The All-Around Center Forward

Mourinho truly gives no quarter; once he gains an advantage, he makes no mistakes in tactical adjustments or substitutions.

He won't suddenly play aggressively or spectacularly just to please the fans.

Calm, experienced, and steadily securing victory—that's Mourinho's style.

Borussia Dortmund is still too young!

A group of youngsters might genuinely be able to forge a future through sheer audacity, but upon entering the Champions League, Borussia Dortmund's form had not yet fully adjusted, and they were relatively unfamiliar with the Champions League.

At the very least, compared to Real Madrid, they indeed have a significant gap in experience.

"The match is almost over! Borussia Dortmund had some chances but couldn't convert them into goals. After Real Madrid gained the advantage, they hardly made any mistakes. This stable execution of the game is the hallmark of this Real Madrid team!"

González exclaimed.

In a 90-minute match, under intense competition and a rapid pace, maintaining focus and not making mistakes throughout the entire game is very difficult.

Many teams will make more or less mistakes. Although they might recover, if facing a strong opponent, these mistakes can be exploited to score goals and turn the tide.

Therefore, for any Champions League-winning strong team, this stability is crucial!

Real Madrid certainly has internal issues, but their experience remains, and coupled with Mourinho's reasonable adjustments, winning the match and securing victory is not a problem.

Moreover, Borussia Dortmund also failed to adjust to their best form, so Real Madrid played with more ease.

Soon, the 90-minute match ended.

Borussia Dortmund failed to score until the very end; they were constantly blocked by Real Madrid's 'Wall of Sighs,' unable to threaten Real Madrid's goal.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, used Bale's goal to ultimately defeat Borussia Dortmund 1-0.

This match perfectly demonstrated Mourinho's tactical characteristic: the one-goal victory theory!

Score one goal, the whole team retreats to defend, and Suker on the counter-attack always maintains his attacking threat, reducing some offensive pressure for the team.

However, the match was relatively dull.

Because even though Real Madrid won, the fans were still not very pleased.

After the match, Suker responded concisely to media interviews:

"The Head Coach dictates the tactics, and the players execute them. I am a member of Real Madrid and the on-field captain for this match, so I need to lead by example. Regardless of the process, we ultimately secured the victory, and that is already enough!"

The meaning behind Suker's words was clear.

This tactic has nothing to do with me; if you want trouble, find Mourinho.

The media also wanted to extract some locker room news from Suker, but Suker remained tight-lipped about it.

Winning is ultimately joyful, but this joy was not entirely complete; there was always a feeling of itchiness, not quite as satisfying.

While they did secure the victory, playing passively throughout the entire game made them feel very uncomfortable.

Suker also offered no words of comfort regarding this.

One can only say, this is Mourinho!

Hoping for Mourinho to play beautiful football is simply impossible.

And these Real Madrid superstars want more opportunities to perform, wanting to play more beautifully.

Under this mindset, new conflicts are slowly brewing.

Suker couldn't help but sigh.

It feels like Mourinho really won't last long!

This time, it's not just a simple personal conflict!

Instead, it directly targets Mourinho's tactical core; once this conflict erupts, Mourinho will have no place in Real Madrid's locker room!

Real Madrid's first Champions League group stage match ended.

Although they secured victory, defeating Borussia Dortmund.

However, instead of celebrating the victory, there was more dissatisfaction from the fans.

On YouTube, the official website, and even players' personal social networks, fans' intense criticisms were pouring in.

Of course, these criticisms were mostly directed at Mourinho.

But the latter didn't care about it at all, or rather, simply ignored it.

For Mourinho, whether fans complain or not, he only needs to secure victory.

He will use victory to conquer these people!

Suker also understood Mourinho's thoughts.

But he merely shook his head at this.

Mourinho is thinking too simply!

Real Madrid is different from the teams he coached before.

Previously, Mourinho and the fans supported each other, which was built on creating some common conflicts.

In the first season, fans expected Mourinho to lead the team to win the Champions League, so they could tolerate it.

In the second season, fans knew Real Madrid was aiming for a Champions League repeat, and facing this great achievement, they could also tolerate it.

But in the third season, the problem arose!

What else could they want?

What else do they want?

At this point, Real Madrid's so-called 'rich club' problems began to surface.

They naturally want the Champions League, and more titles, but on that basis... they want to play beautifully!

After completing their revival, entertainment became a demand from the fans.

It's like a group of people who are hungry and cold; originally, a meal and a cotton coat would satisfy them.

But as they started eating better and dressing more comfortably, they began to demand spiritual satisfaction.

Exactly!

Beautiful football is spiritual sustenance!

Not only must they win, but they must win beautifully!

This is an inevitable process.

But Mourinho cannot provide these.

Therefore, some conflicts are bound to happen.

Suker sat cross-legged on the sofa in the villa, holding a tablet computer about one and a half palms in size.

This was a newly released third-generation tablet, more convenient and fully functional than the previous two generations.

At this time, tablet computers could truly be called innovative and smart, unlike the first two generations, which were just two large bricks.

Suker lowered his eyes, looking at the comments on the screen, and couldn't help but let out a soft 'heh'.

On the YouTube football channel, there was widespread condemnation of Mourinho, with no shortage of extreme comments.

Moreover, these comments seemed to appear at a concentrated time, swarming like locusts.

This behavior made Suker think of a word.

'Keyboard Warrior'!

Someone was using online media to attack Mourinho.

Suker put down the tablet, slightly raised his chin, a hint of thought in his eyes.

Who could it be?

Casillas should be impossible; that guy can't even figure out a smartphone, like an old man.

Ramos is also equally clueless.

Florentino?

Suker sighed; Mourinho had too many enemies, which made it impossible for him to figure it out.

'Ding-a-ling'

The phone rang, and Suker answered the call.

Mandžukić's excited voice came from the other end of the line:

"Did you watch our match yesterday?"

Suker: "No, I went to bed early!"

...You should have watched it, we won 3-0 against Valencia."

Mandžukić's tone was very excited, indicating they had played a brilliant match.

Suker had no doubts about Bayern Munich's performance this season.

In terms of competitive ability and form alone, they were superior to Real Madrid.

"What? Did you get a hat-trick?"

"An assist hat-trick!"

"Oh, wow!" Suker laughed: "A pivot getting three assists, you're in great form!"

Mandžukić: "Mainly because the striker is amazing, every pass connects!"

Suker raised an eyebrow: "Ronaldo scored?"

Suker had been following Mourinho's news and hadn't paid attention to Bayern Munich's matches.

He only knew they won, but how many goals, and who scored them, he hadn't checked.

"Exactly, that guy's form is simply incredible!" Mandžukić exclaimed; "I finally understand why Luka praises him so much. He scored two goals in three League matches, but when he plays in the Champions League, it's like he's on fire. He scored a hat-trick in the first group stage match, completely stunning Valencia in the first half!"

Suker narrowed his eyes slightly; he felt he really needed to watch the replay.

"Did you call me just to tell me all this?" Suker asked.

"How could that be? I'm not that bored." After a pause, Mandžukić said; "Did you hear about Daniel?"

Suker nodded; "I heard he's going back to Dinamo Zagreb to play!"

"He's already gone back!" Mandžukić sighed; "It feels like we just left the Croatian League, but someone has already started their journey back."

"No choice, his form has declined severely. Staying in the Premier League won't get him opportunities. It's better to go back to the Croatian League and play a few more games; at least he can adjust."

"Exactly, that's what I think too. For Daniel, this isn't a bad thing!"

"Have you called him?" Suker asked.

Mandžukić: "No, I don't dare to. That guy has a very strong sense of self-esteem. If I call him, he'll know I'm trying to comfort him, and that will only make him feel more uncomfortable."

"Good job." Suker nodded. "Clearly, Daniel needs some alone time. We can't help with this kind of thing."

"Right, sigh… I feel like we're all getting old."

"I'm still young!" Suker scoffed.

Mandžukić smiled. "I want to tell you something. I'm planning to hold my wedding at the end of December, during the winter transfer window."

Suker was surprised. "You're marrying Ivanka?"

Mandžukić's girlfriend was named Ivanka. The two had always been very low-key, dating for many years, but there had been no news of marriage.

Suker raised an eyebrow. "Are you… expecting?"

"Not yet!" Mandžukić said, amused. "You think everyone's like you?!"

Suker gave an awkward laugh.

"Remember to come to my wedding. It's just a small ceremony. I just want to gather with my friends and get your blessings!"

Suker smiled. "What do you want? Tell me, I'll satisfy you this time!"

"Really?"

Suker nodded. "Really!"

Mandžukić: "…I want the National Team's number 9…"

Click!

Suker directly hung up the phone, saying irritably, "I told you to think of a gift, not make a wish!"

On the other side, in the Bayern Munich locker room, Mandžukić listened to the 'du du du' sound of the busy signal and chuckled wryly.

"Mario, we should go to training!"

Cristiano Ronaldo walked over and patted Mandžukić's shoulder.

Mandžukić nodded and stood up. "Okay, partner!"

Suker was still sitting on the sofa, watching Bayern Munich's match videos.

Valencia's form was good. For them to draw Real Madrid in the first round wasn't just luck; strength was also a factor.

But Bayern Munich still defeated Valencia, and it was a three-nil sweep, with no suspense.

That's right, it was a sweep!

Watching the match replay, Suker could clearly see that Bayern Munich had controlled the rhythm of the game from the very first moment.

Guardiola had given Bayern Munich more technical characteristics, making the team smoother in counterattacks and pressing.

Their previously somewhat stiff counterattacks were now played fluidly and naturally.

In this match, Thomas Müller started, while Robben and Franck Ribéry were both on the bench.

It's imaginable that Robben wasn't too happy about it!

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival would inevitably take up resources, and specifically Robben's resources. Given Robben's personality, he would naturally compete.

But the Bayern Munich management's attitude was clearly in support of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Was buying him for a hundred million pounds just for fun?

Robben had to accept it, whether he liked it or not!

Bayern Munich wouldn't let that money go to waste!

Even if it meant suppressing Robben, they wouldn't hesitate!

And in this match, Cristiano Ronaldo displayed an extremely terrifying performance.

Actively dropping back, midfield orchestration!

Rapid breakthroughs on the wing!

Cutting inside and shooting!

Heading in the middle!

And each skill was top-notch!

He even integrated into the team with almost no time for adjustment.

And that wasn't all!

If Robben were to yield later and be willing to set up goals for Cristiano Ronaldo, with these two guys on the left and right…

Robben's cutting inside would attract the defense, freeing up Cristiano Ronaldo, allowing the latter to shoot more calmly.

With Cristiano Ronaldo's shooting efficiency, this guy would experience a complete explosion!

Suker put down the tablet again, unable to help but sigh.

First Messi!

Then Cristiano Ronaldo!

These two guys are truly persistent!

In the future, there will be more challenges for him.

Neymar, Griezmann, Robben, Franck Ribéry, and so on…

Suker shook his head. This was going to be another turbulent season!

Around 4 o'clock, Suker got up, left the room, and drove to the football school, ready to pick up Sukic.

Zorancic had work, so Suker had been taking care of the child recently.

Arriving at the school gate, Suker didn't get out of the car but waited inside.

After a moment, the children came out one after another.

"Over there!"

Looking at the Rolls-Royce by the roadside, Sukic pointed to the car and said, "Let's go, Papa's there!"

Suker, Luca, and Enzo, the three boys, sat in a row in the back seat.

Suker picked up three at once!

Marcelo and Kaka had also called Suker; after all, picking up one was the same as picking up three.

The three little guys got along very well, chattering non-stop in the back.

"Next year we can go play in the academy team," Luca said.

Sukic: "We won't be able to play with these little kids anymore; they can't even pass accurately!"

Suker glanced in the rearview mirror.

Aren't you just a little kid yourself?

Real Madrid's youth academy had age stratification.

The youngest academy team was for 7-year-olds!

Next year, these three little guys would all be five, but based on their performance, they could completely skip a level and enter the academy.

In youth academies, there were also many talented players who played up a level.

In football, if you don't play up a level, you can't be called a genius.

And these three guys themselves had very good talent.

"Papa, does the academy have many games to play?" Sukic asked, and the other two little guys also looked over curiously.

Suker looked at the car and casually said, "There are internal matches and external matches. Only by excelling in internal matches can you represent the youth training base in external matches."

"Are the opponents in external matches very strong?" Kaka's son asked.

Suker glanced at Luca. "Very strong. Youth training is not lacking in talented players. Being able to play in external matches is almost a certificate of genius; otherwise, you wouldn't be able to stand out in internal matches."

"That's great! I want to defeat them!"

Enzo said, grinning.

Suker glanced at the three of them, cleared his throat, and said, "Don't think about those things yet. Being able to start playing external matches at your normal age is enough. Skipping grades can be discussed when you're older!"

At the child stage, physical development changes year by year.

A six-year-old absolutely cannot compete with a seven-year-old, let alone a five-year-old.

It was probably because these three little rascals had special backgrounds and indeed some talent that they could enter the youth academy first.

But don't have too many illusions!

"Before entering the youth academy, you have more important things to do," Suker said.

The three little rascals asked curiously, "What?"

Suker turned his head and grinned. "School!"

Spain had completely free compulsory education, but Suker and the others naturally wouldn't take that route; they had more choices.

These three little guys, including Sukic, had already entered the preschool education stage. Suker and the other two had discussed it and planned to find a private school for them.

Why not a public school?

On one hand, public education was more generalized, and the three little rascals still had to play football and might not keep up with their studies.

On the other hand, private educational resources were indeed better, and they could also pay to adjust the scale and time of education, which could better balance their football and studies.

They could play football, but they couldn't be uncultured!

Suker didn't want to raise a son who couldn't read a single word.

After dropping Luca and Enzo off at their door, Kaka and Marcelo also waved to Suker, expressing their gratitude.

Finally, Suker led Sukic back to the villa.

Father and son were dependent on each other, but they worked well together.

Suker was busy in the kitchen, while Sukic placed the dishes on the dining table and, at the same time, stood on a small stool to get some sauces from the refrigerator.

Sukic chattered non-stop, telling interesting stories from the football school.

Suker would nod and hum from time to time, as a response.

After dinner, the little guy watched cartoons in the living room for a while, then started sleeping with his butt sticking up.

Suker wasn't sure why this little rascal liked to sleep on his stomach with his butt sticking up, but he had no intention of correcting it.

Children shouldn't be spoiled, but they shouldn't grow up wild like himself either!

After carrying Sukic back to his room, Suker watched TV in the living room for a while before returning to his own room and falling into a deep sleep.