Starting With Real Madrid

After their match against Zenit, Napoli barely had time to rest as they immediately began preparing for the 11th round of Serie A against Sampdoria. The team maintained its fast-paced and high-intensity approach, but much of the workload was delegated to the assistant coaches.

Gao Shen's role was more about giving directions and setting objectives, while the specifics were left to his staff to execute.

This division of labor had become a hallmark of Napoli's coaching setup. Gao Shen had even mentioned in an interview with UEFA that without his staff, he wouldn't be able to coach at all.

"If I didn't have a coaching staff, I simply wouldn't be coaching!"

It was a candid statement, but many dismissed it as modesty.

However, Gao Shen was speaking the truth. If he didn't have the right people, he'd just build a new team around himself. Gao Shen was still Gao Shen but whether others could succeed without his framework remained an open question.

The advantage of this structure was that it gave Gao Shen the mental space to focus on strategic thinking and planning. It also allowed him to carve out time each night to enjoy his favorite pastime: playing World of Warcraft.

When Sarri visited Gao Shen's home with his notebook one evening, he found the coach immersed in a game. Gao Shen called this his "free time," typically lasting half an hour to an hour.

At first, Sarri was shocked. Seeing a head coach play online games was a novelty. But over time, just like Zidane, Carlo, Lucas, and the rest of the staff, he got used to Gao Shen's quirks.

For instance, he never expected that Gao Shen's in-game character would be named "Zidane."

When Sarri found out, he asked the real Zidane, "Can you tolerate this?"

Zidane's eyes briefly flickered with murderous intent before he sighed and shrugged it off.

He had protested, but to no avail.

Now, even though it annoyed him, he had learned to endure it.

---

Gao Shen didn't engage in competitive dungeons or battles in the game. Instead, he spent his time fishing, cooking, and collecting materials.

Every day when he logged in, he'd find a letter from Su Qing, whose character was named "Mourinho." Her letters detailed her adventures from the previous day, mixing in bits of real-life updates alongside in-game anecdotes.

She also sent items or equipment she thought Gao Shen could use, sometimes asking him to gather specific materials for her. Gao Shen happily obliged.

When he wasn't helping Su Qing, he would ride his paladin's free pony and wander aimlessly around Azeroth.

Since Su Qing had started working, their gaming schedules rarely aligned, but the letters kept their connection alive. It gave Gao Shen a sense of companionship that made his brief gaming sessions special.

After about an hour, Gao Shen logged off and returned to his living room.

There, Sarri was pestering Carlo with tactical questions, Zidane was on the phone with his family in Spain, and Lucas was typing away on his laptop, likely flirting with someone on social media.

Gao Shen had noticed something peculiar about Sarri: he was like a curious child, eager to ask questions and eager to learn.

Sarri's lack of a professional football background did present challenges. Without years of experience in the sport, some things were difficult for him to grasp intuitively.

Take Lippi, for example. His confidence in critiquing Arrigo Sacchi's ideas stemmed from years as a successful player and coach. For seasoned professionals like Lippi, what might seem complex to outsiders often appeared straightforward.

That said, Gao Shen didn't see Sarri's background as a flaw. Everyone brought their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

What Gao Shen appreciated most was the [Tactical Library], which allowed him to absorb insights from legendary coaches like Lippi, Ferguson, Van Gaal, and Cruyff. It provided him with knowledge that even seasoned professionals might not have access to.

---

"What are you thinking about?"

Lucas, who had known Gao Shen the longest, asked casually as he noticed him deep in thought.

Gao Shen smiled. "I'm wondering if we should fight Bayern for the top spot in the group."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Lucas, Zidane, and Carlo all exchanged knowing smirks but said nothing.

Sarri, confused, looked at them for an explanation.

Lucas leaned in to clarify. "He's a Virgo—obsessive, meticulous, and, well… let's just say, leaving things unfinished keeps him awake at night."

"So what?" Sarri asked, still puzzled.

Lucas chuckled. "Do you really think he'd be okay with not finishing first in the group?"

Sarri thought for a moment and realized the point. How could someone as detail-oriented as Gao Shen settle for second place? Of course, he would want to win the group.

But if that was the case, why was he agonizing over the decision?

Reading Sarri's expression, Lucas nodded. "See? That's the weird part. He already knows he's going to go for it, but he'll still sit here overthinking how to approach it."

Gao Shen couldn't help but laugh. "Don't listen to his nonsense."

He paused and admitted, "In truth, the decision is already made. We have to compete for the top spot. The challenge lies in managing the schedule. The 14th round, away against Inter Milan, will be key. That game comes right after our fifth Champions League group match against Real Madrid."

To stay in contention for first place, Napoli would have to give their all against Real Madrid at home. Then, just days later, they'd face Inter Milan at the San Siro, a potential showdown for the Serie A lead.

"We'll need to keep rotating players and preparing accordingly," Gao Shen instructed.

Carlo nodded. "I'll handle it."

Gao Shen turned to Lucas. "Keep a close eye on Inter. I heard their injured players are returning. Let's find out how they're doing."

"Leave it to me," Lucas replied.

"If I'm right," Gao Shen continued, "Mourinho's priority this season is Serie A. Inter lost the title last year, they'll be desperate to reclaim it."

Serie A was Inter's main focus. While the Champions League remained a dream for Moratti, domestic dominance was the club's immediate goal.

"It'll all depend on how well they balance both competitions," Gao Shen concluded.

---

Three days after the match against Zenit, Napoli faced Sampdoria at home in the 11th round of Serie A.

Making significant rotations to the squad, Gao Shen's team secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Callejon and Pelle. Sampdoria, still reeling from the loss of Maggiore, was struggling to avoid relegation.

Elsewhere, Inter Milan narrowly defeated Udinese 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Cruz. Reports suggested Mourinho and Cruz had reconciled.

Meanwhile, AC Milan was held to a 1-1 draw by Lecce, and Roma edged Lazio 1-0 in the derby.

---

Midweek brought the Round of 16 in the Coppa Italia.

Napoli drew Salernitana, the only third-tier team left in the competition. Gao Shen fielded an entirely rotated lineup, even including local talents Insigne and Verratti.

Napoli cruised to a 4-0 victory, and in the 55th minute, Gao Shen introduced both Insigne and Verratti for their senior debuts. Verratti, in particular, impressed in his first appearance for the club.

With Napoli advancing, the quarterfinals were scheduled for late January.

---

In the 12th round of Serie A, Juventus defeated Genoa 4-1, while Inter Milan beat Palermo 2-0 away, courtesy of two goals from Ibrahimovic. AC Milan edged Verona 1-0 at home, and Roma claimed another derby victory.

Napoli faced Atalanta away. Del Neri deployed a classic 4-4-2 formation, reminiscent of his Chievo days, with a defensive approach that frustrated Napoli for much of the game.

For the first hour, Napoli dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances.

In the 60th minute, Gao Shen made a pivotal change, substituting Rakitic with Pastore.

Within a minute of coming on, Pastore made a decisive impact. After a midfield breakthrough, he threaded a perfect pass to Di Maria, who set up Hamsik for the opening goal.

Ten minutes later, Sanchez doubled Napoli's lead with a clinical finish.

Late substitutions followed, and in the 89th minute, Nainggolan added a third goal. In stoppage time, Hamsik delivered a brilliant through ball for Cavani to make it 4-0.

Napoli's late surge secured another emphatic victory, cementing Gao Shen's reputation for masterful in-game adjustments.

Even L'Équipe praised his performance, writing, "In the past two seasons, Gao Shen has consistently demonstrated exceptional tactical acumen. He is evolving into a true tactical master."

***

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