Suker wasn't sure if Florentino's last sentence was a jab at him.
However, Suker was also constantly testing Florentino's boundaries.
But there was no other way!
As a player, Suker was also fighting for his own interests.
His cooperation with Real Madrid was mutually beneficial.
Real Madrid brought him personal glory, and Suker, in turn, used his strong performances to bring Real Madrid team honors and even huge economic benefits.
Therefore, to be honest, Suker's relationship with Real Madrid was far from as close as his relationship with AC Milan.
It was purely a business relationship!
But facing the media cameras, Suker couldn't say that, especially with the boss nearby and so many fans watching.
AC Milan would not care about the good they did for Suker.
In fact, if possible, AC Milan would really empty their coffers to bring him back.
But AC Milan couldn't do that now, because they really had no money!
Moreover, Suker was still in his prime and had no plans to return.
Perhaps one day, when he could no longer handle the intensity of the Big Five Leagues, and if Milan still wanted him, he would choose to go back, even if the salary was a bit less, it wouldn't matter.
But obviously not now!
The next day, the exclusive interview with Suker and Florentino appeared on Spanish television and was broadcast continuously.
This interview, due to the topic of Mourinho, attracted a lot of attention from fans.
In addition to increasing Suker's fame, it also served to suppress Casillas.
After Florentino said those words, Real Madrid fans naturally thought of Casillas's significant negative role in the locker room conflict.
Combined with the revelations from Casillas's girlfriend during that period, this caused Casillas to start enduring a lot of public pressure.
Casillas had clarified this, but almost no one believed him, and public opinion continued to ferment.
Real Madrid did not do any public relations for this, a light 'We believe Iker' was considered a response.
Mourinho left, but the locker room problem still existed.
At the very least, Suker and Casillas's awkward relationship made many people constantly watch their expressions.
Back to the match, on January 19th, Real Madrid played away against Osasuna.
In this match, Real Madrid still used the XJBT tactic.
At the same time, in the chaotic situation, they defeated Osasuna 2:0.
This match also officially made all teams understand that Real Madrid was not just playing randomly.
Beneath that seemingly random and tactically illogical play, there was a certain pattern.
However, many fans still held the idea of 'random play'.
After all, even tactical experts couldn't see the problem, so they naturally couldn't see it either.
On January 19th, La Liga Matchday 20.
Real Madrid home against Sevilla.
Suker did not play in this match.
The reason was simple: Suker had accumulated yellow cards and was suspended for one match.
In La Liga rules, a player who accumulates five yellow cards will be suspended for one match.
Suker had already accumulated 5 yellow cards in the past 19 matches, so he needed to be suspended for one match and could not play.
With Suker unable to play, Real Madrid played more conservatively.
By the 87th minute, they were also leading Sevilla 2:1.
But in stoppage time, Rakitić's sudden change of direction and dribble assisted a teammate to score, forcing a draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabéu.
On January 27th, La Liga Matchday 21, Real Madrid home against Getafe.
After Suker's return, he scored two goals in the first 20 minutes.
In the second half, Ramos and Bale each scored, ultimately sweeping Getafe 4:0.
This also made Real Madrid fans feel proud, resolving the previous match's forced draw.
However, due to the draw, their points gap with Barcelona increased.
It had now reached a 5-point difference!
Entering February, in addition to the League, Real Madrid also needed to prepare for the upcoming Champions League knockout stage.
In the 2012/2013 Champions League knockout stage, Real Madrid's opponent in the Round of 16 was Paris Saint-Germain from France.
At the beginning of the season, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain had played a friendly match.
At that time, Paris Saint-Germain had not yet fully integrated, but they also showed impressive combat power.
Now, they were considered a strong team in the Champions League.
Relying on strong financial resources, Paris Saint-Germain's rise was very fast.
However, facing Real Madrid, they were still intimidated.
France, Paris.
Ancelotti was in his office, repeatedly watching Real Madrid's matches.
He had to find out Real Madrid's tactical patterns before the match.
To be honest, Ancelotti was initially confused.
It wasn't until La Liga Matchday 20, when Suker was suspended and Real Madrid was held to a draw at home, that Ancelotti saw some clues in that match.
The old man sat at his desk, watching the video on the computer, a cigarette between his fingers, puffing away.
After a moment, Ancelotti extinguished the cigarette butt, which had been smoked down to the filter, stood up, and went to open the window to air out the room.
A chilly breeze rushed into the office, and Ancelotti couldn't help but shiver, but his mood was very pleasant.
He understood what Real Madrid was playing.
In 2009, when Suker first joined Real Madrid, Pellegrini, who was the Head Coach, used Suker as a cannon, and the tactic of setting up a cannon made many teams suffer.
After all, Suker's powerful individual ability was difficult to limit.
However, when it came to strong matchups, problems gradually emerged, and coupled with the lack of system enhancement, it ultimately failed.
And the current Real Madrid was also using this tactic.
Passing the ball to Suker was also setting up a cannon!
The difference was that this time, there was the tactical system left by Mourinho, and to increase the deception, layers of outer shells were added, giving people a feeling of random kicking.
But to put it plainly, whether it was long ball play or short passing penetration, the final choice was to give the ball to Suker.
Let Suker complete the shot and help them score goals.
Or, Suker acted as the final pass, opening up offensive channels.
But no matter what, it was inseparable from Suker!
"I thought it was some novel tactic, but it turned out to be a smokescreen!" Ancelotti couldn't help but smile.
However, this tactic was indeed interesting.
But Real Madrid's coaching staff didn't play it thoroughly enough.
If it were Ancelotti, he would set up a more suitable system, and around this system, start playing this tactical switch.
Even short passing penetration with a defensive counter-attack shell, and it could even extend to the possession phase.
Knock knock knock!
A knock on the door sounded.
A young man who resembled Ancelotti walked in.
"Father, the board has sent another contract renewal invitation."
The young man's name was Davide, Ancelotti's son, who was currently serving as a fitness coach in Ancelotti's coaching staff.
At 24, Davide had ended his professional career early; after realizing he had no talent in football, he decided to retire and began transitioning into a coach.
Because he had a top coach as a father, he had many opportunities for training, and the environment was also very good.
Just like now, at 23, he had already joined Ancelotti's coaching staff as a fitness coach and was simultaneously studying for his European A-level coaching license.
"Did they agree to my terms?" Ancelotti asked.
Davide shook his head: "No! They are still discussing!"
Ancelotti: "Then find my agent."
Davide smiled wryly: "Your agent contract is also nearing its end, they want to renew with you!"
Ancelotti scratched his head: "This is really troublesome."
At this moment, Davide continued: "Father, this morning, I received a call."
"The call was from an agent named Zorancic, I think you should be familiar with him, right?"
Ancelotti: "That Croatia agent?"
Davide nodded, hesitated for a moment and said: "He offered me very good terms, wanting to sign me."
"Sign you?" Ancelotti was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but shake his head: "You call him."
Davide immediately dialed Zorancic's number.
"Oh~~ my good friend, have you made up your mind?" Zorancic's voice came from the phone.
Ancelotti said directly: "You want to sign my son?"
"Uh"
Zorancic was somewhat bewildered; he clearly hadn't expected Ancelotti to call him directly.
"Mr. Ancelotti, I'm in Paris right now. How about we meet up?"
Ancelotti raised an eyebrow, "What a coincidence?"
Zorancic smiled, "It just so happens to be!"
Inside a cafe in Paris.
Ancelotti came alone, without his son.
Across from him was a smiling Zorancic.
Ancelotti had dealt with Zorancic before; he was a very annoying agent, but precisely because he was annoying, he was an excellent agent.
From a player's perspective, Zorancic was indeed a very good choice.
The same applied to a Head Coach.
A Head Coach's championship team isn't just about personal connections.
Agents are also a crucial link.
For example, Mourinho could gather many excellent players through Mendes's agent network.
Zorancic also had many excellent players under him, and even some undeveloped, high-quality, and low-priced players.
But the problem was, how could such a European agent powerhouse approach his son, a rookie who had just started his coaching career? Does that make sense?
"It doesn't make sense!" Zorancic still smiled and said, "Because my goal, from beginning to end, has always been you!"
After saying that, Zorancic quickly added, "However, Davide is also in my development system, and you know the resources I have at my disposal. Once Davide obtains his coaching license, I can market him to any club he wants to go to!"
"Including a powerhouse?"
Ancelotti asked.
The smile on Zorancic's face froze, "A powerhouse... that might not be appropriate."
Nonsense!
If he used his connections to get someone into a Big Five Leagues team, that would be pretty good. He wants to get into a powerhouse? Is he crazy!
"You want to sign me?" Ancelotti asked directly.
Zorancic immediately nodded, "We understand you are currently negotiating a signing with a British agency. I'm not slandering them, but their resources are poor and cannot provide you with enough support. They might be influential in the UK, but outside of the UK, they can't operate."
"In contrast, our agency has connections with all the major powerhouses, and with your reputation, we can absolutely move you to any club you desire!"
Ancelotti: "Including Real Madrid?"
Zorancic: "If you wish, we will have Real Madrid make you a surprising offer!"
Ancelotti didn't answer. Instead, he took a cigar from his pocket, puffed on it, and asked, "Did Suker send you?"
Zorancic shook his head, "No! This is my own idea. My team primarily handles player agent issues, but now we plan to open up the Head Coach line."
"Of course, you have the right to be skeptical, as this is our first time attempting professional agent services for coaches. However, the price we offer will definitely surprise you."
With that, Zorancic pushed a contract across the table.
Ancelotti opened it with one hand, scanned it roughly, and then his eyebrows twitched.
"So much? With this split, how do you make money?"
Zorancic smiled, "Making money isn't the goal. After all, this is our first collaboration. What we want is your success!"
Ancelotti: "To use me to make a name for yourselves?"
He looked at the contract in his hand again, "The terms are indeed very surprising!"
"Alright then!" Ancelotti looked at Zorancic, "How about you help me secure a contract? As long as you get this contract done, I'll sign with you!"
"You want money?"
Ancelotti: "I want honor!"
Zorancic pondered for a moment, "You must be troubled by the contract renewal with Paris Saint-Germain, right?"
Ancelotti: "Your information is quite well-informed."
Zorancic smiled, "I have connections in Paris too!"
"However, I don't recommend you renew with Paris Saint-Germain, or rather, leave Ligue 1 and go to other Leagues."
Ancelotti frowned slightly.
Zorancic continued, "I'm just making a suggestion. In the early 21st century, you were absolutely the hottest Head Coach on this planet. You achieved brilliant success at Milan, but in the process of commercialization, you started to fall behind!"
"No offense, but right now, the popularity of coaches like Mourinho, Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Guardiola is indeed higher than yours."
"You stayed at Chelsea for too long, and after coming to Paris Saint-Germain, you are still consuming your advantages!"
"If this continues, you will be kicked out of the ranks of famous coaches." Zorancic said seriously, "So, as your future agent, I suggest you leave Ligue 1!"
"Why don't you think I can succeed in Ligue 1?" Ancelotti retorted.
Zorancic: "I have never doubted your ability. What I doubt is the level of Ligue 1. Not to mention anything else, just those top players, are they willing to come to Ligue 1?"
"Paris Saint-Germain waves checks to buy players, but can they truly win the favor of genuinely top stars like Suker, Messi, and Ronaldo?"
"No! That's impossible! For them, besides money, there's honor, and the latter is even more important!"
"Therefore, they won't leave competitive teams, and if you want to build Paris Saint-Germain into the team you envision, I think you know the conditions a team must have to rise, right?"
Zorancic extended his palm and bent one finger.
"First: The club's strong financial resources. Paris Saint-Germain meets this!"
"Second: Long-term trust, as this is not something that can be achieved in the short term. Let's assume Paris Saint-Germain has extreme trust in you, but..."
Zorancic narrowed his eyes:
"Third, a high-intensity competitive environment!"
"Ligue 1 is at the bottom of the Big Five Leagues. If you don't count historical Champions League points, they might even be surpassed by Primeira Liga!"
"The internal League competitiveness is insufficient. Previously there was Lyon, but now Lyon has been hollowed out and no longer has its previous deterrence, and there's also Paris Saint-Germain's player-poaching behavior in Ligue 1."
"To be honest, once a player performs exceptionally well at Paris Saint-Germain, he will also be burdened by a long absence of honor and eventually leave Ligue 1!"
"This League cannot retain people! It certainly cannot retain superstars!"
"And for you to build Paris Saint-Germain into a Champions League-level team is even more difficult to achieve!"
Zorancic continued, "And your current situation, to put it bluntly, you are resting on your laurels!"
"Can a Head Coach who has been inactive for a long time, and without Champions League honors, still be called a famous coach?"
"So... I suggest you leave Ligue 1!"
After speaking at length, Zorancic's mouth was dry. He picked up the coffee on the table and took a big sip.
Ancelotti seemed to still be deep in thought, tapping the table without speaking.
But his tightly furrowed brows indicated that this was also Ancelotti's concern.
Reaching the top in a small boat is a dream!
But being the helmsman of the Galácticos is reality!
Zorancic also felt a bitterness in his heart. What other coaches were scrambling to do, seemed unfeasible for Ancelotti.
After a while, Ancelotti slowly spoke:
"What price does Real Madrid intend to offer me?"
Zorancic's eyes lit up, "I have a contract here."
Ancelotti couldn't help but smile. This guy was indeed prepared.
While he had the intention of recruiting him, he was also a lobbyist for Real Madrid and Suker.
Ancelotti briefly glanced at the contract, "It's not bad! But it's not as high as what I'm getting now!"
Zorancic grinned.
You think everyone is Paris Saint-Germain?
They have no honor, so they can only throw money!
Ancelotti continued, "But you should be able to negotiate for more, right?"
Zorancic looked up, "Increase by a few percentage points?"
Ancelotti was startled, "You all calculate by percentage points?"
Zorancic shrugged, "Suker's new contract, his salary doubled!"
He paused, then added, "After tax!"
Ancelotti exclaimed, "I can also get after-tax?"
"I will try to persuade them, but it will mostly be both sides bearing the taxes proportionally."
Ancelotti raised an eyebrow.
This was also acceptable.
After all, he knew how strict Spain's taxes were!