Starting With Real Madrid

After three years in the Premier League, Gao Shen might not be familiar with other places, but he could find his way to Wembley Stadium with his eyes closed.

Especially when it came to press conferences.

On the eve of the Champions League final, the entire stadium was carefully decorated, and the atmosphere of the final could be felt everywhere.

Many posters of the two teams' players hung on the walls.

The most eye-catching, of course, was the Champions League trophy.

Led by the staff, Gao Shen entered the press conference hall where Bayern Munich's head coach, Heynckes, was being interviewed by reporters. Bayern's training session to familiarize themselves with the venue had been scheduled before Real Madrid's.

This was normal practice.

According to the draw, Bayern Munich was the host for the final and would use the home team's dressing room.

Of course, at Wembley, there was almost no difference between the home and away dressing rooms since the stadium was designed as a neutral venue. There was no embarrassing contrast between a luxurious home dressing room and a shabby away one.

What surprised Gao Shen was that Wenger was also present.

"Don't overthink it, I came here at UEFA's invitation," Wenger immediately explained when he saw Gao Shen.

"I didn't say anything. How do you know what I'm thinking?" Gao Shen countered.

Wenger gave him a look that clearly said, "I knew you'd say that." Then he stepped forward, shook hands, and gave Gao Shen a firm hug.

The two hadn't seen each other for quite some time.

Especially now, with Arsenal failing to even qualify for the Champions League.

Sometimes, Gao Shen couldn't help but think Wenger's situation was truly miserable.

Also present were UEFA's ambassador for this year's Champions League final, former Real Madrid star McManaman, as well as UEFA officials. They all came forward to greet Gao Shen.

McManaman even declared that for this final, he was definitely supporting Real Madrid.

But in reality, the former Liverpool star did not have the best relationship with Gao Shen.

Liverpool as a club also had quite a few grievances with Gao Shen.

On one hand, it was because when Gao Shen managed Manchester City, he had clashed with Liverpool several times. On the other hand, it was due to Leeds United.

Liverpool had signed many players from Leeds United, such as Adam Lallana and Benteke.

A lot of money was spent, but the team's performances failed to improve.

In contrast, Leeds United, despite selling so many players, had performed better than Liverpool as a newly promoted side. For Liverpool, this was nothing short of humiliating.

And everyone knew that behind Leeds United stood Gao Shen.

So naturally, Liverpool had no good feelings toward him.

Of course, if one day Gao Shen were to coach Liverpool, it would likely be a different story.

…

While waiting for Heynckes to come out, and after a round of greetings and small talk, Wenger pulled Gao Shen aside.

The Arsenal manager asked about a Real Madrid player, Higuaín.

"I heard you've given the green light for Higuaín's transfer?" Wenger asked seriously.

Gao Shen nodded. "That's right, but the details are being handled by the club. You'll need to contact our general manager. If you don't have his number, I can give it to you."

Real Madrid's general manager, José Sánchez, was an expert in transfer negotiations.

He was the man who signed Beckham from Manchester United and made his name overnight.

How could Wenger not realize Gao Shen was teasing him?

"I just wanted to confirm with you first. If it's true, then we'll move," Wenger said.

Since Van Persie left for Manchester City, Arsenal hadn't had a reliable striker.

Wenger had been searching, but after failed experiments with players like Chamakh, he began shifting his focus to proven scorers like Higuaín.

British media had also reported Wenger's interest in Leeds United's Icardi.

"Honestly, Professor, Higuaín isn't cheap," Gao Shen reminded him.

"I know, but our finances are better now," Wenger replied confidently.

Gao Shen was surprised. "You're rich now?"

Wenger didn't explain, only giving a look that seemed to say, "You'll see."

"After all these hard years, you finally made it through," Gao Shen congratulated him.

Wenger sighed deeply. It had been nearly ten years.

He had endured countless hardships for that damn stadium.

But now, finally, the struggles were behind him.

"So the rumors about you planning a big summer signing spree are true."

Gao Shen began counting with his fingers. "Pogba, Icardi and Koulibaly from Leeds United, Sánchez from Barcelona, and now Higuaín from Real Madrid…"

"Well, Professor, it seems you're very wealthy indeed."

Wenger was embarrassed by Gao Shen's teasing. After a long pause, he muttered, "Get lost!"

Gao Shen burst out laughing.

The truth was, Wenger couldn't possibly afford all of them.

At most, two. Any more was unrealistic.

Arsenal simply wasn't that kind of rich club.

"I was just giving you a friendly reminder."

"Go on then."

"I just spoke with Heynckes, and I can tell he's very well prepared."

Gao Shen nodded. "At Wembley, who doesn't want to win?"

That was perfectly normal.

If a team came here without the determination and belief to win, it would be laughable.

Real Madrid had it, and so did Bayern.

But in the end, only one team could laugh last.

"This Bayern side plays with great cohesion and balance. There are no glaring weaknesses. If I had to pick one, I'd say their defense can be a little unstable."

As Wenger spoke, his eyes locked on Gao Shen, clearly probing.

He probably wanted to fish out Gao Shen's tactical approach for the final.

"Bayern really don't have obvious weaknesses. Their attack and defense are well-coordinated. They counter aggressively and their transitions are very sharp. As for the defense, they're actually very solid too, with highly disciplined movement," Gao Shen analyzed.

"So…" Wenger pressed on.

"You'll find out tomorrow night," Gao Shen replied with a smile.

Wenger's smile instantly froze.

Just as he was about to scold Gao Shen, Bayern's head coach, the veteran Heynckes, emerged from the press room, looking full of energy.

As early as last year, he had already announced his retirement for this summer. Bayern had also confirmed Guardiola as his successor. But no one expected the old coach to lead Bayern to the Bundesliga and German Cup double, as well as the Champions League final.

If he won the Champions League, he would complete the treble.

But as the media noted, over the years, many teams chasing the treble had run into Gao Shen in the Champions League final, and without exception, they had all lost.

When Heynckes spotted him, Gao Shen left Wenger and walked over.

"Hello, Jupp."

"Hello, Gao."

Heynckes was already 68, an age where he could be a grandfather, yet here they were, leading their teams into the Champions League final. It was remarkable to think about.

But Gao Shen's greatest strength was his ability to connect with people.

He could talk to anyone and get along with everyone.

Take Ferguson for example.

The Manchester United boss had once said that he felt much lonelier after Gao Shen moved to Real Madrid.

Even with Mourinho's return to Chelsea, he couldn't replace the position Gao Shen held in Ferguson's mind.

Gao Shen exchanged a few words with Heynckes, even jokingly asking if anyone had attacked or provoked him earlier.

Heynckes firmly denied it, saying it was all pleasantries.

Gao Shen promised that he too would praise him later.

And true to his word, he did.

At the pre-match press conference, Gao Shen spoke highly of Heynckes and Bayern, especially their overall strength, giving them a glowing evaluation.

This Bayern was different from the one in the original timeline. Without Robben, Javi Martínez, Kroos, and Boateng, but with Vidal in the squad.

Heynckes had tailored his approach, building a midfield with Vidal pushing forward, Gustavo and Schweinsteiger as the double pivot, Ribéry and Thomas Müller on the wings, and Mandzukic up front.

This system maximized Ribéry's influence while giving Bayern a midfield full of aggression and pressing power.

The biggest threat was Vidal.

A former favorite of Gao Shen and now his business partner, Vidal excelled at both ends of the pitch. He was Bayern's third-highest scorer this season, behind Mandzukic and Müller, with outstanding performances.

Not only that, he could press the opponent's deep-lying playmaker, while also combining with the two defensive midfielders to suffocate the opposition's midfield. He was a nightmare to deal with.

This was why many quietly worried for Gao Shen.

Manchester City had already fallen to Bayern, so could Real Madrid still beat them?

And wasn't Real Madrid's reliance on Xabi Alonso just falling into Vidal's trap?

But Gao Shen expressed confidence in his players, praised Heynckes and Bayern, and brushed off the media's provocations.

Only Gao Shen and those inside Real Madrid knew that since the Copa del Rey final, Gao Shen had shut himself away in Valdebebas, focusing on how to counter Bayern Munich.

He had studied countless match videos and data on Bayern, analyzing this familiar yet different opponent.

What he feared most was Heynckes' tactical management and in-game adjustments, so he had also carefully studied Heynckes' work in the [Tactical Library].

In short, success required thorough preparation.

But in front of the media, Gao Shen revealed nothing. He simply stated that he and his players were confident about the final, while also stressing that Bayern was a very formidable opponent and that Heynckes was a senior he deeply respected. This final would be far from easy.

In any case, all he did was praise.

If there was one thing Gao Shen was unmatched at, it was praising others.

This left the media disappointed, as they had expected fireworks.

Earlier, the old fox Heynckes had praised Gao Shen and Real Madrid, and now Gao Shen praised Heynckes and Bayern.

What was this?

Were the two of them just feeding each other compliments?

(To be continued.)

***

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