Starting With Real Madrid

Gao Shen's prediction was absolutely correct.

Manchester City had been dominant over the past two years, but when the media covered the League Cup final, their attention was largely drawn to the defeated side—Leeds United. The White Rose had posed a significant threat to Manchester City.

Scoring three goals in a single match was a first against Manchester City under Gao Shen's management.

Benteke, Pogba, and Paulinho all gained widespread recognition after scoring in the final.

Courtois played a stabilizing role and became the strongest link in Leeds United's defensive line.

Players in other positions also performed admirably.

There was no need to mention Adam Lallana again, and The Sun even broke news about Bolasie—Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United was said to be very fond of him. However, this report did not come from Gao Shen, but rather from Manchester United's scouting department.

Then there were Kurzawa, Klein, and Schneiderlin, especially Klein. The English right-back showed explosive pace and strong attacking ability. He performed excellently in Leeds United's tactical system.

In short, even though Leeds United lost the League Cup final 3-6, the media praised them as a Championship side that lost with honor. In fact, they garnered more attention than the champions.

There was no helping it. Manchester City had become the Goliath of English football.

While Manchester City were defeating Leeds United 6-3 at Wembley to secure their fourth trophy of the season, Real Madrid were away to Rayo Vallecano, narrowly winning thanks to a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 53rd minute.

With elimination from both the Champions League and Copa del Rey, La Liga remained Real Madrid's only competition. Yet they were still unable to surpass Barcelona.

This left everyone at Real Madrid deeply disappointed.

Especially in the president's office at the Bernabéu.

All of Spain knew that Florentino had been enduring a great deal.

According to Marca, Florentino had not exchanged a single word with Mourinho in two months.

There was already a serious rift between the two.

The only reason Mourinho had not been sacked yet was that the season had not ended.

The most recent media appearance involving Mourinho came when he provoked Real Madrid fans at home. Florentino claimed this behavior was unacceptable, yet Mourinho went unpunished.

Many thought this meant Florentino was backing Mourinho, but AS editor-in-chief Alfredo claimed the opposite.

"Real Madrid have prepared the most lucrative managerial contract in history. It can be sent to Cheshire at any time!"

Alfredo's report sent Real Madrid fans into a frenzy.

Former club president Ramón Calderón even spoke to the press, saying that if Real Madrid needed him, he would gladly step in to invite Gao Shen back—since he was the one who had promoted Gao Shen in the first place.

"If I ask, he definitely won't say no!"

It was as if people had forgotten the conflict between Gao Shen and Calderón. Now they were convinced Calderón should lead the charge.

But the Bernabéu remained silent on the matter.

Only those truly familiar with the situation knew that if Calderón stepped forward, there would be no chance of success.

While Mourinho continued as manager, Florentino and his team were far from idle. They were carefully studying the issues and preparing contingency plans.

For instance, what would happen to the Portuguese faction in the squad after Mourinho's dismissal?

Since Mourinho's results had fallen short of expectations, he would not receive any severance package if sacked. But would players like Coentrão, Pepe, and Ronaldo remain loyal to him?

How would the dressing room react?

They even prepared for the worst-case scenario—selling Cristiano Ronaldo.

But everything hinged on Gao Shen.

That is, if he agreed to return and coach Real Madrid.

However, there remained one thorny issue—Casillas.

Real Madrid fans were furious about Mourinho benching their captain. There were widespread calls for Casillas' return to the starting lineup. As a loyal club servant who had spent his entire career at Madrid, he deserved respect.

But on the other hand, it was undeniable that Casillas' form had declined.

From a technical standpoint, he lacked height, so he relied heavily on his reflexes and agility.

Everyone knows that these qualities decline with age. His performances had already been affected.

In short, his body could no longer support the kind of heroic saves he made in his younger days. He needed to adjust and adapt.

This wasn't impossible. With hard work in training, he could maintain his level.

But now, Casillas seemed completely blinded by love, focusing solely on his journalist girlfriend.

How emotionally driven he had become was obvious to everyone.

It had started to impact his training and his form.

From a human standpoint, it was understandable. He was in love, and people were happy for him.

But from a professional perspective, it was unacceptable. It was irresponsible to Real Madrid, his teammates, and the fans.

Yet no one seemed able to talk sense into him.

Just like no one could talk sense into Mourinho.

"I think we should put pressure on Casillas and even start thinking about a successor," Florentino said.

His words left Valdano, Zidane, Butragueño, and others exchanging glances in surprise.

The president had always had a good relationship with the captain. Even while Casillas was benched, Florentino had called him several times to reassure him.

Was he now preparing to replace Casillas?

"Maybe it's not ideal, but we have to admit he's not the same Casillas as before. We need to prepare for that, don't we?" Florentino explained.

Letting go of veterans like Raúl, Guti, and even Casillas was no easy task. They had contributed immensely to the club.

Florentino had long advocated for modern management at Real Madrid. But this brought a challenge.

How do you balance professional management with emotional loyalty?

It wasn't just a Real Madrid problem or a Florentino problem. It was something all football clubs faced.

If Casillas was no longer capable of starting, or was affecting the team's performance, should they sign a new, better goalkeeper?

And if they did, would Casillas accept competing for the position?

"Lately, the media has been talking a lot about Thibaut Courtois at Leeds United. What do you think?" Florentino asked.

Zidane, the president's advisor, thought for a moment and replied, "I know Courtois. I've heard a lot about him. He's got enormous potential. He's 20 years old, 2 meters tall—ideal size for a goalkeeper."

Valdano added, "Our technical staff have been tracking him too. He was impressive in Belgium, but he's made huge strides at Leeds United, especially his shot-stopping. His biggest weakness is commanding the defense, but he's improved a lot there too."

"What about De Gea?" Florentino asked.

He actually preferred De Gea, who was widely seen as the future No. 1 for Spain.

In every country, a homegrown player always carries more appeal.

"Right now, Courtois is outperforming De Gea," Valdano replied, "and his price will be lower."

"But," Butragueño added, "Tottenham have been monitoring him for a long time. They've been searching for a keeper. Arsenal too. Then there's Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich."

There are so few top-level goalkeepers now, and any promising one instantly draws interest.

Florentino listened carefully. When they finished, he asked, "What would Gao Shen think?"

Valdano, Zidane, and Butragueño looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"Last time, he told me Leeds United didn't even have a training base," Zidane said in a subtle tone. "They asked the city for a plot of land downtown. The relocation is almost done. All that's left is to sell these players at high prices to raise funds and build the most advanced training ground in the world."

Everyone smiled.

A very sophisticated move indeed.

When it came to identifying and developing young talent in world football today, if Gao Shen was second, no one dared claim to be first.

"So he's planning to sell the players to build a training center?" Butragueño found it amusing.

"Then why did I hear he's got a headache over this?"

Zidane and Valdano laughed again.

"Of course it's a headache," Valdano said. "Leeds United still have to survive in the Premier League next season. But I'm certain that kid is ready. If he's hesitating, it's because he's planning to ambush you."

"Exactly. You don't know him yet?" Zidane added. "He acts all hesitant and unsure, like you're the one getting the better deal, leading you right into a trap he's dug. And you end up counting the money for him happily."

It sounded all too believable.

The more they thought about Gao Shen, the more devious he seemed.

"At this point, signing De Gea from Manchester United is basically impossible," Florentino concluded.

Ferguson had invested a lot in De Gea's development. There was no way he would let him go.

"In that case, let's target Courtois. See if you can find out what Gao Shen thinks."

Valdano and Zidane exchanged glances and nodded.

"Get in touch with Fernando Lucas. Have him talk to Gao Shen. But be aware, the competition will be fierce."

Florentino nodded.

Paris Saint-Germain still wielded enormous influence in European football.

"Let's lock in the target. Once the season ends, we'll look for the right moment to move."

Even though it was only the end of February, summer transfers had to be planned well in advance.

(To be continued.)