บท 50: Declare War on Barca
It's still the familiar press room.
When Gao Shen walked into this venue last time, he was an unknown coach under heavy scrutiny. The world believed that Real Madrid's new president, Martin, had made a ludicrous, even scandalous, appointment.
But just ten days later, when Gao Shen walked into the venue again, the room was still full of journalists from all over the world stationed in Madrid, as well as some media practitioners who had come from Spain and other parts of Europe.
Since Real Madrid only issued the invitation yesterday, not as many people were present today, but the venue was still full.
Gao Shen and Martin appeared side by side in front of the spotlight.
Opposite the interview table, all the people sitting in the first row were from within Real Madrid.
In addition to captain Raul, Casillas, Zidane, Beckham, Ramos, Guti, Gravesson, and Woodgate all sat side by side, though notable absences included Brazilian players like Ronaldo and Carlos.
This clearly indicated that the Brazilian group was still being sidelined.
The presence of so many first-team players was enough to prove that Gao Shen had won their trust and support in just ten days.
Beating Atletico Madrid and coming from behind to defeat Arsenal away—these two epic victories were enough to prove his capability.
Of course, the media would not readily admit this.
Many still insisted that with Real Madrid's strength, even a child could sit on the bench and still win.
As to why previous Real Madrid squads couldn't win, they wouldn't say.
This is the power of the press!
...
Unlike last time, the public relations department did not provide Gao Shen with a speech.
They just told him that during the media questioning session, he could decide whether to answer himself, and if something was inappropriate, they would remind him.
This also proved that they had begun to recognize Gao Shen's role as head coach.
At least, facing the media is a basic skill for the head coach of a professional team.
Martin announced the club's decision to sign Gao Shen but concealed the contract duration.
In fact, there was nothing to hide. The media had long revealed that Gao Shen's coaching contract would end this season.
But Martin wanted to frame this as not a short-term contract, but the beginning of a long-term cooperation.
He continued his narrative of trusting and being optimistic about Gao Shen, playing the role of Gao Shen's discoverer.
Gao Shen sat beside him, occasionally glancing sideways at Martin, and found that he really seemed to enjoy it.
Perhaps he really believed what he was saying.
After Martin's announcement, Gao Shen expressed his gratitude. It was mostly polite remarks about the honor of being able to coach Real Madrid.
Then the signing ceremony began.
After the process, the session opened up to free questioning from the media.
The first question came from a blonde woman in a black suit and white shirt, showing off her exquisite and graceful figure. When she stood up, she was quite eye-catching.
She was the host from Real Madrid TV.
It was also then that Gao Shen learned that Real Madrid had its own TV station, which produced programs like interviews with players, coaches, and club executives.
Her questions were very official, asking about Gao Shen's experience as a coach over the past ten days and his outlook for the future.
Gao Shen's answers were also very official and cautious.
Subsequent questions from Aspen, Marca, El Pais, ABC, and other media were basically the same, reflecting a courteous tone.
But everyone could clearly feel that Gao Shen was very different from ten days ago.
He was no longer an incidental figure.
He was now the official head coach of Real Madrid!
At 25 years old, he was the youngest head coach in the history of Real Madrid, La Liga, the Champions League, and even the five major European leagues!
He was even younger than most of the media reporters present.
As the interview progressed, the media asked more and more questions.
When answering a question about the players, Gao Shen said that he thought Real Madrid's players were all very good.
"Everyone here knows that only the best players can wear a Real Madrid shirt, so every player on our team is the best in the world. Maybe the young players are not there yet, but I believe they soon will be."
Gao Shen said that the past two games had benefited from the players' efforts. "Every one of us played as perfectly as possible, which made us show a different mental outlook on the field than in the past, so we created miracles at Highbury."
Gao Shen's remarks received a round of applause from the media and fans present.
Whether they liked it or not, the media had to admit that the battle at Highbury was a classic.
A reporter asked about Real Madrid's next goal and who would be their biggest rival.
Gao Shen said he was not willing to think too far ahead and would only focus on each next game.
"In the Champions League, all the teams that made it to the quarter-finals are very good and will be our strongest opponents. In La Liga, every opponent is also very good. I think our biggest competitor is Barcelona."
This was clearly media-led.
Whether in the Champions League or La Liga, Rijkaard and his second Dream Team were topics that could not be avoided.
As soon as Gao Shen finished his answer, a reporter immediately asked a question about Real Madrid's tactics.
In the eleventh round of La Liga this season, Real Madrid played against Barcelona at the Bernabeu. At that time, Luxemburgo also used a 4-2-3-1 formation, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Barcelona at the Bernabeu, leading to the Brazilian coach's dismissal.
Now, with the passage of time, Gao Shen had reintroduced the 4-2-3-1.
The reporter asked Gao Shen how he planned to win at Camp Nou with this style of play.
Gao Shen had watched the video of that game. Eto'o scored a goal, and Ronaldinho scored twice. Many fans talked about the Bernabeu fans applauding Ronaldinho, which happened in that game.
All coaches who coach Real Madrid must face Barcelona.
Gao Shen was no exception.
"We have to admit that it was a humiliating and painful loss," Gao Shen summarized the game.
"We didn't play well in that game, and our opponents played very well, so we suffered a humiliating defeat. But we all know that winning or losing a football game is determined by many factors. I don't think it's because our players aren't as good as our opponents; it's because we didn't play at our true level for various reasons."
"There is no doubt that Barcelona are very good. They have a top star like Ronaldinho and a talented rookie like Messi. But don't forget, we also have Zidane, Beckham, Raul, and Casillas, along with a group of very good and brave fighters. Our squad will not lose to Barcelona."
Before Gao Shen finished his words, a Catalan reporter stood up and said, "But you are now a full ten points behind Barcelona!"
There was an uproar at the scene. Everyone was surprised. They first glanced at the Catalan reporter, then turned their eyes back to Gao Shen, who was not angry but smiling.
"Yes, this friend is right. We are still ten points behind Barcelona."
"It proves that our past performances have not been ideal. We have not played well. But no individual or team is perfect. We are all learning from constant failures and growing through difficult situations. We lost 0-1 at home to Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League, and everyone wrote us off. But what happened?"
"We reversed Arsenal at Highbury and qualified for the quarter-finals. But before the Highbury match, who believed we could do it?"
The scene fell silent.
Faced with undeniable results, even the most articulate media reporters could only acknowledge the facts.
"What do you mean? You still want to lead Real Madrid and create another miracle like Highbury?" It was the same reporter from Catalonia.
He seemed intent on picking a fight.
"Why not?" Gao Shen asked back with a smile, secretly cursing in his heart. Troublemakers are indeed everywhere.
"Now, there are 12 rounds left in the league. You say we have no chance of reversing Barcelona. Isn't this the same as before the Highbury match, when you thought we had already lost?"
"Whether it's a humiliating defeat or a ten-point lag, these all tell us that we are far from satisfied and far from the time to celebrate. We still have a long and arduous journey ahead."
"We are not out of the crisis yet."
"The world is fair. If we want to gain something, we must work hard. Especially when our opponents are also working hard, we need to double or even triple our efforts to have a chance. It's hard to catch up, but I'm sure our players can do it."
"They are wearing Real Madrid's jerseys, representing the best team in the world. They are the best, bravest, and strongest fighters. No matter what difficulties they encounter, they are fearless."
Speaking of this, Gao Shen glanced at the players in front of him and found that they had different reactions. The younger ones, like Ramos, were already too excited and almost stood up to support Gao Shen.
On the other hand, players like Zidane and Beckham appeared calm.
All of this was as expected.
This was just the beginning.
He wanted to fan the flames even more.
"Just now, a reporter asked me about Real Madrid's next goal. My answer was actually reserved, but now I don't think it's necessary to hold back anymore."
"I think we have only one goal: to reverse the standings, end Barcelona's reign in La Liga, and win the La Liga championship this season!"
Gao Shen said it loudly and powerfully. The media reporters present immediately frowned.
No one expected Gao Shen to suddenly shout such a slogan.
What is he trying to do?
Declaring war on Barcelona?
Last time, it was in this conference hall that Gao Shen declared war on the superstar.
Now, he actually declared war on Barcelona.
This is going to be crazy!
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