give them more chances, and make multiple preparations," Borrell said.

This was actually a plan that Gao Shen had proposed earlier, though Sarri hadn't done the best job implementing it.

"Jorginho and Brozović can both be tested as deep-lying playmakers or in a double-pivot with Schneiderlin. They need more playing time. As for the front line, Mané, Salah, Harry Kane, Icardi, and Zaha should all get more chances."

"And Navas. That keeper is still very capable. I've watched him in international matches."

Gao Shen had always been cautious.

As a Virgo, he disliked leaving gaps or vulnerabilities, so whenever he made a plan, he always prepared for multiple scenarios.

Now, Leeds United needed to do what Gao Shen did with Napoli a few years ago—give more chances to the substitutes, experiment with more tactical setups, and raise the team's overall technical and tactical level.

As long as the tactical structure is stable and mature, even if key players are poached, it won't be catastrophic.

Just like Southampton in a previous life. After performing brilliantly in the Premier League, their spine was gutted. They lost nearly all their starters.

But what happened?

They did even better.

Why?

Because they already had a mature and stable tactical system.

As long as that system is in place, you can simply bring in replacements to fit into it.

Of course, that tactical system must continue to evolve and improve over time.

That part fell under Borrell's domain.

"Don't worry. We've already prepared for that. We'll try to keep two of the three midfielders and maintain a stable back line, especially at center back, to preserve the spine of the team," Borrell said.

Leeds United's situation was different from Gao Shen's Napoli back then.

Napoli's goal after promotion was to win the title. Leeds United's goal was to avoid relegation after reaching the Premier League.

Different goals require different approaches.

Benteke was currently the Championship's top scorer, Paulinho was third among midfielders, and Adam Lallana led the assist charts. They were Leeds United's best-performing players—and also the most valuable.

And then there's Courtois.

Even though Leeds conceded six tonight, the Belgian keeper's stock will only rise.

Running a club and operating in the transfer market is a complex and delicate matter.

Sometimes it's like a quiet war.

Take Manchester United for example. After Ferguson's retirement, their transfer operations seemed to regress to pre-modern times. The club spent heavily under Woodward, inflating prices, yet results were disappointing.

At the root of the problem was the club itself.

From Ferguson to Moyes, then Van Gaal, Mourinho, and Solskjær, United never developed a consistent tactical framework or playing philosophy.

For instance, after spending massive fees on Di María and Pogba, did the club ever build the system around them?

Even if Di María was an exception, what about Pogba?

With his reputation as one of the world's top midfielders and a World Cup winner, has he ever been played in his best position at United?

What else can you expect when you insist on using fine porcelain as an ashtray?

Leeds United was still a young team, but they were growing and improving steadily.

Most importantly, the direction was right.

And that direction had always been guided by Gao Shen and managed by Su Qing.

So who to sell and who to keep would ultimately be a matter of careful decision-making.

It could even be influenced by dynamic changes in the transfer market.

For example, if you planned to keep a certain player but then a wealthy club offered a sky-high fee, should you sell?

Transfer decisions directly impact squad planning, which in turn affects performance on the pitch.

Gao Shen knew this well—and so did Lucas, Borrell, and the rest.

This summer's transfer window would be the biggest test for the Gao Shen-led team since taking over Leeds United.

Once the podium was ready, the two teams began preparing for the trophy ceremony.

Runners-up Leeds United went first, followed by champions Manchester City.

This was Gao Shen's first League Cup win since arriving in the Premier League.

It was only the end of February, and already he had a trophy. That was something special.

But the upcoming Champions League and FA Cup were the competitions Gao Shen valued most—especially the Champions League.

Spalletti was no fool. With plenty of time to prepare and having traveled south early to adapt to the climate, Zenit St. Petersburg would be a very tough opponent.

They couldn't afford to be careless.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 832: Successor

Gao Shen's prediction was absolutely correct.

Manchester City had been dominant over the past two years, but when the media covered the League Cup final, their attention was largely drawn to the defeated side—Leeds United. The White Rose had posed a significant threat to Manchester City.

Scoring three goals in a single match was a first against Manchester City under Gao Shen's management.

Benteke, Pogba, and Paulinho all gained widespread recognition after scoring in the final.

Courtois played a stabilizing role and became the strongest link in Leeds United's defensive line.

Players in other positions also performed admirably.

There was no need to mention Adam Lallana again, and The Sun even broke news about Bolasie—Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United was said to be very fond of him. However, this report did not come from Gao Shen, but rather from Manchester United's scouting department.

Then there were Kurzawa, Klein, and Schneiderlin, especially Klein. The English right-back showed explosive pace and strong attacking ability. He performed excellently in Leeds United's tactical system.

In short, even though Leeds United lost the League Cup final 3-6, the media praised them as a Championship side that lost with honor. In fact, they garnered more attention than the champions.

There was no helping it. Manchester City had become the Goliath of English football.

While Manchester City were defeating Leeds United 6-3 at Wembley to secure their fourth trophy of the season, Real Madrid were away to Rayo Vallecano, narrowly winning thanks to a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 53rd minute.

With elimination from both the Champions League and Copa del Rey, La Liga remained Real Madrid's only competition. Yet they were still unable to surpass Barcelona.

This left everyone at Real Madrid deeply disappointed.

Especially in the president's office at the Bernabéu.

All of Spain knew that Florentino had been enduring a great deal.

According to Marca, Florentino had not exchanged a single word with Mourinho in two months.

There was already a serious rift between the two.

The only reason Mourinho had not been sacked yet was that the season had not ended.

The most recent media appearance involving Mourinho came when he provoked Real Madrid fans at home. Florentino claimed this behavior was unacceptable, yet Mourinho went unpunished.

Many thought this meant Florentino was backing Mourinho, but AS editor-in-chief Alfredo claimed the opposite.

"Real Madrid have prepared the most lucrative managerial contract in history. It can be sent to Cheshire at any time!"

Alfredo's report sent Real Madrid fans into a frenzy.

Former club president Ramón Calderón even spoke to the press, saying that if Real Madrid needed him, he would gladly step in to invite Gao Shen back—since he was the one who had promoted Gao Shen in the first place.

"If I ask, he definitely won't say no!"

It was as if people had forgotten the conflict between Gao Shen and Calderón. Now they were convinced Calderón should lead the charge.

But the Bernabéu remained silent on the matter.

Only those truly familiar with the situation knew that if Calderón stepped forward, there would be no chance of success.

While Mourinho continued as manager, Florentino and his team were far from idle. They were carefully studying the issues and preparing contingency plans.

For instance, what would happen to the Portuguese faction in the squad after Mourinho's dismissal?

Since Mourinho's results had fallen short of expectations, he would not receive any severance package if sacked. But would players like Coentrão, Pepe, and Ronaldo remain loyal to him?

How would the dressing room react?

They even prepared for the worst-case scenario—selling Cristiano Ronaldo.

But everything hinged on Gao Shen.

That is, if he agreed to return and coach Real Madrid.

However, there remained one thorny issue—Casillas.

Real Madrid fans were furious about Mourinho benching their captain. There were widespread calls for Casillas' return to the starting lineup. As a loyal club servant who had spent his entire career at Madrid, he deserved respect.

But on the other hand, it was undeniable that Casillas' form had declined.

From a technical standpoint, he lacked height, so he relied heavily on his reflexes and agility.

Everyone knows that these qualities decline with age. His performances had already been affected.

In short, his body could no longer support the kind of heroic saves he made in his younger days. He needed to adjust and adapt.

This wasn't impossible. With hard work in training, he could maintain his level.

But now, Casillas seemed completely blinded by love, focusing solely on his journalist girlfriend.

How emotionally driven he had become was obvious to everyone.

It had started to impact his training and his form.

From a human standpoint, it was understandable. He was in love, and people were happy for him.

But from a professional perspective, it was unacceptable. It was irresponsible to Real Madrid, his teammates, and the fans.

Yet no one seemed able to talk sense into him.

Just like no one could talk sense into Mourinho.

"I think we should put pressure on Casillas and even start thinking about a successor," Florentino said.

His words left Valdano, Zidane, Butragueño, and others exchanging glances in surprise.

The president had always had a good relationship with the captain. Even while Casillas was benched, Florentino had called him several times to reassure him.

Was he now preparing to replace Casillas?

"Maybe it's not ideal, but we have to admit he's not the same Casillas as before. We need to prepare for that, don't we?" Florentino explained.

Letting go of veterans like Raúl, Guti, and even Casillas was no easy task. They had contributed immensely to the club.

Florentino had long advocated for modern management at Real Madrid. But this brought a challenge.

How do you balance professional management with emotional loyalty?

It wasn't just a Real Madrid problem or a Florentino problem. It was something all football clubs faced.

If Casillas was no longer capable of starting, or was affecting the team's performance, should they sign a new, better goalkeeper?

And if they did, would Casillas accept competing for the position?

"Lately, the media has been talking a lot about Thibaut Courtois at Leeds United. What do you think?" Florentino asked.

Zidane, the president's advisor, thought for a moment and replied, "I know Courtois. I've heard a lot about him. He's got enormous potential. He's 20 years old, 2 meters tall—ideal size for a goalkeeper."

Valdano added, "Our technical staff have been tracking him too. He was impressive in Belgium, but he's made huge strides at Leeds United, especially his shot-stopping. His biggest weakness is commanding the defense, but he's improved a lot there too."

"What about De Gea?" Florentino asked.

He actually preferred De Gea, who was widely seen as the future No. 1 for Spain.

In every country, a homegrown player always carries more appeal.

"Right now, Courtois is outperforming De Gea," Valdano replied, "and his price will be lower."

"But," Butragueño added, "Tottenham have been monitoring him for a long time. They've been searching for a keeper. Arsenal too. Then there's Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich."

There are so few top-level goalkeepers now, and any promising one instantly draws interest.

Florentino listened carefully. When they finished, he asked, "What would Gao Shen think?"

Valdano, Zidane, and Butragueño looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"Last time, he told me Leeds United didn't even have a training base," Zidane said in a subtle tone. "They asked the city for a plot of land downtown. The relocation is almost done. All that's left is to sell these players at high prices to raise funds and build the most advanced training ground in the world."

Everyone smiled.

A very sophisticated move indeed.

When it came to identifying and developing young talent in world football today, if Gao Shen was second, no one dared claim to be first.

"So he's planning to sell the players to build a training center?" Butragueño found it amusing.

"Then why did I hear he's got a headache over this?"

Zidane and Valdano laughed again.

"Of course it's a headache," Valdano said. "Leeds United still have to survive in the Premier League next season. But I'm certain that kid is ready. If he's hesitating, it's because he's planning to ambush you."

"Exactly. You don't know him yet?" Zidane added. "He acts all hesitant and unsure, like you're the one getting the better deal, leading you right into a trap he's dug. And you end up counting the money for him happily."

It sounded all too believable.

The more they thought about Gao Shen, the more devious he seemed.

"At this point, signing De Gea from Manchester United is basically impossible," Florentino concluded.

Ferguson had invested a lot in De Gea's development. There was no way he would let him go.

"In that case, let's target Courtois. See if you can find out what Gao Shen thinks."

Valdano and Zidane exchanged glances and nodded.

"Get in touch with Fernando Lucas. Have him talk to Gao Shen. But be aware, the competition will be fierce."

Florentino nodded.

Paris Saint-Germain still wielded enormous influence in European football.

"Let's lock in the target. Once the season ends, we'll look for the right moment to move."

Even though it was only the end of February, summer transfers had to be planned well in advance.

(To be continued.)