I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 73: Chapter 43: Top of the Table

”To hell with reaching the top.”

”The person who arranged the schedule should be hanged.”

”This damned, absurd, bastard schedule!”

Schuster plopped down into his office chair, smacking the table with sheer irritation. After drawing with Valladolid, he’d been harassed by the media for a whole day, and now, in today’s just-concluded fifth round of the league, Villarreal had defeated their opponents, topping the league standings with 12 points, having played an extra match.

Italian youngster Rossi displayed his flair once again, having scored two goals to defeat his opponent last week, and in this match, with precise passing during a counterattack in the 76th minute, secured the winner against his opponent.

He successfully helped his team temporarily surpass Real Madrid to become the league leaders.

Villarreal’s fans were bragging about Rossi’s genius online, even thanking Real Madrid fans for holding onto the top spot for them for a while.

In response, Real Madrid fans posted various GIFs of Chen Zhong’s aggressive tackles on Rossi, while also calling for Chen Zhong to play more.

”Damn it, why are we using Metzelder?”

”If Chen had played in the last game, we definitely would’ve won.”

”Without Chen, the team’s defense is like a loose pile of sand. I have to admit, he’s really important to the team’s defense.”

Of course, some Real Madrid fans held opposing views.

”Oh my God! He’s only 16; the dense schedule will ruin him.”

”I think the coach isn’t wrong. Even an iron man can’t handle such a packed schedule.”

”We have to figure out how to play well without Chen. Are that many stars not as good as one kid?”

Schuster had never coached a top club before, and the intense schedule was driving him ”crazy.”

After playing against Valladolid, they only had one day’s rest before hosting Betis at home. After another day, they’d have an away game against Getafe on October 1st, followed immediately by an October 3rd away game in the Champions League group stage against Lazio.

Most importantly, the draw with Valladolid cost Schuster two points, and nobody can guarantee those two points won’t lead to the team losing the championship. No, it should be said that they’ve already lost the top position because of it.

”Maybe.” Francisco hesitated for a moment before speaking: ”We should continue to use the double defensive midfielder setup.”

Schuster calmed down a bit. This ”Lion King” had some answers in mind but was never stingy about listening to others’ advice.

He looked at Francisco, signaling him to continue, wanting to find the points he hadn’t considered from Francisco’s remarks.

”In this match, Sneijder didn’t play, and Guti seemed a bit isolated at the front, lacking coordination with Drenthe. If we follow the current tactics, we’d have to sacrifice a winger to help Guti, or let Gago and Diara form a double defensive midfielder duo to help Guti shake off the opponent’s interference.”

”Diara clearly can’t be like the 2006 World Cup, the combination of Pirlo and Gattuso.”

”He can support the team defensively but is useless offensively.”

”You’re suggesting I follow Capello’s example?” Schuster laughed, looking at Francisco and said, ”Actually, we don’t need to be so pessimistic. We already have Guti. Did you see that last-minute through ball near the penalty area?”

”What a beautiful pass. We just need a player who can pass and control the ball to help Guti stabilize ball possession. We now have one Sneijder, but we need a second Sneijder.”

”I’m really getting more inclined to use a 4-3-3, so we wouldn’t even need a second Sneijder.”

Blaming the defeat on rotation is entirely reasonable. While the media criticized Schuster, they also understood that with such circumstances, fluctuations in the team’s performance are inevitable. However, the draw with Valladolid was indeed unexpected.

But for Real Madrid, if there’s a choice between the Champions League and the league, they’d obviously prefer to make a breakthrough in the Champions League.

Schuster was very satisfied with the support from the fans. He clearly understood that the cause of all this change, aside from the three consecutive league wins, was the clean and decisive victory over Werder Bremen in the Champions League opening match.

It must be noted, Real Madrid hadn’t won the Champions League opening match in the past three years, losing 0-3 to Bayer Leverkusen in 2004, and to Lyon in both 2005 and 2006.

Schuster frequently roams social networks and can see how eager fans are for a breakthrough in the Champions League.

”Perhaps we can try 4-3-3?” Francisco suggested: ”Robben has returned from injury, but Metzelder strained himself during training, and there’s also Cannavaro. However, Cannavaro’s injury is minor and he’ll be ready for tomorrow’s match.”

”Good news.” Schuster looked at Francisco and asked the most critical question: ”How is Chen’s condition? I want to know if he’s currently in peak form.”

Though reluctant to admit it, Chen Zhong had indeed become a crucial member of the defense. With him, the defense seemed like it had a backbone rather than being scattered like loose sand.

”Disalvo says...” Francisco looked uncomfortable as he spoke, ”Chen needs more rest time to reach peak form, probably before the match against Barcelona.”

”He indicated that Chen’s fitness level is relatively low compared to the team...”

”Goddammit!” Schuster erupted in anger, yelling, ”What the hell does he know about fitness? Look at all the strains we’ve suffered because of his shitty training during this period!”

”What does he have besides the title of a fitness coach that shows his professionalism in fitness?”

”We must reclaim the top position.”