Starting With Real Madrid

Recovery training the morning after a match is crucial.

Except for special circumstances, such as players urgently returning to the national team, morning recovery sessions before a game are pivotal for all head coaches because they set the stage for the next match.

Gao Shen remained relatively hands-off during training, observing from the sidelines.

As per routine, the coaching staff divided players into two groups. One comprised those who played in the previous match, focusing on recovery training. Additionally, some teenage players, recently called up from the reserve team by Coach Portugal to bolster the lineup, also underwent recovery training—an arrangement agreed upon by Gao Shen and Portugal.

Despite the term "high-intensity training," the presence of players like Ronaldo and Carlos ensured the sessions remained relatively relaxed. It was clear that the intensity was moderate.

Gao Shen had reviewed Benitez's training plans in the tactical archives. Benitez always emphasized setting training intensity at levels where players could perform optimally. The adjustment depended on the coaching staff's capabilities.

But why this specific intensity?

It was akin to dangling a carrot before a donkey.

If the training intensity was too high, players might struggle, leading to disappointment and diminished enthusiasm. Conversely, if it was too low, like the current situation at Real Madrid, players wouldn't derive full value from the training.

The ideal training approach would balance intensity just right—challenging enough for players to perform at their peak, fostering enthusiasm, and enhancing their game proficiency.

Currently, however, Real Madrid didn't seem to achieve that balance.

...

After training, Gao Shen had a private discussion with Raul.

Raul expressed his support and approval of Gao Shen's decision to cancel the break and schedule additional targeted training.

"With our current circumstances, challenging Arsenal at Highbury will indeed be tough," Raul acknowledged.

Gao Shen and Raul strolled slowly side by side across the training ground toward the training facilities.

"The 0-1 deficit from the first leg means we must score away from home; otherwise, this game holds little meaning. Wenger is undoubtedly strategizing for this," Raul stated.

Stopping in his tracks, Raul looked directly at Gao Shen. "What's your plan?"

"I haven't decided yet," Gao Shen admitted candidly. "I need more information about the team's condition before making a final decision."

After a pause, Gao Shen added, "But one thing I'm certain about—I don't intend to use the Brazilian contingent for now."

Raul's preferred strike partner was a traditional center forward like Morientes. Currently, Negredo filled that role in the Real Madrid squad, contributing significantly to their recent 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid by freeing up Raul.

Introducing Ronaldo at this juncture would inevitably restrict Raul's tactical freedom.

Statistics from a previous life showed that Ronaldo was Raul's second most prolific strike partner, behind Morientes and even surpassing Van Nistelrooy in terms of goals.

But stats didn't tell the whole story. Raul's partnership with Morientes was the most harmonious, while his pairing with Van Nistelrooy, although shorter-lived, matched Ronaldo's goal-scoring efficiency.

Currently, Raul was in top form and didn't want Gao Shen to reintroduce Ronaldo.

Gao Shen's decision provided reassurance to Raul. If Gao Shen had given up on the Brazilian contingent, it must be for good reason.

"Understood. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. I'll relay the decision to cancel the break to the locker room, and there won't be any issues," Raul assured.

As captain and influential figure in the locker room, Raul wielded significant influence.

"No matter how we approach this match, it'll be a tough battle against Arsenal. How are you feeling physically?" Gao Shen inquired, concerned about Raul's recent return from injury.

"I feel great now, completely relaxed. Don't worry, I'll give my all for this game," Raul promised with determination.

As Real Madrid's captain, he understood the game's significance for the club and the Champions League's importance.

Gao Shen trusted Raul's commitment without doubt, nodding silently in acknowledgment.

...

Unlike Raul, Zinedine Zidane's mindset toward the upcoming match was more complex.

Should Real Madrid lose to Arsenal, it would mark the end of his illustrious Champions League career.

Zidane was a man of pride. Gao Shen believed he would never accept his final Champions League appearance ending this way.

Thus, Gao Shen didn't try to provoke him with words but personally informed Zidane of his decision to cancel the break and explained his rationale. Zidane readily agreed and accepted.

"I think you should consider playing Ronaldo," Zidane suggested.

Gao Shen stared directly at Zidane, as if trying to discern his thoughts from his expression.

The Frenchman hesitated briefly before explaining, "I believe Ronaldo would be our most potent weapon for scoring goals right now."

His tone was calm, reflecting his sincere belief.

"I don't deny his ability to threaten in critical moments," Gao Shen affirmed initially. But then his tone shifted. "But have you considered whether we merely want to score in this game?"

Without waiting for Zidane's response, Gao Shen shook his head and continued, "No, what we truly want is to win!"

With a 0-1 deficit from the home leg, scoring alone wouldn't suffice. Scoring was just the prerequisite; winning required more—a solid defense alongside scoring goals.

Introducing Ronaldo wouldn't necessarily weaken Real Madrid's defense, but it couldn't be overlooked that Ronaldo contributed little defensively.

Ignoring his attitude, purely from a physical standpoint, could Ronaldo handle the intensity required in this match?

Zidane had no immediate response, acknowledging the depth of Gao Shen's concerns.

The discussion briefly touched on Ronaldo, but what Gao Shen truly wanted to explore was Zidane's physical condition and mental state.

"Based on the Premier League matches this past weekend, Diaby will start with Fabregas likely coming off the bench. I anticipate Wenger will pair Fabregas with Gilberto Silva in midfield for the Champions League midweek," Gao Shen continued.

This Spanish youth product from Barcelona's academy was currently one of the hottest prospects globally. After Wenger sold Vieira, Fabregas had been groomed as Arsenal's midfield linchpin.

Predicting Wenger's approach wasn't difficult.

"Zinedine, I need to know if you continue in the attacking midfield role, can you effectively contain Fabregas?" Gao Shen asked seriously, emphasizing the importance of this matchup for his formation.

Gilberto Silva typically played deeper due to his height, while Fabregas, younger and more dynamic, excelled in passing, ball control, and attacking prowess. Gao Shen needed assurance that his midfield could contain Fabregas.

Zidane didn't respond immediately, likely due to his recent 80-minute performance against Atletico Madrid, which took its toll.

After a moment's thought, the Frenchman nodded and replied, "Don't worry, I won't hold back."

Before turning 30, he could have guaranteed such a performance, but now, approaching the twilight of his career, he could only promise to give his best.

"Understood. I trust you," Gao Shen said with a faint smile.

This response surprised Zidane slightly. Gao Shen's demeanor was unexpectedly understanding.

However, behind those calm eyes, Zidane perceived trust.

The relationship between a head coach and players was complex. It wasn't easy to earn trust—being a superstar alone wasn't enough.

Take Lusenberg, for example; he was cautious, especially with superstars. He trusted more in tactics, training, and on-field performances, maintaining a degree of wariness.

Yet, Gao Shen imparted a different impression upon Zidane.

Without making grand promises, Gao Shen's trust in Zidane was implicit.

Zidane pondered the question: why?

When Zidane voiced this query, Gao Shen chuckled softly. "Firstly, we share a common goal: winning. Our determination aligns, which is our mutual interest. Secondly, you're not one to make idle promises; every word you utter is carefully considered."

"So, tell me, why wouldn't I trust you?"

This time, Zidane was momentarily speechless.

He hadn't interacted with Gao Shen much. Today marked their second significant conversation, yet Gao Shen already struck him as unusual—beyond his 25 years, seeming more like a seasoned veteran.

Zidane was unpredictable. What approach did Gao Shen plan to take against Arsenal?

When the French superstar posed this question again, Gao Shen chuckled again but offered no definitive answer.

"I haven't decided yet. When I do, you'll be the first to know."

Zidane didn't entirely believe this statement.

Gao Shen likely had a plan, albeit perhaps not a perfect one.

Time was short. Did he truly possess a strategy to overcome Arsenal and reverse the aggregate score?

If so, it would indeed be miraculous.

Could he perform such a miracle?