"Luxemburgo believes Santos' young star Robinho is a super winger! He's personally called him the next Pelé!"
"Luxemburgo praised Baptista: 'This beast can play anywhere in midfield, and he might even surprise people as a striker!'"
"Luxemburgo: 'Our match against São Paulo was the toughest game of the season. Their right-back Cicinho caused us huge problems!'"
"River Plate's rising right-back Carlos Diogo earned high praise from Luxemburgo!"
"Luxemburgo considers Uruguayan international Pablo García—former Atlético Madrid player and Osasuna defensive midfielder—to be the most dominant defensive player in the Copa América!"
"The first three are from Brazil, the last two from Uruguay," said Su Hang. "All South American players. And there are a few more Luxemburgo rates highly."
"Luxemburgo's level is far above that of Queiroz, Camacho, or Simon."
"With tactics like his, it's almost a shame he's a football coach."
"If he went into politics, I wouldn't be surprised to hear his name in a Brazilian election."
Zidane stayed quiet.
Su Hang's deductions matched his own, though Su Hang's details were more precise. Zidane knew about Robinho and Baptista, but not Diogo, Cicinho, or García.
It didn't change the big picture—Luxemburgo's plans clearly had no place for most of the Galácticos apart from Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.
That included Zidane. Luxemburgo might not seem to be targeting him, but in fact, his system left no room for an attacking midfielder.
With Robinho so highly valued, it was obvious Luxemburgo planned to focus on wing play. Through the middle, he'd want two defensive midfielders instead of a No. 10.
Which meant Zidane would likely spend most of next season on the bench—then be pushed out entirely the season after.
Zidane looked at the relaxed Su Hang. "And you're this calm about it?"
Su Hang grinned, flashing white teeth. "Luxemburgo's a top-class tactician, but he's never coached a club like Real Madrid."
"He doesn't understand how this club is different from other giants."
"Some teams just chase victories."
"Some chase victories and beautiful football."
"Real Madrid demands victory, style, and superstars with massive commercial value."
"Luxemburgo thinks the first two matter more than the third."
"But at least in Florentino's era, the third actually outweighs the first two."
"The moment Florentino sees Luxemburgo's true intentions, he won't hesitate to sack him."
"And Luxemburgo may be misreading how hard it is to adapt here. Madrid's spotlight is unforgiving; without the right support, even gifted newcomers can lose focus."
Zidane glanced around. "Careful—let's not turn that into a label about where players come from."
Su Hang nodded. "Agreed. I'm talking about the environment and expectations here, not nationality. If the club builds the right support and accountability, they'll thrive; if it doesn't, performance drops."
Zidane let out a long sigh. "You're a great leader."
Su Hang smiled. "So are you."
Zidane shook his head. "Shame we're in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Su Hang: "Then we have an obligation to make it right."
Zidane: "What's your plan?"
Su Hang: "Why don't you shift to left midfield and let Figo take the No. 10 role?"
"Raúl's personality can handle being first substitute for both spots."
"I'll take care of the Solari situation."
"If the Spanish clique and the internationals work together instead of clashing, we can produce Real Madrid's best results. Even if Luxemburgo gets his players, he still won't be able to change the starting lineup on his own."
"The fans won't agree—and neither will Florentino."
Zidane put on his coat to leave. "Then let Luxemburgo set his trap. In the end, he'll find out that beneath his layout is your web."
"It doesn't matter how many players he brings in. What matters is…"
"The Galácticos will use the pressure he creates to give 200%, return to their peak, and win everything this team is meant to win!"
Su Hang laughed. "Our web, you mean… Smith! Get my Ferrari Enzo ready and take Zizou to the airport—his flight's about to leave."
Zidane declined politely. "No need, I drove."
Su Hang tugged his arm. "If you take that Mazda, you'll get stuck in traffic."
Mazda: …
...
After Real Madrid's rapid winter business, the team began drilling new tactics as soon as vacation ended.
On the training pitch, the first team was playing a practice match against the youth side.
Figo sat on the bench, already sensing his precarious position.
Luxemburgo's cunning showed in why he chose to target Figo first.
Figo's contract was up at the end of the season.
If he stayed, he'd demand a big salary. But with Zidane, Ronaldo, and Beckham still shining, Figo—though a former Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year—was no longer the club's headline star.
Real Madrid wouldn't offer him top wages. He might take a slightly lower deal, but if he wasn't even starting, that would be an insult he couldn't accept.
It was one thing to play alongside his old rivals—another to sit behind them on the bench.
All Luxemburgo had to do was keep him out of the starting lineup for half a season, and Figo would leave on his own.
Subduing the opponent without a fight.
"Hey, Su? What are you doing here?" Several on the bench stood up.
Su Hang was on the sideline, leaning on crutches.
The cast had just come off—he was still a long way from fully recovered.
Shouldn't he be at home, collecting his salary while resting?
Think of Hazard later on, putting on weight while injured. Or Bale, whose golf game skyrocketed during his rehab. That's the smart way to do it.
"It's fine, guys—keep playing… I mean, keep training. Don't mind me."
After greeting each teammate, Su Hang took a seat next to Figo.
...
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