Finally, following Perroti's advice, Suker's overall training plan underwent changes.
Besides retaining some strength training, it focused more on flexibility and core training.
Anna Maria was also an excellent coach; she was not only a yoga instructor but also held a doctorate in kinesiology from the University of London's Sports Institute.
She had also served as a flexibility coach for many players, possessing rich experience.
Flexibility training was not yoga, but rather involved many exclusive stretching movements that could both relax muscles and increase body flexibility, slowing down the process of body stiffness.
Suker did not tell anyone about this, although it wasn't a major issue, Real Madrid was indeed unstable at the moment.
Real Madrid still needed an omnipotent Suker, so he quietly continued his training and maintained his previous playing style, not rushing to transform.
After all, even if he were to transform, it would require a process.
At the very least, this season, Suker would still play according to his previous style.
However, Suker still needed to be vigilant.
Because his competition with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo had already entered the second stage.
The Battle of Transformation!
This stage would not be as explosive as before, but it would hide subtle complexities, and competition would still be inevitable.
Unlike before, where it was simply about goal count.
The competition now focused more on overall performance.
Goal count was just a reference!
Match contributions, dribbling performance, assists, passing accuracy, and so on, would all be part of the detailed comparison.
"Do you feel Suker's style has changed?"
Mourinho, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly.
He paid close attention to details, so after watching Suker's performance multiple times, the results he obtained were somewhat different.
"Changed?" Faria, however, asked in confusion; "He's still playing the same way!"
Faria felt that Suker's playing style hadn't changed much; it was still as sharp as ever.
But Mourinho saw it more meticulously.
Previously, Suker's breakthroughs would mostly occur on the flanks.
But in this match, Suker frequently swapped positions with Kroos and began to actively dictate the attacking rhythm.
From time to time, he even threaded through balls!
Moreover, Suker's dribbling had increasingly become horizontal carries, unlike before where he would push forward with full force on the flanks.
Of course, this wasn't bad news!
Although it lacked a bit of the explosive feel compared to his previous breakthroughs.
It was, however, more fluid and natural, integrating more into the collective play.
Soon, the opponents on the field also noticed Suker's running direction.
They began to actively tuck in defensively!
Then, Suker started to go wide, reverting to his previous sharp, unreasonable playing style.
Even Mourinho couldn't help but grin.
This guy was truly difficult to defend!
After the training session, everyone came to the sidelines and sat down.
Srna complained, "You have to set me up before you dribble past me, right?"
At first, it was all diagonal breakthroughs, linking up both wings, with attacks mostly originating from the central axis and the right wing.
But when they tucked in, Suker suddenly started causing trouble on the left wing.
This caught Srna off guard!
Wasn't this just dribbling past him, and even setting him up first!
"If I didn't set it up, I couldn't get past you!" Suker said with a small, complimentary laugh.
Srna appreciated the compliment.
"However, you're somewhat crowding Kroos's position!"
Srna said.
In the training match, Kroos indeed didn't have much space to operate; he was severely squeezed by Suker's runs.
Constantly making cross-runs with Suker, giving up space, ultimately resulted in him not being able to perform much.
"I'm fine."
Before Suker could speak, Kroos quickly said, "I feel Suker is trying a new style."
Hearing this, Suker nodded: "I am indeed trying; don't worry, I won't crowd your position in the match."
Kroos let out a small sigh of relief.
Suker got up, leaning on his knees, he waved to Bale, and then called Benzema over.
The two curiously came closer, looking at Suker.
Suker looked at them and asked, "Do you want to score goals?"
Bale and Benzema froze for a moment, exchanging glances.
Nonsense!
Of course, they did!
Both Bale and Benzema wanted to score goals very much.
Especially Benzema, he always distributed the ball to the wings, and although he would get assists, as a center forward, not scoring many goals in a season was indeed a bit embarrassing.
Bale, needless to say, had started to become Suker's tool man after joining Real Madrid.
Of course, he also wanted to score goals, but he didn't dare to directly compete with Suker.
Therefore, when Suker said this, they didn't dare to respond directly.
Suker also understood their concerns, and he organized his words:
"I've been thinking, our counter-attacks after winning the ball are a bit too monotonous; usually, Karim distributes the ball to both wings, and Bale and I break through with speed.
Although it's simple and effective, if the opponent is prepared, this kind of counter-attack will be very difficult to execute!"
"Of course, sometimes we also pass back to Kroos or Kaka to let them initiate the attack with passes, but once the ball reaches our feet, it's still very rigid!"
Suker looked at the two and said, "We three lack coordination and understanding!"
Benzema nodded: "I've also thought about this problem, but me alone can't create varied passing lanes!"
Benzema spoke very subtly, but Suker and Bale could understand.
To put it bluntly, Real Madrid's previous tactics were for Benzema to act as a pivot, distributing the ball to both wings, with Suker and Bale making forward runs.
Forming a trend of forward runs on both wings, the main focus was a quick counter-attack, using speed to overwhelm the opponent.
If the opponent was prepared, it would be difficult to execute.
Although it was repeatedly effective and highly efficient, it also lacked variation and any aesthetic appeal.
Moreover, Benzema didn't have many passing options unless Suker and Bale cooperated.
Bale glanced at Suker, not speaking.
His words wouldn't carry much weight here; unless Suker agreed, there would never be a change.
But the next second, Suker said directly: "I'll create chances for you!"
Hearing this, Benzema and Bale were greatly surprised.
Suker actively creating chances for them?
Why?
Making this decision all of a sudden!
The two were so stunned they didn't dare to speak.
"I'm serious." Suker said earnestly: "I believe the frontline also needs cooperation.
I know I've taken a lot of resources, but I've also produced corresponding statistics, you can't argue with that, right?"
Bale and Benzema nodded.
They recognized Suker!
Because Suker could produce the corresponding goals, they were willing to be supporting players for him.
If Suker couldn't score goals, they wouldn't care who Suker was; they'd directly revolt!
"I'm giving you a choice now, a choice to increase goal-scoring efficiency, to increase our cooperation.
I will make sacrifices, but you will also have corresponding pressure." Suker narrowed his eyes slightly; "If you can't score goals, then all the pressure will be on you?
Do you dare?"
Benzema and Bale exchanged glances again, saying decisively:
"Dare!"
What's there not to dare?
Take a gamble, turn a single ride into a motorcycle!
Before, there was no opportunity, now there was hope, so naturally, they had to take a gamble.
Suker smiled:
"Rest in the afternoon, we'll meet at the second team's training ground!"
The two nodded in agreement.
The morning's large training session ended, and Real Madrid's players immediately went home.
Training during the League season wouldn't always drag on for too long; either in the morning or the afternoon, it would end after high-intensity training.
Players had a lot of time to themselves.
Of course, they wouldn't indulge during this time; due to internal competitive pressure, they would also voluntarily do extra training.
This was like the youth academy model.
Large sessions focused on tactics and cohesion.
Basic training had to be done spontaneously.
Real Madrid's second team training ground was located next door, a bit further from the office building.
And there was also an indoor training ground.
Due to the excessively hot weather, training was conducted in the indoor training ground.
There were a total of four people undergoing training.
They were Suker, Benzema, Bale, and Kroos.
They also invited a special guest: Zidane.
Zidane had heard some news from Benzema and then voluntarily followed along.
In the second half of the season, he was going to be Real Madrid's Assistant Coach, and he also wanted to understand these issues as much as possible.
Training quickly began.
Suker wasn't sure exactly how to train.
But relying on their respective strengths, he intended to blend them into a cohesive unit.
It was simply a matter of trying multiple times and combining the characteristics of their respective runs.
However, after many attempts, there was always a sense of unfamiliarity.
The overall rhythm was too slow!
"Are we not running fast enough?"
"I feel like we're already very fast, but the rhythm just isn't picking up!"
"A bit drawn out!"
The four of them huddled together, feeling something was off.
Suker also had a headache.
It was easy to think about, but not so easy to play.
As the three were chatting, Zidane suddenly spoke up, "I have some suggestions."
The four turned their heads, and Suker asked, "Do you know where the problem is?"
"No, no, no!" Zidane shook his head, "I'm not too sure either, but watching your passing and running, some parts always feel awkward."
"Awkward?" Benzema asked, puzzled, "Are we playing awkwardly?"
Zidane nodded, "Firstly, the first problem is, you have too many horizontal layoff!"
"You need to understand that you are a forward line, not a midfield. The midfield utilizes the full width of the field to control the tempo and achieve their objectives, so there are many horizontal runs and pass!"
"But the forward line is different; your task is to score goals, to attack!"
"Therefore, your passes must also be forward!"
"Horizontal pass can happen, but you are passing the ball too many times!"
After a pause, Zidane said, "In the history of offensive forward line combinations, whether it was the Arsenal trident formed by Henry, Pires, and Bergkamp, or the total football forward line of Ajax formed by Cruyff, Keizer, and Swart, their passes were always forward!"
"Once the first attack doesn't break through, and the ball is still at their feet, they will immediately pass back, take the ball out of the forward line, then drop back to receive the ball, and attack again!"
"Appropriate attacking distance, forward passes, continuous one-touch passes, or passes after dribbling past an opponent—you can use various methods, but you must ensure the ball is passed forward!"
Zidane looked at the four people deep in thought and said, "This is my suggestion; you can try it out!"
Listening to Zidane's suggestion, everyone nodded slightly.
Suker also showed a hint of understanding.
Soon, the three put it into action.
Continuous cross-runs, passes during forward progression—although not yet perfectly synchronized and the passing tempo was not fast, it achieved the desired effect.
Zidane, on the side, was also constantly shouting instructions.
"You must ensure a triangular formation!"
"Forward line progression is not parallel progression, but forming a triangular formation, echoing each other. If someone pushes forward, someone must drop back! Bale is too wide, you need to run towards the middle!"
"That's right, just like that! Pick up the tempo a bit more!"
Watching the three on the field continuously improve their coordination, Zidane also felt a bit antsy.
However, he had already retired and was about to make his debut as a coach, so he needed to observe from a more objective position.
Zidane could see that the coordination of Suker and the others was continuously being refined.
Although it was still very rough, and the coordination was too simple.
But all of this requires a process!
Furthermore, these three all had strong individual abilities and wouldn't easily lose the ball, thus increasing some room for error.
Bang!
Suker passed diagonally backward, but it went to an empty space.
Bale, who should have been diagonally behind, had run to the far post.
Watching the ball roll away, Bale quickly raised his hand and said, "My fault, I didn't run to the right position!"
"Let's go again!"
They didn't blame him; after all, it was a process of coordination, and some mistakes would occur.
Through repeated training, they gradually began to develop a tacit understanding, and their coordination was no longer as rusty as before.
The last goal was particularly spectacular.
Benzema curled a shot into the far corner, and the ball found the top corner precisely.
"Oh~~~!!!"
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!!!
Inside the training room, everyone laughed and applauded.
Benzema also smiled exceptionally happily.
"With this kind of forward line attack, it feels like the real threats all come from behind," Bale said, "So the person making the forward run has to make some sacrifices."
Suker nodded, "Sacrifice is inevitable; someone must help pull away defenders, as the forward line combination is all about using runs and passes to create the best shooting environment!"
"I feel like if we practice for a while longer, we can use it in a match!" Benzema said excitedly.
Suker poured cold water directly, "It's too early for that. This is just our coordination among ourselves, detached from the team's overall system."
Zidane also nodded, "A true forward line combination needs to integrate the entire team, not only forming a small individual group but also being able to rely on the team's larger system."
"Still a long way to go!" Bale sighed.
Despite sighing, he couldn't suppress the smile on his lips, because once this tacit understanding was developed, their goal-scoring efficiency would increase significantly.
Benzema shook his head and said, "However, Mourinho probably won't let us try this combination!"
Everyone couldn't help but turn grim.
This fundamentally contradicted Mourinho's system!
In his system, which emphasized faster and stronger play, their forward line combination focused on more detailed identification and exploitation of weaknesses.
To put it plainly, it was about maximizing the individual abilities of the three players, finding and exploiting loopholes in the attacking third.
This would delay the speed and efficiency of counterattacks, so Mourinho would naturally not allow it.
In contrast, Zidane stroked his chin.
In the second half of the season, he would be taking office.
At that time, although Leidep would be the Head Coach, tactical issues would most likely be discussed between Zidane and the Real Madrid stars.
If the Real Madrid stars agreed, Zidane wouldn't mind using this season to refine this tactic.
After all, like other Real Madrid fans, he was tired of Real Madrid's crude defensive counterattacks.
If they could play more beautifully, more aesthetically pleasing, and still have sufficient combat power on that basis, Zidane believed he could embark on a successful path as a Head Coach.
As soon as he thought of this, Zidane couldn't help but let his imagination run wild; he felt he had grasped some ideas.
"How about I treat you to coffee?"
Zidane wanted to communicate further with Suker and the others.
Suker thought for a moment, "Forget the coffee, treat us to dinner."
Benzema also rubbed his stomach and said, "I'm hungry too!"
Zidane smiled, "No problem!"
Zidane was very generous, treating them to a customized French meal, which, judging by the restaurant's decor, must not have been cheap.
The three feasted, eating their fill.
In the evening, Zidane invited the three for a simple drink.
Europeans are still not accustomed to discussing business at the dinner table; they must have something to drink.
Inside a private bar booth.
Zidane chatted with everyone about many interesting things that happened at Real Madrid during his time there.
For example, Ronaldo was an unsuccessful 'traitor'!
Ronaldo had played for Barcelona, then transferred to Real Madrid sometime later.
This made Barcelona fans at the time furious.
The problem was that during his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo only won one cup title, and due to his poor performance, he was actually removed from the ranks of traitors by Barcelona fans.
"At that time, Ronaldo's expression was very interesting; he was both sad and relieved!"
Zidane smiled, "In contrast, Figo's situation was much worse. Because he joined in 2000, and after he joined, we won La Liga, and the following year we won the Champions League, he was extremely hated by Barcelona fans, and in every El Clásico, he was also the most fouled player."
"I even remember when we played at Camp Nou, those Barcelona fans collectively shouted 'traitor,' which indeed caused Figo a lot of trouble!"
Benzema nodded, "However, I feel that the matches back then were still quite civilized!"
"Civilized my ass!" Suker retorted angrily, "My first year playing in Milan, they didn't even give red cards for tackles! If you got tackled, you had to tackle back. If you didn't tackle back, the opponent would think you were easy to bully and keep tackling you!"
Zidane chuckled, "That's how Serie A was back then; they focused heavily on defense, and you didn't get into few fights in Milan, did you?"
Suker shrugged, "Fights? Not my turn!"
Everyone froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
At that time, Milan had Nesta, Stam, and Maldini, all of whom were the type to act rather than talk.
Instead, it was the fierce Gattuso who was the most reasonable.
Just like Suker's remark, it was never his turn to fight.