Starting With Real Madrid

Carlo was right.

From every angle, Real Madrid had no chance.

In Gao Shen's previous life, Real Madrid had also drawn 0-0 with Arsenal away, only to be knocked out in the round of 16 with an aggregate score of 0-1.

In the subsequent years, Real Madrid never surpassed the round of 16, earning them the nickname "Round of 16 Kings."

But so what?

Gao Shen couldn't tell Carlo that he was a traveler gifted with foresight, he couldn't reveal his extensive tactical knowledge, and he couldn't confess that even if he lost the game or was dismissed from Real Madrid, he would persevere at all costs.

In his previous life, he had been too average, too ordinary.

Now, he wanted to shine and let the whole world see his brilliance.

Seeing Gao Shen's resolute demeanor, Carlo couldn't dissuade him, so he sighed and muttered to himself, "I really don't understand what you young people are thinking."

Yet, Carlo still chose to support him.

...

When Real Madrid prepared to face the Madrid derby at the Bernabeu, Arsenal also had a local derby in London.

In the Premier League's 28th round, Arsenal played away against Fulham.

The Gunners' performance was even more dazzling than Real Madrid's. Henry scored twice, Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas each contributed a goal.

Carlo and Gao Shen watched the match replay in the living room, primarily to dissect Arsenal's current tactical approach.

In this match, Wenger deployed a 4-4-2 formation.

Lehmann was in goal, with Flamini, Senderos, Kolo Toure, and Eboue in defense. The midfield consisted of Ljungberg, Diaby, Gilberto Silva, and Hleb, while Henry and Adebayor formed the striking duo.

Adebayor had joined from Monaco in January for nine million euros. He was tall, strong, and possessed delicate footwork, addressing Arsenal's previous striker deficiencies.

While Henry was not a conventional center-forward, he operated more as a free-roaming attacker.

Many believed that Henry and Adebayor formed an ideal partnership upfront.

During the Fulham match, Adebayor paired up with Henry to score three goals.

However, what caught Gao Shen and Carlo's attention was that all four of Arsenal's goals originated from through passes in midfield, all targeting the left side.

In the 31st minute, Diaby threaded a through ball to Henry, who shook off Fulham's right-back and volleyed from the edge of the penalty area's left flank.

Four minutes later, Ljungberg sent a through pass towards the left side, evading Fulham's defense. Adebayor tapped the ball into the net effortlessly, making it 2-0.

In the 77th minute of the second half, Ljungberg again played a through pass to the left flank. Henry slotted the ball into the far corner, scoring his second goal.

In the 86th minute, Ljungberg provided another through pass. Flamini made a run from the left flank, returning the ball to Cesc Fabregas, who came on as a substitute. Fabregas fired a low shot from the center, sealing the score at 4-0.

All four goals stemmed from direct passes, with three directed towards the left side of the penalty area and one towards the byline, where left-back Flamini overlapped and returned the ball to the center.

While Gao Shen was familiar with Flamini as a defensive midfielder, his versatility now allowed him to play equally adeptly in midfield and as a full-back, bolstering Arsenal's left flank along with the capable Eboue on the right.

"Considering this match, Ljungberg will undoubtedly start. His performance was exceptional, and Wenger cannot afford to bench him at this point. The question now is whether Wenger will stick with 4-4-2 or switch to 4-2-3-1," Carlo inquired after they analyzed the game.

Both formations were well-practiced by Arsenal this season, each serving different tactical purposes. The ultimate decision hinged on Wenger's assessment of the game.

Moreover, if Wenger opted for a 4-4-2, how would he configure the front line? Would it be Henry and Adebayor, or perhaps Reyes alongside Henry? Alternatively, could it involve Bergkamp partnering with Henry?

If 4-2-3-1 were chosen, would Adebayor remain central while Henry operated wide?

Different configurations would necessitate varying tactical styles, reflecting the head coach's strategic preferences.

Wenger, a seasoned manager, boasted an Arsenal squad boasting versatility, allowing for the seamless blending of diverse tactics and playing styles as needed.

What about Real Madrid?

The starting lineup was relatively predictable.

Upon taking charge, Gao Shen had marginalized the Brazilian contingent and initiated significant tactical overhauls, offering a fresh perspective for the clash against Atletico Madrid.

This was merely on a tactical level; what about the players?

"In truth, everyone knows—Ronaldo, Zidane, Carlos, even Raul and Beckham—they remain world-class in terms of skill and game intelligence, but their physical capabilities are no match for Europe's top teams," Carlo lamented with a despondent expression.

"At this juncture, you've made decisions that many, including myself, have long desired but lacked the courage to implement—embracing youth, injecting vitality into the team. However, it's insufficient, and your time is limited," he added.

Gao Shen nodded knowingly.

Player fitness posed a severe issue.

Real Madrid's defensive frailties were well-documented, but how could they be remedied?

Presently, emphasis was on collective and zonal defense, necessitating active participation from every team member.

Herein lay the dilemma—many stars lacked the requisite physical prowess, such as Ronaldo, Carlos, and even Zidane.

Physical fitness derived from daily training sessions, yet Real Madrid's training regimen was subpar.

Why the deficiency?

The aging superstars.

Ramping up training intensity risked objection from these stars, and even if they consented, their advanced age dictated sluggish recovery rates. How could they manage twice-weekly fixtures?

Reduced training intensity allowed occasional flashes of brilliance, whereas intensified regimens left them depleted.

Team-wide training levels plummeted, causing even physically adept players to regress—a vicious cycle.

Low training standards meant diminished stamina and competitiveness.

Gao Shen refrained from revising the training program—timing wasn't ripe.

Carlo's critique—time was of the essence—resonated deeply.

The Premier League, synonymous with high-octane play, physical demands, and rigorous contact, placed Real Madrid at a distinct disadvantage against Arsenal.

Lacking tactical supremacy and physically imposing players, what remained?

Their first-leg 0-1 home loss nearly sealed Real Madrid's fate.

As Carlo had stated, only a miracle could salvage their prospects.

The pertinent query surfaced—who could orchestrate such a miracle for Real Madrid?

...

...

It neared midnight when Gao Shen departed Carlo's residence.

Carlo pledged ongoing assistance; should Gao Shen require aid, he need only ask—a promise he meant to keep.

Yet, Valdebebas evoked sorrow.

Pedaling home, Gao Shen's spirits dipped.

Analysis with Carlo underscored an inevitable defeat against Arsenal.

Even replicating their previous life's nil-nil draw was a commendable outcome.

Now, he faced graver odds—his disbandment of the Brazilian contingent had rendered Real Madrid less potent than in his previous tenure.

Was Arsenal truly unbeatable?

Cycling homeward, the frigid wind pierced his down jacket, chilling him.

Gradually, exertion warmed him, sparking contemplation.

Days earlier, critics forecast his defeat to Atletico.

What unfolded?

A resounding three-goal victory.

Criticism now dogged him anew.

Could Real Madrid truly not prevail?

Unthinkable!

Impossible!

His appointment as Real Madrid coach embodied the paramount variable.

Carlo spoke from experience—valid points, yet experience alone.

Why would Real Madrid succumb? Why not emulate Ajax, champions against the odds?

Absence of the Brazilian contingent aside, gifted young players abounded.

Arsenal flaunted prodigies; Wenger's trust reposed in youth—Flamini, Reyes, Cesc Fabregas, Eboue, Senderos, Kolo Toure, Diaby, Adebayor.

Would these prodigies eclipse Real Madrid's young talents?

Doubtful!

If Wenger's tyros reached Champions League finals, why not Real Madrid's?

Resolved, Gao Shen halted his bike, gasping for breath, inhaling the crisp night air.

Home.

Epiphany struck.

Resolve crystallized.

Desires fervent.

"He who fervently desires to realize a wish... the universe conspires to help."

Each crafts their destiny—quitters capitulate, perseverers endure.

"Strong desires," pondered Gao Shen.

Decision made, he hesitated no longer.

Dinner taken earlier at Carlo's, a shower, then bed.

Yet, into the tactical repository he delved, re-reading Benitez—Liverpool clashes with Arsenal.

Since 2004, Benitez and Wenger—three encounters, two wins, one loss.

Noteworthy, post-Real Madrid lay Arsenal, Liverpool to follow.

Also, Ferguson's tome—tactical duels with Wenger.

Against the world's judgment, he'd wage all-out war against Arsenal.

Outcome in the wind.

With head held high, he'd no regrets.