Starting With Real Madrid

"Boss, I think I can do it!"

The next morning, when Benatia arrived at the training center, the first thing he did was head straight to Gao Shen's office. Standing in front of him with determination, he gave his final answer after a night of deep thought.

He wanted to try.

Gao Shen was pleased. After encouraging him, he told Benatia to prepare for training.

Once Benatia left, Gao Shen remained seated, a satisfied smile on his face.

He knew he hadn't misjudged the player.

Before stepping into the football world professionally, Gao Shen had always felt that players who came up through leagues like the Eredivisie or the Portuguese Primeira Liga were often underrated.

But that perception was far from accurate.

Fans, who typically focus on the results of the big four leagues, tend to dismiss players outside of them. It creates an illusion that anyone who hasn't made it to these leagues isn't good enough. However, in reality, even excelling in leagues like the Eredivisie, Primeira Liga, or smaller leagues such as those in Switzerland or Austria, is already an extraordinary achievement.

To rise through the layers of competition and eventually stand out in the big four leagues, playing among the starting eleven in matches broadcast globally requires much more than talent.

It takes strength, luck, opportunity, and an indomitable will.

For players who reach the pinnacle of football, particularly in the big leagues, their sheer willpower is often what separates them from the rest.

Take Ronaldo, for instance. Fans have criticized him for being undisciplined, for letting himself go, and for wasting his talent. But few ever pause to consider the unimaginable physical pain he endured or the mental challenges he faced.

It's because he is Ronaldo that people criticize him. If it were anyone else, they would've been sidelined long ago, not even worthy of criticism.

And then there's Ronaldinho, who joined AC Milan this season.

Yes, he squandered some of his talent and lacked discipline later in his career, but people often forget how hard he worked before he became a household name.

From the very start, Gao Shen had been convinced that for someone like Benatia. who came back from a torn knee ligament, endured a year off the pitch, and still performed well in Serie A—it wasn't just about skill. It was about his mental strength and unyielding spirit.

And now, it was clear Gao Shen's intuition hadn't let him down.

---

"I don't quite understand."

After Benatia left, Zidane, standing nearby, spoke up with a curious look.

"Go ahead," Gao Shen replied with a faint smile.

He enjoyed these moments, explaining things to Zidane. After all, this was the man who would one day become the legendary coach of Real Madrid.

In fact, Gao Shen sometimes amused himself with the thought of writing an autobiography after retirement. He'd describe moments like this: "Back in the day, when Zidane was just starting out, he asked me this…"

He could already imagine the sense of pride it would bring.

"I think Benatia already had the answer yesterday," Zidane said thoughtfully. "So why did you make him go back and think about it instead of letting him decide right then?"

Gao Shen nodded.

Last night, when Benatia first came to him, he had been visibly inspired and ready to give his answer. But Gao Shen told him to sleep on it. It may have been only one night, but the impact was significant.

"It's not just about his promise or whether he does well," Gao Shen explained. "I wanted him to think it through and give me a definitive answer after reflecting on it."

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"Young players can get swept up in excitement and impulsively make decisions. But when the initial rush fades, they often find themselves confused or even regretting their choice. That's not what I want."

"I want them to carefully consider the decision and then commit to it wholeheartedly. That way, it's not just a spur-of-the-moment thing. When they decide after serious thought, they usually gain clarity about their direction and are less likely to lose their way."

Gao Shen smiled knowingly at Zidane. "And you'll see over the next few days, he'll push himself harder than anyone else."

Zidane seemed thoughtful but still a bit puzzled, as if trying to grasp the deeper meaning.

"Let's go," Gao Shen said, standing up. "We need to focus on preparing for our tactical training against Inter Milan."

---

In the following training sessions, Benatia indeed pushed himself harder.

Gao Shen specifically paired him with Cannavaro in the targeted tactical drills.

The two had played together before in warm-up matches, but their chemistry still needed work. Gao Shen assigned Benatia the role of the aggressor taking charge of tackles and challenges while Cannavaro focused on delaying and assisting. Their roles demanded precise coordination and trust.

Fortunately, Benatia had picked up Italian quickly, so communication on the field was smooth. Both he and Cannavaro began to develop a better understanding of each other.

Meanwhile, Gao Shen and his coaching staff made it a priority to nurture their partnership and improve their communication during the drills.

But Gao Shen also paid attention to the psychological aspect of the team.

For example, Cannavaro, who had been the team's first-choice center-back, had seen his status drop after Bonucci and David Luiz emerged last season. Now, with Benatia joining, Cannavaro's position as the third-choice defender was under threat.

Gao Shen had a conversation with Cannavaro about this, and it was clear the Italian defender felt frustrated.

Cannavaro wasn't oblivious to the situation. Having played many games, he could see Benatia's potential and knew where he stood compared to his teammates. However, Gao Shen also recognized Cannavaro's determination and strong mentality.

Players like Cannavaro those whose abilities might not match the rapid growth of the team but who possess strong willpower were the ones Gao Shen believed in investing in.

He encouraged Cannavaro to step out of his comfort zone and adapt, focusing on improving his game and embracing new responsibilities.

For instance, Gao Shen asked him to mentor Benatia, sharing his "experience" of playing in Serie A. This mentoring role wasn't just for Benatia's benefit, it was also a way for Cannavaro to grow and evolve.

In Gao Shen's eyes, many organizations fail when they treat veteran members with excessive privilege, creating a divide between old and new. This sort of internal split leads to dysfunction, both in companies and in locker rooms.

Gao Shen's philosophy was simple: equal treatment for everyone.

If you want to play, prove yourself. Show that you deserve it.

"Paul," Gao Shen said, placing a hand on Cannavaro's shoulder. "Against Inter Milan, the backline will rely on you."

Cannavaro, at 27, wasn't a young player anymore, but Gao Shen's words clearly moved him. He nodded firmly.

"Don't worry. I won't let you down."

Gao Shen gave him an encouraging nod, exuding trust and confidence.

To an outsider, the scene might've looked like an older coach guiding a younger player.

But in reality, Gao Shen and Cannavaro were only a year apart in age.

---

After three days of preparation, Naples was ready to head north to Milan.

Before departure, Gao Shen attended the pre-match press conference and announced the squad.

When speaking to the media, he acknowledged that Inter Milan remained the strongest team in Serie A.

"There's no question about it," he said. "I don't see the title of defending champions as giving us any advantage. Last season is in the past. This season, everyone starts from scratch."

"Frankly, being champions puts more pressure on us. We need to perform even better because that title won't make our opponents weaker."

Gao Shen went on to praise Mourinho.

"Jose is an excellent coach. I've followed his work for a long time and learned a lot from him. He's someone I respect deeply. And contrary to what some say, I don't think his style is overly conservative. He's delivered some brilliant attacking football."

This season, Gao Shen believed Inter Milan had addressed their weaknesses and posed a significant challenge.

"With their squad and a coach like Mourinho, Inter are not just title contenders in Serie A, they're a real threat in the Champions League as well."

When asked about his confidence, Gao Shen stated he was optimistic about his team's chances but avoided any overconfidence, mindful not to fuel controversy.

Still, the media couldn't help but wonder: Was Gao Shen holding back?

Had the notorious "Little Troll" gone soft now that he was up against Mourinho, the "Master Troll"?

***

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