Starting With Real Madrid

As night descended north of London at Arsenal's Kearney training base, the lights in the head coach's office were still ablaze. Wenger sat at his desk, engrossed in watching a football match on his computer screen.

It was Real Madrid versus Atletico Madrid in the twenty-sixth round of La Liga.

Was this his first time watching this game?

Wenger couldn't quite recall, but the more he watched, the more intrigued he became.

In this match against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid's offense appeared rather unrefined, lacking the finesse of meticulous preparation. However, their defensive strategy warranted closer scrutiny.

The players made numerous errors and seemed passive on the field, prompting criticism from many fans and Spanish media for playing a style akin to Italian football. Yet, those well-versed in the game could discern the subtle changes in Real Madrid's defensive system.

Fresh blood, a 25-year-old Chinese youth, had injected new life into this aging team.

Their tactical setup, including the double midfield pivot and defensive structure, bore resemblance to Benitez's approach. However, unlike Benitez's high-pressing tactics, Real Madrid opted for a more reserved defensive posture.

Was this due to player preference? Or a lack of understanding?

Wenger couldn't say, but either way, it was remarkably intriguing.

After finishing the game, Wenger felt a sense of incompleteness, and a question inevitably surfaced in his mind—one that had been on the lips of fans worldwide in recent days.

What tactics would Real Madrid employ when they visited Highbury Stadium?

Had it been Carlo, perhaps it would have been easier to predict, as head coaches often lacked the audacity for such decisions.

But youth didn't always equate to recklessness.

Would Ronaldo and Carlos, two of Real Madrid's attacking stalwarts, get their chance to play?

During pre-match deliberations with his coaching staff, Wenger sensed a strong likelihood. Even if they didn't start, they would likely be included in the squad, given Real Madrid's need for the offensive prowess they brought.

Furthermore, the new president of Real Madrid had voiced his support. In an earlier interview, he had also stoked the fires, hoping to see Ronaldo and Carlos in action.

Why? It was simple—he wanted to recreate the fervor of the Bernabeu clash at Highbury.

With several aging players, the bodies of Real Madrid's superstars could no longer keep up with the demands of high-intensity matches. With Ronaldo and Carlos on the pitch, the pace of Real Madrid's play would slow, and their overall movement would suffer.

And what were Arsenal, and indeed Premier League teams, renowned for?

Swift, dynamic football!

Wenger had deliberately aired these sentiments in the media. The media, fans, management, the chairman—all were in agreement. Did Wenger believe the 25-year-old acting head coach of Real Madrid would acquiesce?

As the thought crossed his mind, a smile played on Wenger's lips.

This tactic, he had learned from an old colleague who possessed a devious streak.

Just then, assistant coach Pat Rice knocked on the office door and entered with a fax in hand.

"The press conference in Madrid just ended. Here's the latest: the official squad list for Real Madrid's 18-man roster."

Pat Rice's expression was serious as he handed the fax to Wenger.

"It's somewhat different from our expectations. Brazilian players like Ronaldo, Carlos, Baptista, Robinho, and Cicinho haven't made the cut."

Wenger's eyes remained fixed on the faxed list as he scanned the names one by one. Indeed, Ronaldo, Carlos, and the others were absent. He looked up, surprised, and glanced at his assistant.

Their predictions had been off!

But soon, Wenger chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "As expected of a young man, he's bold!"

The entire world was clamoring for Ronaldo and Carlos to play, even their immediate boss had intervened, urging their inclusion. Yet Gao Shen had resisted, shouldering all the pressure.

It was either staunch adherence to his plan or a willingness to face the consequences.

To have defeated Atletico at the Bernabeu spoke volumes. Either way, it seemed the former.

"This young man is intriguing," Wenger remarked, a rare compliment from him towards another coach.

"If I remember correctly, he studied at Loughborough University?" 

"Yes, sports management. I've looked into it; his academic record is quite impressive."

Wenger nodded thoughtfully. "Let's wait for him to step down from his coaching role at Real Madrid. Then, we can reach out to him, offer him a contract, and bring him to Kearney to work with us. I like this young man!"

Pat Rice was taken aback. Was Wenger considering poaching him?

With or without Ronaldo and Carlos, Wenger was somewhat surprised but ultimately relieved. Each scenario had its pros and cons.

Regardless, Gao Shen was making decisions based on his own convictions.

What exactly did he hope to achieve?

Wenger was eager to find out.

---

At almost the same time, in a mansion on the outskirts of Madrid, former Real Madrid president Florentino had just been briefed by his assistant Redondo about the results of the recently concluded press conference, and more.

"According to UEFA regulations, the head coach must attend both pre-match and post-match press conferences, unless under special circumstances."

Redondo finished speaking, and Florentino couldn't help but chuckle.

"So, does he have a 'special circumstance'?"

Redondo suppressed a smile and nodded. "Yes, he's feeling unwell."

The reason seemed flimsy; anyone could see through the excuse.

"Our acting head coach is quite intriguing. He doesn't even bother concocting elaborate excuses. Yet, on the other hand, he persists in not selecting Ronaldo and Carlos, daring to defy everyone. It's intriguing, indeed!"

Florentino suddenly felt an urge to meet this young man.

Such intriguing youth were rare these days.

"He's painting himself into a corner," Redondo shook his head.

From his perspective, it was somewhat self-indulgent.

"Manuel, consider this: if he decided early on today that regardless of whether the club retains him after losing to Arsenal, he'll leave anyway. What decision do you think he'd make now?"

By yielding to public opinion and selecting Ronaldo and Carlos, even if they lost to Arsenal and were eliminated from the Champions League, Gao Shen would face backlash from management, the media, and the fans. If he won, everyone would rejoice. But if he lost, he'd shoulder all the blame and be ousted.

"Moreover, Manuel, what do you think Martin is thinking right now?"

Redondo initially thought Martin must be fuming, seeing the coach he had promoted defy his directives. Yet upon deeper reflection, he realized Martin had no reason to be angry.

Ronaldo had been a marquee signing by his predecessor. Selecting Ronaldo now, if they won, credit would be attributed to the previous regime; if they lost, Martin would take the fall. It was a lose-lose situation for him. Besides, Martin had recently voiced a desire to rein in the superstar.

Insiders knew Martin felt pressure from the board, media, and fans. Despite making a conciliatory gesture now, he likely harbored reservations about reinstating Ronaldo and Carlos.

"Do you understand?" Florentino asked with a grin. "This kid may be young, but he's shrewd. He used Martin before, and now he's willingly shouldering the pressure. Even if he's sacked, Martin will treat him with respect."

Taking responsibility for leaders was also a form of strategy.

Florentino reflected on how he had treated Valdano after his dismissal from Real Madrid. Valdano had returned to a position of respect. When the time was right, Florentino even considered bringing Valdano back with him, proof of their continued rapport.

At that moment, Redondo's phone rang.

Another message from the Bernabeu.

"Martin has decided to travel to Highbury with the team!"

It was nearly inconceivable to expect a win in this game. Sending the vice-chairman and technical director Butragueno to accompany the team was already a strong show of support. Martin's personal presence was a demonstration of solidarity with Gao Shen.

---

Before the team departed, Gao Shen made a special trip to the Odalysa area.

He had come to bid farewell to Carlo.

"If we lose this game, I won't be coming back," Gao Shen declared firmly.

Carlo looked up, surprised. He hadn't anticipated Gao Shen making such a decisive statement. Was this game truly worth staking Gao Shen's career on?

"Don't be so taken aback, Mr. Carlo. The world operates on fairness," Gao Shen said with a relieved smile.

"If we win, everything will change dramatically upon my return. I'll likely secure a permanent coaching contract, becoming the youngest head coach in European football, even worldwide. My life will be forever transformed."

"Compared to that, the consequences of losing are insignificant."

At that moment, Gao Shen savored the feeling. He likened himself to Jing Ke, preparing to assassinate the Qin ruler; to Xiang Yu, smashing his cauldrons and sinking his ships; to Han Xin, crossing the river with his dagger. But in his heart, he preferred Li Shimin by the Wei River.

This was the life a reincarnated soul should live!

Carlo fell silent. He understood Gao Shen's sentiments but couldn't help sighing, "Even so, why are you so adamant about excluding Ronaldo and Carlos from the squad? Their presence would bolster the team's attacking strength significantly. Don't you see that?"

"Yes," Gao Shen acknowledged Carlo's perspective. "But they simply don't fit into my plans."

Gao Shen had weighed many factors in making this decision.

"Your plan?" Carlo frowned. "You mean, you're going to play defensively and wait for Arsenal to make mistakes?"

Gao Shen smiled and replied, "Do you think I'm that conservative?"

Carlo was momentarily speechless. If he were in Gao Shen's position, he might have opted for a more cautious approach.

"Don't worry, Mr. Carlo," Gao Shen continued. "At Highbury, you'll see a different Real Madrid!"

This response hinted at Gao Shen's confidence in implementing a unique strategy, suggesting that he had something distinctive in mind for their upcoming match against Arsenal.