SWR: Chapter 561/562

Chapter 561: Captain's Rebellion

Last season, Manchester City's leadership structure was a mess.

This had a lot to do with Mark Hughes' management style.

As Gao Shen had pointed out before, Hughes simply wasn't equipped to handle a team like Manchester City.

The club's last two captains were both central defenders—first Sylvain Distin, who later moved to Everton, and then Richard Dunne. Last season, academy graduate Micah Richards served as vice-captain, while Petrov was the third-choice captain.

Surprisingly, even Robinho and Kompany had worn the captain's armband at various points.

This inconsistency was a direct result of the managerial situation. In fact, in Gao Shen's previous life, when Manchester City signed Tevez from Manchester United, they immediately handed the captaincy to him and Kolo Touré from Arsenal.

It wasn't that new signings couldn't be captains, but Manchester City's handling of the role had been chaotic.

Now, Gao Shen had to decide who would wear the armband.

Richard Dunne and Petrov had both been sold. Micah Richards, while physically gifted with strength and speed, had poor technical ability.

His skillset was raw, not in the way that players like Jordan Henderson or Giroud were still developing, but fundamentally rough in a way that limited his effectiveness.

In other words, none of last season's captains were viable choices.

As for Robinho, Hughes had given him the armband simply because he couldn't control him. Was that really necessary?

From Gao Shen's perspective, he wanted someone he could trust. The ideal candidate in his mind was Rakitic.

The midfielder was professional, hardworking, and had already earned the respect of his teammates despite being at the club for just over a month. In terms of attitude, ability, and work ethic, there was no question about his suitability.

Most importantly, he understood Gao Shen's tactics and could serve as a bridge between the manager and the players on the pitch.

But as head coach, Gao Shen had to consider the bigger picture.

If he handed the armband to Rakitic, how would the club's longer-serving players react?

Rakitic was new to the team, had no prior standing within the squad, and lacked the necessary experience to command instant authority. Could he handle it?

Gao Shen had no doubts about Rakitic's ability, but he ultimately decided it wasn't the right move at this stage.

After consulting with his coaching staff, he made his choice.

…

"We all agree that, at this moment, you are the most suitable person to be captain."

After training, Gao Shen called Vincent Kompany into his office and delivered the news personally.

Kompany was visibly surprised.

Although he had worn the armband at times last season, it had been sporadic. With Richard Dunne as captain and Micah Richards as vice-captain, Kompany had mostly been a stand-in.

Even during pre-season, Gao Shen had rotated the captaincy, sometimes allowing players to request it themselves. This had fueled speculation that he would choose one of his own signings, perhaps Rakitic or David Luiz.

Both players were direct beneficiaries of Gao Shen's trust and were among Manchester City's most valuable assets.

David Luiz, in particular, was central to the team's defensive stability.

"Boss, I..."

Kompany hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Gao Shen reached out, signaling him to listen first.

"Vincent, this decision was made after careful consideration by myself and the coaching staff. First and foremost, you are a long-standing member of this squad. You know Manchester City, Carrington, the Premier League, and our fans. Having you as captain gives us a sense of security."

Micah Richards, as an academy graduate, had an even deeper connection to the club, but he wasn't a guaranteed starter anymore. That made him an unsuitable choice.

As for Napoli, Gao Shen had appointed Montervino as captain back then but that was out of necessity.

Manchester City now had staff dedicated to handling off-field player matters. There was no need for the captain to take on extra responsibilities beyond leading the team.

"Secondly, I can tell you clearly that, barring unforeseen circumstances, you will play a key role in our defense this season. Your game time will be stable, and your influence will grow. Considering all factors, you are the best fit."

Kompany nodded, beginning to understand the reasoning.

"Boss, who will be the vice-captain?"

"Rakitic," Gao Shen replied without hesitation. "Luis Suárez will be the third captain, and I'm considering Zabaleta as the fourth."

Kompany was slightly taken aback.

Rakitic was Gao Shen's trusted lieutenant, so his appointment as vice-captain wasn't surprising. In fact, Kompany believed Rakitic could have easily been named captain outright.

But Suárez?

That was unexpected.

Seeing his confusion, Gao Shen explained.

In terms of seniority, Suárez wasn't yet established enough to be captain. He was crucial to the team but not irreplaceable. He had only just joined the club.

"Before pre-season, I didn't even consider him for the role," Gao Shen admitted. "But after watching him in training camp, I realized he deserves recognition. He brings energy and passion to the squad. I want him to drive the team's atmosphere. I love his hunger and desire to win."

Kompany understood immediately.

Whether in friendlies or training, Suárez always gave 100%. Even in the gym, where many players tended to slack off, he was relentless.

Of course, Gao Shen's constant praise and encouragement played a role too.

Young players thrived on recognition.

During training, Gao Shen often held up Suárez as an example, urging others to follow his lead. This only fueled the Uruguayan's drive, making every session feel like a high-stakes competition for him.

As for Zabaleta, he had been with the club since last season and was more than qualified to be the fourth-choice captain.

"Boss, what do you need me to do?" Kompany asked, eager to fulfill his new role.

Gao Shen was very satisfied with Kompany's attitude, it reassured him that he had made the right choice in appointing him as captain.

"I don't need to say much about the captain's responsibilities. I trust you to do a good job. Just lead with confidence—I'll back you up. If you ever need anything, you can always come to me."

Seeing Kompany nod in understanding, Gao Shen got to the point.

"Beyond that, I want you to set higher standards for yourself and your teammates."

Kompany listened attentively, taking every word to heart.

"We are no longer the Manchester City of the past. We now have clear ambitions. The captains and the dressing room must raise their standards accordingly. I'll make it clear, our goal is to win the title. If we fail to finish in the top four this season, it will be a failure of duty!"

The failure Gao Shen spoke of wasn't just on him as the head coach—it extended to the locker room and the leadership group as well.

Of course, if things went wrong, blame would have to be assigned based on the specific circumstances.

"I want you to hold yourself and your teammates to the standards of a Premier League champion, or even a top European club because we are a team aiming not only for the Premier League title but also the Champions League!"

"Vincent, do you understand me?"

Kompany looked at Gao Shen, his eyes filled with disbelief, surprise, excitement, and ambition.

He didn't doubt Gao Shen's ability to achieve this, but he hadn't expected it to come so soon or be stated so boldly.

More importantly, he was now the captain.

A year ago, how had he ended up at Manchester City from Hamburg?

Because of a dispute over his participation in the Olympics, he had fallen out with Hamburg and left in frustration, eventually being sold to City.

If someone had told him back then that Manchester City was aiming for the Premier League and Champions League titles, he would have laughed it off.

Even now, if any other manager had said the same thing, he would have been skeptical.

But because it was Gao Shen, he believed it!

The Belgian center-back took a deep breath, stood up from his seat, and gave his solemn assurance.

"Boss, don't worry. I promise to do my best to help you manage the locker room!"

His way of addressing Gao Shen had also changed from the formal boss to the more respectful big boss.

Gao Shen was pleased with this shift.

…

After sending Kompany away, Gao Shen called Rakitic into his office.

He didn't need to say much to the Croatian, he already knew that Rakitic would accept any decision without question. But that wasn't what Gao Shen wanted. He still took the time to explain.

He made it clear that he highly valued Rakitic and had initially considered him for the captaincy. However, after consulting those around him and considering Rakitic's status as a newcomer, Gao Shen had reluctantly decided to appoint Kompany instead.

Rakitic had always respected Gao Shen, and hearing this explanation only made him more appreciative. On the spot, he declared that even if he weren't vice-captain, he would still be Gao Shen's most loyal supporter.

…

Next was Suárez.

But Gao Shen took a different approach with the Uruguayan.

"I'm making you the third captain as a sign of my encouragement and expectations for you," he told Suárez. "I want you to continue setting an example, just like you do in training. I want you to bring that same energy onto the pitch and inspire your teammates."

Suárez was visibly moved.

Even though he was only the third-choice captain, this was the first time in his career that he had been given such responsibility.

"I believe this will help you mature and allow you to lead the team in the best way you can, by pushing them to win!"

Suárez was deeply touched and immediately vowed not to let Gao Shen down.

…

Finally, there was Zabaleta.

Gao Shen offered words of encouragement and appreciation, explaining why he had chosen him as the fourth captain and how he expected him to support both the coaching staff and his fellow captains in managing the dressing room.

Zabaleta also expressed his gratitude, promising to do his best to live up to Gao Shen's trust.

At this moment, Gao Shen finally felt at ease.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 562: Kick Manchester United Off the Throne

Every club has its own unwritten rules for selecting a captain.

At Real Madrid, the armband is given to the longest-serving player, with seniority determined down to the exact number of days at the club. It's a tradition that no one dares to challenge.

At Barcelona, captains are elected through a locker room vote.

When Puyol was captain, he was chosen unanimously.

Some teams, however, have captains appointed directly by the manager. In these cases, factors like the player's influence, role, and standing within the squad are taken into account, especially their authority in the dressing room. Without enough respect from the squad, a captain simply cannot lead.

Gao Shen officially announced the new captaincy structure at training the next morning.

Kompany, Rakitic, Suárez, and Zabaleta each gave short speeches, promising to support their teammates, improve training, and lead the squad both on and off the pitch.

With the leadership group settled, roles and responsibilities became clearer. The team now had a backbone, bringing greater stability to the dressing room.

For example, from now on, pre-match warm-ups would be led by the captains.

After training, Gao Shen met privately with Robinho, Hazard, Robben, David Silva, Micah Richards, Neuer, and Filipe Luís to explain his decision-making process.

Ordinarily, a manager wouldn't need to justify captaincy choices. However, Gao Shen made it a point to do so, signaling to the players that he valued them. This approach helped them understand his reasoning and, in turn, secured their full support.

Even Robinho, who had worn the armband last season couldn't deny a hint of disappointment. But Gao Shen's explanation was fair, urging him to focus entirely on his performances in matches and training.

As for Robben and David Silva, neither of them had any interest in leadership roles.

Micah Richards, meanwhile, lacked the stature to challenge Gao Shen's authority and accepted the decision without protest.

And with that, the transition was completed smoothly.

Kompany and the others quickly settled into their new roles, helping Gao Shen and the coaching staff maintain order in the dressing room.

…

Last season, Blackburn Rovers had been in deep relegation trouble under Paul Ince. But after sacking him midway through the campaign and appointing Sam Allardyce, the team found its rhythm and narrowly avoided the drop.

This summer, Blackburn managed to retain their star striker, Roque Santa Cruz, who in Gao Shen's previous life had moved to Manchester City. Keeping him ensured their attacking strength remained intact. They also strengthened their squad by signing experienced right-back Michel Salgado from Real Madrid, as well as N'Zonzi and Chimbonda, bolstering their overall quality.

As a seasoned Premier League manager, Allardyce was well aware of the significance of the season opener.

The day before the match, when naming his squad, Allardyce made a point to downplay Manchester City's pre-season form during his press conference.

"I know Gao Shen well. He never prioritizes pre-season friendlies, which is why his teams rarely perform well in them. So I won't judge Manchester City based on their warm-up matches."

Allardyce had studied Gao Shen's Real Madrid and Napoli teams, believing that his arrival at Manchester City would inject fresh energy and a different tactical identity into the squad.

"Last season, I wrote in my column that Mark Hughes' approach was outdated. He tried to build an English version of Chelsea, but that was a mistake—it couldn't keep up with the pace and style of the Premier League."

"Right now, the Premier League is undergoing a continental shift."

Allardyce pointed out that the league's elite teams were moving toward a more European style of play, and hiring foreign managers had become a trend.

From Wenger to Benítez, and now Ancelotti and Gao Shen, foreign coaches were bringing new ideas and tactical innovations, leaving only a handful of British managers, like Ferguson, Moyes, and Redknapp—able to keep up.

Against this backdrop, Hughes' attempt to build a British-style Chelsea seemed outdated and unrealistic.

Back when he was sacked by Newcastle, Allardyce had used his column to publicly criticize Hughes.

Now, he believed that Gao Shen's team-building approach was the complete opposite of Hughes', something that was evident from Manchester City's transfer activity.

"Mark Hughes would never have been able to use a player like David Silva."

It was clear what Allardyce was doing—he was sending a message to Blackburn, and to the rest of the Premier League, to reassess Manchester City. Anyone who still judged them based on the past would be in for a rude awakening.

As for the match itself, Allardyce made his objective clear: a draw.

His reasoning was twofold, season openers were always tricky, and Manchester City had become incredibly strong.

…

While Allardyce praised Gao Shen and Manchester City, the British media remained skeptical.

Former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen was particularly doubtful. In his Premier League season preview, he predicted a rough start for City, believing they would struggle to adapt and suffer a major setback in their opening match.

Hansen acknowledged that Manchester City had speed, technical quality, and creativity in midfield, but he was concerned about their defensive solidity and physicality. He also noted that Gao Shen's tactical philosophy had always leaned toward attacking football, something he saw as a potential weakness in the Premier League.

"When Arsène Wenger first arrived in the Premier League, he admitted he wasn't used to the intensity. Here, the moment you receive the ball, defenders are already closing in. Physical battles are unavoidable, and you don't get time to think. This could be a serious problem for City's technical players."

Hansen pointed out that Wenger's most successful Arsenal teams were built around physical powerhouses like Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva. After their departure, Arsenal's results declined, and they struggled to maintain a top-four finish.

"Gao Shen's approach has yet to be proven in the Premier League. If he wants to succeed, he needs to adapt. But so far, there's no sign of him doing that."

Hansen wasn't the only one skeptical.

In fact, most of the British media expected Manchester City to struggle.

Part of this was due to their poor pre-season results and the fact that the squad had been completely rebuilt. But another major factor was simple, criticizing Gao Shen and Manchester City was good for headlines.

The football culture in England may seem open-minded, but that openness is largely limited to the professional stage. In reality, British fans are quite traditional.

For a club like Manchester City, suddenly propelled to wealth and prominence not only did rival fans express their discontent, but even many of their own supporters felt uneasy. They believed that after the club's takeover, City had lost its traditions.

Many of these same fans also resented Gao Shen, the 28-year-old foreign coach.

They were still upset about the sacking of Mark Hughes and felt the Welshman had been treated unfairly.

Of course, these traditionalist fans were not the majority, but their vocal opposition attracted media attention and stirred debate among neutral supporters.

On top of that, City's poor performances in pre-season had only given these critics more ammunition.

After spending over €200 million to rebuild the squad, the team looked no better, some even argued they were worse than under Hughes.

Given these circumstances, it was no surprise that Gao Shen found himself under intense scrutiny from the media.

…

Gao Shen, however, was unfazed.

At the pre-match press conference, he addressed the situation with a composed smile.

"I fully understand my current standing in English football," he said.

"As I've said before, I have always been a controversial figure, whether at Real Madrid, Napoli, or now at Manchester City. I'm used to being doubted by the media and fans."

"But I'm not the type to argue in the press. I prefer to prove myself on the pitch."

His words left the assembled journalists momentarily stunned.

Not one for arguments? Really?

But despite their doubts, they were also left disappointed. Gao Shen had refused to take the bait, leaving them with little ammunition to fuel a media battle.

Just before his press conference, Sir Alex Ferguson had once again referred to City as "the noisy neighbors" in his own media briefing.

The legendary Manchester United manager lamented that his side had the misfortune of sharing a city with such a disruptive presence, implying that despite all the noise, City hadn't actually achieved anything.

Gao Shen saw through it immediately, this was Ferguson playing mind games ahead of the new season.

Even though the upcoming match wasn't a Manchester derby, Ferguson clearly wasn't happy about City's rise and was doing everything he could to undermine them.

And Gao Shen's response only added fuel to the fire.

"I have immense respect for Sir Alex Ferguson," he said. "And I understand why he's feeling irritated right now. Deep down, I can sense the fear that he's trying to hide, because from this moment on, Manchester United will no longer have total control over this city."

"I know the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world, but I have absolute confidence that I will succeed here. Not only will I win trophies, but I will also lead Manchester City to knock Manchester United off their throne!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, the press room erupted.

Gao Shen had thrown Ferguson's own words back at him.

In a previous interview, Ferguson had famously stated that his greatest achievement as Manchester United manager was "knocking Liverpool off their perch."

Now, Gao Shen had made it clear, he was coming for Ferguson's throne in Manchester.

…

And he didn't stop there.

When asked about Alan Hansen's criticism, Gao Shen was just as blunt.

"As I've said before, Alan Hansen is no longer a football person—he's a media personality. But I'm very curious. I want to know why Mr. Hansen is so certain that my team will struggle, that we'll find it difficult to beat Blackburn away, that we'll fail against what he calls a traditional English football side."

Then, Gao Shen smirked and delivered his challenge.

"So let me ask him this—if we win, will he be willing to publicly apologize? To me, to my players, and to Manchester City fans, and admit that he was wrong?"

He finished with a confident declaration.

"My players and I will prove our strength on the pitch. And after that, I'll be waiting to hear Mr. Hansen's apology on the post-match show."

(To be continued.)