Chapter 91 - Football: I am the coach of Atlético de Madrid.

Chapter 91

Standings and Praise

After five rounds, Atlético Madrid had three wins, one draw, and a game in hand. They were in fifth place with 10 points, trailing Real Madrid, Valencia, Villarreal, and Barcelona.

Despite their position, Atlético received universal praise for their recent performances.

Three consecutive blowout victories—against Lyon, Racing Santander, and Athletic Bilbao—showcased their attacking prowess.

"El País" remarked humorously:

"The Royal Spanish Academy may need to expand its dictionary soon. At this rate, even Spain's most eloquent journalists will run out of words to praise Yang Hao and his team."

Lionel Messi's meteoric rise this season captured the attention of fans and media alike.

"Olé", the Argentine newspaper, lauded Messi's man-of-the-match performance in Bilbao:

"Once again, Messi dazzled with his skill and creativity, dominating every aspect of the game."

"Marca" coined the term "Messi Corridor" to describe his influence, shading almost the entire right side of the field in their analysis.

At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao praised his team but tempered expectations:

"I firmly believe we can play even better," he said, a comment interpreted as both encouragement and motivation for his players.

________________________________________

Atlético Madrid's relentless form left a clear message: they weren't just here to compete—they were here to dominate.

La Liga, Round 6

Barcelona continued their excellent form with a stunning 5–0 away victory against Levante, featuring a hat-trick from Thierry Henry and goals from Ronaldinho and Tevez.

Atlético Madrid also secured a win, defeating Osasuna 2–0 at home. Although the team played well, Lionel Messi missed several key opportunities, including two clear chances.

The first came in the 8th minute when Kaká delivered a brilliant pass, leaving Messi one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Trying to aim for the far corner, Messi narrowly missed. In the second half, Dani Alves provided a perfect cross, but Messi's shot once again went just wide.

After the match, Yang Hao smiled during the press conference and reassured reporters:

"This is completely normal. He's only 20 years old. It's unrealistic to expect him to perform perfectly in every match—that's not normal."

Yang Hao expressed unwavering trust and support for Messi, emphasizing that the young star was still growing and improving.

Atlético's internal analysis showed that Messi's shooting accuracy had significantly improved this season. Yang Hao had previously mentioned that Messi's enhanced physicality and stability had positively impacted his game, especially his ability to convert chances. However, aiming for the top corner every time is ambitious—even the best players miss occasionally. Yang Hao was confident that Messi would become even more clinical with experience.

________________________________________

Neuer's Rising Reputation

Unnoticed by many, Manuel Neuer had quietly maintained several clean sheets in recent matches. Marca published an article highlighting Neuer's newfound consistency, noting that the goalkeeper had matured significantly since joining Atlético.

Yang Hao, however, found the media's fickleness amusing:

"One game they praise you to the heavens, and the next they criticize you to the ground."

For example, just a few days earlier, an Italian journalist asked Yang Hao whether he was genuinely interested in Amauri, a forward who had been performing well for Palermo.

Yang Hao felt exasperated:

"With Drogba, Torres, and Suárez already in our squad, why would we need Amauri?"

The journalist confidently described Amauri as "the new Pelé," leaving Yang Hao dumbfounded:

"Amauri is 1.88 meters tall—he's towering over Pelé by several heads!"

However, Yang Hao remained diplomatic, praising Amauri as an excellent player to avoid falling into the journalist's trap. He knew the media loved to provoke responses to create sensational headlines, such as "Yang Hao Dismisses Amauri."

________________________________________

Champions League, Round 2

Three days later, Atlético traveled to Bucharest to face Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League group stage. With a clear gap in quality between the two teams and a demanding travel schedule, Yang Hao rotated his squad heavily.

Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Neuer Defenders: Marcelo, Thiago Silva, Pepe, Zabaleta Midfielders: Mascherano, David Silva, Modrić Forwards: Di María, Drogba, Suárez

Despite the changes, Atlético fielded a strong lineup.

In the 2nd minute, Drogba squandered a golden opportunity, miscontrolling the ball in the box. Six minutes later, David Silva missed another chance, sending his close-range effort over the bar.

Steaua defended resolutely, disrupting Atlético's rhythm and forcing a lackluster first half. Despite 72% possession, Atlético struggled to create clear chances beyond the opening moments.

The breakthrough came in the 56th minute when Di María curled a cross into the box. Drogba found space and scored with a powerful header.

In the 76th minute, Drogba received another pass from Di María near the left corner of the box. The Ivorian skillfully turned and chipped a cross toward the center. David Silva couldn't reach the ball, but Suárez volleyed it in at the back post, securing a 2–0 victory for Atlético.

The win marked two consecutive group-stage victories for Atlético.

________________________________________

Mourinho's Frustration

On a late-night flight from Stuttgart to Barcelona, José Mourinho received news of Atlético's win from his assistant, Rui Faria. The 2–0 victory left Mourinho visibly displeased.

Steaua Bucharest had failed to hold Atlético as Mourinho had hoped. Worse still, Yang Hao had rotated his squad heavily, resting key players like Messi, Kaká, and Iniesta.

Faria reported, "It was essentially a B-team, yet they still won comfortably."

Mourinho's lips twitched in silent irritation.

Barcelona, on the other hand, had fielded a full-strength lineup to secure a hard-fought win against Stuttgart. With Atlético arriving rested and rejuvenated, Mourinho faced a dilemma:

Should he rotate and risk a weakened performance in the upcoming clash against Atlético at Camp Nou? Or should he field his strongest eleven again, potentially overburdening his players?

Adding to the pressure, Catalan fans and media were desperate for a victory over Atlético. A win would not only secure a better league position but also send a strong message to La Liga. For years, Barcelona had struggled to topple Atlético, and Mourinho was expected to change that narrative.

"It's a tricky situation," Mourinho muttered.

Faria nodded. "Yes, but this game is crucial. We have to go all out."

Mourinho leaned back in his seat, staring into the pitch-black night outside the plane window. Deep in thought, he considered his options.

Faria, sensing Mourinho's mood, wisely remained silent.

Mourinho finally turned his head after who knows how long. "Will that German goalkeeper play?"

Faria nodded. "He should. Yang Hao trusts him completely, and Palop is getting older. I'd guess Neuer will start, and Palop will probably play in the Copa del Rey."

For big clubs, being the second-choice goalkeeper is a tough role, like Palop's. When he joined Atlético, the club wasn't yet an elite powerhouse, but he was soon overshadowed by Cech. Though Palop won many titles, his actual game time was limited.

But being a backup goalkeeper is no free ride. Injuries can strike at any time, including for goalkeepers. The second-choice keeper must always stay in peak form, ready to step in whenever needed—and not just step in, but perform well.

This makes the job incredibly demanding, sometimes even tougher than being a first-choice keeper.

Mourinho scoffed. "I know Yang Hao. If he's invested in Neuer, that kid must have something extraordinary, even if we can't see it yet."

Having competed against Yang Hao for years, Mourinho understood the Atlético manager's sharp eye for talent. Yang Hao wasn't one to make random decisions. If he believed in Neuer, then Neuer likely had unique qualities.

Take Neuer's excellent ball-playing ability, for example. Barcelona fans had already sung praises, claiming such a technically gifted goalkeeper was tailor-made for their possession-heavy style.

But Mourinho snorted in disdain.

"Possession, possession. All you ever talk about is possession!"

"Can possession win trophies?!"

In Mourinho's mind, if Neuer was as good as everyone claimed, he'd use this match at the Camp Nou to expose the goalkeeper's weaknesses. He was determined to silence the hype.

"Prepare the team for an aggressive start," Mourinho suddenly instructed.

Faria was stunned. "Aggressive start? Against Atlético? Are you sure?"

Mourinho shot him a glare as if to say, Don't you know me by now?

"We'll aim for an early goal!"

Faria understood immediately. Mourinho wasn't planning to go toe-to-toe with Atlético for the full 90 minutes—just long enough to disrupt their rhythm and seize the lead.

"Got it," Faria nodded. "I'll prepare our plan for targeting their German goalkeeper."

If they could score early and then lock down defensively, beating Atlético at home seemed entirely possible.

________________________________________

October 7, Camp Nou

La Liga, Round 7. Atlético Madrid visited Barcelona in what promised to be a high-stakes showdown.

To everyone's surprise, Mourinho's Barcelona adopted an unusually aggressive approach. Contrary to expectations, they did not sit back and counter but instead engaged Atlético in a fast-paced, end-to-end battle.

Both teams displayed excellent form, creating a highly entertaining spectacle. Despite Atlético's superior overall quality and tactical advantage, Barcelona's determination kept them competitive.

Ten minutes flew by in a flash.

From the sidelines, Yang Hao felt something was off. He couldn't pinpoint it, but his instincts told him Mourinho wasn't playing his usual game.

Mourinho wasn't the type to go blow-for-blow with Atlético. Initially, Yang Hao suspected the aggressive start was a ploy to disrupt Atlético's rhythm or grab an early goal. But even after 10 minutes, Barcelona showed no signs of retreating.

"Is he really planning to slug it out with us?" Yang Hao muttered to himself. He couldn't believe it. Mourinho wasn't known for bold, high-risk strategies—especially not ones that left him vulnerable to a counterattack.

But what was the Portuguese manager up to?

________________________________________

The 18th Minute

Atlético's Arjen Robben created a chance from the left wing, delivering a cross into the box. Torres, under heavy pressure from Bruno Alves, managed a weak header that Víctor Valdés easily collected.

Valdés quickly dashed out of the penalty area and launched a throw to Xavi, initiating Barcelona's counterattack.

Xavi passed forward to Ronaldinho, who used a series of feints to glide past Xabi Alonso and charge forward. Near the edge of the 30-yard zone, Ronaldinho delivered a perfectly timed through ball behind Atlético's defensive line.

The pass caught Neuer off guard. Expecting a faster ball, the German goalkeeper raced out of his penalty area to intercept. However, Ronaldinho's pass unexpectedly slowed, allowing Thierry Henry to accelerate and reach the ball first.

In a split-second decision, Neuer charged forward and attempted a clearance with a flying kick. But Henry anticipated this and threw himself into a side jump, blocking Neuer's kick with his body.

The deflected ball landed at the feet of Diego Milito, who shielded it from Thiago Silva and laid it off to Ronaldinho. The Brazilian midfielder wasted no time threading another pass to the right side of the penalty area.

Samuel Eto'o, sprinting at full speed, arrived ahead of Patrice Evra and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net.

The Camp Nou erupted as 100,000 Barcelona fans jumped from their seats, their deafening roars shaking the stadium.

On the sidelines, Mourinho was utterly ecstatic. The usually composed manager dashed out of his technical area, dropped to his knees, and executed a dramatic knee slide, carving two long trails into the turf.

"Barcelona takes the lead!"

"Mourinho is absolutely ecstatic, celebrating like he's scored the goal himself!"

"What a stunning knee slide—elegant and perfectly executed!"

"Camp Nou is going wild, and the fans are chanting Mourinho's name!"

"This aggressive strategy is paying off for Barcelona. They've stunned Atlético Madrid and taken the lead. 1–0!"

"Atlético Madrid has suffered a major blow due to their goalkeeper."

"In recent matches, Neuer has performed quite well, but in this crucial showdown, he once again handed the opponent a gift."

"His timing on that charge was just not good enough."

On the sidelines, Yang Hao stood by the visitors' technical area. Suddenly, a flash of insight struck him.

I've been tricked!

Damn it! Mourinho was too cunning.

Yang Hao pieced it together. Mourinho's decision to press forward aggressively was a calculated gamble to create opportunities—and it worked.

In fact, it was highly likely that Barcelona had rehearsed this exact play. The goal wasn't a fluke; it was orchestrated to exploit Neuer's inexperience and propensity for misjudging plays.

Otherwise, how could Diego Milito have positioned himself so perfectly to capitalize on the rebound? It was simply too precise to be coincidental.

Of course, Yang Hao couldn't blame his opponents. Neuer's misjudgment, particularly his poor read on the ball's speed, was a clear error.

________________________________________

After Barcelona took the lead, Atlético ramped up their offensive intensity. Meanwhile, Barcelona shifted to a resolute defensive posture, embracing counterattacking tactics.

What unfolded at Camp Nou was an unusual sight: Barcelona, a team known for its tiki-taka style, now bunkering down in defense. Even more astonishing, their fans wholeheartedly cheered this approach.

Atlético, by contrast, dominated possession and dictated the tempo, launching wave after wave of attacks to break down Barcelona's defense.

But Mourinho's team was prepared for this scenario. They defended with determination, frustrating Atlético's repeated efforts.

Yang Hao made several tactical adjustments from the sideline, but none managed to crack Barcelona's resolute structure.

Tonight, Barcelona's defense was particularly disciplined.

The backline featured Abidal, Puyol, Bruno Alves, and Zambrotta. In midfield, the double pivot of Mohamed Diarra and Xavi held firm. Up front, Diego Milito and Eto'o pressed relentlessly, with Ronaldinho providing support.

Diego Milito, in particular, was a tireless worker under Mourinho's system. His role was to press and run non-stop, creating space for the likes of Henry, Ronaldinho, and Eto'o to exploit.

Mourinho might not be celebrated for his offensive tactics, but his defensive organization was top-notch. Even a team like Barcelona, historically defensively frail, had transformed under his management in just one summer.

That said, Mourinho's ability to manage player relationships was equally noteworthy. Eto'o, Henry, and Ronaldinho—all known for their strong personalities—were firmly under his control, ensuring harmony in the dressing room.

Yang Hao, however, remained calm. It was only the first half.

There was plenty of time to adjust strategies at halftime. If Atlético could equalize before the break, it would boost their morale significantly.

________________________________________

As the clock ticked down, the pressure mounted.

Torres moved to the right side of the penalty area, attempting to cross into the middle for Kaká. But Puyol read the play perfectly, clearing the ball before it reached its target.

The ball fell to Dani Alves on the edge of the area.

Messi, meanwhile, drifted toward the edge of the box, frustrated but alert. Around him, Atlético's players began to retreat, careful not to stray into offside positions.

Barcelona's defenders took this opportunity to push forward, trying to compress the space and force Atlético out of their attacking zones.

This resembled a tactical turn-based game. Atlético's attacking move had failed, prompting both teams to reset their formations.

As play reset, Xabi Alonso passed to Alves, or alternatively looked for Torres on the right wing.

Torres received the ball but was immediately pressured by Abidal, forcing him to abandon any thought of charging down the flank.

Standing near the right edge of the penalty area, Messi surveyed the situation.

He understood the stakes. If Atlético could score before halftime, it would significantly alter the game's dynamics. Trailing 1-0 at the break would feel entirely different.

But how could they breach Barcelona's disciplined defense?

Messi scanned his surroundings as Torres, unable to progress, passed the ball back to him.

Barcelona's defenders hesitated to press Messi immediately. They knew how dangerous he was. Rushing him could easily disrupt their defensive structure, leaving openings for Alves, Kaká, or Torres to exploit.

Mourinho had drilled his players on maintaining defensive order, even if it meant appearing passive.

Messi received the ball near the corner of the penalty area but did not act immediately. Instead, he took a moment to observe.

Kaká began drifting outward, drawing Bruno Alves with him step by step. Messi quickly noticed the emerging gap in Barcelona's defensive line—a channel leading into the penalty area.

When Messi glanced at Kaká, the Brazilian gave a subtle nod.

Their connection was seamless. A small gesture was all it took for them to understand each other's intentions.

Messi also spotted the positioning of Mohamed Diarra, Abidal, Puyol, and the retreating Ronaldinho.

Meanwhile, Robben had shifted into a central position near the edge of the box, ready to pounce on any loose ball.

Messi took it all in with a single glance, then gave Kaká a knowing look.

As Mohamed Diarra moved to close him down, Messi suddenly accelerated, darting diagonally toward the center.

In recent weeks, Messi had frequently attempted similar runs, often without success. But this time, he wasn't going it alone.

As Messi drove forward, both Puyol and Diarra moved to close him down.

"If Messi had pushed further forward, he would have been trapped outside the penalty area. Instead, he nudged the ball to Kaká and suddenly stopped, changing direction. He darted past Puyol, slipping into the penalty area from behind the Barça captain.

Kaká cleverly used his body, shielding the ball with his left foot from Bruno Alves. With the Portuguese defender unable to win possession, Kaká turned on his right foot to meet Messi's pass, lifting the ball delicately into the air.

As he completed this awkward maneuver, Bruno Alves slid in with a tackle that struck Kaká's supporting leg, causing the Brazilian to lose his balance and collapse near the right edge of the penalty area.

But the ball floated toward the right side of the box, landing perfectly in Messi's path as he sprinted forward.

With his quick acceleration over short distances, Messi reached the ball in an instant. He stopped it with his right foot, then surged forward and unleashed a thunderous strike.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye.

The combination between Atlético's two superstars caught Barça's defenders completely off guard. Messi's resolute shot left no room for hesitation.

The ball zipped past Víctor Valdés at lightning speed, nestling cleanly into the left side of the net.

"GOAL!!!"

"Atlético Madrid scores!!!"

"An exquisite combination between Messi and Kaká, and Atlético has equalized!"

"In the 43rd minute of the first half, Atlético finally finds the net."

"The two superstars executed a sensational one-two. Messi's burst of speed was incredible, and his composure in the box was phenomenal. One touch, then a decisive strike—it's in!"

"This is the difference between geniuses and mere mortals!"

"Give them the slightest gap, and they'll create a goal out of nothing!"

"1-1!"

"The match is back on level terms!"

The live broadcast cut to the sidelines.

Yang Hao was celebrating wildly, shouting and gesturing energetically.

Mourinho, on the other hand, looked furious, his mouth agape as he appeared to curse under his breath.

Clearly, this goal had completely changed the game's momentum.

________________________________________

Halftime Adjustments

In the locker room during the break, Yang Hao commended his players for their performance but didn't shy away from addressing key issues.

"First of all, after we conceded, our mentality changed—and that shouldn't have happened.

"I understand that this is a high-stakes match. Everyone wants to win, but I've said it before: the more critical the moment, the more we need to stay calm and composed. We absolutely cannot lose our heads."

The players listened with their heads lowered.

They knew Yang Hao was right. After conceding the goal, they had become impatient to equalize. And often, the more anxious you are, the more mistakes you make.

Initially, Atlético had been organized and even held the upper hand. If they hadn't conceded, the game would have unfolded differently. But the goal disrupted their focus.

On the tactical side, Yang Hao reiterated the need for quick ball movement and positional rotation.

"Their strategy is simple: they're waiting for us to make mistakes."

"We need to keep shifting the ball and pulling their defense apart to create openings."

Yang Hao specifically praised Kaká, Messi, and Torres for orchestrating the equalizer.

He also reassured Neuer, telling him not to dwell on his earlier mistake.

Even though Neuer had a strong mental game, playing in such a high-profile clash—especially against Barça—could make anyone tense. Initially, Yang Hao thought the goal was simply a misjudgment. But Neuer explained that the ball slowed unexpectedly, which confirmed Ronaldinho had deliberately manipulated its pace.

"Lesson learned. No problem!" Yang Hao clapped his hands together forcefully, signaling everyone to perk up.

"Remember: patience, ball movement, and positional rotation. Got it?"

"You've got this. Let's go!"

Torres rallied his teammates, pulling everyone into a huddle for a spirited pep talk before they left the locker room.

________________________________________

Second Half: Atlético Strikes Back

At the start of the second half, Atlético came out aggressively, creating numerous chances.

Early on, Messi combined with Dani Alves on the right wing, driving into the box before cutting the ball back.

Kaká received it, sidestepped Diarra, and unleashed a left-footed shot that Valdés tipped over the crossbar.

Atlético earned two consecutive corners but couldn't capitalize.

Xabi Alonso also delivered a pinpoint long ball to Robben on the left. The Dutchman sent in a cross that Torres headed on target, but Valdés made the save.

Mourinho's side clung tightly to their defensive setup, resisting wave after wave of Atlético attacks.

As the game progressed, the match entered another stalemate. Atlético controlled possession and dictated the tempo, while Barça hunkered down, waiting for a chance to counterattack.

But Barça's counters were scarce and lacked bite. Apart from their first-half goal, they managed only two shots on target in the opening 70 minutes.

Finally, in the 74th minute, Atlético broke through.

Iniesta threaded a pass to Kaká, who used his speed to burst past Diarra and charge into the right side of the penalty area. The Brazilian unleashed a powerful strike with his right foot.

Valdés managed to block the shot but failed to hold onto the ball, spilling it into the box.

Torres reacted first, pouncing on the loose ball for a follow-up shot.

Bruno Alves heroically flung himself in the way, blocking Torres' effort. But the deflection fell to Torres again, who poked it leftward.

Robben, speeding past Zambrotta, arrived at the perfect moment. The Dutchman struck the ball cleanly with his weaker right foot, sending it rocketing into the net.

"GOAL!!!"

"Atlético Madrid!!!"

"They've done it again! Atlético scores!"

"2-1!"

"What a game this has been!"

"After 74 minutes of intense battle, Atlético completes the comeback!"

"Robben scores the crucial goal!"

"Unbelievable!"

"This is the essence of La Liga right now!"

"Tonight, Barça and Atlético have delivered a breathtaking clash of sword versus shield!"

"Mourinho's team defended with iron discipline, but Atlético's attack was relentless."

"2-1!"

"Atlético Madrid has turned it around!"

"Now let's see how Barça responds. Will Mourinho push forward?"

In the final 20 minutes of the match, the game turned into an all-out battle of offense.

Mourinho, who had performed a dramatic knee-slide celebration earlier at Camp Nou, couldn't bear the reality of Atlético Madrid reversing the scoreline against his team.

Desperate for an equalizer, he pushed all his available attacking players forward.

This was classic Mourinho.

"All-out pressure for a miracle!"

If he had more players at his disposal, he might have transformed the entire team into strikers, throwing everyone into Atlético's penalty area to create chaos.

Yang Hao, observing from the sidelines, wanted to shout at him:

"Big guy, that's not how football works!"

Pushing forward so recklessly and becoming too impatient only leaves the backline vulnerable to counterattacks.

In the 76th minute, Kaká launched a rapid counterattack and unleashed a long-range shot from 20 meters out.

Valdés made a spectacular diving save, extending a hand to deflect the ball and barely stopping what could have been another world-class goal.

But just two minutes later, Atlético counterattacked again. Kaká threaded a through ball to Torres, who broke past Barça's defensive line. As he entered the penalty area, Valdés rushed forward and clattered into both Torres and the ball.

The referee signaled for play to continue, ignoring Atlético's penalty appeals.

Both teams continued their relentless attacks.

In the 86th minute, Iniesta delivered a diagonal pass, and Messi, with the ball at his feet, attempted to storm past Bruno Alves into the penalty area. He forced his way through but overcompensated on the shot, hitting the post.

Two minutes later, Robben sent a low cross from the left side. Iniesta struck the ball with his right foot, only for Valdés to make another save.

As the match neared its conclusion, Iniesta found Robben on the left flank again. The Dutchman dribbled past Zambrotta and delivered a cross to the near post. Torres' header was parried by Valdés, and Kaká seized the rebound for a close-range shot.

But just when it seemed inevitable, Puyol flew in, throwing his body to block the shot, deflecting it out for a corner.

Barça's defensive resilience in the final minutes of the game reached a level of determination rarely seen before.

On one side, their backline was under immense pressure from Atlético's waves of attacks. On the other side, Barça's forwards refused to relent, desperately pushing for an equalizer.

Yang Hao, standing in Atlético's technical area, shook his head in disbelief after Kaká's blocked shot.

He knew the match was essentially over.

2-1.

Despite the loss, what struck Yang Hao most was Barça's demeanor in the final 20 minutes of the match.

Historically, whether in Yang Hao's previous life or during the last few years, Barça had always been seen as a team with finesse but lacking grit.

Passion and intensity were rarely associated with their game.

Even during Guardiola's tenure, the team embodied precision and elegance more than raw determination.

But tonight, in those last 20 minutes, Yang Hao saw something different.

Atlético's second goal, achieved after three consecutive attempts, highlighted Barça's resilience.

Even when it was clear that breaking down Atlético's defense was nearly impossible, Barça's players refused to let their opponents score again.

This newfound fervor and fighting spirit resonated with the crowd at Camp Nou.

This was Mourinho's magic.

Love him or hate him, Mourinho had a unique ability to galvanize his teams. He could turn his players into a cohesive unit, inspiring them to fight for him with unyielding commitment.

While results might fluctuate, Mourinho's gift for unifying his squads and instilling this level of grit was undeniable.

Even if his tenure at Barça lasted only a few years, his impact on the club's DNA could endure far longer.

________________________________________

The Final Whistle

As the referee blew for full time, Mourinho walked directly to the visitor's bench to shake hands with Yang Hao.

His expression revealed neither frustration from the loss nor satisfaction.

He shook Yang Hao's hand, congratulated him, and moved on without further comment.

Mourinho then turned his attention to his players, rallying them together to thank the fans.

To everyone's surprise, the crowd at Camp Nou didn't jeer them. Instead, a round of applause broke out across the stadium.

Though Barça had lost, the players' newfound spirit left a strong impression on their supporters.

During Rijkaard's tenure, the team was often criticized for being too soft. Now, there was steel in their play—a tenacity and passion that inspired hope.

Sure, losing to Atlético was never ideal.

But in an era where even Real Madrid had suffered humiliating defeats to Atlético, a narrow 2-1 loss wasn't disastrous.

"Honestly, it feels like we're helping him solidify his squad even further," Yang Hao said with a wry smile.

Juanma Lillo nodded in agreement. "He does have a rare charisma."

Mourinho had a knack for turning post-loss emotions into opportunities to strengthen his team.

He could rally his players around a common cause, boosting their morale and cohesion, even after a loss.

Few coaches possessed this ability, but it was one of Mourinho's defining traits.

"That's why I keep saying—La Liga is getting more exciting by the day."

Between Wenger's technical brilliance, Ancelotti's tactical masterstrokes, and Mourinho's iron discipline, La Liga had become a theater of managerial excellence.

Coupled with emerging talents like Aragonés, Pellegrini, Deschamps, Juande Ramos, Valverde, Marcelino, and Emery, La Liga was as much about the tactical chess matches on the sidelines as the star-studded battles on the pitch.

________________________________________

Barça's Prince That Was Promised

One noteworthy subplot from this match was the late-game cameo of Bojan Krkić.

The young Barça forward, touted as the heir to Messi, had an average performance.

In Yang Hao's previous life, Bojan had been heavily promoted by the club, but he never lived up to expectations. Struggles with Guardiola's tactics and rumored personal conflicts led to his decline.

Now, under Mourinho's tutelage, Bojan seemed to have a chance for redemption.

History has a strange way of playing out.

Under the controversial Gaspart presidency—often remembered as one of Barça's darkest periods—the club laid the groundwork for its future with the establishment of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training complex.

This academy produced stars like Xavi, Puyol, Oleguer, and Valdés.

Perhaps Mourinho's unconventional appointment as manager might yield similarly unexpected dividends for Barça.

After all, who's to say that counterattacking football couldn't suit this team better?

After the seventh round of La Liga matches, Catalan media found the result between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid somewhat acceptable.

After all, Mourinho had just arrived, while Atlético had been dominant for several years.

What particularly satisfied the Catalan press and Barça fans was the team's spirit during the match. Despite the loss, they felt Barcelona had matched Atlético's intensity on the pitch, displaying the temperament of a top team—something previously rare for Barça.

For instance, Sport commented that expecting Barça to catch up with Atlético in just one summer was unrealistic.

"But Mourinho's team has given us a promising start."

Meanwhile, Spanish media universally praised Atlético Madrid's performance, particularly the first goal created by Messi and Kaká. It was a perfect example of seamless chemistry between superstars.

"When Atlético's players were stymied by Barcelona's defensive wall, Messi and Kaká combined their brilliance to carve an opening on the right flank, paving the way to victory," remarked Marca.

The newspaper credited the genius and star power of Atlético's players for securing the win at Camp Nou.

What stood out even more this season was the growing recognition of Messi's performances. Increasingly, the media and fans were elevating him to superstar status, acknowledging his burgeoning importance alongside Kaká.

In a post-match interview, Kaká himself praised Messi:

"When we combined for that goal, I could sense his confidence. He just needed someone to create the opportunity, and he knew he could deliver."

Marca suggested that Kaká's words were intended to emphasize Messi's growing significance.

"Not just anyone could have delivered that ball to Messi under such intense defensive pressure."

While Messi's dazzling strike stole the spotlight, Kaká's role in setting up the goal was equally vital. Interestingly, both players deflected praise onto their teammates.

Messi, in his post-match interview, humbly attributed his goal to Kaká's perfect assist:

"All I did was make the run. Kaká's pass did all the work."

Marca highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two superstars, describing it as Atlético's greatest asset.

"Having joined Atlético back in 2000, Kaká has received unwavering support from his teammates in his pursuit of Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player honors. Now that he has achieved those accolades, he is paying it forward."

"From last season to now, we've seen Kaká consistently uplift teammates like Torres, Messi, Robben, and Iniesta."

Yang Hao had previously explained this dynamic, emphasizing that Kaká was adjusting his role within the team.

"Over-relying on rapid sprints increases the risk of injury, especially as he ages," Yang Hao had said. "It's unrealistic for Kaká to sustain the blistering pace that characterized his game during his peak years. Atlético is helping him transition to a more sustainable style."

But this transition didn't diminish Kaká's threat. As Yang Hao explained:

"Kaká remains a midfield maestro, capable of stepping up when needed. However, taking on everything by himself isn't sustainable. It would burn him out and hinder the development of his teammates."

"Kaká is now like a lead goose in formation, guiding and elevating the younger players around him. This makes him even more valuable to the team."

Another factor was Kaká's reduced training load after achieving his second Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player awards earlier this year. His previously grueling regimen was akin to Yang Hao's own past routine of churning out 20,000 words daily in his former life—an unsustainable pace.

"In sports, just like with writing, even a machine needs to pause for maintenance," Yang Hao quipped.

As Kaká eased his training intensity, Messi began to flourish.

Currently, Messi was being increasingly compared to Kaká, with some even hinting he might surpass the Brazilian. These whispers weren't baseless but rooted in Messi's remarkable performances on the pitch.

Take his goal against Barcelona as an example—when it mattered most, Messi stepped up.

The fact that Kaká willingly played a supporting role, acting as the "wall" for Messi, underscored his belief in and support for the young Argentine.

Still, Yang Hao acknowledged that Messi wasn't yet at Kaká's level in 2007. However, his performances this year had been outstanding, easily warranting a place in the Ballon d'Or top three.

Given Atlético's treble last season, Yang Hao believed the club might even sweep the top three positions in the voting.

After all, 2007 wasn't a year rich in standout international competitions. The Copa América had seen Brazil win, but stars like Kaká and Ronaldinho didn't even participate.

Next year, in 2008—a European Championship year—things would be different. Messi would face stiffer competition.

For now, Messi was in a rapid growth phase. Yang Hao remained cautious in managing his workload and development.

In Yang Hao's previous life, Messi's early career had been plagued by injuries:

In the 2005/06 season, Messi tore a muscle in his right leg during a Champions League match against Chelsea, ending his season prematurely. In the 2006/07 season, he suffered a fractured metatarsal in a La Liga match against Zaragoza, sidelining him for months. In the 2007/08 season, Messi faced repeated muscle strains and fatigue-related injuries.

Although Messi had started that 2007/08 campaign brilliantly—dominating with goals and assists—his injuries derailed his momentum.

The turning point came in the 2008/09 season under Guardiola's coaching team, which implemented comprehensive measures, including injury prevention strategies and tailored diets.

That season, Messi remained injury-free and delivered one of the finest performances of his career. Guardiola famously remarked to Roberto Baggio:

"As long as Messi wants it, he can win you any game."

Now, critics outside the club suggested Messi needed to shoulder more responsibility.

Yang Hao dismissed such talk as nonsense.

"Yes, to be the team's star, he must learn to handle pressure. But let's not forget—he's only 20 years old."

Throwing a 20-year-old star into the spotlight and telling him, "You need to learn to handle the pressure"? That's ridiculous. Atlético Madrid doesn't need a 20-year-old Messi to bear such burdens now. In the past, at Barcelona, he had to do that. But if Messi is still forced into such situations now, it would mean Yang Hao has failed as a coach.

Regarding the development of young players, do they grow faster in a supportive environment or under harsh conditions? In the short term, the latter might yield quicker results. But what about the long term? What happens if you consider the entirety of a player's career?

Seeing Messi step up against Barcelona, Yang Hao was more convinced than ever that his approach was correct. Players like Messi flourish when provided with a supportive environment and ample trust. They repay that faith with exceptional performances on the field.

Messi wholeheartedly trusts Yang Hao and identifies with Atlético Madrid. This commitment ensures he will give his all for Yang Hao and the team. Yang Hao's responsibility is to create the best possible conditions for players like Kaká and Messi to thrive.

In the past, Kaká had to carry AC Milan, which led to his early decline. Similarly, Messi had to carry Barcelona, enduring immense pressure. But at Atlético Madrid, neither of them has to bear such loads alone.

This doesn't weaken Kaká or Messi—quite the opposite. Yang Hao, as a Real Madrid fan, vividly remembers how Zinedine Zidane protected Cristiano Ronaldo in his coaching tenure. Zidane carefully managed Ronaldo's playing time, enforced rest periods, and even pushed for the signing of Eden Hazard.

People might argue, "But Hazard later joined Madrid and didn't perform." True—but injuries aside, if Hazard had arrived earlier, wouldn't Ronaldo have been freed from additional burdens and focused purely on scoring? Wouldn't the Portuguese superstar have been even better?

As one of the greatest players of all time, Zidane knew exactly how to manage and protect a superstar like Ronaldo. Yang Hao is following the same approach.

Even though Messi is already phenomenal, Yang Hao firmly believes he can reach even greater heights—his time will come.

________________________________________

La Liga Updates After Round 7

After seven rounds, Atlético Madrid had played one fewer match and stood third in the table with 16 points from 5 wins and 1 draw. They trailed Real Madrid and Valencia, both with 18 points.

Real Madrid's performance needs no introduction, and Valencia, under Carlo Ancelotti and with the backing of the Abu Dhabi consortium, has been impressive, showing immediate returns on their significant investments.

Behind Atlético is Villarreal with 15 points. Despite losing 3-2 away to Osasuna this round, the Yellow Submarine has performed excellently this season, with 5 wins and 2 losses. Fans and analysts agree that Villarreal still has untapped potential under their belts.

Another team to watch is Deportivo La Coruña, also on 15 points, coached by Didier Deschamps. They appear eager to compete with the league's top clubs.

Sevilla, however, has struggled to find their rhythm this season, while the biggest underperformers so far have been Levante and Getafe, ranked 19th and 20th, with 2 and 1 point respectively.

Rumors abound that the Russian consortium passed on buying Levante and Getafe, choosing Espanyol instead, due to the poor condition of the former two clubs. Whether that's true is anyone's guess.

________________________________________

National Team Break

With La Liga pausing for the October international break, Spain faced two matches: one competitive and one friendly, both away games. Having already secured qualification, Yang Hao focused on experimenting with new tactics and testing players.

Injuries ruled out David Villa and José Antonio Reyes, so Raúl Tamudo and Dani Güiza were called up to replace them. These selections were based on recent form, as both forwards have been performing well in La Liga.

During training at Las Rozas, Yang Hao worked on implementing a new 4-1-4-1 formation:

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas

Defense: Antonio López, Carles Puyol, Pepe, Sergio Ramos

Midfield: Marcos Senna as the holding midfielder, with David Silva, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta ahead

Forward: Fernando Torres

Yang Hao's focus on a tall striker remains unresolved, as viable options in La Liga are scarce.

Fernando Morientes was once considered, but he has struggled for playing time and form at Valencia. Fernando Llorente has only just begun appearing as a substitute for Athletic Bilbao, with no goals or assists to his name.

Including such players would not only risk poor performances but might also appear as a desperate gamble.

Hence, Yang Hao opted for Tamudo and Güiza, both in good form. Güiza, for instance, had 3 goals and 2 assists in 6 matches—a solid showing.

Although Güiza isn't tall or exceptionally strong (standing at 1.83m), he is fast and a clinical finisher. Yang Hao saw him as a "poacher" type, similar to Walter Pandiani or Salva Ballesta—strikers with great individual ability but reliant on teammates for chances.

The international break provided an opportunity for closer evaluation.

________________________________________

Denmark vs. Spain

In a competitive match against Denmark, Yang Hao stuck with a 4-3-3 formation:

Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina

Defense: Joan Capdevila, Raúl Albiol, Carlos Marchena, Álvaro Arbeloa

Midfield: Marcos Senna as the anchor, with Cesc Fàbregas and Xavi in central roles

Forwards: David Silva, Raúl Tamudo, Andrés Iniesta

David Silva was particularly active on the left, creating several opportunities early on. Yang Hao had instructed Silva, Fàbregas, Xavi, and Iniesta to move freely and interchange positions.

In the 20th minute, Silva combined with Iniesta on the left flank. Silva received a pass from Fàbregas, controlled it with his chest, and laid it off to Iniesta, who drove into the box before cutting the ball across goal.

Tamudo, positioned perfectly, tapped in to give Spain the lead, 1-0.

Spain continued to dominate possession, showcasing their exceptional passing and movement. However, Yang Hao noted a lingering issue: while the team controlled the ball well, they lacked the incisiveness needed to create consistent goal-scoring opportunities.

This made Yang Hao think: if Atlético Madrid were playing against Denmark, they'd score a flurry of goals in no time. Denmark had too many problems and left too many gaps. Some opportunities that Atlético could capitalize on were squandered by Spain.

It wasn't until the 81st minute that Fàbregas delivered another lofted through ball. David Silva broke into the left side of the box and struck a shot that found the back of the net, securing a second goal for Spain.

2–0.

This scoreline held until the final whistle. Spain emerged victorious against Denmark in Copenhagen.

Guiza, who came on as a substitute in the second half, played for over 30 minutes but delivered an average performance.

After the match against Denmark, the Spanish squad returned to Madrid for adjustments before heading north three days later to face Finland in a friendly.

For this friendly, Yang Hao deployed the 4-1-4-1 formation they had practiced.

Within the first minute, Xabi Alonso nearly opened the scoring with a long-range effort. In the 13th minute, Iniesta sent in a cross from the right wing, and Torres escaped his marker to score from close range.

1–0.

Spain continued their relentless attacks, creating chance after chance. However, Finland defended resolutely at home.

In the 31st minute, Spain orchestrated a magnificent team play. Ten players were involved, passing the ball continuously, probing, and pulling apart Finland's defensive lines.

It took 31 passes to dismantle the Finnish defense completely, with Ramos delivering the final blow, scoring Spain's second goal.

2–0.

Before the end of the first half, Xabi Alonso unleashed a thunderous long-range shot, scoring Spain's third.

3–0.

Spain dominated the match with an exhilarating display of attacking football.

In the second half, Yang Hao made significant substitutions. In the 62nd minute, David Silva's penetrating run into the box earned Spain a penalty. Torres calmly converted, completing his brace.

4–0.

Yang Hao continued rotating players, and in the 88th minute, Xavi added another goal, bringing the final score to:

5–0.

Spain crushed Finland with a commanding performance, but the most notable aspect was their control of the game from start to finish.

Spain's dominance in possession caused immense trouble for Finland. Their high pressing and pressure, carefully designed by Juanma Lillo, allowed Spain to quickly recover the ball whenever they lost it.

________________________________________

Praise from the Media

Upon returning to Spain, the match against Finland garnered unanimous praise from the media.

El País and Marca offered glowing reviews, while even the pro-Real Madrid AS acknowledged that:

"Yang Hao's insistence on short-passing combinations and using technical superiority to win has proven successful."

"He has pioneered a new path for Spanish football."

One of Spain's goals in the friendly against Finland was heralded as a "classic Spanish-style goal." From start to finish, the goal exemplified Spanish football's flair.

The Finnish players desperately tried to win the ball but couldn't even touch it.

Marca noted:

"Such goals are commonplace at Atlético Madrid. This time, we saw it in the national team."

At a press conference back at Las Rozas, Yang Hao expressed satisfaction with Spain's recent performances.

"Looking ahead, I hope to integrate more outstanding young players with diverse technical attributes into the national team."

"Having already qualified, I want to use the coming months to explore more possibilities."

This was interpreted by the media as Yang Hao issuing a "call for talent." He appeared eager for Spanish players to step up and showcase their best form.

As for Raúl, his name was rarely mentioned anymore—a harsh yet realistic reflection of the current situation.

________________________________________

La Liga Round 8: Drama Unfolds

The first day of La Liga's eighth round delivered shocks and drama for fans and pundits alike.

Ancelotti's Valencia narrowly avoided an upset at the Riazor. Despite taking the lead twice, they were pegged back twice by Deportivo La Coruña.

Deschamps' side demonstrated tremendous resilience, repeatedly equalizing against Valencia's formidable attack.

In the second half, the cunning Ancelotti made adjustments. Responding perhaps to Yang Hao's earlier remarks, Morientes came on as a substitute and scored twice in the 73rd and 87th minutes, securing a 4–2 away victory for Valencia.

The thrilling match immediately sparked widespread discussion online. Fans worldwide praised the intense and entertaining battle.

Later that evening, Villarreal hosted Barcelona at the Estadio de la Cerámica in front of a packed house. Another Spanish international, Santi Cazorla, stole the spotlight.

In just the second minute, Cazorla scored to give Villarreal the lead, catching Barcelona completely off guard.

It was a nightmare start for Barcelona. With numerous internationals in their ranks, they had to rotate their squad, leaving them vulnerable.

Despite a spirited effort, things only got worse for Barcelona.

In the 50th minute, Villarreal's relentless passing game allowed Robert Pirès to break through and score, making it 2–0.

Though Bojan Krkić managed to pull one back for Barcelona with an assist from Ronaldinho, Villarreal struck again through Sergio Agüero during a counterattack.

3–1.

Barcelona launched a desperate counteroffensive but couldn't close the gap.

When the final whistle blew, Villarreal emerged victorious with a resounding 3–1 win.

Pellegrini's team celebrated a monumental victory at home, leaving Barcelona to lick their wounds.

________________________________________

The Significance of the Day

The opening day of Round 8 delivered not only incredible football but also key insights into the league's competitive dynamics.

While Sevilla cruised to a comfortable victory, Valencia's thrilling win and Villarreal's stunning performance highlighted the unpredictability and quality of this La Liga season. For Barcelona, it was a bitter pill to swallow. The defeat at Villarreal showed that despite flashes of brilliance, they remain vulnerable under Mourinho's new system.