Starting With Real Madrid

The game was not over yet, but Real Madrid's players, coaches, and staff were already rubbing their hands on the touchline, ready to burst onto the pitch the moment Rizzoli blew for full time and celebrate without restraint.

Gao Shen used all three substitutions in the final stages.

This was his reward to the players.

He replaced Benzema with Higuaín.

Over the years, Higuaín had made immense contributions to Real Madrid, achievements that cannot be erased.

Even if he was leaving now, Gao Shen still wanted him to be treated with dignity.

What is more, even now, Higuaín had not kicked up a fuss with the club. He simply made it clear that he intended to leave.

Gao Shen had no doubt that if the club stalled on signing a striker, Higuaín would stay if Gao Shen insisted.

But Gao Shen was not willing to do that.

A forced melon is not sweet.

Besides, Real Madrid should be a pack of wolves, not a kennel.

He hoped every player who stayed at Real Madrid was willing and as hungry as a wolf.

If Higuaín were forced to stay and still gave everything for the club, could he really feel nothing?

So forcing Higuaín to stay was the worst option in Gao Shen's plan.

The second substitution was Kaká.

Even now, the Brazilian midfielder was still loved and lamented by many Real Madrid fans.

Gao Shen hoped he could make an appearance and leave his mark at Real Madrid.

Moreover, Kaká had indeed made important contributions to the team this season.

As Gao Shen told him earlier, he hoped that when Kaká walked away in the future, he could proudly tell everyone he helped Real Madrid win the Champions League.

That was the least Gao Shen could do.

For the last change, Gao Shen took off Cristiano Ronaldo, who had scored twice, and sent on the youngster Morata.

When the game is already decided, there are only two reasons to make changes, aside from injuries or fatigue.

One is to appease senior players, the other is to encourage young ones.

Putting Morata on was more about encouragement.

Morata's idol is Ronaldo. Gao Shen had him replace Ronaldo to inspire him, hoping he would be as hardworking, disciplined, and self-driven as Ronaldo.

After coming on, Morata and Higuaín formed a front two, which also told Morata his position was not on the wing. He should be in the middle, as a centre forward, a powerful number nine.

Do not underestimate this substitution.

At the very least, many inside the Real Madrid squad were watching closely.

Varane and Verratti were still on the bench, while Nacho and Isco were not even in the matchday squad.

So even though he came on during garbage time with the result already decided, Morata was inexplicably excited, worked extremely hard, and felt deeply grateful to Gao Shen.

It was not just a generous appearance bonus. It represented the head coach's expectations of him.

At least, neither Jesé nor Lucas Vázquez made the squad.

But before the final, Gao Shen had already spoken to each of them individually and offered reassurance.

Whether Jesé or Vázquez, they were players Gao Shen intended to use more in the future. He also hoped they would work even harder to improve.

Their improvement would raise Real Madrid's overall level.

If they could firmly establish themselves, advanced rotation would be much easier to manage.

…

The moment Rizzoli blew for full time, everyone around Gao Shen sprinted onto the pitch.

The entire stadium was engulfed by the deafening roar of Real Madrid fans.

By contrast, Gao Shen remained composed.

He stood on the touchline, very calm.

He was not pretending. He was genuinely calm.

He now truly had the mentality of "after seeing the greatest peaks, others do not impress."

How to put it?

He had already won four titles like this, including defending one, and he was used to it.

Of course, being used to it did not mean he was numb or lacked ambition.

On the contrary, he was pursuing higher goals.

For example, looking at the Real Madrid players on the pitch right now...

Ronaldo's eyes were red with emotion as he faced the night sky and shouted. The noise drowned out the words, but it was clearly the release of years of frustration.

Ramos charged to the touchline, pumping his fists and roaring to the fans.

Iker knelt in front of his goal, clutching his head, pressing it to the turf, his shoulders shaking. He was probably crying.

There were also Xabi Alonso, Di María, Toni Kroos, Modrić, Pepe, Carvajal...

Each of them trusted Gao Shen completely and executed his plan.

Many would look at a 3-0 scoreline and say Real Madrid were too strong.

Yes, Real Madrid were truly strong.

But they were not this strong from the start.

Back to last summer, who would have believed, who would have dared believe, that Real Madrid could come this far?

Never mind last summer.

When Real Madrid were drawn into the group of death, how many people dismissed them?

As Real Madrid fought through every obstacle on a rocky path, how many questioned them?

But now, they walked into Wembley and, with a dominant performance, beat Bayern to win the title.

That was Gao Shen's greatest takeaway.

No frenzy, no madness, just composure.

Because when he walked into this stadium, he already knew he would win.

He would definitely win.

…

Gao Shen stepped out of the technical area and went to the home bench, extending his hand to Heynckes from a distance.

The German coach gripped his hand and pulled him into a hug.

"Well done, Gao," Heynckes said, frustrated but convinced.

"You did very well too," Gao Shen replied.

In fact, Bayern reaching the Champions League final was a huge surprise in itself.

Especially beating Manchester City in the semi-final could be called an upset.

In the previous timeline, treble-winning Bayern had Neuer, Boateng, Robben, Toni Kroos, and Javi Martínez.

Now, all of them were gone.

That was like taking away half of Bayern.

That Heynckes led this half-strength side to the final was enough to impress Gao Shen.

"The future of football belongs to you young people," Heynckes said, arm around Gao Shen's shoulders as they stood together.

He was going to retire.

At the same time as Ferguson.

"But Guardiola should thank you."

As soon as Heynckes finished, Gao Shen laughed.

"Of course, we are best friends."

If Heynckes had really won the Champions League, Guardiola's life at Bayern would have been difficult.

Of course, it would not be easy now either.

After all, Heynckes was leaving a double.

"Honestly, if I were ten years younger, I would give you a real fight. But now, I just want to go home and keep a dog."

Gao Shen could not help laughing. "You will not, Jupp."

"Why not?" Heynckes asked.

"I can tell you still have fire. You are not as content as you say."

"And then what?"

"As soon as someone tries to tempt you back, you will be moved."

Gao Shen made a little gesture, and Heynckes burst out laughing.

"Honestly, it is impossible to say I have no competitive urge at all, right?"

Gao Shen nodded repeatedly. That was only human.

Although Heynckes had taken the initiative to say he would step down at season's end and had asked Bayern to prepare early, no one expected Bayern to act so quickly and announce it so early.

That left Heynckes passive.

There was no way he felt no desire to fight.

He just wanted to make a big statement and see how Guardiola would deal with it next.

Professionally speaking, Heynckes had handled it superbly. The handover was exquisite.

"I am actually looking forward to it now."

"Hm?"

"In European football today, after Ferguson retires, Manchester United will definitely make a big move. Moyes probably will not be your match. Manchester City are strong, but Pellegrini..." Heynckes shook his head.

It was obvious he did not rate Pellegrini highly.

"Chelsea's Mourinho may become your rival, but it still depends on whether the owner is willing to spend. Serie A has declined. In La Liga, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid may be your challengers. In the Bundesliga, Guardiola's Bayern will be even stronger."

About to retire, Heynckes sounded like a statesman surveying the landscape.

He did not mention Dortmund, mainly because Dortmund's problems were plain to see.

Klopp's style could not be sustained for long, and the players struggled to bear it.

More importantly, Dortmund could not keep their stars.

Götze and Lewandowski were likely to leave this season. How competitive would Dortmund be then?

Hearing Heynckes's words, Gao Shen felt a surge of pride.

"Then keep a close eye on us. Next season, my goal is to win the treble."

"The treble?"

Gao Shen nodded confidently. "In La Liga history, no team has ever completed the treble, not even Guardiola's Barcelona."

Barcelona's Dream Team achieved remarkable feats, winning La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, but never in the same season.

"You are ambitious. Then save me a ticket for the Champions League final," Heynckes said with a smile.

Gao Shen would not refuse.

That was his next, most immediate goal. And it was not his only one. There were more distant and higher targets, but there was no need to say them all.

Goals should be achieved step by step.

Talking too much does no good.

…

Just as Gao Shen said goodbye to Heynckes and turned back toward the away bench, Real Madrid players suddenly appeared behind him and rushed over. Some grabbed his arms, some held his waist, some lifted his legs, and they hoisted him into the air.

More and more Real Madrid players joined, all cheering for Gao Shen.

This gave him a very bad feeling.

Finished.

I must have been too strict with these guys day to day, and now they have a perfect excuse to get their revenge.

Damn it, are you still human?

I am afraid of heights!

(To be continued.)