I Am Scouted by Real Madrid-Chapter 510 - 10: Center Stage 2

But is it somewhat excessive to sacrifice the big-eyed guy in order to maintain the reputation of two "superstars"?

Mourinho was indifferent to what the audience thought; he merely pointed out the facts.

If the big-eyed guy could be more selfless in the match, then at least after Higuain was substituted, the match could have changed, but the big-eyed guy became a new problem.

Does he think he can become Chen Zhong?

Simply laughable!

"We created a lot of goal opportunities, especially in the final phase of the match, which tests the players’ mental fortitude because they are concerned the match is about to end."

"We created 5 to 6 scoring opportunities throughout the match; I think we have done what we should to win."

"Of course, we are not without areas that need improvement."

Mourinho spoke eloquently in front of the camera and also affirmed the team: "When you haven’t fully utilized your potential, you can only do two things: first, ensure strong defense to avoid conceding goals; second, seize the opportunities to score."

"In the next 14 days, unfortunately, the team cannot undergo normal training."

"Because in the next 14 days, some players will return to their national teams, and others need to participate in the Bernabeu Cup match. By the time they return and finish the match, there will only be two days left before the game against Osasuna, and in another two days, we’ll be playing Ajax. We don’t have ample time for training and preparation, which poses a risk of conceding goals."

"So, for us, scoring goals and securing three points is more important than anything. That’s why we failed to seize the scoring opportunities today; I am disappointed but will not blame the players for wasting chances."

"At least in terms of defense, we have done quite well."

"Compared to previous seasons, without Chen, our defensive capability has definitely improved significantly."

It seems there’s a warning for Mourinho with this defeat; he further emphasized: "We need time." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"I have just become the head coach of this team."

"In many aspects, we are still unfamiliar with each other; we need time to integrate."

"Especially compared to Barcelona."

Mourinho paused here, as someone compared Barcelona’s recent victory to Real Madrid; he responded, "I’ve said it before, Barcelona is a finished product, and we are still in the team-building phase, which is very important. In the league, we must face them at least twice, and counting the Champions Cup or King’s Cup, maybe three, four times. I will only talk about Barcelona in two situations: they won today, which is fine, congratulations to them, that’s it. In my view, there’s nothing dramatic about this year’s outcome. Of course, I’d rather we take 3 points and they take 1."

...

Generally speaking, though this match stirred up quite a fuss, it was mostly just noise, yet this commotion stunned a certain person.

That was the criticized big-eyed guy.

This high-spirited star, who performed excellently in the World Cup, is very upset with Mourinho’s comments.

He attempted to plot revenge, but the agent strongly urged against it.

"You can’t do that!"

"Are you out of your mind? You’ve signed a six-year contract with them, and they can automatically renew it."

"If Real Madrid shelves you or makes you sit on the bench, your career is over!"

"Moreover, there’s a wager agreement in your salary; if you perform well, it will increase, but if you perform poorly, your salary will decrease."

"I advise you better build a good relationship with the coach!"

"By the way! There’s Chen!"

If it were any other team, spending such a high cost to shelve a player would be absurd, but if it’s Real Madrid...

Back then, Real Madrid’s bench had a lot of stars, like Owen at the peak of his career, even Guti, Raul, spent a considerable amount of time on Real Madrid’s bench, even players like Beckham were there.

Realizing this point clearly, the big-eyed guy temporarily set aside his hatred.

Seemingly to calm public opinion, Real Madrid’s players also accepted interviews one after another, expressing support for the coach and optimism for the new season.

Florentino also approached Chen Zhong.

The two had dinner together.

Now Chen Zhong has gradually replaced Raul as the new emblem of Real Madrid.

Judging from his traits, this span might be nearly 20 years.

Florentino being close to Chen Zhong is only beneficial, without any drawbacks.

"Chen!"

"As the captain of the team."

"I think you should say something."

During dinner, Florentino showed concern for Chen Zhong, compared to other players who received "order-style" interviews, Chen Zhong received a much more humane treatment.

Now there are many discussions outside about the new season Real Madrid.

And in this, Chen Zhong played an important role, with many people interested in discussing Chen Zhong’s status in the dressing room, who might challenge him, whether the coach likes him or not.

This also indirectly proves the importance of Chen Zhong to the entire Real Madrid.

Chen Zhong did not decline, and Real Madrid soon arranged for Chen Zhong to be interviewed.

When it was known that Chen Zhong would be interviewed, Madrid, Spain, Asia, and even people worldwide focused their attention on Chen Zhong.

Chen Zhong has undoubtedly become a symbol of Asian football.

He is even a hot candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

This is rare in the entire history of European football.

Facing the camera, Chen Zhong appeared poised and confident, refreshing many Westerners’ impressions of Eastern people.

It’s unclear what Western education is like.

It’s already 2010, and still, some think of the distant Orient as that mysterious land with braids, all squinted eyes.

Among them, a considerable number regard this as truth.

However, seeing Chen Zhong facing the camera, facing the reporters, speaking eloquently and confidently, they felt their perceptions were refreshed.

"Chen, I’m glad you could accept today’s interview; what are your thoughts on the team’s first match?"

"Kaka and I watched the match at home."

"Kaka?"

"Yes, he invited me to his home as a guest; I watched the match with his family."

"It sounds like you have a good relationship with your teammates."

"We feel like one big family."

Chen Zhong said with a smile, delivering the message of unity in the dressing room to the camera.

"Regarding the team’s first-leg performance, I think the coach was right."

"I like the team, like the current tactics, and like everything they demonstrated in the match."

"We originally had an opportunity to score; we just weren’t very coordinated with each other yet, but we’ve made the most important step forward, and more importantly, we’ve already realized where the problem lies."

Chen Zhong smiled here and said: "Many people advise us to be wary of Barcelona, but we won’t worry about anything regarding Barcelona."

"It’s Barcelona that should worry about us!"

"After all, we’ve identified the problem and will soon resolve it."

Real Madrid and Barcelona’s match is in the 13th round of the league, which is after 12 rounds; Chen Zhong’s statement at this time also gives fans a reassurance.

Meanwhile, it also conveys a message to the outside world.

That is, despite a new force emerging within Real Madrid this season.

But within the team’s dressing room, Chen Zhong still holds an irreplaceable position.

Simply put, Chen Zhong remains in the central position.