The All-Around Center Forward

"Oh!!! My God!!! Suker!!!"

González jumped up, cheering loudly.

This goal came too suddenly. He thought Suker was going to pass the ball to the sides, but it was a feint and a pull, pulling the ball to the left and then shooting with his left foot.

Suker is ambipedal!

He can shoot with both feet, and both feet are very accurate.

If the right side is blocked, Suker can still pull to the left and continue shooting; there is no such thing as a weak foot.

Because of this, Suker's shots are even harder to defend against.

The sudden goal made the Stade Louis II erupt in a frenzy.

Tens of thousands of Real Madrid fans, who were just complaining about the defense a second ago, suddenly saw a goal.

Each and every one of them jumped up in excitement.

On the field, the Real Madrid players were even more stunned; they were also a bit dazed.

Especially Benzema!

He had already pointed at his feet, making a passing motion.

But Suker suddenly shot himself, and it went in.

He could only awkwardly withdraw his hand. If he had shot himself, it was truly uncertain whether it would have gone in or not.

Roar!!!!!

Suker roared in the corner area, venting the feel oppressed in his heart.

The other Real Madrid players also immediately rushed over.

With this goal, the pressure in their hearts eased considerably.

Marcelo was also invigorated, no longer so anxious.

A goal greatly boosted their morale and form.

Mourinho on the sidelines also exhaled slowly and nodded slightly.

Suker is still trustworthy!

Stepping up at such a moment and scoring a goal has a great promoting effect on them.

On the bench, Casillas's mouth was slightly agape, making an expression of amazement.

Ramos also grinned; "Suker's shooting accuracy is too high!"

That shot just now, under such hurried circumstances, Suker still controlled the angle and power. If it were most other players, stabilizing their body to exert force would be a problem, but Suker not only exerted force but also kept the ball low, and the angle was just right.

"There was no obvious swing in his leg; it felt like a poke!" Casillas said.

Callejón: "Poking the ball is even more difficult. It's harder to control the angle with a poke. I always feel that Suker's poke is different from others."

Suker indeed poked the ball in. Even though his supporting foot's toes were not pointing towards the shooting angle, he still managed to bend his ankle and execute a precise poke.

And all of this is based on Suker's formidable shooting technique.

Suker's goal made the Atletico Madrid players' expressions become solemn.

Especially Simeone on the sidelines, whose mental pressure increased sharply.

Real Madrid was clearly on the verge of collapse from their onslaught, but Suker's goal somehow managed to turn the situation around.

This was not good news for them.

Simeone took a few steps forward, came to the sidelines, and shouted; "You're playing too complicated! Pass the ball to Costa, don't worry if there's anyone around him!"

The Atletico Madrid players still wanted to pass the ball to players in better positions.

Although many times, Costa made passing movements, they still hesitated.

This is the team's different understanding of a target man, or a battering ram.

They are not yet accustomed to the role of a battering ram-type center forward!

These types of center forwards, regardless of whether there is anyone nearby, are best at turning and shooting while resisting an opponent.

Therefore, no matter how Costa is positioned, as long as he calls for the ball, it must be passed to him.

The match restarted.

Under Simeone's reminder, Atletico Madrid's offense became simpler and more direct.

Especially Diego Costa, this beast finally started to exert himself.

He carried Carvalho, turning and shooting repeatedly.

However, either he couldn't control the accuracy, or the Goalkeeper saved it.

Adán's performance was still relatively stable.

Of course, this was also due to Costa not having many shooting opportunities.

But even so, in repeated confrontations, Carvalho was under great pressure, and his physical exertion was even greater.

And Costa was also very smart; he would just pick on one person.

Carvalho was older and easier to bully, so he naturally wouldn't pick on Pepe!

For the remainder of the time, Real Madrid was on the defensive, and Atletico Madrid attacked.

Ultimately, Real Madrid maintained their lead in the first half.

Halftime.

Inside the Real Madrid locker room.

"You're thinking too much. Try to play simpler. If they call for the ball up front, pass it; don't insist on shifting it to the sides!"

Srna spoke until his throat was dry.

In the first half, he was so tired!

Not only did he have to defend his own area, but he also had to overlap.

From time to time, he even had to cover for Carvalho. The 45 minutes left him breathless.

Suker also looked at Srna with a slight frown.

It wasn't that Srna's performance was bad, but rather a recovery issue.

These two seasons have indeed been very tiring.

The season just ended, then immediately the European Cup, and after the European Cup, they immediately entered the new season. They had almost no time to rest.

But even so, Suker and others still recovered their form and physical condition through a small amount of rest.

However, Srna clearly had some difficulty recovering.

This is almost certainly related to age; the older one gets, the worse their recovery ability.

The decline in form and physical condition is first reflected in recovery ability.

If you can't recover, your physical condition will naturally worsen!

As physical condition worsens, form also gradually declines!

But the current Real Madrid cannot do without Srna!

If even Srna has problems, or if he rests, Real Madrid will surely collapse this season.

Supplement?

Suker shook his head.

When you get older, recovery is poor, and absorption is also poor.

Supplements won't help!

Suker then looked at Kaka.

Kaka's breathing was also relatively rapid, slightly better than Srna's.

But now Kaka was already playing with ankle support bandages to prevent injury.

They also knew that once injured, their recovery speed would decrease, further affecting their form.

Therefore, they were also trying their best to avoid injuries!

Ha~~~~

Suker couldn't help but sigh.

He didn't feel much before, but now he could clearly feel that these old guys were gradually entering the final years of their careers.

"Suker!"

Without giving Suker any time for reflection, Mourinho began to set up tactics.

Mourinho heavily criticized the defenders' performance during halftime. Their defense was not stable enough, which led to the offense not being able to push forward, and even Suker was forced to drop back.

Football is a whole, and local chaos affects the overall situation.

If Suker and Kaka didn't drop back, Real Madrid wouldn't even think about scoring and might be suppressed by Atletico Madrid.

Suker's goal certainly solved some problems and boosted morale, but it was not enough to make them relax.

However, Mourinho still sent Ramos out to warm up.

Suppression also needs to be controlled, and Mourinho did not want Real Madrid to collapse due to his own pressure.

In the second half, the match between the two sides became even more intense.

Especially Diego Costa, who repeatedly created crises in front of the Real Madrid goal, even forcing Carvalho to foul.

When Carvalho received a yellow card, Mourinho finally made a substitution.

In the 60th minute, Carvalho and Khedira were substituted out.

Ramos and Kroos came on as substitutes.

With these two on the field, especially Ramos, who came on wearing the captain's armband, Real Madrid's defense finally stabilized thanks to Ramos's fierce defending.

Why didn't they do that earlier!

Commentator González almost blurted out what he was thinking.

Suppression is suppression, but Ramos really cannot play as a substitute; Real Madrid's defense needs to be stable.

As for Casillas, he remained sidelined, and Mourinho had no intention of reinstating him.

Mourinho even planned to find an excellent Goalkeeper in the winter transfer window to replace Casillas.

That's right!

Mourinho intended to completely get rid of Casillas!

Of course, Casillas would not sit idly by, which meant that their conflict would continue to escalate.

In the 76th minute, Real Madrid counterattacked, and Bale assisted Benzema for the second goal, which gave Real Madrid the upper hand, and they also got rid of that precarious feeling.

Although there was still some gap compared to their peak, it was no longer so chaotic.

In the 89th minute, Atletico Madrid scored from a corner kick with a header from Costa, which the Goalkeeper Adán fumbled, and Falcao followed up to score.

Finally, the match ended, with Real Madrid defeating Atletico Madrid 2:1, securing their second trophy of the season.

And Mourinho, in his three seasons coaching Real Madrid, had won ten trophies for the club, creating a new milestone!

However, this did not make everyone happy.

While winning the championship was certainly exciting and joyful, the fans of Real Madrid couldn't quite smile when they thought of the internal conflicts within the team and the life-and-death struggle between Casillas and Mourinho.

Even when lifting the trophy, Casillas only made a brief appearance before quickly disappearing without a trace.

Facing media interviews, Mourinho also avoided discussing the conflicts.

The club had issued a gag order on the matter.

Suker and others were the same; they could talk about anything else, but the conflicts were strictly off-limits.

Real Madrid's pre-season matches were all over, and after returning, they would prepare for the new season.

They stayed in Monaco for one night, preparing to embark on their journey back the next day.

However, in the evening, Mourinho initiative sought out Suker.

The two went to Mourinho's room to talk.

This was also the first time Mourinho had taken the initiative to approach Suker for a discussion.

Mourinho's room was very messy!

He was not a tidy person; the bed was covered with clothes, and a suitcase was open by the door, filled with various items piled up haphazardly.

Many crumpled papers lay scattered on the floor, desk, and other surfaces; regardless of Mourinho's personality, he was definitely a dedicated Head Coach.

Suker threw the crumpled papers from the chair into the trash can, pulled out the chair, and sat down.

Mourinho, on the other hand, sat on the bed and talked with Suker.

"Suker, I don't think there's much conflict between us. To be honest, I admire you greatly; you are the most outstanding forward I have ever seen!" Mourinho immediately showered Suker with praise.

If it were anyone else, receiving such praise from Mourinho would have made them ecstatic, but Suker merely smiled and nodded: "Thank you for the compliment; I still need to work harder."

Mourinho narrowed his eyes slightly; these were not the words he wanted to hear.

Cough, cough~~

Mourinho cleared his throat: "How do you view this incident?"

"Iker has already apologized to me," Suker said casually.

Casillas did not apologize publicly, but he did apologize to Suker in front of his teammates and received Suker's understanding.

As for that woman, Sara, Suker didn't care at all.

"You know I'm not talking about that," Mourinho said, looking directly at Suker: "I hope to get your support. You also know that the core of a club should be the Head Coach; only then can the club operate healthily and swiftly. They simply don't understand what problems the first team has, nor do they know exactly what the mole has done!"

Suker grinned.

"They" in Mourinho's words referred to the club's high-ranking officials, which could also point to Florentino.

The mole was self-evident.

"I am the person who understands the first team best, and I am confident that I can build a good team. As long as you support me, I will give you a more significant tactical role." He paused, then Mourinho said seriously, "Even if you don't consider these things, you should consider yourself and your teammates, right? Srna and Kaka are getting old. According to Real Madrid's tradition, they will be cleared out. I can help you with that."

Suker was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Mourinho frowned: "What are you laughing at?"

Suker waved his hand: "Sorry, I'm not laughing at you. I just find it a bit surprising; I didn't expect you to tell me all this."

Mourinho sighed: "I really hope to get your support. You know what I want."

Suker pursed his lips.

Suker had already made this clear to Mourinho, so Mourinho no longer spoke in riddles.

"Why do you insist on transfer rights? Even without them, you can get everything you want. If it weren't for transfer rights, things wouldn't have turned out this way now," Suker said sincerely.

Mourinho: "Stability is the root cause of a club's progress. Look at Manchester United in the past, look at Arsenal in the past. A Manager is more stable than a Head Coach. Manchester United's treble, Arsenal's unbeaten championship—these were all achieved based on stability. Of course, I'm also doing it for myself. I want to build Real Madrid into the image I have in my mind, so I need transfer rights!"

Suker sighed inwardly; Mourinho had made it clear enough.

But Suker couldn't side with Mourinho!

Indeed, what Mourinho said was not wrong; what Suker needed was indeed stability.

However, Suker couldn't spend several seasons, several years, fighting alongside Mourinho for this.

Also, Mourinho underestimated Florentino too much.

He thought he had subdued Florentino with his achievements, but the latter could do anything for the power in his hands.

It could be said that unless Florentino was removed from the presidency, this matter would not succeed.

"I think I still need to consider it," Suker said.

Mourinho showed a hint of joy and nodded: "Of course, I am willing to wait for your answer!"

Suker glanced at Mourinho.

I'm afraid you won't be able to wait!

Suker left Mourinho's room; their conversation didn't last too long.

When Suker returned to his room, he found that his room was again surrounded by people.

Kaka, Bale, Benzema, Pepe, Di Maria, and all of Suker's direct subordinates were gathered there.

However, Srna, Casemiro, and Carvalho were absent.

Clearly, seeing this setup, they knew what was going to be discussed, and since they couldn't participate, they left.

"What did Mourinho talk to you about?" Kaka asked.

Suker glanced at Kaka, took off his shoes, climbed onto the bed, couldn't help but sigh, and asked, "Tell me your thoughts!"

"What thoughts?" Benzema asked.

Suker: "What do you think of Mourinho?"

Hearing this, everyone exchanged glances.

Benzema pursed his lips and said, "To be honest, I don't like him very much."

Bale, beside him, also scratched his cheek: "I feel the same as Karim!"

Suker looked at Pepe, who shrugged: "I don't really care!"

Suker then looked at Di Maria, who sighed: "Mourinho is admirable, but I don't like his tactical style!"

Suker exhaled.

Just as expected!

"He simply doesn't give us a chance to show ourselves."

"Our tactics are always simple and crude, with no aesthetic appeal whatsoever!"

"Pass, receive, pass, receive—it's really boring!"

"When Diarra tried to dribble and failed, it was certainly due to his own mistake, but when facing a dribbling attempt, shouldn't it be encouraged? And to clear out Diarra for just one mistake, that's a bit too harsh!"

"Sometimes I can't even breathe; the pressure he gives is too much!"

"He uses us like machines, but people make mistakes. Sometimes I don't even dare to make a move."

One by one, the players spoke up.

Suker listened quietly.

Players are also human; they also have their desire to perform, especially on the stage of Real Madrid, where they naturally want to perform even better.

However, Mourinho's tactical characteristic was to eliminate individuality to the extreme and expand the collective.

In the grand scheme of things, this was a good thing, fostering teamwork.

But the problem was that Mourinho ignored the fact that these players were human!

Living, breathing people!

They also had their own personalities and pursuits.

Blindly imposing so-called collectivism and eliminating individuality ultimately led to this situation.

Suker didn't demand these things, so he had honors and statistics.

He could gain immense benefits from these things; he was the biggest beneficiary, so he wasn't qualified to say too much.

But others weren't!

Just like Benzema, when he played in Ligue 1, he had a graceful, technical style, but after coming to Real Madrid, he began to play as a target forward.

Making him drop back to make plays was already uncomfortable enough.

But on top of that, Mourinho made Benzema physically contend with opposing defenders, doing only dirty and tiring work.

It was fine at first, but as time went on and they accumulated more honors, their aspirations grew, and problems began to emerge.

Although they won championships for it, it also eliminated self-expression to the extreme.

How could Benzema possibly like Mourinho's tactics!

Di Maria was constantly adjusting and changing positions!

Bale, on the other hand, was pushed to the wing, not allowed to approach the center, and was scolded every time he did.

And none of these people would allow Suker to shake hands and ally with Mourinho!

Suker sighed: "I understand what you mean."

They all nodded and left; their purpose in coming was to tell Suker that they did not approve of Suker cooperating with Mourinho!