The All-Around Center Forward

"You should have passed it forward! Didn't you see me making a run?"

"I saw you, but I couldn't pass it!"

"If you can't pass, why are you playing?"

"I just couldn't pass it, and I didn't even lose the ball, so why are you yelling?"

"Shouldn't I yell? Your actions made us lose a chance for a counter-attack!"

"We'll just counter-attack next time!"

"Nonsense! You still won't be able to pass it next time!"

Benzema and Khedira were arguing from a long distance, both red-faced and thick-necked. Benzema was so angry he looked like he was about to run back and hit someone.

Fortunately, Kaka, Kroos, and others were quick-wwitted, immediately restraining and separating them.

Khedira grumbled as he walked off the training ground. Before leaving, he forcefully kicked over a nearby trash can to vent his frustration.

"That dog!" Benzema gritted his teeth in anger: "He plays terribly and doesn't want to admit it. How many times has this happened? I've tolerated him for too long, damn it!"

Benzema was furious.

He had wasted his runs several times, treating it like a dog walk.

Since the start of this season, Khedira has been playing very lazily, only making safe passes.

While he doesn't make mistakes, he's also passively slacking off.

Every time the ball reaches his feet, he either passes it wide or back.

They weren't asking him to make through balls every time, but he should at least make threatening passes, especially when Benzema was ready to receive the ball.

Isn't that just playing around with them!

"Don't be angry, Khedira's mentality is problematic right now," Kaka sighed.

Benzema was annoyed: "If he has a problem, he should be a substitute. Am I supposed to indulge him?"

With that, he shouted to Kroos nearby: "You better suppress him quickly, I'm really fed up with him!"

Kroos was a bit awkward.

As fellow Germans and National Team teammates, they were now rivals.

Having the same nationality, they should have relied on each other, but now they were hostile, which made him extremely uneasy.

Benzema left indignantly, and Kaka and the others couldn't help but sigh.

Kaka said: "The atmosphere has been very oppressive lately!"

Marcelo: "Yesterday, Ramos clashed with the Head Coach again."

"Can't he just back down? He always has to be confrontational."

"If you were Ramos, would you think that way?"

Marcelo shook his head and sighed: "When will this end!"

At this moment, Suker slowly walked onto the training ground from outside.

"What's wrong?" Suker asked, seeing everyone gathered.

Kaka: "Benzema and Khedira argued, almost coming to blows."

Suker nodded: "I know."

Kaka looked at Suker in surprise, thinking his reaction was too calm.

In the past, Suker, though not participating, always looked worried, but now he seemed extremely natural, and there was even a hint of... joy in his brows?

"Good news?"

Kaka immediately leaned in and asked.

He and Suker had been friends for so many years; he could tell some things from his expression.

Suker glanced at Kaka, then looked towards a corner.

The two walked to the corner together, and Kaka leaned in even closer.

"What's wrong?"

Suker: "The higher-ups have decided to lay their cards on the table."

"Lay their cards on the table?" Kaka was stunned for a moment, then asked in surprise: "With Mourinho?"

Suker sighed: "Not just Mourinho, but Casillas too."

"Iker is having problems too?"

Suker pursed his lips.

He had just had a conversation with Florentino in the office building.

Florentino revealed that the club's higher-ups were dissatisfied with Mourinho's tactics, which, of course, was also from the fans' perspective, hoping Mourinho could play more attractively.

This was also out of respect for Mourinho's ten championships.

But this was destined to be an issue where no consensus could be reached. Mourinho would not change his tactical philosophy, and Real Madrid's higher-ups would certainly not change their attitude.

Ultimately, they couldn't agree, and it would end in a split!

Suker also had a headache, wondering why they dragged it out until now, why not earlier.

Doing all this now, even if Mourinho was gone, they wouldn't find a suitable Head Coach.

It seemed he had to put in a good word for Ancelotti again.

Inside Florentino's estate, three people sat together.

Florentino sat at the head of the table, with a middle-aged man in a Real Madrid B-team coach's uniform on his left, and a bald Zidane in a casual suit on his right.

"Leidep, you might have to work hard again soon!" Florentino looked at Leidepu and smiled.

Leidep felt bitter inside; he really didn't want to be the first-team Head Coach.

Unlike other Head Coaches, he knew his own capabilities. Having been at Real Madrid for so long, he was a shrewd individual.

Leidep was well aware that establishing oneself in the first team was already difficult, let alone coordinating those superstars. If he made any of them uncomfortable, he would be the one to suffer.

Leidep was the B-team Head Coach. When Pellegrini was dismissed, he became the interim Head Coach.

Regardless of his achievements, he was primarily obedient.

He met every demand from the star players, being thorough and satisfying everyone.

He didn't care about results; after serving as interim Head Coach for the night, he would return to coach the B-team.

Now, Leidep was about to be promoted to Head of Youth Development.

This was not a precarious position like a Head Coach, but one that oversaw the entire youth academy department, a true decision-making role.

But at this critical juncture, Florentino wanted him to be the interim Head Coach.

Help!

Leidep felt bitter inside; he wanted to ask if he could refuse.

But Florentino had already turned to look at Zidane, with no intention of listening to his opinion.

"Zidane, how is your progress on getting your coaching license?"

Listening to Florentino's words, Zidane replied: "It still needs some time!"

Florentino nodded: "When Leidep becomes the Head Coach, you can be his assistant!"

Zidane nodded: "No problem!"

Zidane was the candidate on whom Florentino placed high hopes.

From the moment Florentino was elected president, Zidane became Real Madrid's football advisor.

When Mourinho became Head Coach, Zidane was also appointed as a special advisor to the first team.

All indications showed that Real Madrid intended to groom Zidane.

Zidane paused and said: "But I'm afraid I won't do well. I'm not ready yet!"

Florentino nodded: "This time, consider it gaining experience. After this season ends, Leidep will become Head of Youth Development, and the vacant B-team Head Coach position will be yours!"

"If you want to learn more, I can also let you serve as the new Head Coach's assistant."

Zidane: "Do you have a candidate?"

Florentino sighed: "We're still in talks, but it should be soon!"

He heard that there was some trust crisis between Ancelotti and the club's higher-ups at Paris Saint-Germain.

This was good news for Real Madrid.

"Will Mourinho leave willingly?" Zidane asked.

He knew some internal matters and was aware that the higher-ups wanted to remove Mourinho.

Florentino: "He won't have a choice but to leave. Once the conflict escalates further, he'll have no other option."

"The conflict between Casillas and Mourinho isn't enough to dismiss him, is it?" Zidane frowned.

Florentino waved his hand: "I never said dismissal. We will reach a settlement and offer a mutual option to end this partnership!"

Zidane was silent.

Isn't this just forcing Mourinho to resign voluntarily!

"And also... this time it's not about the conflict between Igor and Mourinho, but Real Madrid needs a completely new playing style! The fans crave more beautiful football, and Mourinho cannot meet these conditions, so the partnership will ultimately end!"

Zidane nodded.

This reason was quite good.

"Alright, that's all for now. When the time is right, we will announce the result!"

Florentino waved his hand, and the two discreetly left.

After the two left the estate, the secretary walked over.

"Is Zidane the right person?"

Florentino: "Leidep is a good manager, but he lacks experience coaching a top team. In this regard, although Zidane hasn't taken over a team yet, as a player, many of his ideas are good."

"Furthermore, Zidane was also a Real Madrid player and a star; he knows very well what these stars need and can mediate conflicts very well!"

"I believe his partnership with Leidep can alleviate some conflicts and also manage the team!"

The secretary nodded, then said: "Does Iker really have to leave?"

Florentino looked at the secretary: "You're reluctant?"

The secretary pursed her lips and sighed: "He is our child after all!"

Florentino lowered his head and remained silent for a moment, then slowly exhaled, "There's no other way.

He has done too many wrong things.

If we let him be the Captain again, what would Suker think?

Some things, once they happen, have happened.

Even if we try to make amends, the impact cannot be completely erased."

"Between Iker and Suker, I chose the latter."

Florentino believed that if Casillas stayed, he might become a second Mourinho, stirring up problems in the locker room.

Moreover, this time it could be an even bigger problem, potentially pushing Suker to the opposite side.

To resolve these troubles and issues, it was best to cut ties decisively; Casillas had to be sent away.

Of course, Mourinho might leave by mutual agreement during the winter transfer window.

As for Casillas, he was, after all, a former Captain of Real Madrid; even if he left, it would be a dignified departure.

By the summer transfer window, Florentino would give Casillas a chance for a farewell.

The higher-ups had already made their decision; they were just waiting for public opinion to ferment and the opportune moment to arrive before they would act.

At the same time, Real Madrid welcomed the fourth round of La Liga.

Their first three matches—one win, one draw, and one loss—marked their worst start to a season in recent years.

However, after the baptism of the Champions League, their overall form had stabilized somewhat.

Coupled with Mourinho's cautious use of defensive counter-attacking tactics, their defense became even more solid.

With a stable defense, they utilized Suker and Bale's exceptional speed for rapid counter-attacks.

Their play was somewhat unsightly, with little ball possession; they would launch a counter-attack immediately upon gaining possession.

Yet, with their extraordinary individual abilities, they always managed to seize opportunities and score goals.

For instance, in this match against Villarreal, Real Madrid scored two goals through counter-attacks, with Suker netting both, one in each half.

This helped Real Madrid defeat Villarreal 2-0.

Real Madrid won!

But the fans' dissatisfaction grew even greater.

Ugly play!

Always defensive counter-attacks!

With a host of star players, they played with a terrible tactic.

Of course, defensive counter-attacking was indeed less passionate and more passive.

What's more, for efficiency, Mourinho demanded players pass the ball quickly, further stifling individual expression and dribbling breakthroughs.

Efficiency was there!

The win rate was also there!

But the play was too ugly, and the fans weren't buying it!

Especially in the fifth round match, some banners even appeared in the stands.

"Mourinho Out!"

"We want to see more exciting matches!"

"We don't need you!"

Of course, these were just a few individual fans; many still held a good impression of Mourinho, after all, he had helped Real Madrid win ten titles.

But Mourinho's biggest mistake was directly confronting the fans:

"They don't support my work, they even boo us at home, they are traitors to Real Madrid!"

These words completely pitted Mourinho against the Real Madrid fans.

Even those fans who still had a good impression of Mourinho felt uncomfortable.

The Real Madrid fans' boycott of Mourinho became even more intense.

While it couldn't be said they were irreconcilable, things were certainly not good.

"Why provoke the fans?!"

Srna rubbed his temples, feigning a headache.

Fans are the foundation of a team; offending them would lead to big problems.

"Don't use social media for a while," Suker said.

Srna sighed, "I don't dare to anymore.

These extreme fans have started indiscriminate attacks."

He glanced at Suker.

"Except for you, almost the entire team has been cyberbullied."

Suker was beyond reproach; even the extreme fans didn't criticize Suker.

In fact, they regarded Suker as a belief; if Suker failed to score, it was because of a problematic pass.

But Srna was not Suker, and he had also posted several articles strongly supporting Mourinho.

From Srna's perspective, there was nothing wrong with that.

After all, Mourinho had shown him great kindness in helping him rise, and Srna's success was inseparable from Mourinho.

The problem was that these fans didn't care about such things now; they launched indiscriminate attacks.

Since Srna supported Mourinho, he naturally bore the brunt.

As soon as Srna took out his phone, Suker immediately pressed it down.

"You're playing with fire; I can't protect you!"

Srna grinned, "I didn't intend to post.

I just wanted to look at the comments."

"Don't look!"

Suker shook his head seriously, "They're all cursing you!"

Srna's cheek twitched.

"Alright, I won't look!"

The conflict within Real Madrid had completely escalated; apart from Suker, almost everyone else was implicated.

Conflict among players!

Conflict between players and the Head Coach!

Conflict between the Head Coach and the fans!

Under layers of conflict, Real Madrid Club held an internal meeting.

At this meeting, Real Madrid's board of directors and decision-makers gathered.

Mourinho, Casillas, Suker, and other key first-team figures also attended.

Florentino sat at the head of the table, presiding over the meeting.

"Based on the current external public opinion, the club must respond and also provide a final decision!"

Florentino tapped the table and said, "Everyone, share your opinions!"

Real Madrid is a membership-based club; ownership belongs to all members, and the board of directors is elected by the members.

There were a total of 17 board members, and 13 of them attended this meeting.

This included club President Florentino, Vice President Fernando, First Secretary Enrique, and so on.

As it was an internal meeting, everyone spoke freely.

The elderly Vice President Fernando coughed and said sternly, "The chaotic first team, the Head Coach bears an undeniable responsibility."

Mourinho narrowed his eyes, his expression turning sour.

Suker also looked at Fernando, this Vice President he had never seen before, whose presence this time was likely to be Florentino's mouthpiece.

After all, some things Florentino couldn't say directly.

"The Head Coach bears an undeniable responsibility, but the continuous rumors spread by individual players' family members have damaged the club's reputation and must also be held accountable!"

Board member Anhel spoke out.

Casillas's expression stiffened.

Suker grinned, "You're truly subtle!"

Individual players?

There was only one big-mouthed family member; this was no different from calling him out by name.

Soon, everyone began to express their views.

"We cannot let public opinion continue to ferment; we must provide a reasonable solution!"

"The public opinion issues during this period have already affected our financial income, and our image has been tarnished.

These problems must be rectified."

"Fans need to be appeased; we must give them a solution!"

As everyone spoke, Mourinho's expression grew increasingly worse.

He understood now!

This was not an internal meeting at all, but his own struggle session.

Mourinho raised his hand.

Fernando sneered, "Our Head Coach has something to say ~"

Mourinho said coldly, "I don't think this is my responsibility.

The fans don't understand tactics, but I will make them understand that my tactics can bring victory!"

Fernando: "Real Madrid needs not only victory but also other things!"

Mourinho scoffed, "Like playing beautifully?

Isn't that just a performance?

Then we can invite a theater troupe, and I can give them a visual spectacle!"

At this point, Mourinho said sternly, "Gentlemen, football is a competitive sport; victory is the most fundamental thing.

For victory, everything else can be discarded!"

"If we consider so many things, football will no longer be so pure.

I don't want the fundamental essence of football to change because of cameras!"

Fernando narrowed his eyes, "You mean we don't understand football at all?

We're acting?"

"If you insist on playing beautifully, then yes, it is acting!"

Fernando: "Is Wenger acting?"

Mourinho: "Then why don't you invite Wenger to coach?

Not to be offensive, he doesn't have the Champions League."

Mourinho held up four fingers, "I have four Champions League titles!

I have brought Real Madrid two Champions League titles!"

He then pointed to himself, his expression arrogant, "You need to respect me!"

Suker looked at Mourinho, "He's truly arrogant!"

But he had the capital to be arrogant!