"There are only four matches left in the Champions League, and everyone still has an equal chance."
"In terms of investment, the Champions League is clearly the better choice. In terms of returns, it's also more important than the league title."
Su Hang's meaning was obvious.
Abandon the league, focus on the Champions League.
Roberto Carlos gave an awkward laugh, not daring to lose his temper. "But the problem is, our next match is against Barcelona. That's not something we can just ignore."
"If we go all out, even if we lose, as long as we don't look too passive, the fans won't complain."
"But if we rotate the lineup and lose because of it, the fans will never forgive us!"
Carlos was pointing out a very real issue.
Everyone understood the logic, but the truth was never pleasant.
Fans aren't always rational.
Abandoning a Spanish Clásico takes immense courage.
And it requires someone willing to take the blame.
That's why, even when the right path is clear, teams often choose to go around it.
Everyone avoids the burden.
Many eyes turned toward Su Hang.
Since you brought it up, why don't you carry the blame?
"If everyone agrees, we can say this was my doing," Su Hang said.
He was ready to take the blame himself.
Raúl, Zidane, Figo, Beckham, and even Roberto Carlos froze in shock.
Everyone was stunned.
"Su, this isn't as simple as you think," Guti reminded him, hinting that it wasn't too late to step back.
"It's fine! I know exactly what this means." Su Hang looked around the room, his gaze firm. "But as the fourth captain, it's my duty and responsibility to do this."
"The captain is the team's flag, representing Real Madrid's spirit. And in my role, I should do the things others may find inconvenient but are still the right thing to do."
"So I want everyone to think carefully—are we chasing short-term glory, even if it risks losing everything?"
"Or do we face the difficulties now to keep our chance of conquering Europe alive?"
"As long as we decide together, I'll cover for everyone. If there are problems, the fans can come to me. The club can come to me."
"I'll give you one minute to think."
"After that, we'll vote. Whoever supports going all out for the Champions League—raise your hand."
The locker room fell into heavy silence.
Young players like Borja felt it was hard even to breathe.
What kind of presence was this?
It was like a national assembly.
Su Hang stood there like a righteous speaker of the house.
Just as many were still hesitating—
Zidane raised his hand. "There's nothing to think about. The condition of the team, our own state—we all know it."
"I support Su Hang. We go all out for the Champions League."
A moment later, Figo raised his hand. "I support it."
Beckham raised his hand. "Count me in."
Owen raised his hand. "Yes. Playing two matches a week at this stage puts too much pressure on us."
Most of the international stars raised their hands.
Only the Spanish clique and the South American clique had yet to respond.
Raúl let out a deep sigh. "The fans might be disappointed, but… I believe when we lift the Champions League trophy, they'll forgive us."
"Even if we fall short, even if the fans don't understand us, at least we will have tried."
"As captain, if anyone has to take responsibility, then let this proposal be mine."
Roberto Carlos' pupils shrank.
Raúl wasn't just agreeing with Su Hang—he was ready to take the blame for him!
This was unexpected.
Didn't Luxemburgo say Raúl would clash with Su Hang?
It didn't look like that at all.
"No, no, no." Su Hang shook his head quickly. "Raúl, you can't steal this from me. I finally get a chance to stand out. As a veteran, don't take the spotlight away."
Raúl froze.
Su Hang… didn't want him to carry the burden?
He wanted to take it all himself?
What a guy!
Raúl nodded, eyes turning red.
Su Hang really didn't have a selfish bone in his body.
He was even protecting Raúl's authority.
How could someone like this exist?
Raúl was utterly convinced.
With a leader like Su Hang, the "old guard" would surely be respected and treated well.
What else was there to hesitate about?
Raúl made up his mind.
If the team failed and needed a scapegoat,
he would take the blame for Su Hang and help him rise.
Everyone for me.
I for everyone.
At that moment, Raúl was deeply moved by Su Hang's selflessness.
With Raúl's stance clear, Guti, Helguera, Salgado, Casillas, Solari, and the rest of the Spanish clique raised their hands.
Carlos, seeing the expectant eyes of his South American brothers, felt the pressure. He finally said, "I have no objections."
The South American clique followed suit, raising their hands one after another.
For the first time in three seasons, the Real Madrid first team had reached a unanimous decision—
to go all out for the Champions League.
Raúl personally submitted the plan to the coaching staff.
Normally, when the entire squad agreed on something, even the club would respect it.
But Luxemburgo and his staff made a completely different choice.
"This is impossible, Raúl. We can't abandon the Clásico." Luxemburgo said angrily. "How am I supposed to explain that to the media and the fans?"
"Do we admit defeat to Barcelona? Surrender?"
"Florentino spent hundreds of millions to build Real Madrid's image. Do you know how much damage surrendering like this would cause?"
"Don't ever bring this up again, Raúl."
"Team objectives, rotations, lineups—that's the coaching staff's responsibility. As players, your job is to focus on playing on the pitch."
"Understood?"
Raúl nodded. "I understand. Rest assured, we'll give everything in every match."
Luxemburgo smiled and nodded.
That's more like it.
Even if you're the captain, the special player of Madrid, the fans' beloved figure…
in front of me, you must show respect.
Remember who's really in charge.
"But!" Raúl added. "If the team doesn't perform well, I won't let any player take the blame!"
"Those who make the decisions must take responsibility for the whole season—whether we succeed or fail!"
Bang!
Raúl slammed the door and left.
Luxemburgo stood frozen, his face flushing red.
Arrogant!
The Real Madrid players were far too arrogant!
...
When Raúl informed the squad of the coaching staff's decision, telling them to follow instructions, many players lost their motivation.
Sure enough, players held the lowest status in the club.
They had finally come together, united in one voice.
Yet the coaching staff crushed it in an instant.
It was a heavy blow to everyone's morale.
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser