The All-Around Center Forward

On the third day of training, Casillas and Mourinho had their first conflict.

This conflict arose because Mourinho believed Casillas was playing too impetuously; he wanted Casillas to focus on solidifying the defense before attempting counterattacks.

However, Casillas believed his choice was fine and that he had seen an opportunity for attack.

Using this as the point of contention, the two had their first clash on the training ground.

Casillas: "My play is not wrong. I saw a real attacking opportunity, and I play this way in the National Team!"

Mourinho: "That's the National Team. This is the club. If you want to play that kind of football, why don't you go to Catalonia?"

"I'm just questioning your choices. Do I not even have the right to question choices?"

"Yes! You don't! Here, I'm the boss, and you have to listen to me. Whatever kind of football I want to play, that's what will be played here. This has nothing to do with your will! All you have to do is fucking play according to my ideas!"

"What ridiculous talk. Do you consider Real Madrid your private property?"

"No! Of course, I don't think that, but at least, I am your BOSS! So you have to listen to me!"

The argument between the two grew more intense, even affecting the training of others nearby.

The two were initially debating from a distance, but soon, they moved closer and closer.

An agitated Casillas even threw off his gloves, looking as if he was about to resort to physical action.

"Go!"

Suker ripped off his mask and shouted at Ramos.

Ramos immediately rushed over and embraced the agitated Casillas.

Meanwhile, Suker and Assistant Coach Faria forcibly pulled Mourinho away.

Even so, Mourinho still shouted excitedly:

"You must listen to me! I am the boss here! Listen carefully, I have the right to choose! Even if it's not you, I can choose others to play the match!"

Faria saw Mourinho getting increasingly out of line in his excitement and could only cover Mourinho's mouth, pulling him out of the training ground.

At this moment, the surrounding players and some staff members were terrified.

The Head Coach and the captain having a conflict, and publicly arguing at that, was no small matter.

Suker watched the two being pulled apart and could only shake his head helplessly.

Clap, clap, clap, clap!!

Suker clapped his hands to attract everyone's attention.

"Now, I want everyone to put away their phones. Those who were filming, please hand over your phones. The club will return them to you immediately after they are checked." Suker added, "If you still want to keep your jobs!"

Hearing this, everyone reluctantly handed over their phones.

Suker took the phones one by one, feeling quite helpless.

The conflict between these two guys had indeed become sharper.

They had started arguing publicly.

Last season, even if there were conflicts and arguments, they were always done in private, behind closed doors.

But now it was different.

These two guys couldn't hold it in anymore, and the situation was on the verge of spiraling out of control.

In the afternoon, Florentino personally arrived at the club.

Florentino's expression was grim. He called Mourinho and Casillas over and talked for a full hour.

Within the entire club, only Florentino had this capability.

Finally, the three came to the training base together, and Florentino said with a smile:

"Football is an intense team sport, and everyone has their own ideas. Sometimes, differences of opinion are inevitable. I regret that everyone saw some unpleasant scenes. Regarding this, Iker has also fully recognized his own issues."

Under everyone's gaze, Casillas's expression clearly showed his displeasure.

"I apologize for my impulsiveness affecting everyone's training. The club will punish me for this, and I am willing to accept these punishments."

Throughout, he made no mention of Mourinho.

Clearly, the conflict had not been resolved.

It was just that, under Florentino's strong pressure, he could only bow his head and admit his mistake.

And, it was Casillas who was pressured.

There was no other way. Florentino could not allow Mourinho to admit his mistake, as that would greatly damage the Head Coach's authority.

Moreover, Suker sensed something unusual about this handling.

After Florentino finished speaking, he announced that the two had officially 'reconciled'.

Of course, this reconciliation was short-term, based on strong pressure.

Conflicts would continue to erupt in the future if disagreements arose.

As Florentino left, he called Suker over again.

The two chatted inside Florentino's car.

"You did very well. We deleted the conflict videos from some staff members' phones to prevent the matter from escalating further!"

Suker: "It's unstoppable. This conflict will still be known by the media."

The media is pervasive. Although there was no video footage, it wouldn't be as explosive.

But some insiders sell these internal messages to earn extra money, which is unavoidable.

Of course, these people are anonymous, so Real Madrid can deny it, as there is no evidence.

Unless someone is willing to risk losing their job to directly expose this incident.

"I know all this, and I will handle the public relations." After a pause, Florentino turned his head and said, "Is the conflict between Mourinho and Iker beyond reconciliation?"

Suker couldn't help but laugh.

"You don't know?"

Florentino's handling method seemed fine, but it was still forcibly suppressing Casillas.

This kind of conflict only gets sharper the more it's suppressed!

It would eventually erupt one day.

Therefore, Suker didn't think Florentino was solving the problem, but rather fueling the fire.

"You want to use Iker to drive Mourinho away?"

Suker asked.

Florentino remained silent, but Suker's guess was almost spot on.

"But wouldn't that also have a big impact on Iker?"

Suker said.

Florentino sighed: "There's no other way. This time, Mourinho must be driven away. This is no longer just our club's problem."

"What do you mean?" Suker asked, puzzled.

Florentino sighed: "The Spanish Football Association and the National Team leader have talked to me again. Barcelona has already sent Guardiola away, and now it's our turn to drive Mourinho away."

Suker said, surprised, "They believe the infighting in the National Team is an extension of the struggle between Mourinho and Guardiola?"

"Yes! So the higher-ups want us to act quickly. I originally intended to handle it with a gentle approach, but now it's too late. I can only actively expand the conflict! Intensify the conflict!"

Suker was speechless.

Mourinho had truly caused a big problem this time. Due to the issue of infighting in Spain, the mainstream of Spanish football was trying every possible way to drive Mourinho away.

This was no longer the will of Real Madrid alone, but the will of all Spanish football!

Suker left; he still had to continue training.

Florentino watched Suker's retreating back and sighed slightly.

The secretary in the front turned his head: "Wasn't our original plan to use Suker's influence to reduce Iker's pressure and reasonably use these two to drive Mourinho away?"

Florentino nodded: "Yes! That was my intention!"

Secretary: "But why did you suddenly make Iker bear the pressure alone?"

Florentino rubbed his temples, a headache brewing.

"Last night, I received two phone calls!"

"The first call was from the Madrid Mayor's Office!"

"The second call was from the Spanish Tax Department!"

The former might still be negotiable, but the latter's attitude forced Florentino to compromise.

The Spanish Tax Department strongly protected Suker!

They emphasized that Suker could not be involved in this incident.

They even stated in a strong tone that they could lose the Spanish National Team captain, but not a super taxpayer! (LMAO)

In the evening, Zorancic rushed to Real Madrid's training base.

"I have already conveyed your concerns to the Spanish Tax Department as you requested. They said they would strengthen your protection and ensure no accidents happen to you."

After Suker finished talking with Florentino, Suker found Zorancic and asked him to convey his concerns to the Spanish Tax Department.

A simple 'I am very troubled' made the Spanish Tax Department act as if they were injected with adrenaline.

After all, Suker was a major taxpayer who paid his taxes in full. Anyone else could have an accident, but Suker… could not!

If Suker were to have an accident and move to another League, his taxes would also transfer there.

Therefore, for their own interests, they could not let Suker have problems.

Raise a dog for a thousand days, use it for an hour!

This club conflict might evolve into a widespread impact. Although Suker also wanted to drive Mourinho away, he couldn't get involved.

At the very least, he couldn't be dragged into this incident.

And ever since his conversation with Florentino ended, Suker clearly felt that the old bastard wanted to use him as a pawn to share some of the firepower directed at Casillas.

But Suker was not just a simple player!

He also had backing in Spain!

Moreover, his backing was the entire tax department, extending upwards to the true powerful figures of Spain!

If they wanted a share of the taxes he paid, then they had to 'protect' him.

Suker paid so much in taxes; it wasn't for them to just take it for free.

When there's trouble, you have to step up!

Just like this time, Suker merely expressed some difficulties, and these guys immediately called Florentino to pressure him.

Through this, Florentino should also understand that Suker had people protecting him.

It was impossible to use him as a pawn.

That's why he turned to look for other solutions.

To put it nicely, it was a necessary sacrifice.

To put it bluntly, Casillas became a chess piece.

And Suker, relying on his connections, stayed out of it!

It was very difficult to mess with Suker in Spain.

In just two short years, the chain of interests generated by Suker had spread horizontally and vertically.

Because of these interests, they would actively protect him and not let him get involved in trouble.

When Suker returned to the locker room, he found that Casillas had already left.

Given what happened today, it was understandable how frustrated Casillas must have been.

And it greatly embarrassed him as the Captain.

Only after Suker entered did the locker room's conversations resume slightly.

Suker was changing his clothes, and almost all the other players were gathered around him.

Even Spanish players like Ramos, Carvajal, Nacho, and Albiol were surrounding Suker.

"I feel like this incident is going to escalate," Ramos said worriedly. "Iker is very angry this time."

"More than just angry, I feel stifled just watching it!" Nacho frowned.

"Mr. Perez's favoritism this time is a bit excessive, isn't it?" Albiol spoke.

As these Spanish players spoke, they occasionally looked at Suker.

Obviously, they wanted to hear some inside information from Suker.

As for newcomers like Casemiro and Kroos, they completely didn't understand what had happened.

They only knew that the Captain and the Head Coach had argued, but they weren't sure why the argument was so fierce.

Even though they were in the best position to gossip, they couldn't make sense of it, so their faces were full of curiosity.

However, Suker would not reveal too much to them.

"Do your training well. These are not things you should be concerned with," Suker said calmly. "This is just a small conflict, just like Mr. Perez said, it's a clash of different opinions, nothing major. Haven't you ever argued?"

Suker was clearly trying to smooth things over, but seeing his attitude, they knew they wouldn't get a clear answer.

Instead, Ramos patted Suker's shoulder and whispered, "I'll come to your place tonight, and we can talk."

Suker opened his mouth, then finally shook his head helplessly.

"I understand!"

In the evening, Ramos arrived at Suker's villa as scheduled.

This time, Srna, Kaka, Benzema, and others were not present; Suker had clearly intentionally sent them away.

Suker poured Ramos a glass of water and asked, "What do you want to talk about?"

Ramos frowned, "What exactly is going on? I don't understand it anymore."

Suker glanced at Ramos. For ordinary players, this was indeed a bit baffling.

Ramos knew that Mourinho was already on the Spanish Football Association's blacklist.

But Florentino was 'protecting' Mourinho.

This was very strange!

"You don't need to understand!" Suker sighed. To be honest, Florentino would resolve this matter within a limited scope and would not let the conflict spread.

After all, ensuring Real Madrid's combat effectiveness was also a fundamental issue.

This also ensured that Florentino could not involve too many players.

"But I feel very uneasy," Ramos frowned. "This is too strange."

Suker: "Just play normally. This matter won't affect you much. Even if there are problems, they will be temporary and will end soon!"

Ramos quickly grasped the key point.

"So it will affect Iker?"

Suker glanced at Ramos: "Don't think too much, Mr. Perez will solve everything."

After a pause, Suker added, "If Iker needs help, you can go and help him."

"Iker needs help?" Ramos understood even less.

Suker waved his hand irritably: "Let's stop here. Damn it, the season hasn't even started, and there are too many Troubles. Can't I just play football in peace?"

Suker turned his head: "Did you have dinner? I'll make you durian-flavored pizza!"

Ramos rolled his eyes.

This was a clear hint for him to leave.

Although he didn't understand much, Suker's assurance that it had nothing to do with most of the players relieved Ramos.

He was still somewhat worried about Casillas, but at least he himself wouldn't be in trouble, right?

Suker's words could still be trusted.

As soon as Ramos left, Kaka, Srna, Benzema, Di Maria, Bale, and others swarmed in.

"Are you all coming as a group?" Suker said unhappily.

"Tell us!" Benzema said with a curious look. "I'm too curious."

The others also stared at Suker with wide eyes.

This feeling of not fully understanding the gossip was simply terrible.

"You'll know later. Anyway, it has nothing to do with you," Suker said unhappily. "Is your training volume not enough? Tomorrow I'll suggest to Pintus that you all do extra training!"

"You f***ing monster be a human being!" Srna immediately cursed. "Because of you, we're all dragged into this, and now extra training? Do you want us to die?"

"Me dragged?" Suker widened his eyes. "When did I drag you into anything?"

Kaka said faintly, "Because of you, Pintus changed the training plan. Now it's double the usual training. Casemiro and Kroos seem to have thrown up again!"

"It's been the third day, and they're still throwing up?" Suker was stunned for a moment.

"The training volume has increased, what else can they do but throw up?"

"That's for your own good!" Suker said.

He knew very well that with the start of this season, the tiki-taka myth would be broken, and the full-pitch sprint tactic would dominate the entire football world.

Whether it was offense or defense, this sprinting system had to be integrated.

The era of positional play was over!

The era of sprinting was next!

Guardiola at Bayern Munich would change his tactics, and a tactical system more suitable for Germany would emerge, which included a large amount of running.

Borussia Dortmund, let alone!

Based on these two teams, the Bundesliga's style of play would also shift towards fast-paced, high-intensity offense and defense transitions.

The Premier League, even more so, everyone was like a mad dog!

If La Liga and Real Madrid still stuck to their old ways and didn't adapt to this system, they would eventually be eliminated.

And among these, physical fitness was key!

Since 2010, the demands for physical fitness in football have continuously risen.

And now, the importance of physical fitness is gradually being reflected!

In the future, it will evolve towards abnormal average running distances per game.

When this tactic is established, it can be said with great responsibility that various dynasties before 2000 would collapse against the mid-table teams of today's Big Five Leagues.

Just the running distance alone would be unbearable for the opponent.

Real Madrid indeed paid great attention to physical training, but it was not enough!

After all, there was still a long way to go before Pintus made the entire team throw up.

In the later period of Real Madrid in the original timeline, Pintus's physical training was much more intense than this.

He wouldn't stop until everyone threw up.

And it was also based on this training method that Real Madrid's ability to play tough matches in situations of being behind or in a stalemate became higher and higher.

This also laid the foundation for Real Madrid's many Champions League titles and their ability to maintain physical fitness in multi-front competitions.

It can be said without hesitation that behind Real Madrid's many Champions League titles was Pintus's almost perverted physical training.