Starting With Real Madrid

After spending the night in the tactical library, Gao Shen went out early the next morning in high spirits to buy breakfast. Passing a roadside newsstand, he bought several newspapers at once. He wanted to see how the Spanish media evaluated him after Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.

Perhaps due to the cold winter weather and his bundled attire, Gao Shen went unrecognized during his outing, which left him somewhat disappointed.

"Still not recognized even after being promoted to head coach? Real Madrid fans really don't have an eye for these things," he thought to himself.

Back home, Gao Shen nibbled on breakfast while reading through the newspapers. Aspen, as the mouthpiece of Real Madrid, gave a glowing review of the derby victory, praising the team's strength in defeating Atletico Madrid 3-0 amidst internal turmoil.

The newspaper separately lauded Raul, named Man of the Match, Zidane for his goal, and Beckham for his standout performance, attributing their displays to their exceptional qualities as players.

Aspen also dedicated an article to praise the starting young players, particularly Felipe Luis, the Brazilian left-back, who demonstrated both offensive prowess and defensive solidity. They highlighted his youth and impressive all-around abilities, suggesting he might even surpass Carlos in capability.

Arbeloa's right flank defense was also commended, alongside Dela Redd's midfield contributions and Negredo's strategic impact. Overall, the young talents delivered a satisfactory performance.

Woodgate's solid play also garnered praise, though Aspen expressed concerns about his injury history despite his undeniable ability.

Reading through the entire Aspen newspaper, Gao Shen was puzzled by the scant mention of his own name or any commentary on his coaching. The only reference found was a brief and inconspicuous note on the third page by a reporter named Andrew from AS, criticizing Gao Shen for not attending the post-game press conference, deeming it a lapse in the conduct expected of a Real Madrid head coach.

Another obscure mention came from Alfredo, Aspen's editor-in-chief, who noted in his column that Real Madrid's tactical organization and defensive solidity under Gao Shen were improved that night, and the players' enthusiasm was notably rekindled.

Gao Shen was left with a perplexed expression after reading through it all.

"Seriously, not even a mention? Were they all thinking this before the game too?"

Determined not to give up, he turned to Marca for another perspective.

Similar to Aspen, Marca's extensive coverage praised Real Madrid, highlighting stellar performances from superstars like Raul and the impressive display from young talents. Woodgate's contributions were also highlighted, alongside interviews with Real Madrid fans expressing satisfaction with the team's active performance.

"Reads like an ode to Real Madrid's resurgence," he muttered, flipping through several pages without finding any mention of himself.

"Damn, seriously?"

Turning to other newspapers yielded much the same. Even when his name appeared, it was only in passing, almost as if his role as head coach was inconsequential.

The most audacious critique came from Le Monde, where a specific scoring column rated players and coaches from both teams. Real Madrid's top performers—Raul, Beckham, and Woodgate—received the highest scores, consistent with Gao Shen's assessment of the match. Zidane and Felipe Luis followed closely, with other players receiving satisfactory ratings for their roles in the team's success.

However, Gao Shen was irked by his own rating as head coach, a modest five points labeled "satisfactory," with the commentary stating that the stellar performances of the team's stars had secured his first victory at Real Madrid.

"This is beyond frustrating!"

It felt like they were implying he had done nothing but sit on the bench and inherit a derby victory.

"Well, if this is how it's going to be…"

For the first time, Gao Shen felt the sting of being an uncrowned king.

---

The frustration soon passed, and Gao Shen's attention shifted to the La Liga standings after twenty-six rounds.

Following the twenty-fifth round, Real Madrid stood third in La Liga, trailing second-placed Valencia by two points and a significant ten points behind leaders Barcelona.

After the twenty-sixth round, Valencia's goalless draw away at Malaga and Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid propelled them to tie on points with Valencia, but ahead on goal difference, consequently leapfrogging the Bat Legion in the standings.

It was positive news, though not particularly meaningful.

Barcelona, in their match against Deportivo Deportivo, overturned a 2-3 deficit with goals from Ronaldinho, Larson, and Eto'o, maintaining a ten-point lead.

With twelve rounds remaining in La Liga, Real Madrid faced a daunting task, trailing Barcelona by ten points. Closing such a gap seemed unrealistic, especially considering their upcoming fixtures.

Barcelona had navigated through the toughest stretch in February, while Real Madrid's own challenging schedule loomed ahead.

Both teams had five home games left, but Barcelona's opponents in the remaining twelve rounds included only Real Madrid and Villarreal as strong contenders. Moreover, these matches were scheduled at Camp Nou, making any hopes of snatching points slim.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, faced formidable challenges at home against Villarreal and Deportivo, as well as away games against Valencia, Zaragoza, Barcelona, and Osasuna.

With a ten-point deficit already daunting, their schedule made a comeback seem improbable.

Even AS and Marca seemed resigned to the idea that despite the derby triumph, Real Madrid's hopes for a title were virtually extinguished.

Gao Shen couldn't deny the difficulty of their situation—it was indeed very challenging.

However, he refused to abandon all hope. The pivotal moment lay in their first game of April—a visit to Camp Nou to face Barcelona. A victory there could reignite their chances.

At this point, the initiative lay firmly in Barcelona's hands. Real Madrid's best course of action was to play each game with utmost determination and wait for Barcelona to slip up.

Hope for a league title was dwindling, but until the last game, nothing was certain.

The real challenge, however, lay ahead in the Champions League, particularly in the upcoming clash against Arsenal.

Wenger and Arsenal were formidable opponents, with the Gunners holding a commanding advantage in their history of Champions League encounters. It was widely believed that Arsenal's victory was all but assured.

But Gao Shen refused to succumb to despair.

"Even if AS and Marca say we're bound to lose, who's to say we won't find a way?"

The crucial question now was how he would navigate Real Madrid through this challenge.

---

Meanwhile, while the Spanish media remained largely unimpressed, Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Real Madrid's recent game.

Their coverage stemmed from an exclusive interview with Ronaldo, during which a significant development surfaced.

Moratti, the Inter Milan president, was reportedly preparing a €15 million bid to reacquire Ronaldo and pair him with Adriano.

During the interview, Ronaldo didn't deny the rumors but expressed confusion and concern over his current situation at Real Madrid.

He hinted at being excluded from the squad unfairly and alluded to tensions with local players like Guti, neither confirming nor denying rumors of a locker room altercation.

Ronaldo stressed the importance of team unity but made it clear he hadn't communicated with Gao Shen and dismissed the appointment of a 25-year-old rookie as Real Madrid's head coach as a farce.

"I don't need to appease anyone's concerns. Everyone has their role in the team, and they should fulfill it," he remarked.

"However, I don't intend to stay out of action forever. Last night at the Bernabeu, I met with club management, coaches, players, and fans—all of whom believe Real Madrid needs me, and I feel the same."

Gao Shen chuckled to himself upon reading the interview. Amidst Ronaldo's statements, he found a five-word message: "Come and persuade me, then!"

He acknowledged Ronaldo's temperament but viewed it as typical. Ronaldo had been pampered and accommodated throughout his career—a fate Gao Shen wasn't inclined to continue.

Gazzetta dello Sport also interviewed former Real Madrid technical director Sacchi, who praised Real Madrid's derby performance.

Watching the game, Sacchi likened Real Madrid's play to that of an Italian team—not for fewer shots than Atletico Madrid but for their improved defensive structure.

Sacchi credited Gao Shen for injecting new philosophy and discipline into the team, which he believed contributed to their success at the Bernabeu.

"The young coach has brought a fresh perspective," Sacchi noted. "His understanding of the team's dynamics and his tactical adjustments were key to their victory."

Sacchi cited the words of Herrera, the 1960s coach, who said, "The coach's role is to enhance the team's existing qualities and potential."

"From this game alone, the young coach of Real Madrid has done exceptionally well," Sacchi concluded, "but his true test awaits in the Champions League next Wednesday."

"Wenger is among the greatest managers, and Arsenal remains a formidable force. It seems inevitable that the Gunners will prevail."

"But I'm curious," Sacchi mused, "how will he choose to orchestrate Real Madrid's defeat?"