SWR: Chapter 781/782

Chapter 781: Liberating the Fullback

On the evening of September 14th, at the Etihad Stadium.

As both teams walked onto the pitch, led by the referee and to the roar of Manchester City fans, Gao Shen and Mourinho stood side by side at the tunnel entrance.

There wasn't much awkwardness between them. They both understood that a lot of what had happened wasn't each other's fault.

Or rather, it was simply the reality of professional football today.

"When did you shave your head?" Gao Shen asked curiously.

Mourinho chewed his gum stubbornly. After hearing Gao Shen's question, he lifted his chin slightly, as if trying to show his hair. But the truth was, there wasn't much left—he had shaved it into a short buzzcut.

"I did it at the hotel at noon. Looks good, right?" Mourinho grinned.

"Ha, very stylish. Among all the shameless middle-aged men, you're one of the better-looking ones."

As long as you pile on enough qualifiers, every man in the world is handsome.

"But seriously, you should dye your hair," Gao Shen suggested.

Mourinho instinctively reached up and scratched his hair. "Why dye it? This is my trophy!"

Gao Shen laughed again, a bit speechless.

Mourinho's hair had gone much whiter lately, whole patches of it. The pressure was enormous—especially when managing Real Madrid.

Mourinho might be arrogant on the surface, but not entirely.

When you truly got to know him, you realized he was actually quite insecure.

Ball control and passing are now the mainstream of European football. Every team has to emphasize it.

Why? Because if your passing and ball retention are poor, the opponent will press high. If you can't build out from the back, you're done.

Didn't Gao Shen use this exact tactic in Serie A to make teams cry out in frustration?

That's why, in recent years, ball-playing centre-backs have become so popular. And expensive.

Why? Because when your centre-backs can pass, you're no longer afraid of pressing.

In fact, you might even welcome the press so you can exploit the space behind it.

But centre-backs with great passing range are hard to come by, and the cost is a major barrier.

Whether in selecting his lineup or in-game adjustments, Mourinho couldn't help but be cautious.

To put it nicely, he was pragmatic. Put bluntly, he was just conservative.

Like tonight, using Coentrão at left back instead of Marcelo.

Sure, it was because Manchester City had Robben on the right. But Marcelo was far better going forward and had superior skills.

In midfield, Mourinho started Khedira next to Xabi Alonso.

Previously, he had used Coentrão alongside Xabi Alonso, and sometimes even Pepe or Ramos.

Centre-backs were Carvalho and Pepe. Right back was Ramos.

This was clearly a defensive, counter-attacking setup.

There was nothing new.

Up front, it was Cristiano Ronaldo, Adebayor, and Di María.

Real Madrid maintained their 4-2-3-1 formation, with the German No. 10 as the attacking midfielder.

Adán was in goal.

"You want to lecture me too?" Mourinho suddenly turned and looked directly at Gao Shen, a provocative glint in his eyes.

It was like, if Gao Shen said yes, he'd throw down right there.

Gao Shen laughed, "I'm not that free. At this point, if it were me, I'd do the same."

If Gao Shen were in Mourinho's shoes, honestly, banning Casillas would probably be the only choice left.

It had to be done. A manager's authority is more important than anything else.

But Gao Shen didn't say the next part—he would never have let things get to this point.

As long as things didn't spiral out of control, there would've been no need to face a dilemma between banning Casillas and preserving his authority. He would've had more time and space to change the dynamic.

To put it bluntly, Mourinho never should've started his so-called "war" with Barcelona.

It was clear that Real Madrid were not as strong as Barcelona.

Some might disagree, but it's the truth.

Not just now, even in previous years, they were inferior.

Don't believe it?

Compare the number of league titles Real Madrid won during their Champions League-winning seasons to how many times they beat Barcelona.

There's no inherent link between a team's strength and the result of a single match.

If your squad is weaker, and your results are worse, starting a head-to-head battle with a team like Barcelona only ends up hurting yourself.

What's more, Mourinho's biggest issue now lies in himself.

He needs a complete overhaul—from tactical concepts to management methods...

"You better not try playing the sympathy card before kickoff. I'm not going easy on you," Gao Shen said with a smile, changing the subject.

Mourinho laughed. "Like I need you to show mercy."

"Keep talking. I'll buy you a drink after the game. Don't run off," Gao Shen said, extending his hand.

They shook hands, and then Gao Shen turned and walked out of the tunnel, heading for the home dugout.

Mourinho watched Gao Shen's back with a complicated expression. His heart felt like a stirred pot of mixed emotions.

Damn, so many feelings at once.

To be honest, sometimes he even wished he could just fight with Gao Shen.

At least then he could insult him in public.

But now? He felt like the backup to someone he still got along with. Couldn't even bring himself to curse at the guy. What the hell?

"Half of my gray hair is because of you!" Mourinho muttered.

…

Real Madrid's tactics were clearly cautious.

Last season's thrashing at the Etihad had left its mark, and they were playing conservatively.

Meanwhile, Manchester City came out aggressively, launching a high press from the opening minute.

Contrary to his usual steady starts, Gao Shen pushed forward hard at home, showing clear intent to finish Real Madrid off early.

This forced Real Madrid to drop even deeper.

Gao Shen once again used a 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper: Neuer.

Defense: Felipe, David Luiz, Kompany, and Zabaleta.

Midfield: Rakitic, Fernandinho, and Yaya Touré.

Forwards: Gareth Bale, Suárez, and Robben.

With Rakitic and Yaya Touré in midfield, Gao Shen felt confident pushing the entire midfield and forward line high up the pitch.

He trusted those two midfielders to press effectively and control the game in the middle and final third. Combined with the front three, it was enough to contain Real Madrid's midfield and backline.

And it worked.

Real Madrid were cautious and conservative. Manchester City were assertive and aggressive.

Just two minutes into the game, Robben received the ball on the right flank, accelerated past Coentrão, cut inside the box, and squared it across. Yaya Touré charged in and fired the first shot of the match from just outside the area.

Moments later, Robben dribbled down the right again, bursting into the corner of the penalty area. He shook off Coentrão, about to cut inside, when the Portuguese full-back slid in, missed the ball, and dragged Robben down.

The referee gave nothing. No penalty. No foul. No simulation.

Two consecutive attacks down City's right immediately put huge pressure on Real Madrid's left.

One of the reasons Robben was able to attack so freely was Zabaleta's support from behind.

This highlighted the difference between Gao Shen and Mourinho.

Mourinho's full-backs rarely pushed forward. Even when they did, it was usually one side at a time.

Gao Shen's system was different.

His full-backs often surged forward.

So here's the question: if Mourinho is reluctant to let his full-backs go forward to maintain defensive stability, how does Gao Shen keep his defense solid with both full-backs pushing up?

Just with pressing up front?

That's not enough.

The key lies in the No. 4 position.

Looking back from 2021, almost every top team has a player filling the No. 4 role.

This isn't just a tribute to Barcelona. Everyone understands its importance.

When Bayern won the Champions League, Javi Martínez filled that role.

When Real Madrid won, first Xabi Alonso, then Casemiro.

Liverpool had Fabinho.

Even teams that weren't as strong used a No. 4. Remember Southampton? Under Pochettino and Koeman, the Saints had back-to-back strong seasons in the Premier League, thanks in part to Schneiderlin.

Schneiderlin was later criticized at Manchester United for dropping too deep and getting too close to the centre-backs.

But that's the role of the No. 4.

Why do it?

Simple: to free up the full-backs.

That's why Atlético Madrid boss Simeone once said the most important position in European football was the full-back.

Real Madrid had Carvajal and Marcelo. Bayern had Alaba and Lahm. Liverpool had Robertson and Alexander-Arnold. Barcelona had Alba and Alves. Juventus had Alex Sandro and Lichtsteiner...

Noticed the pattern?

Both flanks featured full-backs who were better at attacking than defending.

So how do you defend when both full-backs push up?

The answer is the defensive midfielder—your No. 4—drops between the centre-backs to form a back three and hold the line until the full-backs return.

As for the benefits of attacking full-backs? That goes without saying.

This trend wasn't yet mainstream, but more and more people were studying Gao Shen's tactics at Manchester City.

And eventually, it would become a trend again.

Of course, this brings up another tactical question.

If the full-backs push up and the No. 4 drops into the back line to form a three-man defense, what roles do the other two midfielders in the 4-3-3 play?

Just as Gao Shen stood on the touchline thinking, Neuer played a goal kick.

The German keeper sent it long toward the front line.

Suárez had used his body to shield Pepe and tried to win the first ball, but Pepe still got his head to it.

However, the ball still ended up at Manchester City's feet.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 782: He Is Too Fast

Seeing Pepe overpower Suárez and head the ball back, Rakitic immediately rushed over and controlled the second ball.

Just as the Croatian midfielder tried to stop and turn, Khedira slid in from the side and poked the ball back toward Real Madrid's defensive line.

Suárez reacted quickly and charged forward to try to regain possession, but Pepe went to ground and cleared the ball out wide.

Carvalho followed up with a big clearance, sending the ball toward the right side of the attacking third.

Di María moved out wide to receive the pass. Just as he brought it under control, he saw Felipe rushing in. The Argentine winger instinctively turned to pull the ball back, but just then, Gareth Bale—tracking back deep into his own half—appeared behind him.

The Welshman's physical strength was overwhelming. As soon as he closed in on Di María, the winger felt the impact and lost his balance. The ball was intercepted by Gareth Bale, who had his back to goal.

Di María tried to fight back, but Gareth Bale used his hips to shield the ball, leaving the Argentine completely helpless.

Moments later, Gareth Bale laid the ball off to Felipe on the left wing and immediately sprinted forward.

Felipe knew exactly what he meant and quickly returned the pass.

The Welshman accelerated—like he had wings—and quickly caught up to Khedira. With a powerful burst, he surged past Khedira before even receiving the ball.

Gareth Bale's speed continued to build, especially as he approached the edge of Real Madrid's penalty area. Without slowing down at all, he charged between Ramos and Pepe like a lightning bolt and kept sprinting forward with his head down.

He was unbelievably fast!

So fast that Ramos and Pepe didn't have time to close the gap before Gareth Bale had already broken through.

After bursting past their joint defense, Gareth Bale looked up and saw that Suárez wouldn't arrive in time, but Robben was charging in at the back post.

Without hesitation, he swept in a low cross with his left foot.

The ball flew across the face of goal, past Real Madrid's defensive line, and landed at the far post.

Adán was momentarily frozen. He turned to dive to the right, but just as he did, he saw Robben flying in from the right wing. Before anyone else could react, the Dutchman met the ball with his left foot and fired it at goal.

The ball flew easily into the bottom right corner of Real Madrid's net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!"

"Robben!!"

"In the eighth minute, Manchester City open the scoring against Real Madrid. It's a goal from Arjen Robben!"

"What a stunning run from Gareth Bale. He ripped through Real Madrid's entire left side."

"One-nil!"

The entire Etihad Stadium erupted. Manchester City fans were roaring, chanting Robben's name.

And also Gareth Bale's.

That long run was electrifying—so fast, so direct, so breathtaking!

On a football pitch, speed has always been one of the most thrilling weapons for fans.

Just like Owen back in the day, like Robben in his prime, and now like Gareth Bale.

…

While Manchester City's players raced off to celebrate, Gao Shen remained calm on the touchline.

He had been prepared for this moment, so the goal didn't come as a surprise.

Of course, he was still very pleased.

He turned and shook hands with Carlo and the rest of the coaching staff in front of the dugout, then walked back to the edge of the technical area.

By now, the players had returned from celebrating.

"Keep attacking! Disrupt their rhythm! Keep pressing!"

Gao Shen shouted to the players, urging them to keep pressing forward and not let up.

Right now, Real Madrid lacked control in midfield. Once pinned down, they could easily descend into chaos.

Especially now, with Ramos as captain.

Everyone knew Ramos was prone to emotional outbursts and rash decisions when fired up.

And then there was Pepe—currently still in monk mode.

As for Carvalho, he had been a top defender in his day, but he was already 33.

…

Following Gao Shen's instructions, Manchester City launched wave after wave of attacks on Real Madrid.

Two minutes after the goal, Felipe cut inside from the left channel and took a direct shot, forcing a scare.

One minute later, Gareth Bale again broke down the left and whipped in a cross. Suárez latched onto it and fired on goal.

But the shot was too straight and was saved by Adán.

The ball deflected back to the left side of the penalty area. Gareth Bale followed up and hit it first-time, aiming for the far post, but Xabi Alonso had tracked back just in time to block it. The ball skimmed just wide.

It almost ended up an own goal.

From the resulting corner, Rakitic whipped it in and Kompany rose highest, heading the ball narrowly over the bar.

In under five minutes, Manchester City had launched a relentless barrage of attacks, pinning Real Madrid deep.

The proud Los Blancos were being overwhelmed. They had no response and could only barely hold on.

Meanwhile, Manchester City's waves of attacks came faster and harder, putting massive pressure on the visitors.

The crowd at the Etihad was electric, cheering wildly.

…

In the stands, Zidane—who had traveled with the squad—and technical director Valdano were both stunned by Manchester City's early dominance.

They had to admire Gao Shen's coaching and the strength of his squad. Technically and tactically, Manchester City were now among the elite of European football—possibly even stronger than Barcelona.

That was basically a consensus among outsiders.

In today's European football landscape, only Barcelona and Manchester City were on equal footing.

But Guardiola had Lionel Messi and the greatest generation from La Masia—Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets.

Gao Shen, on the other hand, relied on his vision and scouting to unearth a group of young talents who were just as outstanding.

The biggest difference between Manchester City and traditional giants now was commercial strength.

But City had deep pockets, so that hardly mattered.

"Have you been watching Leeds United in the Championship?" Zidane suddenly asked.

Valdano shook his head, but instantly recalled the invitation Gao Shen's wife had extended to him that day in Monaco.

She was sharp. And beautiful.

"Sarri's system is even more aggressive than Gao Shen's at City. The full-backs push higher, both flanks are extremely active, and with a towering striker, they've dominated the Championship."

Zidane smiled. "That's probably Gao Shen testing his next tactical evolution beyond Manchester City."

Valdano nodded in understanding. In fact, many others had noticed this too.

But no one knew just how far Gao Shen intended to go.

Because the current squad at Manchester City limited how deep he could take it.

Take Felipe on the left, for example. Compared to Marcelo, he's more defensively solid, but not as sharp going forward.

Leighton Baines is a good player, but he can't challenge Felipe for the starting spot.

The same goes for Lichtsteiner and Zabaleta on the right.

At Leeds United, Kurzawa and Clyne pushed extremely high and had blistering pace.

Zidane believed that was the system Gao Shen really wanted.

At City, it's not that he didn't want to use it. He was already trying it. But the personnel had limitations.

Felipe, Lichtsteiner, Zabaleta—these players had contributed greatly to City. Gao Shen couldn't just sell them to force a tactical change. That would be unrealistic.

If he really did that, the locker room would fall apart.

Managers have to be pragmatic and treat players with care. You can't always act on theory alone.

"You mean…" Valdano started to catch on to what Zidane was implying.

"Remember what he said at Napoli? That Real Madrid's biggest problem was Kaka and the attacking midfielder role."

Three years later, the results were crystal clear.

Even putting aside the player rosters and looking only at tactics and style, Manchester City were more advanced and had far greater control than Real Madrid.

"We should've listened to him back then," Valdano sighed.

Zidane nodded in agreement.

If they had, Gao Shen wouldn't have ended up at Manchester City. The team sweeping across Europe right now would've been Real Madrid.

"It's not too late to change," Zidane said, giving Valdano a meaningful look.

…

After conceding and facing constant pressure, Real Madrid tried to counterattack, but achieved very little.

Manchester City dominated the midfield. Their passing and possession game left Real Madrid's midfielders unable to create any real threat.

From Cristiano Ronaldo to Adebayor and Di María, they worked tirelessly to press and regain the ball. But they always fell just short. Manchester City still maintained solid control.

The Real Madrid players knew how important this Champions League campaign was.

But they simply couldn't match Manchester City's tempo or possession.

Madrid found themselves on the back foot.

Manchester City steadily took control, calmly probing for openings.

That said, City had issues too.

Rakitic and Yaya Touré provided great pressing and pressure in midfield, but their final ball wasn't as precise as David Silva's.

When Silva played, his dribbling creativity and vision to spot gaps in the defense were unmatched.

But tonight, Silva was on the bench, having played in the league over the weekend.

Now that City had the lead, Gao Shen wasn't in a hurry to bring him on.

In fact, unless something unexpected happened, Silva would rest the entire match.

Even so, Yaya Touré created a very threatening chance.

He played the ball into his favorite zone, just outside the penalty area. Suárez used his body to hold off Carvalho, turned, and shot.

The shot struck the outside of the post and went out for a goal kick.

Manchester City's luck tonight hadn't quite matched their dominance.

(To be continued.)