Chương 43: He Finally Did It
"Yeah!!!"
Before Gao Shen entered the locker room, you could hear the cheers of the Real Madrid players celebrating through the closed door.
On the pitch just now, they were somewhat concerned about Arsenal's emotions, but when they entered the locker room, they completely let themselves go.
This filled Gao Shen with pride.
The taste of victory is truly sweet!
After the game, Wenger came over to chat with Gao Shen in the stadium. However, he couldn't hide his disappointment, which was evident. After a few polite words, Wenger left.
Before leaving, he humorously mentioned that he had told assistant coach Pat Rice that he would try to poach Gao Shen to work at Arsenal once Gao Shen stepped down from his coaching position at Real Madrid. But Gao Shen had put a stop to that plan.
Gao Shen found this both amusing and humbling.
Wenger wouldn't joke about something like that, but earning praise from Wenger and being considered for a job at Arsenal was a significant recognition for Gao Shen.
Of course, he had no intention of leaving now.
Defeating Arsenal to achieve another historic Champions League comeback and lead Real Madrid to the quarter-finals was proof enough that Gao Shen belonged at the Bernabeu and had secured his place firmly in Real Madrid's coaching staff.
The new chairman, Martin, was present at Highbury Stadium and witnessed this major victory. How would he react? What kind of recognition would he provide?
Gao Shen had no doubt that Martin would be immensely proud of his impulsive decision ten days ago to appoint Gao Shen.
Especially after Real Madrid's impressive performances in two consecutive games.
With these achievements, Gao Shen had regained some control, so he wasn't in a rush.
...
Pushing open the locker room door, the noise of the players filled his ears as soon as he stepped in.
Everyone was celebrating; Ramos was even seen stripping naked and dancing, a sight almost too hot to handle.
But it was clear they were genuinely ecstatic.
"Everyone!"
Gao Shen approached the players with a smile.
All the players looked back at him with smiles, their eyes now filled with more conviction than before.
"Congratulations! Great warriors of Real Madrid! Congratulations on achieving the second miracle in Champions League history! Congratulations on taking the team to the quarter-finals! Congratulations on upholding Real Madrid's proud history and tradition!"
"I am proud of all of you!"
As soon as Gao Shen finished speaking, warm applause broke out in the locker room.
"This honor isn't just ours, Gao, it's yours too!" Captain Raul stepped forward and exclaimed excitedly.
"No one outside may know it, but in this locker room, we all know what you do for this team. We all know how much you give, and we all understand your importance."
Then, Raul suddenly changed his tone, looking directly at Gao Shen, and said earnestly, word by word: "I owe you an apology, Gao."
Everyone stared at Raul in surprise, including Su Dong.
Why was he apologizing?
"Even after everything you told me, even after our win against Atletico Madrid, I still had doubts. I was unsure whether the team should have a more experienced head coach to face Arsenal."
"But now I see I was wrong. In a game like this, any other coach, even the best in the world, might not have done as well as you did. I'm sorry."
Gao Shen was taken aback, but this reaction was to be expected.
Who would suddenly trust an inexperienced rookie?
"Don't apologize, Raul. We're comrades fighting side by side." Gao Shen extended his hand.
Raul firmly grasped Gao Shen's hand, took another step forward, and hugged him tightly.
After stepping back, Zidane stepped forward.
"I had my doubts too, Gao, and I apologize."
Gao Shen shook hands with Zidane as they embraced.
"I was the same. I had concerns and questioned your ability. I apologize." Beckham also stepped forward, offering his hand and a hug to Gao Shen. It was clear he, like everyone else, now recognized Gao Shen's capabilities.
It was just a game, but it was more than just a game.
As a match at the pinnacle of world football, leading a team to defeat Arsenal, managed by Wenger, in the Champions League knockout stages, especially after being in a tough spot in the first leg, Gao Shen had delivered a near-perfect performance.
The players came forward one by one to express their apologies and support. Even Ramos, still in a state of undress, attempted to hug Gao Shen. Gao Shen politely declined, urging him to get dressed first, which drew laughter from the entire locker room.
Following their victory, the team's atmosphere and morale were completely transformed.
Fernando Lucas stood silently behind Gao Shen, observing everything, his eyes fixed on Gao Shen, finding him increasingly remarkable and surprising.
Especially witnessing scenes like this, Lucas recalled what Gao Shen had once said: "Only the weak seek pity and sympathy, while the strong earn respect through their strength!"
From the beginning, Gao Shen had lived up to those words. Now, he had finally proven them right!
...
As the players gathered to celebrate, the new chairman, Martin, also arrived at Real Madrid's dressing room.
He was pleasantly surprised to see the players acknowledging Gao Shen's contribution.
Martin gave the highest praise and affirmation for the team's performance. He believed their battle would go down in Real Madrid's history, embodying the spirit of Juanito, showcasing Real Madrid's resilience and unity, and silencing rumors of internal discord.
At the same time, Martin encouraged the team to keep striving and aim for even better results in upcoming La Liga and Champions League matches.
Martin assured the team that reaching the quarter-finals was a significant achievement, promising to push for a new reward plan upon his return.
The players' reactions were somewhat subdued, as they had expected such a response.
In the Real Madrid dressing room, however, it seemed the rookie coach Gao Shen held more sway than Chairman Martin.
Later, Martin pulled Gao Shen aside in a corner outside the locker room, praising his coaching in the last two games but also addressing a concern.
"I met a UEFA official in the stands who asked why you weren't planning to attend the post-match press conference?"
Gao Shen nodded, "I'm feeling a bit under the weather. I've asked Maqueda to go in my place."
"Under the weather?" Martin frowned slightly. To him, Gao Shen seemed full of vitality and energy, regardless of the circumstances.
"Actually, Chairman, we currently don't have an official head coach. I'm just an interim coach, so whether I attend or Maqueda goes, it doesn't make much difference," Gao Shen explained with a smile.
Martin understood.
In fact, he was still hesitant.
According to his plan, the ideal head coach for Real Madrid would be Bosque, with Hierro as assistant, a move that would win favor among local fans, particularly members.
But truth be told, in matches against Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, such fierce battles might not have been won with Bosque. Gao Shen, however, managed to achieve it.
From a practical standpoint, Gao Shen had won his gamble.
In professional football, both the process and the result are valued. Gao Shen had not only won but had done so convincingly.
Martin weighed his options carefully, ultimately making a decision.
"Continuing to keep you as acting head coach is impractical. Your current contract is still an internship, which isn't appropriate. I've been busy lately and hadn't gotten around to addressing this," Martin sighed. "Go back tonight, and I'll have a brand-new contract prepared by tomorrow at Valdebebas. If you have no objections, please sign it at your earliest convenience."
Formally hiring a head coach for Real Madrid would require a ceremony and media presence.
"I can do that," Gao Shen agreed without hesitation, smiling.
Martin muttered to himself: What a clever little fox.
"By the way, I heard you showed your resignation letter to motivate the players at halftime?"
Gao Shen hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, didn't I mention it before? If we lost tonight, I was going to hand in my resignation personally. That's why I always carry it with me."
"Don't!" Martin waved his hand. "I've always had faith in you and never expected you to resign. Even if you did submit it, I wouldn't accept it. Please don't bring up such matters in the future; they could be taken out of context by the media and mislead some of our less informed fans."
"Understood," Gao Shen nodded.
Martin offered a few more words of encouragement, essentially expressing his confidence in Gao Shen's future success.
After seeing Martin off, Gao Shen retrieved an envelope from his pocket. Inside wasn't a resignation letter, as he had been too busy to write one.
Moreover, why would he draft a resignation letter when his job was at risk?
Gao Shen chuckled to himself. After tearing the envelope to pieces, he discarded it in the nearby bin.
He had no use for such things now.
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