I Am Scouted by Real Madrid-Chapter 350 - 30: Rules

"I believe Chen can handle these issues."

"Even though he’s only 17, he’s a sensible person."

Florentino held a small meeting at his residence with Real Madrid’s executives, where they discussed the recent problems faced by Real Madrid.

Unlike others who were worried, Florentino had complete confidence in Chen Zhong.

Even at the critical moment of an upcoming "Derby" match.

In Spain, aside from the "El Clasico" between Real Madrid and Barcelona, the most intense city "Derby" is the "Derby de Madrid."

Red cards, penalties, and even fan disturbances are not uncommon in the Derby matches between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Before this crucial Derby match, untimely media news was clearly impacting the locker room, and losing the Derby match would not only lose Real Madrid’s "record" accumulated over the past ten years but also put Real Madrid at a disadvantage in the league title race.

Currently, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have 7 wins and 2 draws, accumulating 23 points, with Real Madrid temporarily ahead of Barcelona only due to goal difference.

And the 10th round of the league is undoubtedly crucial.

After all, Barcelona already defeated Atletico Madrid 5:2 in the third round, and in this round, Barcelona’s opponent is only Mallorca. If Real Madrid loses to or draws with Atletico Madrid, it will put them at a disadvantage in the ensuing championship race.

What’s more, although Real Madrid’s locker room appears harmonious, many issues are hidden beneath the surface.

As the media reported, in Real Madrid’s period without a "Crown Prince," the team’s captain is often determined by seniority, and in this regard, both Ramos and Casillas are more qualified than Chen Zhong to be the team’s captain.

Then there’s the problem with Higuain.

On the surface, the last interview merely exposed Higuain’s ambition, and outsiders might think it’s no big deal, as everyone has their own ambitions.

But in reality, it exposed an underlying issue in the team’s locker room.

If not properly handled, it could even lead to a significant hidden danger of locker room division.

Chen Zhong has good relations with the players, and Higuain has said he has "special feelings" towards Chen Zhong. As the team’s captain, Chen Zhong has also begun to take on the responsibility of working for the "common interest."

But what about the individual interests of players?

Is it that whoever has a better relationship with Chen Zhong can be in the starting lineup, or is it purely based on merit?

In the football world, similar issues have arisen quite often. Players with good relationships stick together, and if one is up, they all have to be up together. So what should be done in Real Madrid?

This also involves the relationship between unhealthy competition and healthy competition.

Many teams can’t perform to their full potential due to internal friction, and unhealthy and healthy competition can impact the locker room atmosphere and cohesion.

Higuain himself might not have intended to target Chen Zhong, but his remarks have already exposed a certain unhealthy mentality within the locker room.

Like seeing a cockroach in a room, do you think there’s only one?

There might already be many cockroaches in the dark corners, ready to pounce.

Originally, this issue was supposed to be resolved by Pellegrini, but since Chen Zhong’s "rebellion" last time, Pellegrini has essentially become an advisory figure, with all his ideas and tactics dependent on Francisco and Chen Zhong for execution.

The players listen to Chen Zhong, not Pellegrini.

Regarding the team’s starting lineup and main squad list, Pellegrini seemingly holds the decision-making power, but in recent matches, he has frequently consulted Chen Zhong’s opinion.

This might appear good, but it can also lead to some misunderstandings.

Players who consider themselves close to Chen Zhong may feel that their position is secure because of him, while those not as close but confident in their abilities might think they haven’t made the starting lineup because their relationship with Chen Zhong isn’t strong enough.

Such thoughts are beneficial for Chen Zhong personally in the short term, but long-term execution will harm the team’s motivation.

Simultaneously, Chen Zhong may become a "cancer" in the eyes of future coaches.

Real Madrid’s high-level management has realized this problem, but Florentino remained silent, perhaps hoping, like with the "Pellegrini" issue, to let Chen Zhong realize on his own, providing guidance only if he fails to do so.

Or perhaps it’s a kind of test, to see if Chen Zhong can stick to his principles, and whether he can become the "stabilizer" in the locker room in future plans.

"I want to hold a team meeting."

"Please gather all coaching staff and players together."

"Let’s set it for tonight. Some things, we need to address face to face."

Chen Zhong’s words were straightforward. He privately approached Francisco, who had no objections, and the notice was swiftly put into action.

After completing the afternoon training and having dinner.

The players walked towards the destination in groups, discussing the content of the meeting.