Capítulo 142: Surreal
When Ronaldo scored the third goal—or rather, when Raul scored the second goal—Gao Shen couldn't help but wonder, what would he do after winning the championship? How would he celebrate?
He tried repeatedly to suppress these thoughts, to stay calm and focused on the game. But it was like a little imp, teasing him, popping up every time he had a moment to think, making Gao Shen's mind wander involuntarily.
He imagined many things, but when the final whistle blew, he realized that he didn't have a plan at all.
All around him, the players on the bench, the coaching staff, the medical team, and other support personnel surged onto the field as soon as the whistle sounded, running and shouting in celebration.
Gao Shen, however, stood motionless, as if his legs had turned to lead, rooted to the ground.
He couldn't accurately describe his emotions at that moment—it was too complex, too overwhelming for him to process anything clearly.
His mind went blank, leaving him unable to move.
While everyone else rushed onto the field, celebrating wildly, cheering with abandon, Gao Shen just stood there on the sidelines.
If the live television cameras had zoomed in on him, they would have captured him trembling with excitement, gritting his teeth, and clenching his fists, doing his best to hold back his emotions.
He even felt paralyzed, on the verge of tears from the overwhelming joy, yet unable to release them.
The scoreline: 3-1!
Real Madrid had completed the comeback!
...
"Let's congratulate Real Madrid!!!!"
"After a 50-year absence, they have once again become Champions League champions. This marks a half-century of separation, and now we can see the brilliant light of Real Madrid, the greatest football club of the 20th century."
"This season's Real Madrid faced numerous trials. Coach Luxemburgo was dismissed for poor performance, and the team's locker room was in turmoil. Technical director Sacchi and chairman Florentino both stepped down, and even interim head coach Caro was dismissed after the winter break. Real Madrid was in chaos."
"But at this critical moment, Gao Shen, only 25 years old, took over as head coach. Despite being doubted by everyone, step by step, he won over the players, the fans, the media, and most importantly, the opposition on the pitch."
"Tonight, Real Madrid has secured their tenth Champions League title, and Gao Shen deserves immense credit for this achievement!"
Out on the pitch, the players had finally come to their senses. Under the leadership of captain Raul and the other superstars, they all ran towards the sidelines.
As soon as Gao Shen snapped out of his daze, he was surrounded by the players before he could even move.
In no time, he was hoisted into the air and tossed repeatedly, making him panic.
He was genuinely afraid of heights and even more terrified that they might suddenly let go after throwing him up, leaving him to crash down…
Fortunately, they caught him every single time.
"We can see that Gao Shen has truly earned the respect and affection of this group of Real Madrid players. Even superstars like Ronaldo, Zidane, and Beckham are all willing to follow his lead."
"This is the key to Real Madrid's resurgence this season, reversing Barcelona to win La Liga and now capturing the Champions League!"
"We also have every reason to believe that under Gao Shen's leadership, Real Madrid can continue their outstanding performance in the future!"
...
"It turns out he really won the championship!"
Platini smiled as he watched the Real Madrid players repeatedly toss Gao Shen into the air near the home team's technical area, his eyes full of admiration.
Leading a troubled Real Madrid out of turmoil at the age of 25 was no easy feat. Winning La Liga and then triumphing in the Champions League final made it a legendary achievement.
Debuting with such a remarkable record, Gao Shen's future in football coaching looked incredibly promising.
"It's really not easy!" Beckenbauer agreed with a laugh. "Real Madrid's ability to come back and win in both La Liga and the Champions League is partly due to their inherent strength and partly due to Barcelona's internal conflicts, but Gao Shen's coaching has been a huge factor. He's far better than Rijkaard, at least in terms of managing the internal dynamics."
"For giant clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, internal conflicts are always the biggest threat."
Platini, who had played for a giant club, knew that the biggest enemy for such teams often wasn't the opponent on the pitch but internal strife.
A simple example was the 2003-2004 season. Why did Porto and Monaco, two clubs outside the traditional Big Four leagues, reach the Champions League final?
In addition to changes in the tournament structure—from two group stages to a single group stage followed by a Round of 16 knockout—many teams struggled to adapt, increasing the chances of upsets. But more importantly, the major clubs had their own internal issues that season.
This season's Real Madrid was the perfect example.
When properly integrated, Real Madrid's performance immediately improved. Even if their overall strength wasn't as great as Barcelona's, they remained highly competitive in European football.
Of course, Real Madrid's ability to integrate so well also reflected Gao Shen's coaching ability.
Not to mention that he led the team to both La Liga and Champions League titles.
Winning one championship might not be enough to fully assess a coach's level, but winning two, especially a Champions League, certainly reflects their standard.
Now, Gao Shen had established himself as a Champions League-level coach.
"The most important thing for him now is to stay away from the media spotlight, consolidate his coaching foundation, accumulate the gains and experience from this season, and build his own team from the ground up to find his own football philosophy."
Beckenbauer's tone was filled with expectation but also some concern.
Real Madrid was the number one club in the world, and with Gao Shen holding the double crown, a contract renewal was a certainty. But continuing with Real Madrid might not bring the brightest future.
This scenario had played out many times before.
Real Madrid's success this season couldn't be easily replicated. And at a giant club like Real Madrid, failing to win trophies meant failure, which usually led to dismissal.
It was foreseeable that next season, once everything was reset, Gao Shen would face even greater pressure, especially as the sharp internal and external conflicts within the team reemerged after this season's double crown.
Many of Real Madrid's problems couldn't be solved by the coach alone.
At that time, could Gao Shen remain composed?
If things spiraled out of control, he might end up like Queiroz or Luxemburgo, who both struggled as Real Madrid managers.
But after achieving such enormous success this season, who would be willing to give up everything they had worked so hard to gain?
Especially when coaching a top giant like Real Madrid.
This was Beckenbauer's worry.
In short, Gao Shen's foundation was still too thin.
Consider someone like Queiroz.
He had developed Portugal's golden generation, his contributions to youth training were well-recognized, and he spent a long time as an assistant coach to Ferguson at Manchester United. Coaching Real Madrid was supposed to be his breakthrough opportunity, but it ended in complete failure.
After that, he returned to Manchester United to continue as Ferguson's assistant because there were no suitable offers for him to coach elsewhere.
This is a very real problem.
Gao Shen's current double crown success is somewhat similar to a winner of a TV talent show. The question is: will he consolidate his foundation and accumulate his strength, or will he capitalize on his fame quickly?
This too was a test!
As the two discussed, a UEFA staff member approached them.
Chairman Johansson invited them to the podium.
...
Renew the contract!
We must renew the contract!
When the final whistle blew, Real Madrid President Martin immediately made his decision.
Double crown!
This was the double crown!
When was the last time Real Madrid won a double?
In the 1988-1989 season, during the era of Real Madrid's Quinta del Buitre, led by Butragueño and others. Back then, Real Madrid's two titles were La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Going further back, in 1985-1986, Real Madrid also achieved a double, winning La Liga and the UEFA Cup.
But what about the most prestigious double—La Liga and the Champions League?
That hadn't happened since the 1957-1958 season, during the legendary era of Di Stefano and Puskas.
Fifty years!
Martin was fired up.
That was the peak and most glorious period in Real Madrid's history, the reason Florentino was so determined to lead Real Madrid.
After a 50-year gap, winning the La Liga and Champions League double again was a historic achievement.
What Florentino couldn't accomplish, I, Martin, have done!
At this moment, Martin felt an overwhelming sense of pride.
He was determined to renew Gao Shen's contract no matter what.
Why did Sanz lose to Florentino back then?
Three Champions League titles in five years, yet it wasn't enough to compete with Florentino's Figo signing. But that was just on the surface.
The real reason was that Real Madrid was on the verge of bankruptcy.
But now, Martin was leading the Galácticos, one of the most profitable football clubs in the world. As long as Gao Shen stayed, with the double crown card to play, plus Martin's leadership after taking over Real Madrid…
Martin could feel that the chairman's seat was his for the taking.
"Emilio, let's go down," Martin suddenly stood up.
Butragueño was a little surprised but quickly followed.
"We'll finalize the renewal of Gao Shen's contract tonight!" Martin smiled confidently.
"Tonight's double crown, tomorrow's parade, and the day after tomorrow the club announced the renewal of head coach Gao Shen's contract, solidifying his position as chairman.
What is Calderon, that jumping clown, arguing about?
...
In the stadium, Gao Shen did not know that Chairman Martin was preparing to come down to the field to find him.
While waiting for the award, he was invited by the staff to the comprehensive interview area on the sidelines, where countless media reporters from all over the world had gathered, all eager to ask questions and get in-depth answers.
But unexpectedly, as soon as Gao Shen arrived at the comprehensive interview area, he immediately started looking around.
Everyone was wondering, what was he looking for?
There were too many reporters on the scene, with cameras and microphones densely packed, and he couldn't find anyone.
Gao Shen had no choice but to raise his hand with a smile and ask, 'Excuse me, is the reporter from the *Daily Sports* here? I can answer your question now.'
All the reporters who had attended the pre-match press conference immediately burst into laughter.
Real Madrid's head coach sure knows how to hold a grudge!"
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