For Real Madrid's match against Osasuna, Gao Shen had arranged for Sarri and Lucas to travel to Madrid in person. They brought back detailed intelligence and first-hand information.
During his time in Madrid, Lucas also fully leveraged his personal network and uncovered a wealth of inside information.
For example, Florentino had called Mourinho after the draw.
The Real Madrid board attached great importance to this game. So far, the team had scored just one goal in two La Liga matches, and Mourinho was already under significant pressure.
You have to consider that Pellegrini's team had scored over 100 goals in a single season. Now, only one goal in two games—while the defense looked solid, the attacking performance was far from convincing.
That's why Mourinho publicly challenged Gao Shen after the Osasuna match.
He was at his best when giving the team a clear target to focus on.
But all the signs pointed to Mourinho being unlikely to adopt a conservative tactic, which surprised Gao Shen.
"Is he really that confident in his players?" Gao Shen asked, doubtful.
There were no major concerns with Khedira and Xabi Alonso. The key issue was whether Mourinho could actually get Özil to actively defend.
"According to what I heard, Mourinho spoke with him after he returned from the national team. He supposedly promised to give his all and meet the manager's expectations," Lucas replied.
"Do you believe that?" Gao Shen asked back.
Lucas froze for a second, then shook his head. "I don't know."
Gao Shen didn't buy it. Özil had never been that kind of player.
But he wouldn't say it out loud. Only the game would tell the truth.
Until then, talk was meaningless.
…
As the showdown approached, Mourinho was speaking to his players all around Madrid to boost morale. At the same time, Gao Shen was also busy in Manchester, meeting with several key players.
Yaya Touré would partner Henderson as the double pivot in the league, while Javi Martinez would start in the Champions League.
One thing Gao Shen was certain of was that regardless of whether Özil committed to defending, Real Madrid would focus their pressure on Javi Martinez.
He was the pivotal link between City's midfield and defense. Mourinho had spent years in Barcelona and had battled Gao Shen countless times. When he coached Inter in a previous life, he heavily relied on Thiago Motta. That showed he understood the importance of this position.
"When the time comes, stay aware of your positioning. They might use Özil to press you, or drop the striker deep to apply pressure. Be mentally prepared," Gao Shen reminded him.
Among the intelligence Lucas compiled specifically for Javi Martinez, there were segments focused on the attacking tendencies of Özil and the center forwards.
Gao Shen wasn't sure which striker Mourinho would use. He suspected it might be Adebayor, who was more familiar with the Premier League and fit Mourinho's preferences.
But it could also be Higuaín or Benzema.
"Boss, don't worry. I know exactly what my role is on the pitch," Javi Martinez said confidently.
He'd once had the chance to join Real Madrid, but City had shown greater sincerity.
Still, for a Spanish international, facing Real Madrid was always an exciting challenge.
Gao Shen had full confidence in Javi Martinez. After a full season of development and tactical training, the Spaniard had settled into his defensive role with composure and control.
But Real Madrid's attacking lineup wasn't easy to contain.
Beyond the striker and Özil, Ronaldo and Di María were also major threats.
Of course, the same applied to Real Madrid when facing Manchester City.
City's attacking firepower was among the best in Europe. Mourinho would be racking his brain trying to figure out how to stop them.
…
After speaking with Javi Martinez, Gao Shen went to find Robben.
The Dutch winger had been rested in the league's fourth round. Gao Shen was saving him for the Champions League, targeting Marcelo's flank. The Brazilian full-back was strong in attack but weak defensively.
"In the last two games, Mourinho placed Di María on the left. Clearly, he wants the Argentine's high work rate and defensive tracking to support Marcelo," Gao Shen explained to Robben, also reminding him to stay calm during the game.
"I understand your feelings, Arjen. But I have to remind you, you're our key attacker. If you lose your composure, it will seriously disrupt our offense—and that's the last thing I want."
Robben understood and replied, "Don't worry, Boss. I won't do anything reckless. I'll stick to the plan."
"Promise me. I'll be watching from the touchline."
Robben nodded firmly.
"By the way, Boss, who are you playing on the left?" Robben asked curiously.
Gao Shen, who had been in a good mood, suddenly looked a little troubled.
This was a real headache.
Gareth Bale, Hazard, and Robinho could all play on that side. Even Sturridge could fill in. But against Arbeloa, Gao Shen knew better than anyone how solid Real Madrid's right-back was.
This guy could defend Messi with no fuss and had made Ronaldinho look ordinary. His defensive ability was truly elite.
Gao Shen considered using Gareth Bale's speed and power, but figured it might not be effective—he doubted Mourinho would push his defensive line up high.
That left Robinho and Hazard.
Just two days ago, Robinho had approached Gao Shen and asked to start against Real Madrid.
His reasoning was simple. He had unfinished business with the club.
Robinho hadn't won out in the battle for playing time against Hazard and Bale last season, but that didn't mean he lacked ability. On the contrary, Gao Shen had always believed in him.
Now, with Robinho volunteering for such a high-stakes match, Gao Shen was happy to see it.
But he also had to ask: was Robinho really confident he could handle Arbeloa?
"I haven't decided yet. I still need to think it through," Gao Shen replied awkwardly.
Robben had heard in the dressing room that Robinho had volunteered. From Gao Shen's tone, it was obvious that he rated Hazard and Bale highly. Otherwise, he wouldn't be this conflicted.
"Boss, I have something to say, but please don't get mad," Robben said hesitantly.
Gao Shen nodded. "Go ahead. I promise not to beat you up."
Robben chuckled. Everyone at City knew it was just one of Gao Shen's trademark jokes.
"Actually, Boss, you can't fully understand how Robinho and I feel. You're different from us."
"What do you mean?"
"If we were pushed out of the team because we weren't good enough, that would be on us, and we'd accept it. But both Robinho and I didn't leave Real Madrid because we lacked ability. It was for other reasons."
He paused, then looked at Gao Shen with a complicated expression. There was a trace of envy, maybe even jealousy.
"Fans still remember you. Real Madrid supporters constantly call for your return. But we were pushed out in almost humiliating fashion. Like exiles. That's why we're more desperate than anyone else to prove ourselves. And the best way to do that… is to beat them!"
It was the first time Gao Shen had heard something like this.
Was it hatred?
Not exactly. Not the usual kind. It was more of a deep resentment from being unrecognized and cast aside.
He had seen that sentiment in Robinho too.
"So, Boss, when Robinho said he'd give everything to play against Real Madrid, maybe you didn't fully understand it. But I believe him. Because I feel the same way."
Suddenly, Gao Shen thought of Eto'o.
Maybe the reason the Cameroonian always scored against Real Madrid was the same as Robben and Robinho—emotional complexity.
They had loved Real Madrid. Loved it deeply. But the club let them down. That love had turned into bitterness.
The deeper the love once was, the deeper the resentment now.
"I understand. Thank you, Arjen," Gao Shen said, nodding.
Robben smiled and waved as he left.
Many people think superstars are mysterious or untouchable.
But in truth, they're human too. They have love, hate, and even their own personal obsessions.
…
Before Real Madrid departed for Manchester, Mourinho once again challenged Gao Shen and Manchester City during a press conference at Valdebebas, stating that he was determined to leave with a win.
In response, Gao Shen, speaking from Manchester, said, "Real Madrid is a team of incredible strength—past, present, and future. It's an honor for me to face a team like Real Madrid."
Gao Shen added that he would stick to his philosophy regardless of the result.
"I believe Mourinho and his staff have thoroughly analyzed us. They know we will play aggressively and proactively. They may opt for a safer approach, but we're prepared for that too."
"No team can say for sure that they can beat Real Madrid. That's impossible."
"Even though we're at home, no one can claim a guaranteed win. But we've prepared thoroughly. Our players will be in top condition, and we're confident we can win on home soil."
As for his head-to-head record against Mourinho, Gao Shen replied graciously, "Mourinho will beat me sooner or later."
Just as the reporters looked around in surprise, not expecting such a response, Gao Shen suddenly smiled and added,
"But it definitely won't be in tomorrow's game!"
The room erupted in laughter.
As expected, Gao Shen was still the same as ever—always finding a way to twist his words for dramatic effect.
(To be continued.)