"We should be thankful that Real Madrid only scored three goals!"
As Gao Shen expected, after the match at the Bernabéu, criticism of Guardiola erupted in Germany and even within Bayern. The first to fire was Bayern's honorary chairman, Beckenbauer.
The Kaiser has always had a habit of speaking to the media. After almost every Bayern game, he would comment, sometimes in support, sometimes critical.
This time, he publicly criticized Guardiola's style.
After the game, in an interview with Sky, Beckenbauer bluntly stated that Guardiola's possession-based approach at Bayern was problematic and carried great risk.
Because Bayern are not Barcelona, and the Bundesliga is not La Liga.
"From this game at the Bernabéu, we can see that when your possession cannot completely suppress the opponent, it is nothing. Once the opponent seizes the chance, it is very dangerous."
Beckenbauer pointed out that Bayern's possession for the match was 68 percent, and it reached 76 percent in the first half. That is very high, even outrageous.
"But I believe everyone who watched will have noticed that we found it hard to threaten Courtois' goal, while Real Madrid broke through us time and again with efficient counterattacks."
"In fact, we should be thankful that Real Madrid only scored three."
Beckenbauer added that Barcelona's possession game was becoming increasingly boring, and Bayern seemed to be heading down the same path.
"If one day we play like Barcelona, believe me, by then there will be no more fanaticism in the stands at the Allianz Arena."
"It is incomprehensible, extremely boring football. They would even pass back on the goal line."
What Beckenbauer said was certainly exaggerated, but it reflects the increasingly obvious sign that Barcelona's football had become dull.
As for Bayern, Guardiola's Bayern had become boring in some games, which everyone recognized.
The reason is simple. Opponents defend deep and tight. Guardiola's team have the ball but struggle to create danger.
"Possession is not omnipotent, and football is never a one-man show. It is like a deception. The side with the ball seems to have the advantage, but the side that does not want the ball can score with extremely accurate counterattacks."
Beckenbauer also cited the second half. When Bayern adjusted their lineup, their possession immediately dropped, while Real Madrid naturally took control and their share increased significantly.
"This proves one thing. Real Madrid are not unable to control the ball, they are unwilling to fight for it."
"Between scoring and keeping the ball, Gao Shen chose scoring."
Beckenbauer believed that the defeat at the Bernabéu should make Guardiola take notice, and that he should reconsider which tactics Bayern should use and how to bring out the strengths of this Bayern group.
"Trying to transplant Barcelona's possession game to Bayern clearly does not work."
…
Not only Beckenbauer. After the game, the German media also criticized and even accused Guardiola.
Bild argued that Guardiola's possession tactics were putting Bayern in trouble.
"At the Bernabéu, despite their dominance of the ball, they struggled to create real danger."
"Guardiola followed Barcelona's template against Real Madrid and tried to restrict them, but Gao Shen used Real Madrid to deploy the defensive counterattacking tactics he uses against Barcelona and seized the chances well."
"Gao Shen has immense experience here. Whether facing Guardiola or Barcelona, he has not lost. He even won all seven meetings with Barcelona this season."
Bild also revealed that within Bayern there had been a lot of discussion, even public debate, about whether to implement Barcelona's possession game, though it was not widely known.
There were two camps. One believed they should stick with Heynckes' approach, arguing that the German coach knew Bayern and German football best, and knew which tactics would maximize Bayern's power.
The other believed the old German model had clearly reached a ceiling. German football was also reforming, moving toward technical passing and control. From Klinsmann's national team to Löw's era, technical reforms had been promoted.
Guardiola is undoubtedly the best in this respect.
From Klinsmann to Van Gaal, and now Guardiola, Bayern's direction of reform had been consistent. Heynckes' success should not be used to deny the value of reform.
In fact, Heynckes' success was also built on the reforms of Klinsmann and Van Gaal.
Bild believed both sides had valid points, but the differences were huge, and there were even "reformists" like Beckenbauer.
The quotation marks were because Beckenbauer had always supported reform.
From the overhaul of German youth development, to the national team, and then to Bayern, Beckenbauer had been an active promoter.
But at this point in Guardiola's tenure, Beckenbauer had reservations about the usefulness of possession.
"What is the point of controlling the ball if it does not work?"
…
Compared with the German media's divisions and accusations against Guardiola, the Spanish media were more united.
Marca believed that Gao Shen, with tactics, once again led Real Madrid to defeat their opponents, and a 3-0 home win in the first leg almost meant Real Madrid had one foot in the Champions League final.
The Real Madrid mouthpiece argued that Gao Shen would use the same approach he used against Barcelona to face Guardiola's Bayern.
"He defeats his opponents in the simplest, sharpest, deadliest way."
Alfredo, editor-in-chief of AS, believed Real Madrid showcased command and outstanding tactical acumen, allowing everyone to see the beauty of football tactics.
Alfredo said Real Madrid adopted different strategies in the first and second halves, and even across different moments of the game. The team showed extraordinary versatility and adaptability.
"Sometimes, we even wonder, is this really the same team?"
Because the tactics were completely different.
Real Madrid could play very efficiently, could also control, could press high as a unit, and could also sit back compactly.
"This is a versatile team with multiple approaches. We can choose the most targeted and threatening plan according to different opponents, environments, and matches."
The most embarrassed were the Catalan media. Before the game, they had vowed that Guardiola's Bayern would help them strike back, and even chose to support Bayern in a Spain versus Germany clash.
But now, Gao Shen's team beat Guardiola's team 3-0, which left the Catalan media red-faced and rethinking.
Could Barcelona's possession system really be outdated?
Or is it not the system, but that Guardiola and Martino are simply off the mark?
In fact, it was not only Guardiola who missed.
British football commentator and Gao Shen's old foil, Gary Lineker, tweeted early in the game and tagged Gao Shen, saying that if Real Madrid kept a clean sheet against Bayern, he would get his eyes checked.
He meant that after watching football for so many years, he was sure Bayern would score.
Soon after, he sent a second tweet, predicting Bayern would score first and likely win.
"Real Madrid are too conservative at home, and their opponent is Guardiola, famed for attacking football."
But what no one expected was that not long after, Real Madrid scored three in a row, all from counterattacks.
At halftime, Lineker exclaimed, "Toni Kroos has shown why he is trusted by the team. He is a world-class midfielder!"
Afterward, the famous British commentator said with some frustration, "I'm done!"
After the game, with Real Madrid winning 3-0, Lineker made a few self-deprecating remarks, saying he rarely loses bets. "When I run into that guy Gao Shen, something unexpected happens."
American commentator Piers Morgan also joined the fun, tagging Gao Shen and Lineker, saying, "I have a friend who is a very skilled orthoptist. I can introduce you."
Rodenstock, the famous German eyewear brand, even tagged Gao Shen, Lineker, and Piers Morgan, posting a promotional photo of Gao Shen endorsing Rodenstock alongside a photo of Lineker.
"All that stands between you and Gao Shen is a pair of Rodenstock glasses."
The exchange quickly drew a crowd on Twitter.
…
Although media and fans in Germany, Spain, the rest of Europe, and around the world reacted differently to the game, they agreed on one thing: they were highly optimistic that Real Madrid would reach the final.
After winning the first leg 3-0 at home, the chance of being overturned away was very small.
If Guardiola's team really completed the comeback, it would be epic.
But almost everyone believed this pragmatic Real Madrid would not give their opponents such an opportunity.
Bayern chairman Rummenigge still would not give up. In an interview after the match, he continued to issue tough words at Gao Shen and Real Madrid.
"We have a special power at home."
"In the second leg at the Allianz Arena, hell will be waiting for Real Madrid!"
Although the wider media and fans generally believed Rummenigge was being stubborn, Gao Shen still calmly reminded all Real Madrid players at Valdebebas that they must take every match seriously.
(To be continued.)