SWR: Chapter 614/616

Chapter 614: Gao Shen's Number One Competitor

The Premier League is in complete chaos!

If there were still people who doubted it before, now they have no choice but to accept it.

The first day of the 13th round of the Premier League proved it once again.

Liverpool lost 0-2 at home to Manchester City.

Although Gao Shen's team didn't maintain the same storm of goals as in previous matches, they still firmly dominated Liverpool at Anfield, controlled the game, came away with a 2-0 victory, and left unscathed.

Even Alan Hansen, a former Liverpool star and guest pundit on Match of the Day, admitted on the show: "Manchester City fully deserved the three points tonight. They were the better side."

Still, Hansen defended Benítez and Liverpool, insisting there was no issue with their set-piece defending.

He seemed to anticipate that the media would target Benítez's defensive tactics on set plays in tomorrow's coverage.

The biggest upset of this round came from Arsenal's 0-1 away loss to Sunderland.

The Black Cats, managed by former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes, beat Arsenal at home thanks to a goal set up by Wright-Phillips and finished by Darren Bent.

This upset clearly highlighted the current situation in the Premier League—Arsenal really do look a bit weak.

And of course, there's a reason for it.

The primary issue lies in the international fixtures. Arsenal have too many national team players.

Following the loss to Sunderland, Wenger slammed FIFA's scheduling, criticizing how players are pulled away for national team duty for half of every month in September, October, and November, which he said is severely affecting domestic leagues.

It's clear to everyone that Wenger is furious. But what else can he do when his team is underperforming?

The truth is, Arsenal's squad lacks depth.

Another eye-catching result was Tottenham Hotspur's 9-1 demolition of Wigan Athletic at home. Duff netted five goals, powering Spurs to the resounding win.

Roberto Martinez suffered yet another humiliating defeat.

With just the first day of fixtures played, the Premier League was already feeling the seismic shift.

Especially among the title challengers at the top.

Such a chaotic top-of-the-table scramble is almost unprecedented in Premier League history.

…

"Gao Shen has completely thrown the Premier League into disarray!"

At Chelsea's Cobham training ground in South London, assistant coach Wilkins gave his take on the current Premier League landscape, believing that Gao Shen is the main culprit behind the chaos.

"Manchester City's investment is indeed massive, but without a top-class manager, it'd be hard for any coach to deliver this kind of result. Thirteen wins in a row!"

As he spoke, Wilkins was filled with admiration—and even a hint of fear.

Manchester City look unstoppable this season.

It's not like they haven't faced setbacks, challenges, or tough matches, but Gao Shen always finds a way to solve them.

Whether it's through tactical decisions or squad depth, they just keep winning.

"The Premier League is in a mess right now. Manchester City are leading, but their advantage is only six points. We and Liverpool are right behind them. Manchester United and Arsenal are tied, with Tottenham just below."

Everton, initially seen as a dark horse, has failed to challenge the top four. Aston Villa are three points behind Spurs and still have a chance, but it's slim.

Looking at the current standings, the six teams most capable of fighting for top-four spots are the ones currently in the top six.

Six teams battling for four spots—an extremely fierce competition.

In the past, this kind of situation rarely happened. The top four used to be the exclusive territory of the so-called "Big Four."

This season, Tottenham's rise was somewhat expected. Redknapp's team still has obvious weaknesses, so they weren't taken as seriously.

But Manchester City is different.

Under Gao Shen, this newly rebuilt team has performed at a high level from day one and immediately took over the top of the Premier League.

It's like saying: "I've taken the title. You all can fight over the rest!"

If any other coach had been in charge, especially someone like Mark Hughes, he wouldn't have struck fear into the traditional top four. His ceiling is clear, and no amount of money would change that.

But Gao Shen didn't just rebuild City's squad, he reshaped the team's DNA.

"Do you think Wenger will hold back in Round 14?" Ancelotti suddenly asked.

Though Round 13 hadn't fully wrapped up, Ancelotti wasn't concerned about the upcoming home match against Wolves—he had to get those three points. The real challenge was the midweek Champions League tie.

Chelsea were unbeaten in the group with three wins and one draw, but their main rival, Porto from the Portuguese league, had three wins and one loss. The fifth group stage match would be away to Porto.

That match would be crucial in determining the group winner.

After facing Porto, Chelsea would play Arsenal.

Next Wednesday, the League Cup fifth round would see Chelsea play Blackburn, while Arsenal would visit Manchester City.

There's basically no hope for Arsenal in the title race this season. Even if they can keep pace, a top-four finish is far from guaranteed.

Right now, Manchester City has the best shot at winning the league, followed by Chelsea. Liverpool and Manchester United still have a chance. United in particular tend to come on strong after the winter break under Ferguson.

If you're looking at it purely from a title contention angle, pulling back in the league to focus on the League Cup could be a strategy.

But Wilkins shook his head firmly.

"For years, Arsenal have always played worse in the second half of the season. If Wenger wants a top-four finish, he has to go all in on the league—he might even have to give up on the Champions League."

Ancelotti thought about it and understood.

Ultimately, finishing high in the Premier League is more valuable.

Part of the TV revenue is based on final standings. And then there's Champions League qualification for next season.

By comparison, the League Cup just isn't worth it.

That means Arsenal will fight Chelsea tooth and nail—and might even rest players against Gao Shen in the League Cup.

"This guy's so lucky—even Wenger's helping him out!" Ancelotti sneered.

He still remembered the last time he invited Gao Shen to play cards. The guy had slipped away early and didn't give him any face at all.

This upcoming schedule was piling pressure on Chelsea.

After thinking it through, Ancelotti figured there was no need to give Gao Shen a free pass.

…

On the second match day of the 13th Premier League round, Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 win over Wolves with two goals from Essien.

At the post-match press conference, Ancelotti told the media that Manchester City's 13-match winning streak had changed the top-four dynamic in the Premier League.

"I've known Gao Shen for many years, and he's always been a brilliant head coach. I believe he's capable of doing this."

"His team is very strong and keeps improving. I think Manchester City have become one of the top teams in the Premier League this season. They can break into the top four and even fight for the title."

"Yes, if Manchester City make the top four, one team will have to drop out. Maybe Manchester United or Arsenal, since they're both in poor form right now."

Ancelotti's comments quickly angered Wenger.

The Arsenal boss responded at the pre-match press conference ahead of the fifth Champions League group game.

"Some people have just arrived in the Premier League. They might not understand how things work here. The league runs from August until May the next year, and we're just about to enter December."

Wenger said, "It's far too early to be talking about who can win the title or who'll finish top four."

In the fifth group stage match, Chelsea beat Porto 1-0 away, and Arsenal defeated Standard Liège 2-0 at home.

But in the 14th round of the Premier League that weekend, Chelsea scored a vital 3-0 away win over Arsenal, with Drogba netting twice.

This match completely exposed Arsenal's weaknesses and proved that Ancelotti's Chelsea were going from strength to strength—thanks in no small part to Joe Cole.

In Ancelotti's 4-4-2 diamond formation, Joe Cole played the key role of carrying the ball forward, making Chelsea's midfield structure more balanced and their buildup play smoother.

The previously powerful and physical midfield was now infused with finesse and creativity thanks to Joe Cole, which immediately unlocked their attacking potential.

Joe Cole provided two assists in Chelsea's three goals and was named Man of the Match.

Several media outlets even claimed Ancelotti's 4-4-2 diamond formation had reached perfection.

However, some pointed out that his tactical approach closely resembled the 4-4-2 diamond that Gao Shen used at the start of the season, with Joe Cole playing a role similar to Hazard's.

Ancelotti denied that he was copying Gao Shen but admitted Chelsea were in a very good place.

"I think we're ready," Ancelotti said provocatively.

After a 3-0 win over Arsenal, anyone would feel confident about their team.

Meanwhile, Manchester City beat Hull City 2-0 in Round 14, extending their winning streak to 14 games.

After winning the Manager of the Month award for August, September, and October, Gao Shen's side appeared to slow slightly in November.

Following Tottenham's 9-1 thrashing of Wigan, many predicted Redknapp would beat out Gao Shen for the November award.

Unexpectedly, in Round 14, Tottenham drew 1-1 away to Aston Villa.

That result immediately reopened the race.

Gao Shen still won all four of his games in November. Chelsea only played three, but Ancelotti also won all three, replacing Redknapp as Gao Shen's main competition.

If Gao Shen wins the Manager of the Month again, it'll be an unprecedented fourth consecutive time.

He and his Manchester City would become even more unstoppable!

(To be continued.)

Chapter 615: The Stab Cult Master Wenger

On the evening of December 2nd, at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

When referee Chris Foy blew the final whistle, Gao Shen couldn't stop smiling.

Even in front of the live broadcast cameras, he didn't hide his happiness.

The scoreboard displayed the final score: 4-0!

The home team—Manchester City. The away team—Arsenal.

Yes, Manchester City beat Arsenal 4-0 at home!

This was one of the eight quarter-final matches in the League Cup. With this victory, Manchester City advanced straight into the semi-finals.

In fact, the moment Gao Shen saw Arsenal's starting lineup, he already knew the match wouldn't hold much suspense.

With the league in full swing, both teams fielded rotated squads.

But even among backup lineups, there's still a significant difference in quality.

Manchester City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Goalkeeper: Shay Given.
Defenders: Gareth Bale, Gary Cahill, Micah Richards, and Trippier.
Midfielders: De Jong and Henderson as holding midfielders, with Robinho, Ireland, and Sturridge playing ahead.
Striker: Giroud.

This lineup might not be luxurious, but it's undoubtedly top-tier in the Premier League. Players like Stephen Ireland and Micah Richards were regular starters for City just last season.

The weakest link in the starting eleven was arguably Trippier, but the young right-back performed well.

Arsenal also played a 4-2-3-1.

Goalkeeper: Fabianski.
Defenders: Traoré, Silvestre, Alexandre Song, and Eboué.
Midfielders: Merida, Wilshere, Rosický, Eastmond, and Ramsey.
Forward: Vela.

It was clear from Wenger's lineup that his intention was to give young players experience. The only regular first-teamer was Alexandre Song, whom Wenger deployed as a center-back.

Arsenal's youngsters have plenty of experience in domestic cup competitions. Managers like Wenger and Ferguson have long used these tournaments to develop youth. For instance, when Fabregas first joined Arsenal, he was blooded in the cup competitions.

But clearly, even with rotated squads, Manchester City was much stronger.

And by a wide margin.

Just three minutes into the game, Robinho fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area, putting Arsenal under immediate pressure.

City continued to attack in waves. In the 16th minute, Sturridge drove to the right byline, squared the ball back, and Giroud unmarked near the penalty spot, struck the ball off the left post.

Manchester City kept piling on the pressure, but Giroud and Sturridge both wasted excellent chances. It wasn't until the second half that City capitalized—intercepting a misplaced pass from Rosický, Gareth Bale cut inside from the left and fired in with his left foot to open the scoring.

It was a carbon copy of his previous three goals against Manchester United.

Bale's control and finishing in that area of the pitch have been remarkably consistent.

Soon after, Giroud missed yet another clear-cut opportunity with the goal wide open, leaving Gao Shen visibly frustrated on the touchline.

He already knew Giroud's finishing wasn't the most efficient, but this was just too poor!

Fortunately, Giroud's tactical presence remained valuable.

In the end, Manchester City ran out 4-0 winners over Arsenal with goals from Sturridge, Robinho, and substitute Adam Lallana.

…

"Do you know how I feel right now?"

After the match, Gao Shen stood beside Wenger on the sidelines, chatting casually.

Despite the age gap, they were both head coaches and shared a lot in common.

Most importantly, before Gao Shen took over, there had been rumors that Manchester City would raid Arsenal's squad. But once Gao Shen arrived, City changed direction and abandoned those plans, which left Wenger with a good impression of him.

At least—when it wasn't match time.

Before Gao Shen could respond, Wenger sighed and said, "I feel like a bus."

Gao Shen almost burst out laughing and nearly replied, More like an electric bus with a dead battery.

Fortunately, he held back.

The truth is, things haven't been easy for Wenger.

Many fans only see his stubbornness with finances and his obsession with finishing top four. Few realize the challenges Arsenal's management faced during his tenure.

After Arsenal moved from Highbury to the Emirates, they launched a real estate development project on the old stadium site, hoping to profit significantly.

But no one could have predicted the subprime mortgage crisis in the U.S., followed by the European debt crisis, which turned Arsenal's real estate venture into a financial black hole. Wenger could barely keep the team in the top four.

In many ways, Wenger did his best under extremely difficult circumstances.

During that time, a wealthy Russian shareholder on the board once tried to acquire the club, which could have turned Arsenal into a Premier League powerhouse. Unfortunately, it fell through for various reasons.

Arsenal's current squad is not very strong. According to the information Gao Shen received, discontent is already simmering among Arsenal's players.

Why?

Because their wages are too low.

Some might scoff: That's nonsense. Arsenal has always been one of the most profitable clubs in the Premier League, even Europe. They charge the highest ticket prices in Europe. Last season, their revenue reached £313 million. How could they be short of money?

That's true. But behind the impressive revenue, Arsenal is still carrying £300 million in debt.

So far this season, Fabregas and a few others top the wage bill at £80,000 a week—which is nothing by current Premier League standards. The club's total annual wage bill is around £100 million.

What about other teams?

Chelsea's is £172 million.

Manchester City hasn't made theirs public, but Gao Shen knows it's even higher than Chelsea's.

In terms of wage control, Wenger's record is actually outstanding. The return on investment he's managed to achieve justifies his status as a world-renowned coach.

People criticize Wenger for being tight with money, but they forget: if he really went for big names, their salaries would demand a restructuring of Arsenal's entire wage system. Could the club afford that?

Gao Shen still remembers that in 2021, before he transmigrated—several major firms, including Deloitte, published reports highlighting how European football's debt levels had reached staggering heights.

Barcelona had the worst debt ratio of all.

Why?

Because they burned through cash at a terrifying pace, splurging hundreds of millions. Even the massive transfer fee from Neymar's sale to PSG couldn't offset their reckless spending and massive wage bill.

And Manchester United, how much did they spend in the years after Ferguson left?

Back when Gao Shen was just a fan, he enjoyed watching matches. But now, standing pitchside in the Premier League in December 2009, he truly felt how insane and unsustainable this era of football had become.

Yet in professional football, many things are beyond your control—you're forced to keep up.

If everyone's spending big, do you follow suit?

Burn cash?

Who can guarantee the investment will pay off?

Transfers are inherently risky. What if you end up with a disaster like Sanllehí or Bartomeu? What then?

Don't spend?

Then you end up like Wenger, turning into a bus.

Arsenal's results in high-profile matchups this season have been dismal.

If Giroud hadn't been so wasteful in front of goal, and if Robinho and Sturridge had finished their chances, this match could have ended with an even more lopsided scoreline.

Sometimes Gao Shen thought, if he were Fabregas, he'd probably leave too.

If you stay, there's no hope!

From this perspective, Florentino really is a rare breed.

In fact, in this mad era, he's one of the few with rational thinking and calm judgment.

…

"That fat guy Ancelotti's been stirring things up for a week now. You've already taken out all the top teams—no reason to let him off the hook, right?"

Once Wenger had calmed down, he quietly threw Ancelotti under the bus.

Gao Shen was stunned.

So Master Wen isn't the leader of the Stingy Sect—he's actually the head of the Stabbing Sect.

But to be fair, Ancelotti had indeed been sarcastic in the build-up. The reasons were simple: partly football rivalry, and partly because Gao Shen had ditched their card game last time. He held a grudge and tried to trip him up.

"Don't worry. I'll definitely avenge you for that 0-3 defeat," Gao Shen said with righteous indignation.

Wenger's eyelid twitched. Why did it suddenly feel like he owed Gao Shen a huge favor?

Mate, you beat me 3-0. But you weren't exactly holding back either, were you?

This grudge is clearly between you and Ancelotti—why make it sound like you're doing me a favor?

Did I ask you to mess with Ancelotti?

Wenger pointed at Gao Shen, lost for words.

"Why do you only learn the bad habits from that old guy!"

He looked disappointed in his team and walked off, shaking his head and sighing.

Gao Shen watched him leave and couldn't help but laugh.

Wenger's ability is beyond doubt, but the world has changed.

What worked for him in the past no longer applies.

From Chelsea's Abramovich to Abu Dhabi's Manchester City, and later Paris Saint-Germain—even clubs like Liverpool and Spurs are gradually embracing this new era.

This is an era of big money!

Wenger is like a craftsman from the old world, clinging to the values he's upheld his whole life.

The cruel truth is: while his dedication and perseverance are admirable, they're destined to be swept aside by the tide of change.

That's perfectly normal.

Even Gao Shen knows he won't shine forever.

That's why he cherishes every moment.

He wants to burn brightest at the peak of his career!

Only then, no matter how many years pass, fans will still remember his name!

(To be continued.)

Chapter 616: No One Knows How to Win the Championship Better Than Me

There were only two days between the League Cup quarter-finals and the fifteenth round of the Premier League.

After Manchester City's match against Arsenal, Gao Shen immediately threw himself into preparations for the game against Chelsea. The coaching staff also gave their all to study this final strong opponent of the first half of the season.

On the afternoon of December 4th, the day before the match, Gao Shen held a pre-match press conference at Carrington in Manchester. He announced the 18-man squad and responded to questions from British media about the upcoming clash.

It had been raining recently in Manchester, but Gao Shen said that both he and his players had plenty of experience playing in such conditions, and he believed the team would handle it well.

Throughout the interview, Gao Shen dedicated considerable time to talking about his opponent.

As for his good friend Ancelotti, Gao Shen didn't forget to twist the knife.

"I coached in Italy for three years. I met many people, senior figures in football, media friends, regular fans. If you ask them whether Ancelotti can win you a league title, I believe most would give you a very positive answer."

Gao Shen spoke eloquently on stage while the media reporters below waited eagerly.

They were like a pack of hungry wolves, eyes gleaming green, watching the juicy piece of bait Gao Shen was about to toss out.

"Don't trust that fat guy!" Gao Shen said.

Everyone knew that Gao Shen had a great relationship with Ancelotti, and that Ancelotti had previously mocked Gao Shen as well.

In football, love-hate relationships like this were not uncommon.

"If I'm counting correctly, he's been coaching for fourteen years now. But how many league titles has he won?"

"Leaving aside the two Champions League titles, he's only won one Serie A, one Coppa Italia, one Italian Super Cup, and one Club World Cup. What else?"

This pointed jab once again drew laughter from the room.

Indeed, Ancelotti's trophy cabinet wasn't exactly bursting with league titles.

The most impressive were his two Champions League triumphs.

But Gao Shen had deliberately excluded those.

"He's coached for fourteen years and only won one league title. I understand now why he's so hungry to win one, but I have to say, he doesn't have much experience in chasing a league title."

"In Italy, if you're talking about winning the league, Lippi, Capello—even Mancini—have more experience than he does."

As Gao Shen said this, he couldn't help but think: Mancini would probably be spitting blood if he heard that. Why am I even being dragged into this?

Everyone knew that Ancelotti was a world-class coach, but it was also true that he'd only managed one league title.

Although Gao Shen didn't say it directly, he was clearly hinting that he had three league titles, not counting a Serie B title.

He had only been coaching for less than four years and had already won three league championships. Ancelotti had been at it for 14 years and had just one. The message was clear, everyone should know who to back in this clash.

At that moment, in the eyes of the media, Gao Shen was like a cheeky schoolboy.

"I've seen Chelsea's recent 4-4-2 diamond formation, and many say it looks a lot like the 4-4-2 we used before, with similar player roles and functions. But I think that's not quite right."

Hearing this, the reporters immediately sensed something coming.

Then Gao Shen raised his right hand, holding his index finger and thumb slightly apart.

"In fact, Chelsea's 4-4-2 is still a little different from ours. For example, their full-backs are more aggressive, and their striker is more dominant in the box. So, strictly speaking, there are still some differences."

Everyone nearly fell over.

Just a little different?

Wasn't that the same as saying Ancelotti copied your tactics?

Haha, got it! Tomorrow's front page: Gao Shen Accuses Ancelotti of Tactical Plagiarism!

Get ready to roll it out, boys!

Gao Shen caught all their reactions and was secretly amused.

"I dare say, if I'm not mistaken, he'll still go with the 4-4-2 at the Etihad, and his lineup won't change much. We know exactly how to counter that."

Then he made his signature "know-it-all" gesture.

"No one understands the 4-4-2 diamond midfield better than me!"

The reporters were thrilled.

They had come expecting a casual presser and instead got fireworks. Gao Shen was clearly going all-in against Ancelotti!

…

To better prepare for the match, Ancelotti took the Chelsea squad north to Manchester that night after holding their own press conference at Cobham.

After leading the team to the hotel and settling the players in their rooms, Ancelotti returned to his own and watched Gao Shen's press conference remarks.

Upon hearing them, the usually mild-mannered Ancelotti couldn't help but explode.

"Fuck off!" he cursed.

Wilkins and the others were stunned.

Was that… swearing?

"He's unbelievable! And he thinks I copied him? He should take a long hard look in the mirror! I won a league title before he was even born—who does he think he is?"

"And saying I can't win a title? How many has he won? Have I not reached more Champions League finals than him?"

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. If not for his sense of restraint, Ancelotti might've called Gao Shen then and there to curse him out.

His assistants stayed silent.

Although Ancelotti was usually polite and easygoing, someone everyone could get along with, he could be incredibly stubborn and intense when provoked.

But it was rare for him to lose his temper like this.

Clearly, Gao Shen had struck a nerve.

But Ancelotti quickly composed himself. After taking several deep breaths, he calmed down, at least a little.

"This kid is such a bastard!" he muttered again, and his anger surged once more.

To be honest, Gao Shen had touched a sore spot.

It wasn't about the accusation of not winning titles, Ancelotti had long been labeled a perennial runner-up. That label had followed him since his days at Juventus and had stuck with him ever since.

He'd come to terms with that.

And it wasn't that Gao Shen accused him of copying tactics. Tactical ideas aren't something you can just steal anyway.

The same formation looks very different depending on the players you use. You can't just copy and paste it.

The real blow was Gao Shen's final line: "No one understands the 4-4-2 diamond midfield better than me!"

That was the real shot across the bow.

The 4-4-2 diamond formation has obvious strengths, but its flaws are equally clear.

The midfield and front line lack width, so wide attacks must rely heavily on overlapping full-backs.

But everyone knows that this kind of overlapping run from full-backs leaves you dangerously exposed at the back.

Unfortunately, Chelsea's holding midfielder is Mikel, a player with limited mobility and coverage.

Up against Manchester City's powerful wide players—Robben, Hazard, Robinho, Bale, and Sturridge—they'd face a massive threat. All of them had pace, technique, and most importantly, strong one-on-one ability.

What if Mikel doesn't play?

Ballack could step in, but there's no guarantee he'd do better.

And then there's Joe Cole.

Gao Shen had mentioned Joe Cole several times this season. He believed Cole had a place in Chelsea's midfield.

But every time Ancelotti heard it, he felt uneasy. He knew Gao Shen well, he'd never praise someone so obviously unless he had an agenda.

Joe Cole's biggest issue? Inconsistency.

Especially under intense pressure from opponents.

Manchester City's Javi Martínez had been in stellar form lately. His defensive work had made City the best defensive side in the Premier League this season. Javi had played a crucial role in that.

Could Joe Cole handle Javi Martínez?

If Ancelotti's current lineup faced teams like United or Arsenal, whose midfields were softer, especially defensively, it wouldn't be a problem—Chelsea could win.

But against teams like City or Liverpool, who had tough, defensive midfielders, Chelsea's issues in the middle became obvious. And compared to Liverpool, City had more dangerous wide players with world-class firepower. Ancelotti couldn't ignore that.

In this situation, could Ancelotti really feel at ease?

"Do you think Gao Shen could predict our starting tactics and prepare a specific strategy?" he asked anxiously.

Wilkins and the others exchanged looks. Who could say?

The whole world knew how unpredictable Gao Shen's tactics had been this season.

In the first 14 rounds, he'd changed his formation nearly every game. Who knew what he'd pull out this time?

Sometimes, you had to admit—he really was a tactical genius. It was hard to believe he was only 29.

Ancelotti wouldn't say it publicly, but deep down, he knew his diamond midfield configuration was based on Gao Shen's system. So naturally, he worried that Gao Shen had already figured him out.

"Change the formation!" Ancelotti gritted his teeth and said firmly.

"Change the formation?" Wilkins was taken aback.

The match was tomorrow, now you want to change the system?

Chelsea's players were all seasoned pros, so adaptability wasn't a problem. But was it necessary?

"Mikel can't play. We need players who can cover both flanks. And Joe Cole—I don't trust him…"

Wilkins quietly breathed a sigh of relief. So they weren't changing the system, just the starting lineup.

But if Mikel and Joe Cole were dropped, wouldn't that unravel the midfield setup they'd worked so hard to establish?

All because of one quote from Gao Shen?

Was it worth it?

(To be continued.)