It was a training day before the third round of the League.
Suker and the others arrived at the training base, and just as he was about to enter the locker room, he saw Benzema and Bale walking out, arm in arm.
The two were laughing and chatting, looking like they were as thick as thieves, as if they had forgotten the fierce argument they had in the locker room just yesterday.
"What kind of spell did the boss cast on them?" Suker couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Kaka, who was beside him, also blinked; he knew Ancelotti was good at resolving conflicts, but he didn't expect it to be to this extent.
The Real Madrid players were also baffled by the restored relationship between Benzema and Bale.
They even felt that yesterday's fierce dispute was an illusion.
How can people be so fickle?
"Are they faking it?" Marcelo watched the two engaged in a small-sided game on the field and couldn't help but complain, "How could they suddenly make up?"
"Faking it? There's no need for that!" Srna was also puzzled. "I'm curious too, does the coach know witchcraft?"
Just as the two were talking, Bale suddenly started moving towards the center of the field.
Benzema's position was encroached upon, and the two collided.
Everyone held their breath.
This was the issue that caused the previous conflict.
Just as everyone thought the two would argue, Bale raised his hand apologetically and said, "I ran too slowly!"
Benzema: "My reaction was slow too. You should have run towards the center earlier, I'll make way for you!"
Everyone: "???"
Bale shook his head: "I won't always run towards the center. My strongest point is on the wing!"
Benzema insisted: "No, no, no! You should come to the center; it can also disrupt the defense."
Seeing this, Srna and the others were even more astonished.
Why are they being so humble now?
Zidane also had his mouth slightly open. He turned to look at the calm Ancelotti.
"What exactly did you do?"
Ancelotti shrugged: "I just reminded them what to do, and then encouraged them a little."
"For example?" Zidane asked curiously.
Ancelotti: "I told Bale that he is the strongest winger in the world, that he is the most troublesome presence on the wing, and that his idol is Giggs, but I told him that he would surpass Giggs' achievements on the wing!"
Zidane suddenly understood; he had appeased him!
"What about Benzema?"
"He's even simpler!" Ancelotti smiled. "I told him that he is the team's brain, and that the brain needs to calm down at all times. He needs to become Real Madrid's attacking commander!"
Zidane couldn't help but grin.
It must be said that Ancelotti provided the players with the emotional support they needed.
He gave Bale encouragement.
He gave Benzema responsibility.
These satisfied the emotional needs of both players, and also made them willing to make contributions and sacrifices.
Ancelotti slowly said: "In long periods of high-pressure matches, pressure will certainly stimulate their fighting spirit, but at the same time, it also wears down their morale. Therefore, it is necessary to give them appropriate encouragement, which will make them more motivated. In fact, what they need is this kind of spiritual encouragement and affirmation. It's just a matter of moving your mouth, why not do it?"
After a pause, he continued: "Of course, there are also some extremely calm guys."
As he spoke, he looked at Suker on the field.
His method of spiritual encouragement had never worked on Suker.
This guy's will was firm and stubbornly focused on his goals.
This kind of personality often doesn't need spiritual affirmation; they are often extremely confident themselves.
Clap, clap, clap, clap!!
Ancelotti clapped his hands and said: "Alright, guys, that's all for today's training. After tomorrow's League match, we will start preparing for the Champions League."
The Champions League will start in mid-September. For Real Madrid, after balancing the League, they also need to focus on the Champions League.
In fact, the latter is even more important!
On September 1st, Real Madrid hosted Athletic Bilbao at home.
In this match, Suker did not start. The front line was composed of Bale, Benzema, and Pato.
But even without Suker, with the excellent performances of Bale, Benzema, and Kroos, they still easily won the match.
Pato also performed well, getting an assist.
As for Suker, he watched the entire game from the bench and did not play. Clearly, Ancelotti wanted Suker to rest and also avoid revealing the tactical combination of the front line too early.
On September 14th, it was the fourth round of the League.
After two World Cup European qualifiers, Real Madrid's players also returned to the League.
Suker was still on the bench in this round.
But Ancelotti made a slight miscalculation; Villarreal, through brilliant teamwork, scored two goals in just ten minutes in the first half.
In the second half, Real Madrid changed their tactics, but still couldn't make a significant turnaround.
In the 71st minute, Suker came on as a substitute.
After coming on, Suker completed a goal and an assist within just 19 minutes.
First, a curved llow pass assisted Bale for a goal.
Then, in the 84th minute, he equalized the score from a set piece.
In the 89th minute, Suker made a through ball, helping Benzema get a one-on-one chance.
Unfortunately, the Referee disallowed this one-on-one goal, and Real Madrid failed to complete the comeback within the allotted time.
But even so, Suker's performance as a substitute in the second half still gave the Villarreal players a cold sweat.
Finally, in the fourth round of La Liga, Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Villarreal away from home.
"Oh, my God! This is Suker's ability!"
"In just 19 minutes, Suker's continuous dribbling attacks on the left wing further muddled Villarreal's defense. If the last through ball hadn't been disallowed, Real Madrid would have overturned the game."
"However, Villarreal also performed very well in this match, especially their number 10 player, Cani, who continuously created threats on the left wing, making Carvajal play extremely passively."
"In the right-back position, Carvajal is still not as stable compared to Srna and Arbeloa."
"However, Carvajal is still young after all, and he still has a lot of room for improvement. Let's continue to pay attention to this young player and not dismiss his performance because of one match."
Carvajal looked very frustrated.
He finally got a chance to start, but he messed it up.
This match was indeed played extremely passively; he didn't perform well either defensively or offensively.
This was not his usual normal performance.
Carvajal had even prepared himself for a scolding.
But in the tactical meeting room, Ancelotti did not mention him during the review.
Instead, he reviewed the game as a whole to find problems.
When the review meeting ended, Ancelotti then kept him behind individually.
"Dani, what kind of player do you want to be?" Ancelotti asked gently.
Carvajal pursed his lips: "I want to be one of Real Madrid's best full-backs!"
Ancelotti couldn't help but smile: "Be bolder! Be more confident!"
Upon hearing this, Carvajal suddenly looked up: "I want to be the best full-back!"
"Very good!" Ancelotti nodded. "But this is not an easy task. In this process, you will encounter difficulties and doubts time and time again."
"I'm not afraid!" Carvajal said solemnly: "I hope that after I retire, fans will still remember me."
Ancelotti: "That's even harder."
"Dani, have you thought about your future?"
Upon hearing this, Carvajal looked a bit lost.
"I'm learning to play from Srna."
Ancelotti: "Imitation is ultimately imitation. Of course, it all starts with imitation, but you have imitated Srna for several seasons; you eventually need to develop your own style."
"Think carefully about what you really want to do, what you are best at, and fully utilize your strengths. If you encounter any trouble during this process, you can come to me, and we can discuss it together. How does that sound?"
Carvajal's eyes lit up: "That would be great!"
After a pause, he said with frustration again: "But I messed up today's match."
"Don't worry about one match. I'm not so petty as to bench you just because of one loss. Daniel, you are very talented, and you will be the first choice to replace Srna. Therefore, you need to grow up as soon as possible." After a pause, Ancelotti winked and smiled: "You should know what I mean!"
Carvajal was stunned for a moment.
He opened his mouth, then suddenly nodded vigorously, "I understand.
I'll go back and think about it carefully, then draw up a training plan for you."
"Good idea!" Ancelotti smiled and nodded.
Carvajal left, looking very excited.
He felt respect and importance from Ancelotti, and these became his motivation and source of confidence.
Moreover, from the information Ancelotti revealed, Srna seemed to have intentions of leaving.
If Srna leaves, the competition for Real Madrid's starting right-back position will become intense.
After all, besides him, Arbeloa is also eyeing the spot!
The footsteps of the Champions League approached, and Real Madrid's first-round opponent was Steaua Bucuresti from Romania.
Steaua Bucuresti drew Real Madrid, but they didn't feel disappointed; instead, they were extremely excited.
Especially Steaua Bucuresti's 23-year-old young player, Stanciu.
This young Stanciu, hailed as a Romanian prodigy, is only 20 years old!
Stanciu excitedly posted a message on his social media.
[Hello! Idol! I salute you!]
Below was a picture of Suker with arms outstretched, celebrating.
In the splendid Bernabéu stadium, illuminated by spotlights, he looked like a king descending.
For many young people in Eastern Europe, Suker is definitely their unified idol.
Suker's influence is not limited to Croatia; in the surrounding Balkans countries, Suker is also their idol.
Among them, many young people grew up watching Suker's matches.
For them, the biggest dream is to compete on the same field as Suker.
To make their dream a reality!
And Stanciu just happened to achieve this.
September 18th, Bucharest, Capital of Romania.
In a detached two-story house, sunlight streamed into the bedroom through the curtains.
The entire bedroom was not large, furnished with a bed and a desk.
A laptop was on the desk, and various messy clothes were on the floor.
This was a standard single young man's room!
The floor was messy, some corners even covered in dust, but the posters on the wall were spotless.
Poster after poster, almost completely surrounded the room.
These posters were all of one person, the Croatian star Suker!
From his Dinamo Zagreb period to his Milan period, all the way to his Real Madrid period.
Stanciu had posters of Suker from every stage.
On the nightstand, there was an alarm clock and a calendar.
A date, 'September 18th', was marked in red on the calendar, clearly the Champions League match day.
The sunlight was dazzling, Stanciu rubbed his eyes and got up.
He first checked the time, then immediately got up and went into the bathroom to wash up.
After a quick rinse, he put on a training suit, grabbed his duffel bag, and prepared to head to the training ground.
After walking a few steps, Stanciu immediately turned back.
He stood in front of the wall of posters, his eyes shining as he looked at the spirited figure in the poster.
A brilliant smile formed on his lips, and he gently tapped his left chest with his fist, quietly encouraging himself:
"Come on!"
Steaua Bucuresti, as a prominent team in Romania, did not have the most complete facilities.
Old, silver-sticker shower stalls in the locker room.
On the locker door, there was a small paper slip indicating each player's name, signifying usage rights.
For teams in these lower-tier Leagues, such situations are common; not every team possesses the professional equipment of a top European powerhouse.
Nor do they constantly undergo renovation and maintenance, often using facilities for ten or twenty years.
"Good morning!"
Stanciu walked cheerfully into the locker room, greeting his teammates.
One of the bearded teammates looked at the excited Stanciu and teased, "During the match, don't get so excited that you ask for an autograph!"
Stanciu retorted playfully, "I know what I'm doing.
I'll ask for an autograph after the game, and I'll even swap jerseys with him."
"What if he doesn't swap?" Tanase asked with a playful expression.
Stanciu was visibly conflicted.
Oh, right!
What if he doesn't swap?
Just then, another teammate, Popa, walked in, panting, "Suker might not play."
Hearing this, everyone froze for a moment.
Stanciu even clutched his head, "Oh, my God!
That's terrible news."
He had waited for this day for who knows how long, and then you tell him Suker isn't playing?
"Is he injured?"
Pintilii asked.
"I don't know, but probably?"
"Nonsense!" Center-back Zuccala retorted angrily; "Three days ago, he led the team to equalize away from home.
Such an iron man, suddenly injured?
Who would believe that!
It's probably a trick to confuse the opponent!"
"Confuse us?" Popa subconsciously said.
Goalkeeper and captain Tatarusanu sighed, "It shouldn't be us, but Chelsea!"
"Suker not starting means we're being underestimated!"
The players all clenched their fists.
Despite having almost no chance of winning their match against Real Madrid, their enthusiasm remained undiminished.
In fact, they enjoyed the process of this match more than victory itself.
This process of playing against a top team like Real Madrid.
But then they were suddenly told that Suker wouldn't be playing?
This caused their enthusiasm to wane slightly.
Without Suker, would Real Madrid still be considered that top powerhouse?
Just as everyone was feeling a bit down, Stanciu suddenly said, "Can't we just force him out?"
Everyone looked up.
Stanciu said seriously, "As long as we gain an advantage and force Suker out, then it'll be fine."
Everyone thought about it, and Popa suddenly grinned, "Even without Suker, that's still Real Madrid.
Can we really get an advantage?"
"How will we know if we don't play?" Stanciu said earnestly, "I'm in great form right now; I feel like I can score!"
Everyone exchanged glances and immediately agreed.
Regardless of whether Suker was playing or not, they had to give it their all.
They had finally seized this opportunity and didn't want to waste it for nothing.
All of a sudden, Steaua Bucuresti's morale became high.
Meanwhile, at Real Madrid's hotel.
Suker was eating lunch, feeling that Ancelotti was overly concerned about him.
Although Suker had played every match for two seasons, his body was durable!
Medical examinations hadn't revealed any problems, but Ancelotti insisted Suker rest.
"Isn't the boss making a mountain out of a molehill?" Suker couldn't help but say.
Kaka, beside him, grinned, "Do you know what playing every match for two seasons means?"
"Two seasons of 76 League matches, Champions League, Copa del Rey, National Team matches, excluding friendly games, you've played over a hundred consecutive matches in these two years!
And most of them were full 90-minute games, so it would be strange if the boss wasn't nervous!"
Suker: "I feel fine.
The physical examination also shows that my condition is not a problem."
"Do you really think of yourself as an iron man?" Kaka said exasperatedly; "You're already 27.
If you get injured now, you'll almost certainly follow in my footsteps.
When you can't run due to a major injury, you'll have nowhere to cry."
"The boss is also protecting you.
Cherish your upcoming peak period.
Form is something that can disappear just like that!
It's good to rest well at the beginning of the season; there's no harm in it!"
Listening to Kaka's persuasion, Suker also sighed.
He was resting!
But with fewer matches, he would have fewer goals and assists.
Although Suker no longer needed to prove himself, he still felt uncomfortable when people constantly brought up statistics.
But Ancelotti had no ill intentions; he was genuinely worried about Suker.
"Rest then!" Suker shook his head.
In the second half, Ancelotti would also give Suker some time to play to maintain his form.
As for whether Steaua Bucuresti could force him to play, Suker wasn't worried at all!
If even these guys couldn't be beaten, then Benzema, Bale, and those guys wouldn't be called stars.
It wasn't that he underestimated Steaua Bucuresti, but Real Madrid had to possess such capability.
Even without Suker, the match would still not be a problem.