I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 824: Chapter 65: Final: Barcelona Clash Again (2)

Barcelona possesses something that Real Madrid lacks; Barcelona plays football as if they’re dancing, while Real Madrid players are just struggling on the field.

Barcelona controlled the midfield in the second half, while Real Madrid retreated into defense, exhausting their energy, ”like chicks being caught by eagles.”

Di Stefano, such a heavyweight figure, published an article criticizing Mourinho, surprising and confusing Real Madrid fans.

A fan expressed his confusion in a comment on Marca: ”Di Stefano certainly has the right to express his opinion, but as the honorary president of Real Madrid Club, he should be aware of the timing. He should voice his opinion loudly when summarizing the season, not criticize the coach before an important match. Doing so only pleases foes while hurting friends.”

Indeed, after Di Stefano’s article was published, Barcelona’s fans and media were all jubilant, and just on Monday, Cruyff also criticized Mourinho.

Consequently, many media outlets suggested that with two legendary figures criticizing Mourinho, it only proves that his football is unpopular.

However, some questioned: ”As the honorary president of Real Madrid Club, openly criticizing your team’s football before a life-and-death match seems unlikely, even if he truly thought it, Real Madrid Club wouldn’t let him do it.”

On Monday (April 18), Spanish Cadena SER journalist Gallego revealed during the evening show that the elderly Di Stefano was actually wronged.

A senior official from Real Madrid Club disclosed to Gallego: Di Stefano did not write this article; the so-called column was ghostwritten by a reporter from Marca.

Marca criticized Mourinho in Di Stefano’s name only for a bit of revenge. Before last week’s derby, a Marca reporter was also one of many journalists who prematurely left the press conference, resulting in Mourinho refusing this reporter’s questions after the match.

The legendary Di Stefano of Real Madrid is already 85 years old and has had heart surgery recently with poor health conditions. Previously, his monthly column in Marca was done via oral narrative, with articles leaning towards oral style and lacking coherence.

But this time the article was distinctly coherent, resembling something written by a professional media person.

In fact, previously Di Stefano has consistently supported Mourinho in his columns, and just recently during a chat with fans, he called for support for the Portuguese coach. Why did he suddenly change his stance this time?

Real Madrid Club may likely explain this matter officially.

And Marca seems to have recognized their mistake; on Tuesday they reported tennis superstar Nadal and former Spain National Team coach Clement’s statements supporting Mourinho.

Having experienced the cold war with Madrid media over the weekend, Mourinho seems to have completely changed his mood upon arriving in Valencia.

At the King’s Cup pre-match press conference, people saw a much calmer, even more cheerful Mourinho.

With participation from both Barcelona and Real Madrid giants, this year’s King’s Cup is particularly heated.

The entire Real Madrid team flew into Valencia at 7:30 pm, greeted at the airport by 1,500 enthusiastic fans.

And when Mourinho arrived punctually at Mestalla Stadium at 8:30 pm, he was greeted again by a room full of reporters.

Although accompanied by Kalanca at the press conference, the Portuguese did not continue to choose silence or let the assistant coach serve as his spokesperson this time. He independently analyzed the match: ”Both teams have a chance to win. I’ve played many finals; each one is balanced and either side could emerge as the victor.”

Meanwhile, he didn’t forget to ease some pressure off his team: ”When I talked to the chairman for the first time, he didn’t ask for any championship, just requested me to work well and contribute. So winning a championship is great, but not winning, life continues as usual. Although this is my first final in Madrid, I’m experienced in battles, so now I’m very calm.”

Seeing Mourinho in good spirits, Spanish media eagerly threw a heated question: ”What’s your opinion on Di Stefano saying in the column that Real Madrid doesn’t play as well as Barcelona?”

Mourinho responded calmly: ”Alfredo is an important figure in the club’s history, and I’m nothing, so his opinions are surely respected.” But he swiftly shifted his tone, ”But I’m the coach; I’m the decision-maker.” Then he seemingly muttered unintentionally, ”Just a coach, nothing else. What can I do?”

And regarding Pique provocatively speaking against Real Madrid, Mourinho similarly played it down, ”I heard some rumors, but I haven’t seen anything. It’s not an issue.” He even humorously self-deprecates: ”I’m from Portugal, a small country needing EU aid. I don’t want to get involved in this kind of trouble.”

Though tactics are secret, Mourinho still was ”generous”: ”Let me tell you, tomorrow we’ll have four in defense, three midfielders, and three attackers. But when the opposition has the ball, all eleven of us will participate in defense—I know you’re used to six defending and four attacking.”

Speaking here, Mourinho didn’t forget to mock Madrid media: ”It’s possible for us to win both the King’s Cup and Champions League now; the goal isn’t distant. But I think for some, this isn’t good news. Sometimes my friend Messina (former coach of Real Madrid basketball team) and I chat, suspecting whether Madrid media wishes us to win or lose, but now the fans have gradually seen the truth, they’re not blind, they’ll side with the team.”

Of course, some reporters still weren’t content, seeking more firsthand info from Mourinho, ”Could you reveal tomorrow’s main lineup?” Mourinho said nothing, only giving a ”Mona Lisa” smile.

The reporter persisted, ”What about the forwards? The defenders? Or substitutes?” Mourinho turned to Kalanca and exchanged a glance, then turned back with an almost ”evil” smile, ”Since Guardiola says his team will have Pinto and other ten, mine will be Chen Zhong and other ten.” But he also confirmed something tantalizing enough for speculation: ”Tomorrow’s match and Saturday’s and even the subsequent Champions League will be completely different.” And this was enough for imagination.

Fans of both teams started entering the stadium one after another, intensely interested in the fight for the first title, as it was a neutral venue with stands showing Real Madrid and Barcelona supporters’ skills, making the whole stadium look extremely lively.

After a series of procedures, Real Madrid obtained the kickoff rights.

Real Madrid lineup (4-3-3):

Cristiano Ronaldo, Chen Zhong, Kaka

Khedira, Pepe, Alonso

Marcelo, Cavaleiro, Ramos, Alvaro

Casillas

Barcelona lineup (4-3-3):

Villa, Messi, Pedro

Iniesta, Busquets, Xavi

Adriano, Mascherano, Pique, Alves

Pinto

When Messi was shaking hands, he paid special attention to only two people, one was Pepe, and the other was Chen Zhong. In this King’s Cup final, he would certainly give his all.