Starting With Real Madrid

Even though it was past midnight by the time we returned to Madrid, there were still many Real Madrid fans waiting at the airport to greet the team.

Before the team departed for London, everyone had lost confidence in the game, but ironically, this disappointment only amplified the excitement among Real Madrid fans after the team's turnaround.

When the chartered plane landed at Madrid Capital Airport, over 3,000 fans had gathered, with more arriving from all directions.

Tonight, Madrid was in full celebration!

Gao Shen led the team off the plane, stepping into a scene of fervor. Fans surrounded the victorious players upon their return.

"Well done, Real Madrid warriors! You've upheld the indomitable spirit of Real Madrid!"

"We're so proud of you!"

"Keep going! Let's aim for another Champions League victory!"

As the head coach, Gao Shen stood prominently among the team, facing the fans for the first time.

Many Real Madrid supporters were surprised and conflicted. Surprised because Gao Shen appeared exceptionally young.

Even standing beside players like Zidane and Ramos, who had years of experience and facial hair, Gao Shen looked remarkably youthful. This contrast led many fans to question whether such a young figure could lead Real Madrid.

This doubt had plagued Gao Shen during the past ten days, despite his recent accomplishments. However, his tactical prowess in overturning Arsenal away and Wenger's subsequent praise at Highbury underscored his capabilities.

This left Real Madrid fans in a dilemma.

Gao Shen was a hero, and they wanted to support him. Yet, his youthful appearance didn't match their image of a seasoned head coach.

Amidst this conflict, the fans redirected most of their admiration towards the players, who were receiving their highest praise in years.

Since 2004, Real Madrid had rarely been lauded in such a manner by their own supporters. Finally, the team felt the full force of local fans' enthusiasm and backing.

This had a calming effect on many players.

Local fans were the backbone of the team.

Even for giants like Real Madrid and Manchester United, the support of their local fans was indispensable. It wasn't just about match attendance; it was an emotional connection—a foundation.

Gao Shen understood this analogy well. Like a man striving in his career, knowing there's someone waiting at home, Real Madrid needed the support of their fans to thrive.

...

...

"I didn't expect this outcome at all!"

In a luxurious villa on the outskirts of Madrid, Florentino remarked to his assistant Redondo.

Real Madrid had won, and Martin's gamble had paid off.

Yet Florentino appeared neither bitter nor disappointed. Instead, he seemed genuinely pleased.

These perceived setbacks that could have humiliated him were inconsequential in Florentino's eyes. 

"Who would have thought Martin would hit the jackpot with this one? He discovered such talent," Florentino smiled, as if Martin had found this talent and named it for him.

"Indeed! Before the match, under public pressure, he led the team to victory over Arsenal."

Redondo paused, adding, "I've heard that tomorrow, Spain, Europe, and even some major global newspapers will report on this game. Public opinion is turning, especially in Spain, where many media outlets were critical before. Now, they're scrambling to change their tone."

"Haha!" Florentino couldn't help but laugh. Seeing these self-proclaimed kings of football change their tune brought him immense satisfaction.

Let them retract their statements. That had been his goal for the past two years, yet a 25-year-old had accomplished it.

He was genuinely pleased.

"Can they truly humble themselves and admit their errors?" Florentino knew these media personalities well and was skeptical.

"As far as I know, Alfredo Della Morena and others are full of praise for Gao Shen's game. I expect they'll praise him to the skies. Others may not go as far, but they certainly won't revert to their previous stance."

Florentino nodded. Figures like Alfredo, the chief editor of Aspen, stood on a different pedestal from other journalists. A true lover of football and Real Madrid, Alfredo's opinions held immense sway and had garnered a vast readership over decades.

...

"Should Martin consider offering him a contract now?" Florentino asked.

Redondo nodded. "I just received word that Martin spoke to Butragueno while still in London. Apparently, he had a conversation with Gao Shen just before calling."

Florentino smiled again. He found Gao Shen increasingly intriguing.

"Contact Butragueno and tell him to finalize the contract. I'm eager to see what Gao Shen can bring to Real Madrid," Florentino instructed.

"Martin proposes extending the contract until the end of the season."

"That's typical. It's mid-March already; can we really justify a short-term contract? It seems a bit petty!"

Redondo looked at his boss intently and ventured, "Boss, it seems you hold him in high regard."

Florentino looked up, met his assistant's gaze, and smiled. "Manuel, do you know why I've kept you by my side for so long, yet never promoted you?"

Redondo's expression froze momentarily before he nodded. "Yes, boss, you've told me before."

"You're diligent, meticulous, and capable in many areas. You're a rare talent, but you lack certain leadership qualities—courage, daring, and guile."

"Whether in business or at the club, you need to achieve results, and sometimes that requires doing things and taking risks."

"Gao Shen has done well this time. Even against Arsenal, he ignored the Brazilian contingent. That seems to be what impressed Martin. The team's response also indicates he can manage the locker room effectively—a sign of true leadership."

Redondo fell silent. He had been loyal to Florentino for years, but seeing his boss elevate others while he remained stagnant stung. Yet, he recognized his own shortcomings.

In contrast, Gao Shen—unbeknownst to many—had taken numerous risks and almost failed several times, yet he prevailed, guiding the team to victory over Arsenal and cementing his place at Real Madrid.

"Boss, how long do you think he'll remain in the head coach position?" Redondo suddenly asked.

Florentino sensed his assistant's competitiveness and reluctance, but he smiled, pretending not to notice.

As a leader, he welcomed such spirited competition among his subordinates.

"Competitive sports are always about performance. Martin can extend his contract now and terminate it at any time, with minimal severance if need be."

Florentino paused, shaking his head. "Since taking charge, Gao Shen has faced adversity and appeared troubled, but at least he had clear goals and direction. Now, with victory over Arsenal and a quarter-final spot secured, those goals have been met, and everyone can breathe a sigh of relief."

"Real Madrid looks good today, but in reality, we're not in a significantly better position than before. Earlier crises were visible; now, they're latent, unpredictable. When a team loses its direction suddenly, it's alarming. The real test of our resilience is just beginning."

Redondo listened silently, his earlier skepticism now tempered by empathy.

Could he handle the complexities that plagued Real Madrid?