Alder Elridge, Cheshire.
The nights in late April were still bitterly cold.
After hanging up the phone with Woodgate, Gao Shen couldn't help but laugh in the courtyard.
If he remembered correctly, it was a bit early for Woodgate to talk about retirement.
In his previous life, after leaving Tottenham, Woodgate's performance never matched his peak again—whether it was at Stoke City or back at Middlesbrough—but Gao Shen knew his true capabilities. As long as his body held up, he'd gradually regain his form. Even if he couldn't reach his prime again, there'd be no issue playing as a core center-back for a mid-to-lower Premier League side or in the Championship.
More importantly, after acquiring Leeds United, Gao Shen needed someone who could quickly bridge the gap between the new management and the fans.
Everyone knew that local fans in England were deeply xenophobic.
Just look at Tony Fernandes buying Queens Park Rangers. He spent £100 million, promised to bring in a world-class coach, and vowed massive investment, yet what was the result?
QPR fans didn't care. Why? Because Fernandes was a West Ham United fan.
Put nicely, it's called being emotional. Less charitably, it's pretentious and hypocritical.
You want someone else's money, but you also want their devotion. Isn't that a bit greedy?
But if you're familiar with English football—or rather, English fans—you'll understand that this group of seemingly pretentious, hypocritical supporters are actually very endearing.
Once you earn their approval and acceptance, they'll stand by you through thick and thin.
That's why, even today, Leeds United still boasts one of the highest average attendances in English football and ranks among the top in kit sales.
From every perspective, the new management needed to build strong ties with local fans.
Woodgate would be an excellent bridge.
Of course, from a purely footballing standpoint, Woodgate's ability, experience, and stature would all be invaluable for the new Leeds United.
Gao Shen had no doubts about that.
If it had been a younger Woodgate, maybe he'd have had reservations. But after enduring his failed stint at Real Madrid, working briefly with Gao Shen, and later faltering at Tottenham, Woodgate had clearly matured.
Putting a guy like that in the Leeds United dressing room, Gao Shen believed Woodgate would know exactly what to do.
…
"Done!"
Gao Shen walked back into the living room, waving his phone with a smile.
Su Qing, Lucas, Borrell, Sarri, and the others were visibly pleased.
It had been a joint decision.
Sarri, in particular, knew just how much having someone like Woodgate marshalling the backline would help him. It boosted his confidence in taking over the coaching duties.
At the same time, young players could grow faster under that kind of guidance.
"Only you could pull that off. One phone call and it's settled. If it were anyone else, it would've been much tougher," Sarri praised, increasingly impressed by Gao Shen's ability and influence.
After all, who else could persuade Woodgate with just a single call?
"Actually, it's just taking advantage of the current situation," Gao Shen said modestly.
Indeed, the timing played a big part. If Woodgate really left Tottenham, it would be difficult for him to find another club.
He hadn't played in two years, and his salary was sky-high. Who would dare take that risk?
In the end, didn't he return to Middlesbrough in the Championship?
"It's already late April, and the season is coming to a close. Some leagues have even confirmed relegated teams. We have to act fast or all the good players will be snapped up," Gao Shen reminded Su Qing.
"I understand. I'll push them harder and try to wrap up the negotiations quickly," Su Qing nodded.
The talks over the stadium and training ground needed to be finalized soon. Once due diligence was complete, Gao Shen could officially take over Leeds United and begin implementing his transfer plan.
As he said, players from relegated teams often had solid ability, and they were cheap and good value. Not snatching them up now would be a waste.
Of course, he wasn't referring to relegated teams from the top tier. Those players weren't within Leeds United's reach. He meant teams from the lower divisions.
As for Woodgate, it was just a verbal agreement for now, since Gao Shen hadn't officially taken control of Leeds United yet.
Only after finalizing the acquisition and signing a formal contract with Woodgate could they truly feel at ease.
Gao Shen certainly trusted Woodgate, but last-minute poaching was not uncommon.
More importantly, Gao Shen had compiled a very detailed recruitment list in preparation for the upcoming transfer window.
"By the way, Fernando, how's that plan you mentioned coming along?" Gao Shen turned to Lucas.
Lucas nodded. "As soon as we beat Leeds United, I can start moving things forward."
What was Gao Shen lacking most at the moment?
Money!
After taking over Leeds United, the first thing would be restructuring.
Restructuring required money. At the same time, they'd need to offload players who didn't fit Gao Shen and Sarri's system for the highest possible fees.
That would take some serious "operation."
In fact, selling and buying players would be the first real test of Lucas's ability this summer.
Only if he passed that test could he be deemed fit to serve as Leeds United's CEO.
He knew that, which is why he had prepared meticulously.
"Good. Then let's see which of those guys trying to poach my players walks right into our trap!" Gao Shen said with a wicked grin.
…
April 26, evening. Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
The first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Manchester City hosted Manchester United.
Before the game, Gao Shen sat in the home team's locker room and received United's starting lineup.
Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar.
Defenders: Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, and Fabio.
Midfielders: Sneijder, Carrick, and Lassana Diarra.
Forwards: Park Ji-sung, Rooney, and Valencia.
At first glance, there was nothing unusual about Manchester United's lineup—it looked like a standard 4-3-3.
Maybe the only noticeable tweak was Sneijder playing ahead of Carrick and Lass in midfield.
But Gao Shen had carefully studied Manchester United's recent matches and tactics, and he could tell Ferguson was far from conservative.
You could see it from his decision to start both Evra and Fabio.
Playing away at the Etihad, and he wasn't planning to sit back at all!
Often, the starting lineup reveals a lot.
If Ferguson wanted to play defensively, he'd have chosen Smalling and O'Shea instead of Fabio.
Giggs, Scholes, Fletcher, Nani, Anderson, and Smalling were all on the bench.
Clearly, Ferguson had come with multiple plans.
Gao Shen knew the old man too well. He always looked pragmatic on the surface but was wild and aggressive at heart.
He embodied the traditional ferocity and passion of British men.
…
"Pay attention to the start of the game."
After the players returned to the locker room from their warm-up, Gao Shen quickly gathered them and laid out the opening tactics.
"I can say with absolute certainty that Manchester United will come out attacking hard from the very start. The pressure will be immense. You must be mentally ready. It's going to be a brutal opening!"
Gao Shen nearly gritted his teeth by the end, trying to jolt every player into full focus.
Rooney, Sneijder, Park Ji-sung, Valencia, Carrick, Lass Diarra—just hearing those names, you could imagine how intense United's pressing would be once they went all out.
"Don't treat this as the first leg of a semi-final. Treat it like a Champions League final. We only have 90 minutes to take down Manchester United tonight!"
"Remember, you're facing the most resilient team in European football history. They've scored back-to-back goals in the final minutes to pull off comebacks and win titles. They can also score a flurry of goals early to seize control."
"Mentally, you must be 100% locked in. Don't lose focus for even a second. Do you understand?"
"Understood!" the players responded in unison, fully feeling the gravity of his words.
Gao Shen took a deep breath. "But don't feel too pressured. Let me tell you this—Manchester United are strong, but we're stronger. We've beaten them twice already. After tonight, it'll be a triple kill!"
Hearing that, the players' eyes lit up with excitement.
This was Manchester United!
The mighty Red Devils who used to treat Manchester City like nothing, towering high above!
But now, their once-noisy neighbors could finally stand shoulder to shoulder with them—no, even step on them.
"In the early stages, if their attacks come thick and fast, we'll concede some space. But don't make life easy for them. Use every method possible to drain their stamina."
"This will be a high-intensity battle. In a 90-minute war, the one who lasts until the end is the real winner!"
Gao Shen didn't plan to fight Manchester United head-on from the start, even at home.
United still had the second leg at Old Trafford. Ferguson could afford to go all-out. City, on the other hand, had to worry about conceding away goals. If United scored, City would be in a tough spot heading into the second leg.
So playing it safe at home was the smarter move.
Just like Van Gaal's Bayern Munich—destroyed at home.
The Champions League knockout stage wasn't a place for venting frustrations. Stability was the key.
"Everyone!"
Gao Shen clapped loudly, and the players stood up.
"I know for most of you, this is your first time playing in a Champions League semi-final. But I promise you, as long as you execute our pre-match plan and follow my rhythm and adjustments, you'll play in your first final—and win your first title!"
"I believe in you. I hope you believe in me too!"
As he spoke, Gao Shen stretched out his hand.
The players followed suit, each stacking their hand atop his.
"Let's go, Manchester City!"
(To be continued.)
***
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