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Chapter 27: Do You Want to Win?

  Although revenge brings great satisfa, it also carries risks.

  Gao Shen had no personal grudge against Murcia. While he believed in tit-for-tat, he chose to overlook assistant coach Maqueda's as because Maqueda remained valuable to him.

  Finding a capable and suitable assistant coach wasn't easy, especially since Gao Shen hadn't yet firmly established himself or built an impressive resume.

  Maqueda, still on guard after witnessing Gao Shen's handling of Murcia, nervously made his way back to the locker room, stealing g Gao Shen, wary of any public reprimand.

  To his surprise, Gao Shen appeared uned, fog instead on post-game preparations.

  In the locker room, he had only one instru for Maqueda.

  "You'll be attending the post-match press feren my pce."

  Maqueda looked up in surprise. "Aren't you going?"

  After a 3-0 victory over Atletiadrid, shouldn't Gao Shen capitalize on the moment to assert his presence?

  Gao Shen smiled casually. "I'm not ied in that."

  Maqueda poo himself.

  Before the game, the media and fans had criticized Gao Shen. Many anticipated his dismissal after the matow, their hopes had been dashed.

  Many would expect Gao Shen to bask in the glory of this victory, reasserting his authority. But what did the media truly crave?

  Sensationalism and sales.

  The departure of higher-ups and the return of a hero—these made headlines, but the media cared more for circution than for truth.

  The best way to retaliate against them was to keep his distance.

  ...

  Gao Shen paid no mind to Maqueda's thoughts. With years of corporate experience, he knew how to handle subordinates like Maqueda. He believed this i would make Maqueda more restrained and pliant, making him easier to manage iure.

  Children obsessed ht and wrong; adults focused on is.

  Of course, if Maqueda remained foolish and tried to undermine him further, Gao Shen wouldn't hesitate to cut him loose.

  As for skipping the press fere was an expression of his displeasure.

  In 2003, following the Beckham boot i, Maer Evening News persistently ridiculed Ferguson. In response, Ferguson barred the neer from interviews.

  Was BBy less signifit?

  After airing a dotary exposing Premier League corruption, including Ferguson's son's involvement as a, Ferguson refused BBC appearances.

  Gao Shen didn't wield Ferguson's clout, but he could dee a press ference.

  ...

  Gao Shen praised the pyers' performance, singling out Raul as the game's standout. He also ended Casils, Beckham, and Zidane for their pivotal roles.

  Gravesen, Elgra, and Woodgate received accodes for their mental fortitude and tribution to the team's victory.

  Several debutant teenagers were especially uded.

  Their impressive 3-0 triumph over Atletiadrid validated Gao Shen's tactid style, earning the pyers' initial trust. No one uood this pying style better thaeam.

  The locker room buzzed with energy, but Gao Shen urged focus.

  "Tonight, celebrate here as you wish. But once you leave, fet this victory. It's in the past."

  Gao Shen surveyed his pyers, feeling the authority of a head coach.

  "In three days, we face Arsenal at Highbury Stadium in London."

  He paused, log eyes with each pyer.

  "I trust you all uand what this match means to us, especially after losing 0-1 at home."

  Silence fell over the locker room.

  Beating Atletico was routine for Real Madrid. Yet, fag Arsenal was different—they were a European powerhouse, havied Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

  "I'll say no more. Uand this: the Madrid derby was a warm-up. Our true test lies at Highbury."

  "I ask you ohing: Do you want to win?"

  The locker room fell silent.

  Pyers fixed their gaze on Gao Shen.

  Though young, he exuded maturity and wisdom beyond his years.

  Raul felt it keenly.

  Refleg on Gao Shen's decisions siaking charge on February 28th, every move seemed justified.

  Decisions that seemed illogical or risky at the time proved prest: reactivating Gravesen and Woodgate, promoting youth.

  Gao Shen navigated precarious waters, yet his decisions were sistently correct.

  In that moment, when Raul scored his sed goal, he dashed to embrace Gao Shen.

  "I want to win. Tell us, what's the pn?"

  Raul's decration spurred Zidane and Beckham to nod in agreement. Others voiced their determination.

  Gao Shen swelled with pride.

  He knew he had earned respe the locker room.

  But this was just the beginning.

  He had yet to secure his standing under Real Madrid's presidency.

  ...

  Skipping the post-match press ference afforded Gao Shen more time with the pyers.

  He sought out Del Reid first.

  Gao Shen saw potential in the local midfielder, but was wary of his votile temperament.

  Del Reid impressed in the derby, prompting Gao Shen's praise tempered with a challenge.

  "Reuben, I believe you've more to give. Work hard these few days. I want you on the roster for London!"

  Del Reid looked at Gao Shen, astonished.

  heless, Gao Shen instructed him to join Woodgate for a heart examination.

  Del Reid plied, trusting Gao Shen's judgment.

  , Gao Shen spoke individually with Abeloa, Felipe Luis, Negredo, and others, affirming their performances.

  He assured Abeloa of tiarts, emphasizing his pivotal role against Arsenal.

  "Everyone knows Henry's left-side preference. Your performance will decide our fate." Gao Shen enced Abeloa.

  Felipe Luis excelled in attad defense. Gao Shen promised him a start in the uping Champions League match.

  Teenagers felt motivated by Gao Shen's trust, pledging renewed dedication.

  In Real Madrid, the Champions League surpassed La Liga in importance.

  Starting against Arsenal affirmed Gao Shen's fiden them.

  ...

  As Gao Shen addressed pyers, several sidelined Real Madrid stars ehe locker room.

  Ronaldo and Carlos ignao Shen, clearly displeased at missing the derby squad.

  Ramos approached Gao Shen, eager to tribute after his suspension.

  They had previously discussed Ramos's role as a defensive erstone.

  Gao Shen envisioned a high-press 4-2-3-1 formation, stressing the importanobile tral defenders.

  Woodgate's injuries and Elgra's age posed s, making Ramos a crucial optioe his inexperience.

  "Prepare for targeted training. Show up ready; I believe you tain Henry!" Gao Shen enced Ramos.

  Managing back-to-back games posed challenges.

  Real Madrid faced recovery and adjustment after the derby, leaving little time for preparation.

  For a mature team, it would be manageable, but for a newly reanized squad like Real Madrid, it was daunting.

  Just as Gao Shen cluded with Ramos and prepared to leave, his ph.

  Caller ID: Carol.

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