The All-Around Center Forward

Inside the business van, Suker and Florentino were on their way back to the hotel.

Nasser's sudden intrusion made the whole situation extremely awkward!

Being caught by the boss while poaching his staff was indeed a bit embarrassing.

In European football, there are clear regulations against private contact during player and coach transfers.

But beneath this rule, there's an unwritten understanding: 'contact is allowed,' as long as it isn't discovered.

Even if it is discovered, it just results in a fine and moral condemnation through the media, nothing more.

Therefore, this is a hidden rule in European football; even if the boss genuinely found out, he wouldn't barge in directly like Nasser and make the atmosphere so awkward.

"Why did Nasser suddenly appear there?" Suker turned and asked.

Florentino: "I don't know either!"

Although they found an excuse, it didn't hold water.

Moreover, Florentino's identity was already sensitive, and Nasser wouldn't be a fool to believe it.

Was it really a coincidence?

But if it wasn't a coincidence, then who arranged it?

Ultimately, it was too much of a coincidence.

"What do we do next?" Suker asked.

Florentino calmly replied, "What else can be done?"

Suker was surprised.

So unconcerned?

Suker thought for a moment, then looked up and said, "Was it arranged by you?"

Florentino turned his head: "Why would you think that?"

Suker grinned.

How could he not think crookedly!

Real Madrid's methods of enticing people are endless.

There was once the 'transfer hype method,' which involved extensively publicizing through the media that Real Madrid was interested in a certain player, and then constantly disrupting that player's mindset through this method.

After all, Real Madrid's prestige is undeniable.

It can be said that if Real Madrid sets its sights on a player, it's rare for them not to acquire him.

Real Madrid has legitimate ways in transfers, but also many other methods.

Just like being caught this time.

Was it really just a simple catching in the act?

Who benefits most from this incident?

Nasser?

No! He merely stumbled upon this meeting, preventing their conversation, but it wasn't particularly beneficial to him.

Ancelotti?

Even less likely; the old man wouldn't joke with his reputation.

Suker knew it wasn't himself.

So the answer was obvious.

If it wasn't an accident, it was highly likely orchestrated by Florentino himself.

As for the purpose...

That would be to sever Nasser's trust in Ancelotti!

However, Suker wasn't entirely sure!

"Can we still play the friendly match tomorrow?"

Suker asked.

He was afraid Nasser would cancel the friendly match in a fit of anger.

"Why not play?" Florentino smiled, "They signed the contract, and the money has been paid; they wouldn't want to lose money!"

He waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, it won't affect you."

Florentino seemed very calm, showing no embarrassment from being caught.

Suker still entered the hotel through the underground parking lot and went straight back to his room.

"You're back?"

Kaka was still studying the Bible.

He never seemed to tire of reading it, whatever was written inside.

Of course, in Kaka's words, it was devotion!

Kaka didn't ask Suker what he had been doing, which saved Suker from having to make something up.

After changing into comfortable clothes, Suker washed his face, brushed his teeth, and went straight to bed.

"Did the boss call you?"

Suker suddenly asked.

"Boss?" Kaka turned his head.

The only person Suker would call that was Ancelotti.

"No!" Kaka shook his head; "Not for a while!"

Suker nodded, yawning.

"Let's sleep!"

Kaka turned his head: "You just got back and you're sleeping?"

Suker: "I'm tired!"

With that, he lay down for a moment, and Kaka heard a steady breathing sound.

This guy was asleep!

Kaka shook his head, turned on his bedside lamp, and then turned off the main light in the room.

After reading the Bible for a while, Kaka also felt sleepy, lay down on the bed, and fell into a deep sleep.

The next day.

Suker still woke up early, went for a run around the hotel to activate his body.

When Suker arrived at the cafeteria, Real Madrid players were also arriving one after another.

They ate very little for breakfast!

Especially new players like Kroos and Casemiro.

Although they had gained Mourinho's 'favor,' they still had to prove themselves through performance at Real Madrid.

If their performance was too poor, even if Mourinho and Suker strongly supported them, they would still be pulled down.

Suker or Mourinho could help them set the stage, but whether they could secure a starting position depended on their performance.

Suker had just finished eating and was walking back when Assistant Coach Faria suddenly stopped him.

"Are you going to Paris?"

Suker: "?? Aren't we in Paris?"

Faria shook his head; "I mean, are you transferring to Paris?"

Suker blinked: "Am I crazy?"

Why would he go to Paris Saint-Germain!

Did he no longer want the Ballon d'Or?

Hearing this, Faria slowly exhaled, pulling out a news report from his phone.

"Take a look!"

This was a report from French sports media, stating that according to the latest revelations from Paris, they were about to initiate transfer operations for Suker.

They had prepared 300 million euros for a transfer plan early on, and would invest even more later.

At the same time, Paris Saint-Germain's Executive Chairman Nasser revealed that they were very interested in Suker, and were even willing to invest huge funds to bring the most outstanding active star to Paris.

Suker was completely stunned!

What was Paris Saint-Germain up to?

They were interested in him?

Investing 300 million euros upfront?

Did they really think the Financial Fair Play committee was blind?

Faria said, "Although this is impossible, I still want to hear it from you directly, and it says here that they have already contacted your agent!"

"Bullshit!" Suker said angrily.

He understood a bit now.

This was probably Nasser's small revenge!

They didn't expose Florentino's private contact with Ancelotti, but used other methods to warn and disgust Florentino.

Could Paris Saint-Germain buy Suker?

Yes!

These oil-rich 'princes' could really do such a thing.

As long as Suker nodded, they would likely raise funds and bypass the Financial Fair Play regulations to bring Suker over.

If Suker wanted to make money, Paris Saint-Germain was definitely the best choice.

Suker's salary at Real Madrid was very high.

But at Paris Saint-Germain, these guys could give him 1-2 times his salary.

After all, ever since the Qatari group took over Paris Saint-Germain, they have been known for their 'extravagance.'

But Suker was not just chasing money!

What Suker truly wanted, Paris Saint-Germain couldn't give him.

"I won't go to Paris Saint-Germain, don't worry about it!"

Suker patted Faria on the shoulder.

Although his relationship with Mourinho was not good, his relationship with Faria was quite good.

Mourinho's personality was eccentric, autocratic, and he had a strong desire for control.

But Faria was different; he liked to be friends with players.

It was Mourinho's good fortune to have a friend like Faria.

After all, being Mourinho's friend was a very tiring thing.

In the morning, after some simple training, Mourinho reminded them of the tactics to be tested during the friendly match, and then there was nothing special.

Parc des Princes.

Both teams' players had arrived at their respective halves for warm-ups.

Since the pre-match agreement stipulated a non-public friendly, there were no reporters on the sidelines.

Real Madrid had been experiencing internal conflicts recently, especially the sharp contradiction between Mourinho and Casillas.

Therefore, Real Madrid also tried its best to ensure that these two would not appear in the same frame on camera.

To avoid any unexpected situations!

It was unavoidable for official matches, but for events like friendly matches, they would avoid it if possible.

Real Madrid was warming up on the left half of the field.

Paris Saint-Germain was on the right.

Thiago Silva turned to look at Real Madrid's half, and he saw Suker and Kaka.

He had been teammates with both of them.

Silva considered himself somewhat unlucky; he hadn't been able to benefit from Suker's rise.

If only he had joined AC Milan a few years earlier, when Milan's fighting strength was still very strong.

Although he might not have secured a starting position, he could have won the League and Champions League!

Not like now, with only a few championship titles.

Ever since Suker left Milan, as the veterans gradually retired from the first team, he also began to exert himself and secured a starting position at Milan.

But Milan at that time was no longer comparable to the Milan of the past.

Zlatan Ibrahimović also looked towards Real Madrid's half, and he looked at Suker.

As players of the same era, Zlatan Ibrahimović became famous earlier than Suker, but his later development exceeded his expectations.

Suker almost overtook him in a straight line, leaving him behind in just a few years.

For the sake of achievements, Zlatan Ibrahimović joined Barcelona, thinking he could create glory there.

But that season, they were still suppressed by Real Madrid.

Moreover, Zlatan Ibrahimović also understood that he couldn't get enough attention at Barcelona.

Therefore, he returned to Serie A!

However, Serie A had already declined by then.

The tigers had scattered, and the lion pride was gone!

Even winning the golden boot award for the season was meaningless, because Serie A was no longer the most watched League.

Now people are paying attention to La Liga and the Premier League.

Playing in Serie A was boring, so Zlatan Ibrahimović came to Ligue 1 to start fresh.

When Suker turned his head, he also noticed Zlatan Ibrahimović's gaze, but he didn't linger.

To be honest, he was quite annoyed with Zlatan Ibrahimović.

This guy's trash talk was really annoying!

That self-proclaimed 'God' tone was also a bit obnoxious!

After Zlatan Ibrahimović returned to Serie A, this guy developed a bit of a bossy demeanor.

He got into many fights in Serie A and accumulated quite a notorious reputation.

However, many of the people he beat were new players; most of those from his era who remained were cowards.

After all, the old guys from the previous era, the awesome ones, had already retired.

Now Zlatan Ibrahimović dares to grab opponents by the collar and beat them up.

But during Suker's time at Milan, in that Milan Derby, when Maldini grabbed Chiellini by the collar and angrily rebuked him, Zlatan Ibrahimović, who was standing by, didn't dare to utter a peep.

Suker indeed felt that current players had become more civilized in their play.

All talk, no action!

Of course, this is also a manifestation of improved professional ethics.

But back then, it was truly a fight at the slightest disagreement!

With more cowards, some people became arrogant.

Of course, Suker's reason for disliking Zlatan Ibrahimović was also that this guy disliked him!

"Alright, it's time to prepare for the warm-up match!"

Both teams' players went to their respective benches, took off their training bibs, and the starters went directly onto the field.

Since it was a warm-up match, many tedious ceremonies were simplified, and the game quickly entered match mode.

Starting lineups for both teams:

Paris Saint-Germain (4-1-2-1-2):

Goalkeeper: Sirigu.

Defenders: Maxwell, Thiago Silva, Alex, Jallet.

Midfielders: Matuidi, Verratti, Chantôme.

Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimović, Pastore, Ménez.

Real Madrid (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Casillas.

Defenders: Srna, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo.

Midfielders: Casemiro, Khedira, Kaka.

Forwards: Bale, Benzema, Suker.

Ancelotti is one of the few Head Coaches who still likes to use an attacking midfielder position.

For Ancelotti now, the attacking midfielder is the basis for giving the team creativity and attacking ability.

However, Ancelotti looked at Real Madrid's lineup.

The two most outstanding attacking midfielders of his coaching career are now on the opposing team.

Suker turned his head to look at Paris Saint-Germain's defensive line and positioning.

The 4-1-2-1-2 is a variation of the 4-4-2, presenting a midfield diamond formation in attack.

But in this formation, there is a big problem and issue.

That is Verratti!

This midfielder, only 165 cm tall, is only 20 years old this year.

Verratti is indeed an excellent midfielder, but his flaws are also very obvious.

The most crucial thing is to have Verratti play as a single defensive midfielder, even though it will turn into a 4-4-2 formation in defense.

But can he track back?

Furthermore, can Paris Saint-Germain really withstand Real Madrid's attack?

Suker felt that Ancelotti had been in Ligue 1 for two years, and his tactical thinking had been influenced by Ligue 1.

This is not a formation that a weak team should use against a strong team.

However, this formation is very 'Ancelotti'.

Ancelotti is a tactical master, and also an attacking master!

Ancelotti's tactics rely on a strong lineup; only a powerhouse can fully unleash his combat power.

In the original timeline, Ancelotti's Real Madrid was once famous for its 'deceptive tactics'.

Its core was fake possession-based play, real defensive counter-attack!

Everyone thought Real Madrid played possession-based football, and they were all trying to break the deadlock with possession-based approaches.

But no one knew that the core of this fake possession-based play was defensive counter-attacking!

One by one, they charged in headfirst, only to end up with bumps and bruises.

And by the time they suddenly realized that Ancelotti had set a trap for them, Real Madrid had already lifted the Champions League trophy.

What's more, that Real Madrid could switch between possession-based play and defensive counter-attack, making opponents even more confused, being able to be both sweet and salty, making them impossible to guard against.

But this kind of tactic is only suitable for powerhouses; it must have sufficient squad strength.

Otherwise, it will become a hybrid that is neither possession-based nor defensive counter-attacking, like a chimera.

This is also the reason why Ancelotti, when in charge of smaller teams, repeatedly overturned.

He has imaginative tactical ideas, but small teams simply cannot implement these tactics.

And Ancelotti also can't bring himself to learn from other coaches and put on a turtle shell, so his ultimate destination can only be a powerhouse!

Suker doesn't reject possession-based play!

Anyone who has played football knows that feeling: the side capable of controlling the game hopes to control it to the end, because having the ball at their feet truly gives them the initiative and a great sense of security.

As for the 'sweet and salty' switching tactics, that's even more incredible.

However, the current Real Madrid only plays defensive counter-attack, and can only play defensive counter-attack.

After all, their Head Coach is Mourinho!

This is a person who will not compromise with possession-based play!

Suker reined in his wandering thoughts; at this moment, the warm-up match was about to begin.

He turned his head to look.

Kaka nodded at Suker.

Beep!

The game began, the whistle blew.

The moment the whistle sounded, Suker immediately rushed forward to press.

Paris Saint-Germain also quickly released the ball, passing it around.

However, their cohesion was not very good, so their passing was not particularly smooth.

But Real Madrid's pressing intensity was not high, so they managed to pass the ball out, albeit with some stumbles.

However, when the ball was passed to Pastore, and he looked up to find Zlatan Ibrahimović, Kaka and Casemiro instantly closed in.

Casemiro, relying on his physical strength, immediately held off Pastore, while Kaka elegantly took the ball away.

"Beautiful!"

Kaka left a remark, then, without even looking up, he directly swung his right foot and powerfully struck the ball.

"Mine!!"

Benzema sprinted towards the penalty area, Kaka's pass was very deep.

Paris Saint-Germain's Goalkeeper saw this situation, and he was too nervous to come out, staying on the goal line.

Benzema held off Thiago Silva, he used the instep of his foot to nudge the ball, directly nudging it to a position in front of him.

But he was facing away from the goal at this time, unable to shoot.

But someone could shoot!

Swish!

Suker burst out from the side, and facing the ball, he directly took a tight-angle chip shot.

The ball curved past Alex in a small arc, accurately finding the bottom right corner of the goal.

Just 2 minutes into the game, Real Madrid scored.

The sudden goal left Paris Saint-Germain's players a bit stunned.

How did it go in!

How did it go in so easily?

Suker turned his head to look at the Paris players; none of them could keep up with him, so scoring was naturally easy.

This was the problem Suker mentioned earlier: in an attacking single defensive midfielder formation, Verratti was virtually useless; unless he fouled, he simply couldn't hold off Suker, nor could he keep up with Suker.

"Don't rush! Keep your composure!"

Ancelotti shouted from the sidelines; "The purpose of the warm-up match is to build cohesion, don't focus on the score, just show us what we need to test!"

After a pause, Ancelotti shouted: "Maxwell, pay attention to Suker's positioning!"

Maxwell couldn't help but grin.

He had already faced Suker during his time at Barcelona.

Now, he had to grapple with Suker again.

He knew this feeling, it was really bad!