Starting With Real Madrid

Years make people grow old!

When I saw Beckham, this feeling became even more profound.

Zidane was born in 1972, and Beckham in 1975, making them three years apart. However, unlike Zidane, who hesitated to solemnly promise when faced with profound issues, Beckham didn't hesitate at all. He confidently affirmed his ability to meet the high demands.

And it was evident from the scrappiness in his appearance that he was ready to give it his all.

Gao Shen was deeply pleased by this mentality.

If Real Madrid's superstars could have the same state of mind and desire to win as Beckham, things would be simpler, and Real Madrid wouldn't find itself in its current predicament.

Beckham quickly revealed the source of his motivation as well.

"This will be my first time playing in England since joining Real Madrid in 2003."

Gao Shen was momentarily stunned; he hadn't realized this.

Seeing Beckham's conviction, it was clear that he was correct.

In the past three years, Real Madrid hadn't faced any Premier League teams. No wonder they suffered a 0-1 loss to Arsenal at Bernabeu in the first leg. Given Real Madrid's current situation, facing a Premier League team was akin to lighting a match in a powder keg.

As a former Manchester United player, Beckham knew Arsenal well, their arch-rivals. But Arsenal had evolved significantly in recent years, especially after key players like Vieira left, leading to a shift towards technical and youthful reforms, altering their playing style.

To put it simply, the popular belief that Wenger was only about technical prowess and youth development was incomplete. Wenger had previously spent heavily on players but was forced to shift focus due to financial constraints from building a new stadium, which necessitated greater emphasis on youth development and scouting talents.

After Vieira's departure, Arsenal's players frequently faced aggressive challenges, resulting in frequent injuries such as broken legs. Many believed this was Arsenal repaying past grievances.

When Gao Shen asked Beckham about his thoughts on facing Arsenal, the English midfielder referenced the battle at Bernabeu.

In that game, which he hadn't personally experienced but had watched on video, Arsenal launched a relentless attack on Real Madrid from the start. Their fast-paced pressing, a hallmark of Premier League teams, forced Real Madrid into uncomfortable positions, disrupting their game rhythm and tactical setup.

Carlo had even mentioned that Arsenal's intense pressing early in the game had greatly unsettled Real Madrid.

"I believe we need to change our team's style, adopt Arsenal's aggressive attitude, show courage and determination, and avoid playing a slow-paced game if we want to win at Highbury," Beckham suggested.

Gao Shen listened intently, nodding repeatedly. After Beckham finished, he applauded enthusiastically, "That's excellent! You've articulated exactly what I've been thinking and planning."

After a brief pause, Gao Shen's tone turned more serious, "But you're aware of our current team situation and the challenges we face after losing the first leg. I'll need to make compromises and trade-offs. However, your insights have been incredibly helpful and have boosted my confidence."

Beckham seemed pleased.

While his circumstances differed from Woodgate's, he too faced communication challenges.

Unlike Woodgate, Gao Shen could communicate fluently with Beckham in English, and they shared common goals and interests, making Beckham increasingly appreciative of Gao Shen. At times, he even pondered the idea of continuing as Real Madrid's head coach.

"In any case, don't worry. This is the most crucial game of my career at Real Madrid, and I assure you that I'll give my all and do everything possible to help the team win. I dream of wearing the Real Madrid jersey in England again and showcasing my abilities through the game," Beckham affirmed passionately.

His determination was palpable.

In 2003, Beckham's departure from Manchester United had been acrimonious, and the subsequent three years had been a barren period for Real Madrid. Many believed that Beckham, with his flashy style, was to blame for Real Madrid's struggles.

Now, he was eager to prove himself anew.

"Very well said. Your words have reassured me," Gao Shen replied with a smile.

...

...

In addition to Raul, Zidane, and Beckham, Gao Shen also individually consulted with several key players in the team.

Players like Graveson, Helguera, Woodgate, and Casillas.

Beyond inquiring about their current conditions and their outlook for the game, Gao Shen also delved into their experiences against Atletico Madrid.

A coach's tactics are tailored to suit the players. Their comfort and feedback on the field carry significant weight, guiding the coach's tactical formations. Thus, Gao Shen placed great emphasis on these discussions.

While the overall framework remained intact, minor adjustments were necessary. Gao Shen meticulously noted these adjustments, handing them over to Maqueda for implementation, focusing on refining them during training.

This process took two days.

Over these two days, Gao Shen engaged with every player in the team except for the Brazilian contingent, such as Ronaldo and Carlos, in more in-depth conversations than before.

Instead of heading to Carlo's office after training, Gao Shen would return home, retiring to the tactical library after dinner.

While Gao Shen held Carlo in high regard, he often found himself at odds with Carlo's ideas and philosophies.

In essence, Carlo leaned towards conservatism and stability, whereas Gao Shen leaned towards more radical approaches.

This contrast was evident in their handling of the Brazilian contingent and their strategy against Arsenal.

In the tactical library, Gao Shen immersed himself in studying the strategic insights and tactical maneuvers of Benitez and Ferguson. He focused particularly on their strategic planning, formations, and in-game commands in clashes against Wenger, especially their defensive strategies.

Indeed, some of the strategies devised by these two tacticians proved highly enlightening for Gao Shen.

...

While Gao Shen worked diligently behind the scenes, Real Madrid meticulously executed their training regimen.

Following Gao Shen's decision to cancel their half-day off, the team engaged in targeted drills during their final pre-match training session. This session, scheduled the day before the match, was deemed invaluable, with every minute crucial.

Prior to this focused training, Gao Shen arranged a tactical meeting. Here, he elucidated the specific tactics for the upcoming Arsenal match, ensuring each player understood their role and the rationale behind it.

After the meeting, the team would practice again in the afternoon training session. Gao Shen believed this repetition would enhance effectiveness.

Post-training, Real Madrid would depart for London as a unit. The following morning, they would convene for a tactical meeting.

From their encounter with Atletico Madrid to their forthcoming battle with Arsenal, the entire Real Madrid coaching staff and team seemed to wind up like a clock, tirelessly preparing towards a singular objective. Everyone displayed heightened engagement and focus.

All were keenly aware that failure to defeat Arsenal at Highbury would mean another premature exit at the Round of 16 stage for the second consecutive season.

For Real Madrid, such an outcome was simply unacceptable.

More importantly, Gao Shen and the local leaders such as Raul, Zidane, Beckham, Gravesen, and others have early on reached a consensus, with everyone diligently preparing for this game, and others naturally following suit.

The outside world may not know what Real Madrid is plotting, but they are aware that tensions between Gao Shen and the Brazilian faction have not eased.

Chairman Martin gave media interviews and personally intervened, hoping to reconcile the conflict and reintegrate Ronaldo into the main squad, but Gao Shen declined this initiative and refused all interviews.

The decisive battle was imminent, and a storm seemed to loom, with a palpable tension in the air.

Speculation ran rife about the tactics Gao Shen would employ at Highbury.

Alfredo, Aspen newspaper's editor-in-chief, asserted in his column that Real Madrid had no choice but to attack, though Arsenal must also craft their strategy accordingly. Real Madrid's offensive approach, he likened, was akin to stepping into Wenger's trap.

How to maneuver?

Not attacking is not an option!

Can they defend instead?

No, because Real Madrid must score goals to advance.

Not only Alfredo, but even former Real Madrid technical director Sacchi, in a phone interview with Marca, suggested that Real Madrid's chances of winning this game were slim, given Wenger and Arsenal's current strength as one of Europe's top teams.

Many voices clamored for Real Madrid to recall the Brazilian faction, especially Ronaldo and Carlos. Who else but Ronaldo could be more reliable at this critical juncture when attacking prowess is imperative? Could Carlos have a more significant impact?

Yet, all of these sentiments seemed to be submerged and blocked at Valdebebas.

Outside, a fervent crowd gathered, debating fiercely.