SWR: Chapter 661/663

Chapter 661: The Man Exiled by Real Madrid
For Real Madrid's match against Osasuna, Gao Shen had arranged for Sarri and Lucas to travel to Madrid in person. They brought back detailed intelligence and first-hand information.

During his time in Madrid, Lucas also fully leveraged his personal network and uncovered a wealth of inside information.

For example, Florentino had called Mourinho after the draw.

The Real Madrid board attached great importance to this game. So far, the team had scored just one goal in two La Liga matches, and Mourinho was already under significant pressure.

You have to consider that Pellegrini's team had scored over 100 goals in a single season. Now, only one goal in two games—while the defense looked solid, the attacking performance was far from convincing.

That's why Mourinho publicly challenged Gao Shen after the Osasuna match.

He was at his best when giving the team a clear target to focus on.

But all the signs pointed to Mourinho being unlikely to adopt a conservative tactic, which surprised Gao Shen.

"Is he really that confident in his players?" Gao Shen asked, doubtful.

There were no major concerns with Khedira and Xabi Alonso. The key issue was whether Mourinho could actually get Özil to actively defend.

"According to what I heard, Mourinho spoke with him after he returned from the national team. He supposedly promised to give his all and meet the manager's expectations," Lucas replied.

"Do you believe that?" Gao Shen asked back.

Lucas froze for a second, then shook his head. "I don't know."

Gao Shen didn't buy it. Özil had never been that kind of player.

But he wouldn't say it out loud. Only the game would tell the truth.

Until then, talk was meaningless.

…

As the showdown approached, Mourinho was speaking to his players all around Madrid to boost morale. At the same time, Gao Shen was also busy in Manchester, meeting with several key players.

Yaya Touré would partner Henderson as the double pivot in the league, while Javi Martinez would start in the Champions League.

One thing Gao Shen was certain of was that regardless of whether Özil committed to defending, Real Madrid would focus their pressure on Javi Martinez.

He was the pivotal link between City's midfield and defense. Mourinho had spent years in Barcelona and had battled Gao Shen countless times. When he coached Inter in a previous life, he heavily relied on Thiago Motta. That showed he understood the importance of this position.

"When the time comes, stay aware of your positioning. They might use Özil to press you, or drop the striker deep to apply pressure. Be mentally prepared," Gao Shen reminded him.

Among the intelligence Lucas compiled specifically for Javi Martinez, there were segments focused on the attacking tendencies of Özil and the center forwards.

Gao Shen wasn't sure which striker Mourinho would use. He suspected it might be Adebayor, who was more familiar with the Premier League and fit Mourinho's preferences.

But it could also be Higuaín or Benzema.

"Boss, don't worry. I know exactly what my role is on the pitch," Javi Martinez said confidently.

He'd once had the chance to join Real Madrid, but City had shown greater sincerity.

Still, for a Spanish international, facing Real Madrid was always an exciting challenge.

Gao Shen had full confidence in Javi Martinez. After a full season of development and tactical training, the Spaniard had settled into his defensive role with composure and control.

But Real Madrid's attacking lineup wasn't easy to contain.

Beyond the striker and Özil, Ronaldo and Di María were also major threats.

Of course, the same applied to Real Madrid when facing Manchester City.

City's attacking firepower was among the best in Europe. Mourinho would be racking his brain trying to figure out how to stop them.

…

After speaking with Javi Martinez, Gao Shen went to find Robben.

The Dutch winger had been rested in the league's fourth round. Gao Shen was saving him for the Champions League, targeting Marcelo's flank. The Brazilian full-back was strong in attack but weak defensively.

"In the last two games, Mourinho placed Di María on the left. Clearly, he wants the Argentine's high work rate and defensive tracking to support Marcelo," Gao Shen explained to Robben, also reminding him to stay calm during the game.

"I understand your feelings, Arjen. But I have to remind you, you're our key attacker. If you lose your composure, it will seriously disrupt our offense—and that's the last thing I want."

Robben understood and replied, "Don't worry, Boss. I won't do anything reckless. I'll stick to the plan."

"Promise me. I'll be watching from the touchline."

Robben nodded firmly.

"By the way, Boss, who are you playing on the left?" Robben asked curiously.

Gao Shen, who had been in a good mood, suddenly looked a little troubled.

This was a real headache.

Gareth Bale, Hazard, and Robinho could all play on that side. Even Sturridge could fill in. But against Arbeloa, Gao Shen knew better than anyone how solid Real Madrid's right-back was.

This guy could defend Messi with no fuss and had made Ronaldinho look ordinary. His defensive ability was truly elite.

Gao Shen considered using Gareth Bale's speed and power, but figured it might not be effective—he doubted Mourinho would push his defensive line up high.

That left Robinho and Hazard.

Just two days ago, Robinho had approached Gao Shen and asked to start against Real Madrid.

His reasoning was simple. He had unfinished business with the club.

Robinho hadn't won out in the battle for playing time against Hazard and Bale last season, but that didn't mean he lacked ability. On the contrary, Gao Shen had always believed in him.

Now, with Robinho volunteering for such a high-stakes match, Gao Shen was happy to see it.

But he also had to ask: was Robinho really confident he could handle Arbeloa?

"I haven't decided yet. I still need to think it through," Gao Shen replied awkwardly.

Robben had heard in the dressing room that Robinho had volunteered. From Gao Shen's tone, it was obvious that he rated Hazard and Bale highly. Otherwise, he wouldn't be this conflicted.

"Boss, I have something to say, but please don't get mad," Robben said hesitantly.

Gao Shen nodded. "Go ahead. I promise not to beat you up."

Robben chuckled. Everyone at City knew it was just one of Gao Shen's trademark jokes.

"Actually, Boss, you can't fully understand how Robinho and I feel. You're different from us."

"What do you mean?"

"If we were pushed out of the team because we weren't good enough, that would be on us, and we'd accept it. But both Robinho and I didn't leave Real Madrid because we lacked ability. It was for other reasons."

He paused, then looked at Gao Shen with a complicated expression. There was a trace of envy, maybe even jealousy.

"Fans still remember you. Real Madrid supporters constantly call for your return. But we were pushed out in almost humiliating fashion. Like exiles. That's why we're more desperate than anyone else to prove ourselves. And the best way to do that… is to beat them!"

It was the first time Gao Shen had heard something like this.

Was it hatred?

Not exactly. Not the usual kind. It was more of a deep resentment from being unrecognized and cast aside.

He had seen that sentiment in Robinho too.

"So, Boss, when Robinho said he'd give everything to play against Real Madrid, maybe you didn't fully understand it. But I believe him. Because I feel the same way."

Suddenly, Gao Shen thought of Eto'o.

Maybe the reason the Cameroonian always scored against Real Madrid was the same as Robben and Robinho—emotional complexity.

They had loved Real Madrid. Loved it deeply. But the club let them down. That love had turned into bitterness.

The deeper the love once was, the deeper the resentment now.

"I understand. Thank you, Arjen," Gao Shen said, nodding.

Robben smiled and waved as he left.

Many people think superstars are mysterious or untouchable.

But in truth, they're human too. They have love, hate, and even their own personal obsessions.

…

Before Real Madrid departed for Manchester, Mourinho once again challenged Gao Shen and Manchester City during a press conference at Valdebebas, stating that he was determined to leave with a win.

In response, Gao Shen, speaking from Manchester, said, "Real Madrid is a team of incredible strength—past, present, and future. It's an honor for me to face a team like Real Madrid."

Gao Shen added that he would stick to his philosophy regardless of the result.

"I believe Mourinho and his staff have thoroughly analyzed us. They know we will play aggressively and proactively. They may opt for a safer approach, but we're prepared for that too."

"No team can say for sure that they can beat Real Madrid. That's impossible."

"Even though we're at home, no one can claim a guaranteed win. But we've prepared thoroughly. Our players will be in top condition, and we're confident we can win on home soil."

As for his head-to-head record against Mourinho, Gao Shen replied graciously, "Mourinho will beat me sooner or later."

Just as the reporters looked around in surprise, not expecting such a response, Gao Shen suddenly smiled and added,

"But it definitely won't be in tomorrow's game!"

The room erupted in laughter.

As expected, Gao Shen was still the same as ever—always finding a way to twist his words for dramatic effect.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 662: The Most Expensive Duel in History

After passing through the long and narrow player tunnel, they arrived at the bright exit.

The noise from the stadium grew louder and louder, and as they walked out of the tunnel, it surged toward them like a wave.

Gao Shen had long grown accustomed to the atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium.

Since taking charge of Manchester City, the atmosphere at the Etihad had been excellent. Every league match was sold out.

The same was true now that they had reached the Champions League.

Part of this was due to Manchester City's performance, but more importantly, it was because of their beautiful style of play.

In European football, the professional league was also a show.

Even the Italians, who traditionally prioritized defense, loved the attacking storm that Gao Shen brought.

Standing at the tunnel exit, Gao Shen first glanced toward the home bench. Carlo, Brian Kidd, and the rest of the staff were preparing intently. Then he turned to the visitors' bench, where Mourinho stood in plain view.

He walked over with a smile.

"Hey, Jose, welcome to the Etihad!" Gao Shen grinned and extended his hand.

Mourinho smiled and shook his hand. "You might not be smiling later."

Despite their media spats before the match, the two got along fairly well in private.

Of course, when coaching different teams, competition was inevitable.

Especially in this atmosphere, it would be dishonest to say Mourinho didn't want to defeat Gao Shen.

And the same was true for Gao Shen.

"Are you really that confident, taking such a risk with your lineup tonight?"

Gao Shen was referring to Mourinho's starting eleven.

Goalkeeper: Casillas.
Defense: Marcelo, Ramos, Carvalho, and Arbeloa.
Midfield: Xabi Alonso and Khedira as the double pivot, with Di María, Özil, and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead.
Striker: Adebayor.

This lineup wasn't surprising, but it was certainly aggressive.

Mourinho didn't respond directly, only smiling faintly.

"I thought you'd go with three defensive midfielders."

That would be more in line with Mourinho's usual approach.

The Portuguese manager wasn't known for control-based football or dominant attacking play. He was a master of the defensive counterattack.

Everyone had their own strengths, so this lineup was a bit unexpected.

To be blunt, it might work against weaker La Liga opponents, but in a heavyweight clash like this, it was risky.

"I heard you once said the No. 10 role no longer suits modern football, but I don't agree. There's no such thing as outdated tactics. There's no absolute good or bad. Tonight, we're going to prove that."

Gao Shen realized Mourinho was subtly challenging him.

That was perfectly normal. Anyone in Mourinho's position would feel the same.

To Mourinho, coaching Real Madrid was the pinnacle. It was like a man chasing the woman of his dreams—finally winning her over—only to realize she still loved someone else.

Would he be able to accept that "someone else"?

Especially when the situation repeated itself again and again—from Barcelona, to Inter Milan, and now Real Madrid. Even the most composed person would feel resentment.

So yes, Mourinho was angry.

"Well, good luck tonight." Gao Shen extended his hand again.

Mourinho shook it once more, then both men returned to their benches.

As Gao Shen walked away, Mourinho watched him, eyes full of mixed emotions—before quickly steeling himself.

He had to win this match!

…

"They're going all in tonight."

Back at the home bench, Gao Shen glanced across at the visitors' bench. He saw Mourinho animatedly giving last-minute instructions to his players.

By now, both teams were set up in their respective halves.

Manchester City's starting formation was the familiar 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper: Neuer.
Defense: Felipe, David Luiz, Kompany, and Zabaleta.
Midfield: Javi Martinez in the holding role, with David Silva and Rakitic ahead.
Forwards: Robinho, Suarez, and Robben.

Gao Shen had ultimately chosen Robinho, who had asked to start, believing in what Robben had told him.

Players like them were determined to fight Real Madrid with everything they had. They would be more motivated than ever.

What surprised Gao Shen was that David Silva had also been rejected by Real Madrid.

He was from the Canary Islands, where most kids grew up as Real Madrid fans. He had tried out for their academy but was turned away for being too slight. He later made his name at Valencia.

Of course, Gao Shen didn't buy into the "Exiles League" or "Avengers FC" labels the media liked to use. The truth was, Real Madrid's youth academy turned away countless players each year.

Not just the academy, but the first team too.

Dig deep enough, and nearly every player in the game had once been linked to one of the top clubs.

Even Cristiano Ronaldo had nearly signed for several clubs, including Barcelona, before ending up at Manchester United.

The same was true of Hazard.

Football was a small world—and a complicated one.

"Tell them to stay composed and stabilize the rhythm after kickoff," Gao Shen instructed.

…

The broadcast camera panned to show the full pitch from above. Adebayor and Özil stood over the ball in the center circle, ready for kickoff.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Di María were stationed on the flanks.

Xabi Alonso and Khedira waited just outside the circle, with Real Madrid's defense set behind them.

"This is Real Madrid's starting lineup tonight."

"Manchester City will play in a 4-3-3."

"This is the most expensive matchup ever in football history."

"Real Madrid has spent over €400 million in the last two seasons, and Manchester City has matched that in three. These are staggering figures."

"Now, they meet in the Champions League group stage."

"There's Manchester City manager Gao Shen. He's known for constantly directing from the touchline."

"And there's Mourinho, Real Madrid's manager. Calm and composed, waiting in the away dugout."

With a sharp whistle and the cheers of City fans, the match kicked off.

Adebayor rolled the ball to Özil, who immediately played it back.

Manchester City's front three crossed the halfway line, pressing into Real Madrid's half.

Xabi Alonso took the ball, turned sideways, and passed to Arbeloa on the right. But Robinho was already closing him down quickly.

It was a reunion between two former teammates. Arbeloa passed down the flank to Ronaldo.

Ronaldo dropped back to receive it, Felipe behind him. Before he could turn, Robinho rushed in and launched a sliding tackle, knocking the ball out and sending Ronaldo to the ground.

…

"Hey, Robinho!"

Gao Shen shouted from the touchline, shaking his head.

But Robinho was on the far side, so Gao Shen called over Rakitic.

"Ivan, tell him—if he keeps playing like that, I'll sub him off immediately!"

Rakitic raised his hand toward the bench, acknowledging the order.

With Ronaldo still on the ground, Rakitic rushed over and grabbed Robinho by the head, shouting instructions—likely passing on Gao Shen's warning.

"Damn it!" Gao Shen muttered angrily.

That challenge had been too reckless.

"He's nervous," Carlo said with a wry smile, shaking his head.

Robinho had left Real Madrid under complicated circumstances.

The club had tried to include him in a deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, but Robinho refused.

Ronaldo never arrived that summer, and Robinho insisted on leaving. Chelsea wanted him, but during negotiations, he ended up at Manchester City instead.

It was no surprise that Robinho lashed out when he saw Ronaldo.

"I warned him several times. He promised me…" Gao Shen was clearly frustrated.

He had worried this would happen.

On the pitch, Robinho realized he had overstepped. He raised his hand to Gao Shen in apology, which slightly eased the manager's anger.

Damn it. You've got arms like noodles, and you still went in like that? If you get sent off, I'll strangle you myself.

…

Real Madrid restarted with a free kick and tried to send it straight into City's box for Adebayor.

But David Luiz stayed tight, and Neuer rushed out to collect the ball cleanly, quickly rolling it to Kompany.

"Hold!" Gao Shen shouted from the sideline.

City's players understood the instruction. They slowed the tempo and passed calmly at the back.

After spotting an opportunity, Kompany hit a long diagonal, aiming behind Real Madrid's defense.

Suarez sprinted forward, but Ramos reached it first and headed clear.

Real Madrid's backline retreated quickly, especially Ramos, who was very mobile.

But City regained possession.

This was the benefit of having technical control in midfield.

Real Madrid pressed with Ronaldo, Adebayor, and Di María all pushing forward, but Javi Martinez, David Silva, and Rakitic maintained fluid positioning. City remained composed on the ball.

On the sideline, Gao Shen watched Real Madrid closely, especially the behavior of their players.

Several of them were highly active, and Real Madrid's early pressing in midfield and up front was effective.

But soon, Gao Shen began to notice the problems.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 663: Repercussions

"Mourinho is being too aggressive tonight."

At the Etihad Stadium, Zidane and Valdano were seated in the stands as Real Madrid's representatives, hosted by Manchester City.

Everyone knew the two were close friends and served as the club president's advisors and Real Madrid's technical directors.

Valdano frowned slightly upon seeing Real Madrid's tactics at the start of the match.

Truthfully, he had never liked Mourinho—neither his personality nor his football philosophy.

But there had been no other choice. After Gao Shen rejected Real Madrid and Ancelotti continued at Chelsea, Mourinho had been the only candidate who met the club's expectations. He was Florentino's pick. Who could say no?

"I imagine he's feeling the pressure," Zidane said with a bitter smile.

Gao Shen was the white moonlight in the hearts of Real Madrid fans. Every coach who came after would inevitably be compared to him.

And that was a nightmare for any manager.

In just four years, from 2006 until now, Gao Shen had won league titles in three of the top European leagues, plus two Champions League titles.

Forget everything else. Just looking at that record, who else in the football world could match it?

"Of course he's under pressure. Florentino called him personally. But more than that, he desperately wants to beat Gao Shen, and it's made him anxious." Valdano shook his head with a deep sigh. "Gao Shen is absolutely right. Just look at what's happening on the pitch…"

Real Madrid's players were working hard, running constantly. Adebayor, Ronaldo, Di María, even Özil—they were all active. Yet Manchester City's passing still looked smooth and controlled.

City's possession and ball movement were clearly different from Barcelona's. For example, they played far more vertical passes.

Early in the match, Kompany had sent a long ball that almost led to an offside break.

You would rarely see that kind of ball from Barcelona.

"Our players are trying hard, but the opponent's football is clearly superior. Look at how City move. Their players are constantly in motion, while ours are largely fixed in place…"

The difference was especially evident in midfield.

Javi Martinez, David Silva, and Rakitic kept rotating, sometimes pressing high, sometimes dropping deep. They were fluid, unpredictable.

Even David Luiz and Kompany would carry the ball out from defense.

Whenever one of the center backs pushed forward, Javi Martinez would drop in to maintain the structure.

Sometimes, when both full-backs advanced, the Spanish midfielder would fall into the back line to form a temporary back three.

Gao Shen had done the same thing back at Napoli. Thiago Motta had risen to fame in this role and had eventually been brought back to Barcelona because of it.

"You know what? It feels like the football we're playing isn't even from the same era," Valdano muttered, visibly worried.

No one understood the true stakes of this match better than he did.

Was this a Champions League group-stage match?

Yes. But also, no.

This was more than a duel between Mourinho and Gao Shen. It was a battle between Gao Shen and Florentino.

Gao Shen had long stated that bringing in traditional playmakers like Kaka and Özil didn't align with modern European football trends.

But Florentino ignored that advice and signed Kaka anyway.

What happened?

Real Madrid failed to progress past the Champions League round of 16 last season. Kaka returned injured from the World Cup in South Africa, which shocked both Valdano and Zidane.

Gao Shen had been right.

Florentino—and Real Madrid—had been wrong.

But would the president admit that?

If Gao Shen had joined this summer, maybe Florentino would have listened to him. But since he didn't, the club brought in Özil and Khedira and seemed to double down on proving their path was also viable.

Then fate put Real Madrid and Manchester City in the same group.

Professional football was brutally realistic. The outcome would be settled on the pitch.

Everyone knew the best way to handle teams like Manchester City or Barcelona was to stay compact and sit deep, then hit on the counter.

But Mourinho chose to press high.

Whether that was due to Florentino's phone call or Mourinho's own ambition was hard to say.

But it was clearly a risky decision.

Just then, Real Madrid created a chance.

After intercepting the ball in midfield, they launched a quick counter. Özil pushed the ball to the right. Ronaldo received it, faced Felipe, executed a few feints, then accelerated to the byline and whipped in a low cross.

Neuer rushed out, made a full stretch, and caught the ball before Adebayor could get there.

But the Togolese striker collided into Neuer, who fell hard in the box and stayed down.

The entire Etihad booed loudly, but the referee didn't produce a card.

"We can still score. If we do and take the lead, the match will be much easier," Zidane said with a hint of regret. If that chance had gone in, it would've changed everything.

Valdano nodded. "Let's hope so."

But he remained uneasy.

No one knew Gao Shen's coaching prowess better than him.

…

As the match progressed, the clock ticked past the ten-minute mark.

Neither side had created any real scoring chances.

At this level, a single mistake could be fatal.

Gao Shen noticed Real Madrid's key weakness: Özil was running a lot, but not actually defending.

What did that mean?

Take the ninth minute, for example.

Javi Martinez dropped deep to receive the ball. Ronaldo, Adebayor, and Özil all surrounded him.

But when Javi turned to his right, Özil just stood still. He didn't close down or block the angle.

So Javi Martinez calmly passed to Kompany in space.

This was exactly why Gao Shen didn't trust Özil.

He might position himself well, but his defensive effort was always half-hearted.

"Ivan, tell David to drift wider when he receives the ball. Let's stretch their defense. We'll attack from the flanks. Got it?"

During a throw-in break, Gao Shen called Rakitic over and gave him the instructions.

Rakitic nodded and ran back to relay the message.

Play resumed.

Gao Shen had made this adjustment after analyzing Real Madrid's shape.

Ronaldo often drifted central.

That wasn't his fault. Early in the match, seeing both Ronaldo and Di María in good form, Gao Shen had told his full-backs to tuck inside. Felipe in particular was instructed to hold the inside lane, giving Ronaldo space on the outside.

Why?

Because Gao Shen knew Ronaldo didn't want to be a mere provider.

Sure enough, after several runs down the wing, Ronaldo began drifting inside.

In the 16th minute, Javi Martinez played a long pass forward. Ramos won the aerial duel and headed it away.

Xabi Alonso met the clearance and nodded it forward to Ronaldo, who was in space.

The Portuguese star brought it down, accelerated with the ball, and Adebayor peeled wide to his right, waving for it.

Ronaldo spotted him and tried a through ball, but Felipe read it and intercepted.

Real Madrid lost possession, and everyone quickly switched back to defense.

David Silva picked up the ball and pushed forward, looking to spark an attack down the left.

Robinho received the pass on the flank and tried to take on Arbeloa, but the right-back stayed with him and forced him to stop, turn, and pass backward to Felipe.

From there, it went to Silva, then back to Javi Martinez to reset.

Rakitic dropped deep to collect, turned, and found Zabaleta on the right, then sprinted into open space to get the return pass and immediately sent it to Robben.

Robben took the ball with his back to goal, Marcelo behind him. He couldn't turn and instead rolled it back to Rakitic.

Di María closed him down quickly, but Rakitic passed before he could get there, playing it to Zabaleta again and calling out, "Twelve o'clock!"

Zabaleta had advanced close to Real Madrid's back line. Marcelo stood in front of him, wary of a direct run to the byline, but this left a gap behind.

Hearing Rakitic's cue, Zabaleta glanced up and spotted Robben already making a run. Without hesitation, he chipped the ball forward.

The ball floated just over Marcelo's head and landed behind him in the corner of the penalty area.

As the ball was played, Robben hit top speed, blew past Xabi Alonso, and got behind Marcelo. He controlled the ball and burst into the right side of the box.

No offside.

Robben immediately saw Casillas rushing out.

But instead of blasting it, Robben feinted, planted his foot, and chipped a looping shot with his left.

The ball sailed just over Casillas, dropping softly toward the open net.

Robben didn't even wait to see it cross the line. He had already wheeled away, sprinting to the corner flag with arms wide, face ecstatic.

Real Madrid's defenders were all out of position. No one could stop it.

The ball dropped just inside the goal line.

Robben reached the sideline, arms spread, screaming toward the fans.

He had finally scored against Real Madrid!

(To be continued.)