บท 18: Public Enemy
Though no longer Real Madrid's head coach, Carlo still rose early. Downstairs for breakfast, he paused by the mailbox, retrieving the freshly delivered AS newspaper, a staple for most Real Madrid fans.
Upon glancing at the cover, Carlo froze.
"He is destroying Real Madrid!"
The headline in scarlet letters spanned half the page, striking as a midnight bell tolling ominously.
Carlo hurriedly flipped to the second edition, absorbing Carlos's scathing remarks from last night's Spanish TV 3 program. Carlos lambasted chairman Martin, the new president, and particularly targeted Gao Shen, the head coach.
Carlos, responding to Gao Shen's recent press conference comments about player commitment, asserted, "Every player at Real Madrid is world-class and worthy of this jersey. I've been here a decade, and everyone gives their all for this club."
When pressed about Gao Shen's vague criticisms, Carlos suggested they implied deeper issues within the team, branding it irresponsible and potentially damaging.
Asked if Real Madrid faced no issues, Carlos conceded minor concerns but insisted, "Internal matters should be resolved internally. Now it's blown out of proportion, and everyone's watching us."
Regarding aging stars like Ronaldo, Carlos dismissed concerns, citing Romario's goal-scoring prowess at forty. He critiqued Gao Shen's lack of coaching pedigree before Real Madrid, questioning his suitability to lead such a prestigious club.
"Why choose a coach with no experience, barely older than some of our players? Is it just for slogans or to appease higher-ups?" Carlos accused, claiming Gao Shen was undermining years of hard work.
Carlos also expressed locker room dissent towards Gao Shen, echoing broader fan and media skepticism about his capabilities.
Aspen News covered Carlos's outburst extensively, attributing it to Gao Shen's recent decisions, including excluding Carlos and Ronaldo from the team, which incited Carlos's ire and subsequent public remarks.
The commentary speculated on the turmoil engulfing Real Madrid, criticizing recent managerial decisions and their impact on team morale and performance.
Alfredo, Aspen's editor-in-chief, lamented the club's current state, calling Gao Shen's appointment the most questionable in Real Madrid's history. He hinted at mounting pressure from fans, club legends, and even King Juan, urging swift corrective action.
"In light of these chaotic days," Alfredo concluded, "the weekend's derby against Atletico Madrid looms crucial. Anything short of a win will only deepen Real Madrid's woes."
…
Standing in his courtyard, Carlo absorbed the severity of the situation after reading Aspen's analysis and Alfredo's column. Alfredo's intervention signaled broader discontent within the club and the media.
Gao Shen had unwittingly become Madrid's public enemy.
This weekend's derby carried immense stakes. A loss or even a draw would be unacceptable, potentially igniting fan fury at the Bernabeu—a scenario unprecedented in Real Madrid's storied history.
Faced with this turmoil, Carlo reached for his phone and dialed Gao Shen's number without hesitation.
…
Gao Shen halted his bicycle as Carlo's name flashed on his phone screen. He answered promptly.
"Hello, sir."
"Gao, have you seen the news?" Carlo's voice betrayed urgency.
"Yes, I have. It's as expected," Gao Shen replied calmly.
This backlash didn't surprise him; Ronaldo's absence from criticism was a minor relief.
"You need to understand, Gao," Carlo insisted, "resigning might be your best move. This isn't something you can fight alone."
"I understand, sir," Gao Shen maintained his composure. "But this is an opportunity."
Carlo fell silent on the other end.
"I came to Madrid alone, and you've always guided me. I know your ambitions. I'm fulfilling them now."
"Just trust me, we will win this derby."
Carlo struggled to respond, unsure of where Gao Shen's confidence stemmed from.
"I have some urgent matters to attend to in the next two days," Gao Shen continued. "I won't be able to visit you. I hope you can come to the Bernabeu this weekend. You'll see a different Real Madrid."
Carlo hesitated, neither agreeing nor declining.
After ending the call with Carlo, Gao Shen resumed cycling towards Valdebebas. Moments later, his phone rang again, displaying an unfamiliar number.
It was Martin, Real Madrid's new president, sounding perturbed.
"What's going on with Carlos and Ronaldo?" Martin demanded.
Gao Shen explained the recent training ground incident and defended his decision.
"Some players believe their positions are untouchable, stronger than the chairman's authority. We've been too lenient with stars in the past, blurring the lines between player and club," Gao Shen argued, striking a chord with Martin.
Martin acknowledged these sentiments, having faced similar challenges with superstar egos in the past.
"But what about this weekend's derby after ousting the Brazilian gang?" Martin pressed.
Gao Shen replied confidently, "We've been practicing new tactics, and the response has been positive. Even without the Brazilian stars, we will beat Atletico Madrid. You'll see a revitalized Real Madrid at the Bernabeu."
After a brief pause, Gao Shen added solemnly, "Truthfully, I've drafted a resignation letter. If we can't defeat Atletico this weekend, you won't need to say anything. I'll submit it that very night."
It was a weighty declaration, acknowledging the precariousness of his position. Yet, Gao Shen spoke with resolve, determined to salvage his tenure at Real Madrid.
Martin listened intently, sensing a rare conviction in Gao Shen's words.
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