When Gao Shen decided not to renew his contract with Real Madrid, he stopped involving himself in the club's decisions.
This included transfers, signings, contract renewals, and even the most pressing issue at hand: choosing a new head coach.
The Gao Shen era had been one of unmatched glory.
Five consecutive La Liga titles, the third time in La Liga history and also in Real Madrid's history. Six consecutive Champions League titles, setting a new record in European football. The Copa del Rey, Super Cup, and Club World Cup trophies filled the Bernabéu's Hall of Fame to the brim.
In terms of both momentum and reputation, this Real Madrid side stood at the very peak of its history.
It was, in fact, the pinnacle of world football history.
Under such circumstances, whoever succeeded Gao Shen was destined to face a difficult task.
For instance, Real Madrid had their eyes on Zidane. But who was Zidane?
This intelligent Frenchman knew better than anyone that taking over Real Madrid now was like picking up a hot potato.
Having served as Gao Shen's assistant for years, he had already gained invaluable experience. Taking charge now would bring more risk than reward.
He preferred to lead the French national team, which he considered his true stage.
Guardiola was at Manchester City, having come from Bayern. Klopp was at Liverpool, and his results were outstanding. Mourinho was at Manchester United and doing well. Simeone remained the boss at Atlético Madrid. Ancelotti, after years at Paris Saint-Germain, had moved to Napoli. Tuchel was managing Paris Saint-Germain, while Sarri was at Chelsea.
Pochettino, a young Argentine coach who had risen rapidly in European football, was performing impressively with Leeds United.
In the 2013/14 season, Leeds finished fifth in the Premier League, earning recognition. The following season, they improved further, finishing fourth and sparking more debate across Europe.
Over the next two years, Pochettino's Leeds United consistently ranked third. After years of steady progress, they finally won the Premier League this season, making him one of Europe's most talked-about coaches.
European football was now dominated by Gao Shen's disciples.
From Guardiola to Klopp, Tuchel to Pochettino, and Sarri, all were top coaches enjoying immense popularity. This only enhanced Gao Shen's prestige across Europe and the world.
Real Madrid initially hoped Pochettino would replace Gao Shen, but the Argentine tactician politely declined. After five years at Leeds United, he wished to continue building his legacy in the Premier League.
According to him, he wanted to make his name in England.
As a result, Europe's top coaching options were nearly exhausted.
While contracts were one reason, the real issue was that no one wanted to take over Real Madrid at this moment. Everyone knew it was an impossible job.
Just look at Real Madrid's last season. Aside from Gao Shen, even legendary names like Sacchi, Michels, or Ferguson in their prime might not have achieved what Gao Shen had done.
It was truly an impossible situation.
Once a team reaches its peak, a rapid decline inevitably follows. Who can prevent that?
Klopp's Dortmund collapsed badly, and Guardiola's Bayern also fell apart. Everyone understood it was historical inevitability, impossible to avoid.
But Gao Shen defied fate. With his extraordinary coaching ability, he reversed the situation and led Real Madrid to win both La Liga and the Champions League—both titles rewriting football history.
That record was simply insurmountable.
So, to take over Real Madrid now would be suicidal.
Which top coach would dare accept the job?
…
"We are currently evaluating two candidates," said José Sánchez, explaining Real Madrid's progress in selecting a new coach. "One is to continue our current style, and we're considering Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish national team coach, who's very interested in joining us. The other is a full rebuild, and we're looking at Rafael Benítez, a true Madrid native."
The club had to choose between the two but hadn't decided yet.
Lopetegui could be considered a disciple of Gao Shen, at least in his own view. He had collaborated with Gao Shen multiple times before managing Porto and Spain with decent results.
There was no question about Benítez's ability either. After leaving Liverpool, he managed several clubs successfully. However, his biggest problem was his strong personality and strict management style.
Real Madrid's current issue was its aging squad, which needed a gradual and balanced transition.
It would be unrealistic for a new coach to immediately replace all the veteran players with new ones.
Even if Real Madrid could afford it, the fans' backlash would be immense. That would be slow suicide.
But could Benítez handle Real Madrid's dressing room?
And what about Lopetegui?
Could he manage it?
José Sánchez clearly wanted Gao Shen's insight.
But Gao Shen only smiled and said nothing. He was no longer Real Madrid's coach.
Given his status and influence, any comment he made could be interpreted as digging a trap for his successor.
Besides, if he was proven right, it would bring him no benefit. If he was wrong, it would undermine his credibility.
So, silence was the best response.
Still, everyone knew choosing Real Madrid's next coach would be extremely difficult.
It was like Manchester United's chaos after Ferguson's retirement.
Even after hiring Mourinho, they had yet to recover.
Last season's Premier League was a battle between Leeds United and Manchester City. Leeds finished with 101 points, surpassing Guardiola's 100-point Manchester City record and becoming the second-highest total in history after Gao Shen's Manchester City.
Manchester United, in third, only managed 81 points, while Liverpool in fourth had 75.
Although the Premier League was called the "Big Six," their performances varied greatly.
United had been weak for years, far from the dominance of the Ferguson era.
With Manchester United's struggles as a warning, Florentino had to proceed cautiously.
Initially, he wanted Zidane to take over since it seemed natural, but Zidane declined. He even decided to take a break from Real Madrid altogether.
He called it rest.
In short, Real Madrid's search for a new coach was proving extremely difficult.
…
When the team bus arrived at the Bernabéu, countless Real Madrid fans were already gathered there.
The streets outside the stadium and even the stands were packed with supporters.
Real Madrid was holding a grand celebration ceremony at the Bernabéu.
The players entered one by one, holding the trophies they had won this season.
Only then did people realize that, except for the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid had won every possible title this year.
Those who hadn't followed the season couldn't truly understand how much this meant to Real Madrid fans. They knew how tough it had been.
Before the winter break, the media had speculated endlessly that Gao Shen wouldn't survive until January, that he would face a disastrous fall and tarnish his reputation. Nobody believed Real Madrid could win so many trophies.
They had nearly been eliminated in the Champions League group stage after being beaten twice by Leeds United, including a humiliating away defeat. In La Liga, they trailed far behind Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, with almost no hope of winning the title.
Soon after, they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey.
Everything looked hopeless.
Florentino publicly promised not to sack Gao Shen mid-season, but the media took it as a sign that a coaching change was imminent, as his reassurances had always preceded a dismissal in the past.
The situation was dire, and the dressing room atmosphere was fragile.
Cristiano Ronaldo demanded a pay rise and considered leaving. The center-back trio of Pepe, Ramos, and Varane was struggling with mistakes and inconsistency. Di María was injured, and Benzema's form was poor.
Real Madrid, the mighty Galácticos, seemed to be sinking.
At that moment, Gao Shen boldly declared he would never resign, vowing to fight until the very end, staking his honor and career on it.
From then on, Real Madrid began their comeback, winning point by point, match by match.
In almost every game, they were outplayed, yet they still found ways to win, slowly climbing up the table and advancing in the Champions League.
Now, looking at the countless trophies, especially the La Liga and Champions League titles, their achievements seemed dazzling.
But only those who had lived through the season knew how much blood and sweat went into those two trophies.
The Bernabéu never boos talent because it knows how difficult greatness truly is.
As they looked at the championship trophies, many fans found tears welling up in their eyes.
Some couldn't help crying.
Suddenly, someone shouted, "Gao Shen!"
Then more and more joined in.
The chants grew louder until the entire Bernabéu and even the streets outside echoed with his name.
Countless fans cried as they shouted, unwilling to see him go.
Many players on the pitch crouched down or hugged their teammates, tears streaming down their faces.
From now on, that familiar, reassuring figure would no longer stand on the home team's touchline at the Bernabéu.
Everyone felt lost.
Inside and outside the stadium, the shouts of hundreds of thousands of Real Madrid fans filled the Madrid night sky.
Gao Shen stood quietly at the entrance of the players' tunnel. He claimed to be calm, but deep down, he was truly moved.
It was an indescribable feeling, one he knew he would never forget for the rest of his life.
Gradually, the chants changed.
Fans began shouting "Stay!" over and over.
Eventually, the entire stadium stood up, chanting in unison for him to stay.
This had happened the previous year too.
But this time, Gao Shen didn't come out.
He was afraid that if he did, his resolve would weaken, and he might change his mind, just like last season.
(To be continued.)
And that marks the end of Volume 4. We are now moving to Volume 5, "The White Rose Bloom," which is the final arc of this book. Thank you for all your support so far : )