SWR: Chapter 768/770

Chapter 768: Come on, Paul
No one ever knew that one day in early June, Paul Pogba met privately with Gao Shen, then head coach of Manchester City, in an unremarkable restaurant in downtown Manchester.

Pogba was likely a regular customer there, so the entire meeting was kept highly confidential.

Only two people attended that meeting—Gao Shen and Pogba.

Not even Pogba's agent knew.

It was an interesting meeting. Gao Shen ordered a variety of dishes for him. Some he liked, others he couldn't really understand the appeal of.

They ate and talked. Later, they sipped tea.

Pogba had to admit that Gao Shen was a great conversationalist, especially with him.

Back when he was at Le Havre or even after joining Manchester United, Pogba never felt he could connect with his coaches. But strangely, he didn't feel that way with Gao Shen.

They could talk about anything—iPhones, game consoles, computers, even headphones...

It seemed like Gao Shen knew a bit about everything.

That day, they discussed a lot of topics. Pogba forgot some of them afterward.

But one subject stood out—Ferguson.

He couldn't recall whether Gao Shen had brought it up or if it had come from him, but the conversation flowed naturally, especially since Ferguson had already informed Pogba that Manchester United would accept Leeds United's offer.

Pogba also knew very well that it was Gao Shen who had used his personal connections to convince Ferguson.

Manchester United's stance was clear: Pogba would not be getting any first-team opportunities for now. Rather than waste time, it was better to move elsewhere, get experience, and maybe return when the time was right.

Pogba knew that was just a nice way of putting it.

If he didn't develop well at Leeds United, there'd be no way back to Manchester United.

As they spoke, Pogba shared many stories—about himself, about Manchester United, and about Ferguson.

Back when he was still in Le Havre's academy, many clubs were scouting him. Manchester United wasn't even the frontrunner at first. But the reason he chose United was that Ferguson personally visited his home to persuade him and his family.

"We all believed I would receive the best training at Manchester United and be treated as a top-level youth player."

That's what Pogba had believed back then.

It was natural. Every young player thinks that way.

But once he got to Manchester United, things turned out quite different from what he'd imagined.

For example, there were many veterans in the team—Giggs, Scholes, even Fletcher—and they all had special relationships with Ferguson.

Giggs would joke about Ferguson being a "red-nosed joker," while Scholes and the others could chat and laugh with him. Rooney was the same.

To Pogba, this all felt very foreign.

His French compatriot Evra told him that Manchester United was different and that he should try to adapt and accept it.

Pogba slowly got used to it.

For a while, his relationship with Manchester United was harmonious.

But over the past year, things had changed.

"I thought I had the ability and deserved more first-team opportunities. He thought the same at first, but after losing a few games, especially that heavy defeat to Manchester City, he completely changed. He became cautious, conservative, and no longer trusted young players."

Pogba knew this wasn't good for him.

His contract with Manchester United expired in 2012, and the 2010–11 season was the best time to renew.

United did want to renew, but they couldn't meet his demands.

He wasn't asking for much. Beyond a decent salary, all he really wanted was playing time.

"You know what? I tried working with several agents, but none of them dared to speak up for me in front of Ferguson. They were all scared. Their legs would go weak just standing in front of him."

"At first, I thought it was just bad luck, so I switched agents. But it was the same thing. Some even sided with Ferguson, telling me I was still young and should wait my turn…"

Pogba found this baffling. Wasn't an agent supposed to act in the player's best interests?

"Gradually, I realized—no one at Manchester United, or even in England, dares to say no to Ferguson!"

"At that point, I thought, I'm different. I will!"

Gao Shen listened patiently to Pogba's complaints and frustrations. Once he had calmed down, Gao Shen explained Ferguson's role and influence at Manchester United.

"He runs Manchester United like a family. He's the 'father'—a very strict father."

That's the godfather of Manchester United.

But Gao Shen also told Pogba that he wasn't wrong. Young players today are no longer suited to the old-school management style. In this respect, Ferguson had indeed failed to keep up with the times.

At the same time, Gao Shen laid out his plans and development path for Pogba.

Leeds United were playing in the Championship, a perfect platform for an 18-year-old to develop.

At the time, Gao Shen promised that Leeds United would return to the Premier League within two years, and Pogba would become a regular starter for a Premier League side by the age of 20.

That was a promising future.

Because back then, Manchester United could not make that promise.

Other clubs might have, but Pogba had never been in contact with them.

During their conversation, Gao Shen asked Pogba who his idol was.

The young Frenchman said he admired many players—Ronaldinho, Zidane, Kaka. He liked Messi a lot now. But his hero was boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

"He's my hero. I want to change the world like he did!"

Then the 18-year-old added shyly, a bit embarrassed, "I know that sounds immature, but it's really what I think."

"No, no. That's not childish at all. That's a brave and confident goal."

Gao Shen told him that courage and confidence are vital qualities on the pitch.

"We always talk about players like Zidane, Vieira, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Henry… even Maradona. What they had in common was courage, confidence, and resilience. That's what made them special."

"All great people insist on doing what they believe is right. They never—or almost never—doubt themselves. That's what makes them stand out."

"So, Paul, remember what you just said. Remember your goal. No matter what difficulties or obstacles you face, be like your idol, Muhammad Ali—throw your punches with courage, determination, and confidence!"

That was the first time Pogba saw light in someone's eyes.

And it was in that moment that he decided to join Leeds United.

…

Upton Park, London.

The first half was nearing its end.

For some reason, Pogba's mind kept drifting back to that conversation with Gao Shen. The words he had said echoed in his ears.

Deep inside, a voice stirred, shouting and roaring non-stop.

Come on, Paul!

Be like your idol, Muhammad Ali—throw your punches with courage, determination, and confidence!

You can do it, Paul!

He started to feel restless. His composure slipped.

A misplaced pass from him led to a West Ham counterattack that nearly ended in a goal.

From behind him, Schneiderlin shouted angrily—clearly unhappy with Pogba's mistake.

But Pogba ignored it.

His mind was filled with that voice, repeating itself.

Then, suddenly, everything went quiet.

He made up his mind to try.

Just as Gao Shen had encouraged him—take the leap, boldly and confidently.

…

"Here!"

As Schneiderlin took possession, Pogba suddenly raised his hand to call for the ball.

He was already on West Ham's left flank, surrounded by defenders.

The 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation is incredibly dense and suffocating defensively.

Pogba positioned himself in the gap between the second and third midfield lines.

Despite having just scolded him, Schneiderlin didn't hesitate and passed the ball.

His passes were always reliable.

Before Pogba even received it, West Ham's No. 32, defensive midfielder O'Neil, charged toward him as if trying to knock him off the ball. Right behind was Kevin Nolan in pursuit.

The young Frenchman, tall with long legs and a quick burst, beat O'Neil to the ball and controlled Schneiderlin's pass. Before O'Neil could challenge him, Pogba quickly returned the ball, barely evading the incoming tackle.

But Kevin Nolan was right behind.

Just after returning the ball, Pogba spun into a sudden, elegant Marseille turn. Left foot flick, body turn, right foot pull. Nolan had no chance to steal the ball.

Relying on that dazzling move, Pogba sliced between two defenders. When Scott Parker came over, Pogba feinted a breakthrough, then expertly worked the ball side to side with both feet, dragging it across the top of the box.

He carved out space.

Now standing just outside the D, Pogba didn't hesitate. His mind was clear, his focus locked onto goalkeeper Robert Green. He unleashed a direct shot.

Center back Faye lunged in, trying to block it. But the shot skimmed under his outstretched foot and flew into the bottom-right corner.

Goalkeeper Green stood frozen, stunned.

It all happened in one smooth, fluid motion.

The entire stadium only reacted after the goal went in.

Everyone was stunned.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 769: Big Reversal

"Beautiful!"

The moment Gao Shen saw Pogba score, he jumped up from his seat, clapping hard and cheering loudly.

"Well done, Paul!"

At that moment, he was completely immersed, as if he were on the touchline himself, commanding the match.

And he wasn't the only one.

Around him, Carlo, Buenaventura, Pintus, and even many West Ham United fans cried out in shock and amazement, all stunned by the sudden brilliance of the goal.

No one expected such a spectacular individual effort to occur just before halftime.

And it was a solo performance!

On the touchline, Sarri completely lost control, cheering uncontrollably, but the fourth official quickly stopped him and told him to return to the technical area.

Even Allardyce couldn't help but applaud the goal.

That was pure individual quality.

And the most remarkable thing? It came from 18-year-old Paul Pogba!

"Remember this name, everyone. Remember this 18-year-old player. He is French midfielder Paul Pogba, the core of Leeds United's midfield, hand-picked by Gao Shen!"

Leeds United's players rushed to the corner to celebrate. Even Schneiderlin, who had just scolded Pogba earlier, embraced him on the sideline in sheer excitement.

"I take it back, Gao!" Buenaventura said with a wry smile, shaking his head.

Looking back on the goal, there was no denying it—absolutely brilliant. A piece of art.

More importantly, it was really, really important.

"So he really can do it!" Buenaventura admitted, completely convinced now.

He had just heard what Gao Shen said.

Carlo nodded with a helpless smile. "I was wrong too. That's why I can only be your assistant while you're on your way to being a world-class manager. You're all just a bunch of gamblers!"

The last sentence was clearly a joking complaint about his own lack of boldness.

Gao Shen burst out laughing and didn't mind at all.

What he saw now was hope and opportunity.

More importantly, he truly believed that Leeds United had a real chance this season.

When such a group of young, talented players come together, the energy they can unleash is unimaginable.

Even Gao Shen hadn't expected it.

"The second half. The second half depends on how these young men perform," Gao Shen said with a laugh.

…

But it turned out, Gao Shen had underestimated them.

Fueled by Pogba's equalizer, this group of inexperienced youngsters exploded with unbelievable momentum.

After West Ham United restarted play, they were immediately pressed and quickly lost the ball.

Kurzawa used his pace on the left to tear open West Ham's flank. Benteke had pinned down the center-backs, but instead of playing to him, Kurzawa sent in a low ball across the face of goal.

From nowhere, Paulinho burst into the box and slid in to poke the ball into the West Ham net.

Two-one!

A complete turnaround!

Madness! Absolute madness!

Gao Shen in the stands was stunned.

He hadn't expected the team to just equalize, but to actually take the lead before halftime.

This felt like a slap in the face.

But for Gao Shen, the more face-slapping moments like this, the better!

"I really didn't expect this bunch of kids to actually…" Carlo was speechless and just shook his head with a smile.

It completely overturned his expectations.

"After this match, the overall strength of the team will rise to another level," Buenaventura concluded.

Though Leeds United had won their previous games, they hadn't looked fully convincing.

But now, on the road against West Ham United, playing like this? Win or lose, the performance alone was a massive statement.

It showed what the team and these players had become.

Of course, given the way things were going, unless Sarri messed up at halftime, it wouldn't be easy to lose.

…

In the second half, Leeds United continued pressing and attacking West Ham United relentlessly.

The White Roses had completely shaken off their passive first-half performance and now had the home side under pressure, forcing West Ham to defend deep.

Even so, Leeds still managed to find another goal.

In the 59th minute, Kurzawa and Adam Lallana combined down the left with a neat one-two. Kurzawa made a diagonal run inside, and Lallana sent a cross from the left wing toward Benteke.

The Belgian striker was caught between two defenders and couldn't turn to shoot, but he controlled the ball and laid it off to Kurzawa, who had drifted into the left channel.

The French full-back struck it first time and smashed the ball past West Ham's keeper once again.

Three-one!

And Leeds didn't stop there. They kept attacking West Ham with intensity.

Allardyce had already used up all three of his substitutions.

At halftime, he had replaced a defensive midfielder with a center-back. Later, as the game slipped further, he brought on striker Sam Baldock for O'Neill.

Finally, he substituted Carlton Cole for striker Nicky Maynard.

Every change was aimed at strengthening the attack.

Sarri responded in the 70th minute with two attacking substitutions of his own.

Salah and Icardi came on together.

Just before this match, under FA Chairman Bernstein's guidance, Leeds United players had completed their work permit applications via legal procedures.

This was also Salah's debut for Leeds United.

After all the changes, both sides became more aggressive, but West Ham's midfield and backline became vulnerable.

In the 77th minute, the Hammers finally pulled one back with a well-timed attack, reducing the deficit to 2–3.

That gave them renewed hope, and they launched a fierce offensive.

But just seven minutes later, Leeds United hit back with a counterattack.

Pogba played a long ball from deep in his own half, finding Benteke perfectly.

Benteke timed his run well, avoided the offside trap, and with his back to goal, laid it off behind him.

Icardi latched onto the pass, went one-on-one with the keeper, and calmly slotted it into the net.

Four-two!

The score stayed that way until full-time.

4–2. Leeds United came from behind to defeat West Ham United on the road!

…

Gao Shen, Carlo, and the others were left speechless after witnessing the full match.

They all had the same feeling—this match would be a turning point for Leeds United's season.

The most important part was that some of the tactical issues that had previously held the team back had now been resolved.

For example, Paulinho, Pogba, and the overlapping full-backs on both sides.

Schneiderlin, in particular, had adapted well. When both full-backs went forward, he stayed deep, often dropping between the center-backs.

In many teams, this kind of positioning would be seen as too deep.

In fact, in Gao Shen's memory, one of the main criticisms of Schneiderlin after joining Manchester United was exactly this, retreating too deep and being prone to mistakes when trying to press.

But during his time at Southampton under Pochettino and Koeman, he had become used to playing this way.

Now, at Leeds United, he was fitting in well.

Gao Shen was extremely satisfied with the team's performance. After leaving the stadium, he didn't visit the dressing room. Instead, he waited until the players returned to the hotel, then quietly paid them a visit.

Although everyone knew Leeds United had close ties to Gao Shen, they were still surprised to see him, especially players like Salah.

To them, Gao Shen was a legendary figure.

Even Pogba, Benteke, and others who had met Gao Shen before were still surprised.

"I have to admit something," Gao Shen said with a smile. "Before tonight, I made a serious mistake. I underestimated your strength. Even though I had high hopes for you, the final result still exceeded my expectations."

The Leeds United players all laughed.

They clearly felt honored and proud to receive such praise from someone of Gao Shen's stature—whether as team owner or the world's top manager.

"To be honest, I made several mistakes while watching the game. Your performance made me feel unqualified as a coach, because you just keep shattering my assumptions. Incredible!" Gao Shen even laughed at himself.

The players felt the appreciation and respect from Gao Shen, Carlo, and the others.

It made them all incredibly proud.

"I want to say this. Leeds United fans and I are proud of you. I believe that if you keep up the spirit and intensity you showed tonight, you'll conquer the Championship this season. And next season, I'll be watching you play in the Premier League!"

There was no greater compliment than that.

The players erupted in cheers.

They all dreamed of playing in the Premier League!

…

After praising the players, Gao Shen met with Sarri again. He was very pleased with Sarri's lineup and tactical decisions in this match. He also pointed out a few technical details, but overall, Sarri had done an excellent job.

The team's style of play was fluid and attractive—something rare at this level.

Because of his sensitive identity and the fact that Leeds were on the road, Gao Shen didn't stay at the hotel for long.

But on the way back to the Manchester City hotel, Carlo and the others kept discussing the game and the players.

Leeds United's young players had left a lasting impression.

Especially Pogba.

That goal of his had sparked the team's comeback.

At just 18, he was still young. But with proper development and focused training, he could become the core of Leeds United's midfield.

And everyone gained a deeper understanding of Gao Shen's vision.

Because from the very beginning, Gao Shen was the one who most believed in Pogba.

Even when everyone else thought no one at Leeds United could step up, Gao Shen still put his faith in Pogba.

And that left everyone around him full of admiration.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 770: I Am a Professional at Raising Prices

Pogba is on fire!

But not in the way everyone might expect.

Aside from the Yorkshire Post and a few British media outlets that follow Leeds United closely, most media don't pay much attention to Championship matches, let alone focus on a specific team's developments.

However, insiders know better. Many clubs have scouts regularly attending Championship games.

For example, when the Premier League distributes subsidies to clubs across the divisions, Championship teams receive significantly more than those in League One and League Two.

The reason is simple: the Championship is the Premier League's talent development base.

As a result, many Premier League scouts follow the league very closely.

Leeds United's comeback win against West Ham United was a huge upset in the Championship. Pogba's key performance at the critical moment amazed everyone and quickly spread through professional circles.

For an 18-year-old to be able to turn the game around—even in the Championship—is truly remarkable.

When Gao Shen woke up the next morning, he heard plenty of chatter about Pogba, and it was clear the buzz had spread through Premier League circles. As long as Pogba maintains his current form, his future looks limitless.

Of course, inconsistency is natural for young players. Expectations must remain reasonable.

It was Ferguson who personally called Gao Shen to talk about the situation.

"Our technical department tells me that selling Pogba was a huge mistake!"

Ferguson's tone was full of frustration, and he even let out a few curses.

"I really regret it now!"

Gao Shen chuckled and replied, "It's too late, Sir. There's no cure for regret."

Ferguson was fuming. Every time he thought about how Gao Shen had outmaneuvered him, it felt like a knife to the heart.

A man who had spent a lifetime outwitting others had finally had his eyes pecked out by a sparrow.

"I don't care. You have to promise me that if you ever sell Pogba, you'll contact me first. Sell him back to Manchester United, okay?" Ferguson said emotionally.

Given the current circumstances, the best thing Manchester United could hope for was a right of first refusal.

There was no point in trying to buy Pogba back now. Manchester United simply couldn't offer him a platform like Leeds United could at the moment.

More importantly, Pogba had finally found his footing. If he continues this trajectory for another season or two, his growth will be extraordinary.

Ferguson, more than anyone, knows how transformative one or two seasons can be for young talents like Pogba.

Wouldn't it be better to let him grow now and bring him back when he's truly ready?

As Gao Shen said—what's a little money?

Manchester United certainly isn't short of that.

"Alright, Sir. I'll make you a promise. If the price is the same, we'll give Manchester United priority. Fair enough?"

Ferguson hung up, satisfied.

Gao Shen, meanwhile, was thrilled. Manchester United's involvement could only be a good thing.

After all, no one's better at raising prices than Manchester United.

…

Leeds United's winning streak at the start of the season had drawn increasing attention from professionals across the football world.

And it wasn't just Pogba. Paulinho, Kurzawa, and Benteke were all starting to attract serious interest.

In the match against West Ham United, Paulinho and Kurzawa both played crucial roles, and Benteke's tactical value was clearly visible.

If Pogba was the one who changed the game at the key moment, then the other three were the ones who immediately picked up the pace and helped launch a ferocious assault on West Ham United.

After hanging up with Ferguson, Gao Shen immediately checked online.

What he found made him burst into laughter.

When Pogba joined the team, the transfer fee was £1 million. His actual market value at the time was around £1.5 million, but with only one year left on his contract, the price was low—and Manchester United hadn't cared much about it.

Now? The French midfielder's market value had risen to £3.5 million.

That's more than double.

When Paulinho signed, the fee was €1.5 million. Now, he's valued at £5 million, making him the most expensive player at Leeds United. That speaks volumes about how his performances have been received.

Benteke's value had also jumped to £3 million—three times his original price.

In short, after just a few friendlies and the start of the league campaign, the market values of several Leeds United players had doubled or even tripled.

The more Gao Shen read, the more excited he became. He quickly called Su Qing to share the news.

In the past, when players he had coached were sold at high prices, it made him happy.

But now? This was his own club. His own project.

He wasn't just happy—he was ecstatic!

Su Qing, however, remained calm.

"Shouldn't you be focusing on the game against Tottenham right now?"

Only then did Gao Shen snap back to reality.

…

Evening, White Hart Lane.

In the rescheduled match of the third round of the Premier League, Manchester City faced Tottenham Hotspur away.

Due to injuries and squad rotation, Gao Shen used a 4-4-2 formation again.

But this lineup was clearly different from before.

He started with Van Persie and Robinho up front, Silva on the right, Hazard on the left, and a midfield duo of Fernandinho and Yaya Touré.

Tottenham stuck with their usual 4-2-3-1 and even started Peter Crouch up front, hoping to pressure Manchester City's backline.

At the start, both sides were evenly matched, trading blows.

With Robben injured, Silva filled in on the right. But Silva lacked the pace and penetration, so Zabaleta had to push forward often to support the attack.

Gao Shen had really shown tactical flexibility this season, deploying different styles and systems with ease.

What stood out most was that Manchester City always seemed to have the upper hand on the pitch.

That's the benefit of a squad that has played together in a mature and stable tactical system for more than two years.

In the 34th minute, Hazard dribbled past Joel Luka on the left, broke into the penalty area, caused chaos, and found Van Persie, who scored the opening goal.

1–0!

Just seven minutes later, Hazard beat three Tottenham players and delivered another ball into the box. Van Persie calmly slotted it home.

2–0!

With a two-goal cushion, Manchester City took full control.

Redknapp was forced to sub off Huddlestone at halftime to reinforce his midfield.

But just ten minutes into the second half, Yaya Touré made a late run and lofted a ball into the box from the edge of the area. Van Persie met it with a volley and buried it.

3–0!

Hat trick!

Van Persie was on fire.

Just five minutes later, Hazard broke down the flank and squared the ball. Van Persie dummied it, and Robinho tapped it in at the back post.

4–0!

In the 68th minute, Tottenham, having already used all three substitutions, tried to counter, but lost possession right after crossing midfield. Fernandinho launched a long ball behind the defense. Van Persie broke through and finished coolly.

Big four!

5–0!

A complete collapse!

White Hart Lane was filled with stunned silence.

Everyone knew Manchester City were strong, but no one expected them to be this dominant.

Gao Shen stood calmly on the touchline, applauding and encouraging the players. But inside, he was buzzing with excitement.

This was his third season at Manchester City, and the squad was reaching its peak.

Van Persie was in top form, playing better than ever.

As far as strikers go, he was easily in the world's top three now.

Suárez?

He's in the top three too.

Of course, Gao Shen was talking about immediate form. Drogba still had moments of brilliance, but his overall effectiveness had dropped.

In other words, Manchester City had two of the top three strikers in the world.

As for who the third is?

Whoever wants to compete can step forward. Manchester City already have two.

Gao Shen had more confidence in this than anyone.

…

"You guys are really ruthless this season!"

After the match, Redknapp shook hands with Gao Shen, clearly impressed by Manchester City's performance.

Compared to Chelsea in previous years, Manchester City looked far more dominant.

This season, Gao Shen had already used multiple tactical styles, and yet City adapted each time and still dominated.

What's more, Gareth Bale was still getting back to form after injury, Robben was out, and Suárez didn't even play.

Redknapp had to admit—money is incredible.

With money, you can really do anything!

"Tonight's match was a little unfair to you," Gao Shen responded modestly.

He respected Redknapp as one of the Premier League's senior figures.

Redknapp, though, was clearly frustrated by the 0–5 defeat at home.

He still believed Tottenham had a real shot this season.

The "unfair" part Gao Shen mentioned was that the match had to be played midweek due to Manchester City's European Super Cup involvement, which gave Tottenham less time to prepare.

But nothing could be done. The schedule couldn't be moved.

Next year was a major competition year, with both the Euros and the Olympics. Every league was compressing its calendar. With Manchester City set to compete on multiple fronts, there was no time for rescheduling.

"There's nothing to say. We just weren't good enough. The difference in strength is clear. We have to accept that," Redknapp said frankly.

Looking at Gao Shen, he couldn't hide his envy. A world-class coach, young and already so successful.

"Good luck this season—and in the Champions League too!"

"I will," Gao Shen nodded.

Even though Tottenham missed out on the Champions League, Manchester City's success on that stage would benefit the Premier League as a whole.

More importantly, even though City were the defending Champions League winners, their UEFA coefficient still only placed them in the third pot for the group stage draw.

That was going to be interesting.

A Champions League winner in Pot 3—that's a guaranteed group of death.

This time, Manchester City would fly to Monaco early, not just for the UEFA Super Cup, but also for the Champions League group stage draw and the UEFA Awards Ceremony.

And at the ceremony, UEFA had even prepared a special award just for Gao Shen.

(To be continued.)