SWR: Chapter 647/648

Chapter 647: Profound and Violent TheoryEver since Gao Shen first revealed that he would be bringing in an exciting signing, the whole world had been eagerly waiting.

From Messi to Ronaldo, Kaka to Ribery, then to Rooney, Torres, Gerrard, Drogba…

Anyway, a long list of superstars were hyped and speculated on by the media, one after another.

In the end, who would've guessed it would be Van Persie?

Van Persie wasn't an unknown player, but he wasn't exactly the kind of name people associated with the word "exciting," especially when it came to Gao Shen.

Since Henry's departure, Fabregas had been Arsenal's top star and Adebayor their leading striker.

During his years at Arsenal, Van Persie had struggled with recurring injuries. Though his form gradually improved and he transitioned from a winger to a central striker, forming a partnership with Adebayor, the core of the attack was still Adebayor.

At least, in that partnership, Van Persie was more of a second striker.

That was also why he had so many assists.

Last season, Van Persie had a brilliant start and a strong run of form, but once he got injured, his season was basically done. He eventually made it to the World Cup, but his performance there was underwhelming.

At least, he didn't look anything like the "exciting" player Gao Shen had talked about.

Was this really the kind of player worthy of such praise?

The media certainly didn't think so.

And Manchester City's poor performance in pre-season couldn't be used as an excuse. That would be dodging the issue.

Criticizing Van Persie for poor form was perfectly reasonable.

He really had been underwhelming. He hadn't even scored in the warm-up matches.

A striker who cost €30 million couldn't even find the net in friendlies. That was disappointing, to say the least.

One had to admire the British media's ability to hype things up. Especially when they all worked in unison, the noise they generated was overwhelming. Even when big names like Henry—speaking from the U.S.—defended Van Persie, calling him an underrated player, it didn't help much.

The British tabloids seemed to be targeting Gao Shen.

If they couldn't attack him directly, they'd go after his players. Simple as that.

And if the pressure broke Van Persie and exposed him as a flop, even better.

People kept saying that Gao Shen had an incredible eye for talent and rarely made mistakes.

Well, they were going to make sure he made one this time.

…

Gao Shen understood exactly what the media was doing. At the pre-match press conference, some reporters had already asked about it, and Gao Shen had responded with words of support and belief in Van Persie.

But as the team prepared to head south to London, the media was still stoking the fire, and Gao Shen was clearly irritated.

He posted several tweets in response.

"At Manchester City, we have the strongest forward line in the Premier League. We have two of the league's top strikers, both of whom are capable of scoring over 30 goals in a single season!"


"Many people are blaming Van Persie, but let me say this: in the last decade of Premier League history, as long as he stays healthy, he absolutely ranks among the top five center forwards. And so, I'm proud to say we have two of the top five center forwards in history!"


"Yes, I'm talking about Suarez and Van Persie!"

The moment Gao Shen's tweets were posted, they sparked a massive uproar.

The internet went wild.

Suarez had performed exceptionally last season, and if someone wanted to hype him as one of the greatest, that was somewhat understandable. But Van Persie? Did he really deserve that status based on his stats and performances?

But Gao Shen didn't back down. When one of his critics, the head of the sports department at The Independent, made a snide remark, Gao Shen replied in the comments—pointing out that the guy was an Arsenal fan and suggesting that his harsh words were driven by resentment over Van Persie's transfer.

"You all say he didn't play well in the World Cup, but did you actually watch the Netherlands' matches? Van Persie wasn't the team's top star, but as the center forward, his role and contribution were clear. You just don't want to see it."

Some accused Gao Shen of blindly defending his players and being detached from reality.

Several fans argued that Van Persie wasn't even as good as fellow Dutch striker Van Nistelrooy.

Gao Shen replied, "The old knight wouldn't agree with that."

One fan asked cheekily, "What about Henry?"

"He's not a center forward, thank you," Gao Shen replied.

"Then give us your top five!"

"Alan Shearer, Drogba, Torres counts for half, Suarez, and Van Persie!"

Outrageous.

Absolutely outrageous!

Gao Shen's remarks immediately triggered a wave of disbelief and ridicule from fans, netizens, and media alike.

Was this really something a two-time Champions League-winning manager would say?

People had seen coaches praise their players before, but never in such a wildly controversial way.

Even England legend Alan Shearer, who had been included in Gao Shen's list, replied on Twitter:

"Thanks for the recognition, Coach Gao! Van Persie is definitely underrated, but he still has something to prove!"

Gao Shen replied with two handshake emojis—clearly in agreement.

But everyone also noticed that Shearer only mentioned Van Persie. Not Suarez.

Some eagle-eyed fans and journalists began to wonder, did Suarez really deserve to be ranked among the top five center forwards in Premier League history?

After taking some heat online, Shearer followed up with another tweet:

"He was talking about CENTER FORWARDS!"

"Cantona, Bergkamp, Henry—those aren't pure center forwards. Van Nistelrooy was a great scorer, but as a tactical reference point, a center forward..."

Shearer emphasized that Gao Shen's list wasn't as crazy as it seemed—it was just that the role of the center forward had evolved.

In the past, center forwards weren't required to be as complete as they are today. Players like Van Nistelrooy, while prolific, didn't offer much as focal points or in overall play.

In that respect, Van Nistelrooy was lacking.

Henry, for example, was the only striker in Premier League history to have a 30-goal, 10-assist season.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 31 goals at his peak, but only had seven assists.

Last season, Suarez had come very close to matching Henry's all-around stats.

Given his age and form, it wasn't out of the question that he could catch up—or even surpass—Henry.

Alan Shearer concluded that Gao Shen must have had his reasons for saying what he did.

If both of Manchester City's strikers could really score more than 30 goals in a season, that would be terrifying.

"Let's wait and see!"

…

"Did you see the media reports and posts online today?"

After a night's rest at a hotel in West London, the next morning after breakfast, Gao Shen called Van Persie to his room and asked him if he'd been paying attention to the media coverage.

"I saw it," Van Persie nodded, his eyes full of gratitude. "Thank you, boss!"

"Don't thank me. I'm just trying to protect my own reputation. I can't stand those journalists," Gao Shen smiled.

"But, Robin, I meant every word I said!"

Van Persie sat across from him, looking surprised.

"I believe you felt it too—especially early last season, before your injury. I believe you have the strength and potential to be one of the top five center forwards in Premier League history."

"Boss… you're joking, right?" Van Persie gave an awkward smile.

He assumed Gao Shen was just defending him publicly.

"I'm not joking," Gao Shen said seriously. "I have full confidence in my ability to evaluate players. I believe in you. I believe you won't let me down. The real question is, do you believe in yourself?"

"Join me, and together let's prove the doubters wrong. If you back down now, I'll be disappointed."

Van Persie fell silent.

He could tell Gao Shen was serious.

But that made it even harder to respond.

Thirty goals in one season? That wasn't easy.

Even Henry, in his best season, had just reached 30. How could he do it?

"What, scared?" Gao Shen teased with a grin.

"I remember when you joined Arsenal, you were a cocky bad boy who didn't care about anyone, always talking big and getting into trouble. What happened, did you mellow out?"

The truth was, Van Persie had been through a lot over the years—constant injuries, just as he was starting to find form.

Like last season. In the first twelve matches, he had seven goals and seven assists. He was flying.

Then Chiellini's tackle ruined his season.

He was no longer the reckless, outspoken youth of the past. He'd settled down, started a family, grown up.

Gao Shen paid close attention to the change in Van Persie's expression, especially his eyes.

He could understand it. Everyone had to grow and adapt.

In a sense, Van Persie's transformation wasn't a bad thing.

But over-suppressing yourself isn't good either.

Gao Shen clearly remembered that in his previous life, after Arsenal sold Adebayor to Manchester City in 2009, Van Persie was promoted as Arsenal's main striker. He started strong with seven goals and seven assists in twelve games, then got injured and lost most of the season.

This season, he had been eased in and played well. But in September, another injury while on international duty kept him out for over two months. He was still regaining form.

Then, starting in January from Round 21, he scored 18 goals and provided 4 assists in the final 18 rounds. And because of the Champions League, he actually only played in 16 of them.

Clearly, at 27, Van Persie was entering the peak of his career.

He was like a volcano, ready to erupt—but always held back by injuries.

Gao Shen's job now was to reduce the risk of injuries, ignite his fighting spirit and hunger, and let that volcano erupt in full force.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 648: Opening the Scoring

"This kid is still so careless!"

Wembley Stadium was already packed with 85,000 fans.

In the Manchester United locker room, when Ferguson received Manchester City's starting lineup, his first reaction was that Gao Shen wasn't taking the match seriously.

Why?

Because he sent out a large number of new signings.

Goalkeeper: Neuer.

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Kompany, Jerome Boateng, and Lichtsteiner.

Midfielders: Yaya Toure dropped deeper, with David Silva and Rakitic in central midfield.

Forwards: Gareth Bale, Robin van Persie, and Robben.

Except for Courtois, who had been loaned back to Belgium, the only summer signings not starting were Fernandinho and De Bruyne. Everyone else was in the lineup.

Anyone looking at this starting XI would doubt whether Gao Shen was going all out.

No matter how strong the new players were, fielding so many of them at once was a risk.

In other words, Gao Shen was clearly using this opportunity to help the new players adapt to the Premier League's pace.

"Keep an eye on Van Persie," Ferguson instructed sharply after reviewing the starting sheet. He walked over to the United players, focusing on central defenders Evans and Vidic.

Ferdinand was injured and not in the squad for tonight.

"You're all familiar with Van Persie. He's been our rival for years. But don't let that make you complacent. This player is no pushover. Stay focused and don't give him any chances!"

Few managers in the Premier League knew Van Persie as well as Ferguson.

Wenger might be one of them.

How well? Hard to say.

There was no doubting Van Persie's ability. The real question was how much Gao Shen could get out of him.

Top five in Premier League history?

He'd have to prove it.

Ferguson clenched his jaw.

Manchester City's lineup was intimidating, but that only fueled his excitement.

He was fired up.

…

Manchester United's starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar.

Defenders: Fabio, Evans, Vidic, and O'Shea.

Midfielders: Lass Diarra and Carrick as a double pivot, with Park Ji-sung, Sneijder, and Valencia ahead.

Striker: Rooney.

It was a classic 4-2-3-1.

This lineup also showed Ferguson's caution.

Since being thrashed by City last season, Ferguson's United had clearly become more restrained.

At the very least, they had stopped treating City as just a noisy neighbor.

"This match won't be easy. Be mentally prepared for a battle."

Gao Shen gave a short speech before the game.

"Looking at their lineup, United will be relatively cautious. What we need to do is stay patient, control possession, and make them press us. Let them come forward."

From their 4-2-3-1 setup, it was clear United intended to fight for the midfield. That meant they'd press.

In the Community Shield, six substitutions were allowed. Although it was technically a warm-up match, it still had some weight.

It sat in that awkward middle ground.

Gao Shen reminded his players again of key tactical points and areas to watch out for.

As they were about to walk out, he had a word with the newcomers—Boateng, Van Persie, and others—individually.

Ferguson's assumption was right. Gao Shen did intend to use the Community Shield to evaluate his new players.

"Relax, don't worry, just show your ability!"

Gao Shen shouted his encouragement, then sent the players out of the dressing room one by one.

…

"You know, if I had Twitter, I'd have exposed you right there!"

At the tunnel entrance, Gao Shen stood side by side with Ferguson, who "threatened" him with a scowl.

He was referring to Gao Shen's Twitter comment: "Even the old Jazz wouldn't dare say that."

"I wasn't wrong," Gao Shen replied with a grin.

"Bullshit! They played in different eras with different systems. What's the point of comparing?" Ferguson barked. This guy was shameless.

If you want to motivate Van Persie, go ahead. Why drag me into it?

Gao Shen laughed and tried to smooth it over. He said he'd send a box of Chilean red wine as an apology.

"How about this? Let the media write a story saying I admitted I was wrong and sent you a fine wine to apologize. That sound good?" Gao Shen asked sincerely.

Ferguson studied him carefully, amused.

No matter how he looked at it, Gao Shen didn't seem like someone who'd suffer a loss.

This kid would never make a deal that didn't benefit him.

"You're trouble. I can tell just by looking at you. I don't buy it," Ferguson said suspiciously.

He didn't want to walk straight into one of Gao Shen's traps.

He was over 60 now. Could he get back out if he fell in?

Gao Shen shook his head helplessly, playing the victim.

"Being a good guy doesn't pay anymore."

Ferguson laughed.

"Anyway, I'll send the wine. You handle the media and say whatever you want. I won't get involved. Done deal."

With that, Gao Shen waved, said goodbye, and walked off.

Ferguson stood there puzzled, feeling like something wasn't quite right.

…

When the match kicked off, both teams played cautiously, not showing much aggression early on.

United started with the ball, but a minute later, City had control.

City calmly passed the ball around in their own half, between the halfway line and 30 meters out. United tried pressing a few times but couldn't win it back.

City's early pattern was clear—Bale and Robben both dropped deep on the wings.

The shape looked a bit like a 4-1-4-1. Van Persie had a lot of freedom up top, quite different from his past roles.

United focused their attack down the right with Valencia. Rooney and Valencia were especially active on that flank.

City continued to pass patiently, focusing on wide play.

Both sides were careful, avoiding mistakes.

The game's first shot came from United. Rooney fed Valencia, who beat Leighton Baines and fired inside the box, but Neuer saved easily.

Valencia's speed was impressive.

It was clear he was one of United's key threats.

City responded quickly, but Van Persie's long-range effort from the left side of the box didn't trouble Van der Sar.

Then Valencia crossed from the right. Sneijder arrived late and took a shot from the top of the box.

That was when Gao Shen walked to the touchline and shouted at Yaya Toure, reminding him to track back.

The game continued at a controlled pace.

City had more possession, but United's defense was solid and their midfield pressing was sharp, creating a stalemate.

Then, unexpectedly, United made a midfield interception.

Lass Diarra stole the ball from a retreating Van Persie and passed to Carrick.

Van Persie immediately pressed Carrick. David Silva also closed in to double-team. Carrick quickly passed to O'Shea near the sideline.

But just then, Gareth Bale stepped forward and pressed O'Shea hard.

Maybe last season's Old Trafford clash had left a mark on O'Shea, because when Bale rushed in, he panicked. He tried to shield the ball but Bale stabbed it away.

Bale then exploded forward with pace.

David Silva was first to the loose ball and played it into Bale's path behind O'Shea.

Van Persie also sprinted forward. Bale cut inside the box with speed, forcing Van Persie to drift centrally. The flank opened up, and Bale stormed into the left side of the area.

Dribbling with confidence, Bale unleashed a powerful left-footed shot just before reaching the top of the box.

It was sudden and fast, threading between Evans and Vidic.

Van der Sar dived, got both hands to it, and tried to hold it, but the shot was too powerful. The ball bounced free.

Van Persie reacted first, sprinting toward the loose ball near the left corner of the six-yard box. Before Evans or Van der Sar could reach it, he poked it with his left foot.

Evans tried a sliding tackle but couldn't get there. Van der Sar turned and lunged.

Van Persie got to the ball on the end line, but he had lost the shooting angle.

Van der Sar stood near the left post. Vidic was on the goal line. No way to shoot.

In a flash, Van Persie made the right decision. With his left foot, he squared the ball across goal before falling off the pitch.

At that moment, the stadium erupted.

Robben, in sky blue, came flying in from outside the box.

The ball passed between Van der Sar and Vidic. Robben was unmarked at the far post and calmly slotted it in with his left foot.

He nearly collided with the post due to his momentum.

But the ball hit the back of the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"

"In the 13th minute, Manchester City take the lead!"

"Goal from Robben!"

"That was a defensive mistake by O'Shea. City's attack had great structure. Van Persie's assist was clever, and Robben's run was perfectly timed!"

"1–0!"

"Manchester City strike first!"

On the sideline, Gao Shen jumped up and punched the air when he saw Van Persie assist Robben for the goal. He shouted excitedly, unable to contain his joy.

Even if it was just the Community Shield, this goal was an excellent start.

(To be continued.)