Starting With Real Madrid

Rijkaard is out!

This isn't breaking news, it's something everyone has known for a while.

Spanish media had reported long ago that Rijkaard would leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

Ever since losing to Gao Shen's Real Madrid in the Champions League final, and especially after Ten Cate left, Barcelona's performances had deteriorated year after year. Last season, they slumped to third in La Liga, finishing ten points behind second-placed Villarreal.

La Liga's so-called "Big Two"?

Was Barcelona even worthy of that title anymore?

Not only were the fans furious, but even the club's management felt the pressure.

A coaching change was inevitable, and Rijkaard stepping down was the most amicable solution for both parties.

At the very least, it allowed them to part ways on relatively decent terms.

But with Rijkaard gone, the question loomed: who would take the helm at Camp Nou?

The media speculated endlessly, throwing out names like Mourinho, who was currently unemployed, Espanyol's head coach Valverde, Villarreal's manager Pellegrini, and even Barcelona legends like Laudrup and Guardiola.

Each of these names carried weight, either as Barcelona icons or as globally recognized coaches.

However, as Serie A's season came to an end, a new name began to surface in Spanish media—a name that was quickly linked with Barcelona: Gao Shen, the head coach of the Serie A double-winning Napoli.

For Barcelona fans and the local media, Gao Shen sparked mixed emotions.

As Sport put it, "If Gao Shen were to coach Barcelona, we would fully support him. But if he were to stand against us, he would undoubtedly become public enemy number one."

The reason for this contradiction was simple: Gao Shen had inflicted some of the most painful memories in Barcelona's recent history.

Yet after his incredible success at Napoli, especially in the tactical battlefield of Serie A, where he earned the respect of even the most accomplished managers, any doubts about Gao Shen's abilities were laid to rest.

If someone questioned Gao Shen's coaching skills, what did that say about the Italian managers he had outclassed?

And if the Italian coaches were second-rate, what did that make the rest of Europe's managers?

---

This was a long and intense meeting at Camp Nou.

Led by club president Joan Laporta, the meeting included vice president of sport Marc Ingla, vice president of finance Ferran Soriano, technical director Txiki Begiristain, and honorary president Johan Cruyff.

The heavyweights of FC Barcelona gathered to deliberate on the crucial question: who would be the next head coach?

Laporta opened the meeting by confirming that Rijkaard was history.

"What Barcelona needs now is a new coach to lead us out of this slump," he said. "This includes deciding on transfer strategies for the summer."

The club had already outlined plans to offload a number of players deemed surplus to requirements: Ronaldinho, Deco, Edmílson, Thuram, and Zambrotta.

Though these players were once among the best in Europe, they were now either past their primes or underperforming. None of them fit Barcelona's vision for the future.

Once these players were sold, the club would reinvest in new signings. Targets like Cesc Fàbregas and Dani Alves had already been identified.

But the new head coach would have a significant say in shaping the overall strategy.

Thus, appointing the right manager was the club's top priority.

---

"I think we can eliminate Laudrup and Valverde from consideration right away," Begiristain began.

As the club's technical director, his opinion carried the most weight in the coaching search.

From a purely performance-based perspective, neither Laudrup nor Valverde had the credentials to lead Barcelona, especially when compared to candidates like Gao Shen, Mourinho, or Pellegrini.

Guardiola, meanwhile, was more of a long shot—his inclusion on the list felt more symbolic than serious.

"Pep has actually recommended Gao Shen to me," Begiristain continued. "He believes Gao Shen has a highly advanced football philosophy. He emphasizes attacking football, excels at developing young players, and has a unique ability to manage the locker room. On top of that, he has an exceptional team of assistants."

"What's more," Begiristain added, "after his experience in Serie A, Gao Shen has evolved. His football philosophy has become more balanced, and his tactical approach is highly cohesive. He's exactly the type of manager Barcelona needs right now."

His words sparked murmurs of agreement around the table.

Gao Shen's reputation preceded him. After leading Real Madrid to a historic double, he made waves by taking Napoli, a newly promoted Serie A team, to the league title. It was nothing short of a miracle.

In European football, Gao Shen had become one of the hottest names in management.

More importantly, his philosophy of attacking football aligned perfectly with Barcelona's traditions.

Even Thiago Motta, a former Barcelona player, had thrived under Gao Shen at Napoli. This suggested Gao Shen could seamlessly implement Barcelona's iconic 4-3-3 system.

If there had been any lingering doubts about Gao Shen before, his recent success had silenced them.

Even Laporta nodded thoughtfully.

"What about Mourinho?" the president asked.

Mourinho was Laporta's personal recommendation, much like Cruyff had vouched for Valverde. Everyone had their own preferred candidate, which would then be debated collectively.

Following Laporta's suggestion, Begiristain had traveled to Portugal to meet Mourinho.

"He presented a detailed plan for the team," Begiristain explained. "Some of his ideas were excellent, and he provided thoughtful suggestions for addressing our current challenges. But after speaking with him in depth, I have some reservations."

"What kind of reservations?" Laporta pressed.

"Mourinho's philosophy is heavily focused on defense," Begiristain said. "Offense has never been his strong suit. While he spent several years at Barcelona, his teams don't reflect our attacking identity. His 4-3-3 doesn't align with Barcelona's style."

The others nodded in agreement.

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid had always prioritized attacking, technical football. Mourinho's tactical approach, with its defensive focus, simply didn't fit.

"I also think Mourinho isn't the right choice," Cruyff chimed in.

"When selecting a head coach, we should prioritize someone who embodies the club's philosophy and traditions, not just someone with a big name. I spoke with Valverde, and he offered some detailed plans and thoughtful advice, but…" Cruyff paused, glancing around the room.

"…compared to Gao Shen, the head coach of Napoli is undoubtedly a better fit for Barcelona."

The room fell silent in surprise.

Few expected Cruyff to endorse Gao Shen. Perhaps witnessing Napoli's 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan had made an impression.

---

With Cruyff's support, the discussion reached a conclusion.

Four names remained in contention: Gao Shen, Mourinho, Pellegrini, and Guardiola.

But Pellegrini and Guardiola were quickly ruled out. Pellegrini lacked the same level of credibility, while Guardiola was still too inexperienced, despite his potential.

Guardiola himself had even expressed willingness to serve as an assistant coach if Gao Shen were appointed.

"Let's move to a vote," Laporta said. "Those in favor of Gao Shen, raise your hand."

One by one, hands went up: Begiristain, Soriano, Ingla, Cruyff.

Finally, after a moment of hesitation, Laporta raised his own hand.

"Unanimously approved," Laporta declared.

"Txiki, you'll handle the negotiations. Convince Gao Shen to join us as Barcelona's next head coach!"

Begiristain nodded confidently. "Don't worry. I'll bring Pep with me. Gao Shen won't refuse."

The room shared the sentiment.

---

An hour later, news of the decision reached Portugal, where Mourinho heard it from his agent, Jorge Mendes.

He had lost the job.

The role he had dreamed of returning to Barcelona as head coach was gone.

"Who?" Mourinho demanded, his voice tinged with anger. "Who did they choose?"

"Gao Shen," Mendes replied. "Barcelona is already arranging visas to send Soriano, Begiristain, and Guardiola to China to negotiate with him."

"It's him!" Mourinho spat, his voice dripping with resentment.

He had heard of Gao Shen during the latter's time at Real Madrid, though their paths had never crossed on the pitch.

Now, Gao Shen had risen to prominence, leading Napoli to unprecedented heights and becoming one of the most sought-after managers in Europe.

Mendes sighed. "It's not just Barcelona. Inter Milan is also sending a delegation to China. Angelo Moratti, Marco Branca, and Lele Oriali will meet with Gao Shen as well. Inter has made him their top priority."

Mourinho couldn't hold back anymore. "What the hell!" he snapped.

Seething, Mourinho gritted his teeth.

***

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