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  Grasping personnel decisions with one hand and financial matters with the ao Shen was keenly aware that he had truly stepped into his role as Real Madrid's head coach.

  Despite his tract extending only until the season's end, his current authority surpassed that of both Lusenberg and Carlo. Uhem, he could now determine whether a pyer's tract should be renewed.

  The agreemeween Gao Shen and Martiered on renewing tracts for young pyers like Ramos, whose current saries were modest and required approval from higher-ups at Bernabeu. Yet, this decisio a clear signal: while Gao Shen initially had limited authority, this foothold could lead to broader influence.

  Ramos quickly learned of his impending tract renewal, sparkiement in the locker room—a rea Gao Shen had anticipated. This newfound power, he believed, would freater pliance among pyers.

  However, he uood the need for judicious use; wielding it selectively was key. This capability didn't mean every pyer seeking renewal would receive it. After all, what use was authority if it wasn't wielded strategically?

  That evening, Gao Shen purchased a bottle of wine and visited Carlo's residence for dinner—a gesture of camaraderie and respect.

  "Do you have a girlfriend?" Carlo inquired, amused by Gao Shen's upbeat demeanor.

  Gao Shen chuckled inwardly. How could his authority extend to matters of romance?

  He maintained a low profile, preferring humility despite his current te.

  ...

  Following two days of meticulous preparation, including analysis, adjustments, and targeted training sessions, Gao Shen vened aactical meeting ahead of the Juventus match.

  This meeting primarily focused on the uping Champions League quarterfinals sed leg.

  Gao Shen enced by showing a specially edited video prepared by Lucas. It featured overhead shots emphasizing Juventus' midfield during attacks.

  "Watch the video closely, fog on the Juventus pyers. Then, tell me what you observe," Gao Shen instructed the attentive pyers.

  Initially, many struggled to dis the significe of the footage.

  After viewing it twice, Gao Shen paused the video and fixed his gaze on Dellered, whom he held in high regard.

  "Reuben, your thoughts," Gao Shen prompted.

  Dellered pondered briefly before responding, "Juventus deploys a standard 4-4-2 formation, maintaining a pad discipliructure across three lines."

  Gao Shen nodded approvingly. "Anyone else?"

  "Reuben's observation is accurate but not prehensive," added Graveseon's former pymaker, now known for his astute analysis. "There's an exception I noticed."

  "Excellent!" Gao Shen praised Gravesen. "Who?"

  "Nedved. I observed him frequently drifting from the left to bolster the midfield due to the tral midfielders' limited passing ability. Capello seems to afford him this freedom," Gravesen eborated.

  "Insightful," Gao Shen eurning to Dellered with encement.

  Gravesen, with his wealth of experience, offered valuable perspectives. Despite his rugged exterior, he possessed a keen footballing mind.

  Enced by the coach's nod, Dellered resolved to excel further.

  "Now, sider what this implies," Gao Shen posed a sed question.

  Deep in thought, the pyers pohe implications.

  Zidane was the first to respond fidently, "Nedved is industrious and responsible, often shifting positions to support the team. However, this predictability could be exploited. By anizing our terattacks to exploit the space left vat when he moves trally, we destabilize Juventus' defense."

  Gao Shen appuded Zidane's insight.

  "Some individuals possess an innate knack for sualysis," he mused. "Zidarack record of leading Real Madrid to three secutive Champions League titles reflects his exceptional a. He identifies nuahat elude others until executed."

  He tinued, "Our objective this afternoon is to implement this strategy effectively. When Nedved drifts trally, we'll press and disrupt, f him to stay out of position. We'll then swiftly transition py tht fnk to capitalize on the ensuing terattack."

  ceptually straightforward, exeg this strategy required precise coordination and adaptability.

  Gao Shen and his coag staff subsequently focused on these specifics during afternoon drills.

  ...

  Following a closed training session, Gao Shen showered, ged, and proceeded to the press ference hall.

  Initially hesitant to attend personally, he residered.

  He aimed to pel Capello to adopt a predetermiactical approach—employing a 4-4-2 formation.

  Seemingly a risky strategy, it was, in fact, a feasible option given Capello's risk-averse nature.

  At the press ference, Gao Shen unveiled Real Madrid's 18-man roster. Ronaldo repced Soldado pared to the previous enter.

  "Ronaldo's return following his stunning goal against Bara underscores his inclusion. His presence bolsters our offensive capabilities, crucial for seg victory at Bernabeu," Gao Shen decred fidently.

  Capello's Juventus, having drawn 0-0 against Treviso—a surprise given their status and Treviso's lower standing—didn't faze Gao Shen.

  "Juventus likely served energy for our enter. Their caution suggests they fear fag us at Bernabeu," he asserted, smiling knowingly.

  He hat Juventus' scoreless draw in the first leg actually pced them at a disadvantage.

  "Juventus uands our capability to score at Bernabeu. It's not a challenge for us," Gao Shen cluded with quiet fidence.

  Wheioned on his perceived defensive approach since assuming Real Madrid's reins, Gao Shen smiled enigmatically.

  "Strategic adjustments are ti upon our oppos. Following tomorrow's match, perceptions will likely evolve," he remarked, hinting at impending ge.

  Asked if he po adopt an aggressive strategy, Gao Shen shook his head, a hint of amusement in his expression.

  He provided suct responses, maintaining an air of quiet assurahat left reporters intrigued.

  His fidence, palpable throughout, intrigued the media. Could he truly back his bold assertions with results against Juventus at home?

  Unbeknownst to them, Gao Shen's emphasis on stability i tactical meetings and training underscored his strategic priorities. Precluding Juventus from sg aramount—a single away goal would ate two goals for Real Madrid to advance.

  Should Juventus fail to score, a solitary Real Madrid goal would suffice.