Every conversation with Gao Shen changes Pogba's career.
He still remembers the first time he met Gao Shen, when he was a Manchester United player.
Back then, he was troubled by his contract renewal and by Ferguson's view of him. He changed agents several times, but no one dared challenge Ferguson, which caused him great pain.
Gao Shen's appearance gave him a new choice.
He chose to go to Leeds United.
After two years at Leeds United, Pogba grew very quickly.
Sarri and his staff, along with the coaches and personnel at Leeds United, fulfilled the promise Gao Shen made to him. The White Rose were promoted from the Championship to the Premier League and became a dark horse in the league.
With his outstanding performances at Leeds United, Pogba attracted the attention of many of Europe's giants.
He began to receive national team call-ups and started to rank among Europe's well-known players.
At that point, Real Madrid paid a 60 million euro transfer fee and took him from Leeds United.
Going to Real Madrid was truly a step to the top for Pogba.
He was even a little hesitant.
His idol Zidane and Gao Shen were both at Real Madrid. They both called Pogba and persuaded the French midfielder to join because they both sensed it would be a decision that could change his career.
Real Madrid have many excellent midfielders, such as Toni Kroos and Modric, Isco, a Spanish player of a similar age and reputation, and Verratti, a talented Italian midfielder.
A club like Real Madrid never lacks stars.
But Pogba came.
Because Gao Shen said something to him.
"If you want to be the best player in the world, come to Real Madrid."
Pogba came.
The intensity of Buenaventura and Pintus's summer training camp was indeed frightening.
When he was at Leeds United, Pogba had already heard talk about it and seen reports in the media.
Although he had prepared himself mentally, once training actually started, he discovered that all his preparations were in vain.
Every session with the coaching team seemed to squeeze out all his potential and limits. Sometimes he even felt he could not hold on for one more second.
The long run after high-intensity training was especially brutal.
In fact, during the first week's sessions, particularly the final long runs, Pogba wanted to give up every time. He really could not run anymore, not even by grit alone.
But when he saw everyone, including pretty boys like Isco and Verratti, clenching their teeth and pushing through, he felt he could not be the one to fall short.
Those two are his competitors. If they can persist, why can't he?
Besides, whether in physique, background, or anything else, his physical fitness and running ability should be better than theirs. How could he lose in the area he is best at and most confident in?
With that belief and courage, Pogba persisted.
Gradually, he adapted.
He also realized that training under Sarri at Leeds United had actually been so comfortable.
Real Madrid's camp is exhausting, physically and mentally.
After each session, there is analysis and review. Every mistake must be corrected and improved.
These things are similar to Leeds United, and not difficult for Pogba to adapt to.
The difference is that his teammates here are too strong and think too fast.
Especially in training, Pogba could not keep up with many of their passing ideas at first, which led to many mistakes.
He brought this up with Gao Shen, and Gao Shen gave him an idea.
Treat them to dinner.
"At Real Madrid, there is no problem that cannot be solved by treating someone to a meal."
"If there is, then treat them to two."
So, like Illarramendi, Pogba wrote an invitation to treat the squad on the clubhouse blackboard.
Everyone showed up, and they started hanging out with Pogba.
He found that Real Madrid at the dinner table was very different from what he had imagined.
Ronaldo looks rebellious, but he is actually a very nice person. He even chatted with Pogba about nightclubs, including how to meet girls in Madrid.
One tip was, "On non-match days, it's best not to stay out past midnight, or you will be punished by the boss the next morning."
Why?
"Because he has informants everywhere in Madrid. Sometimes I even think he might know how many Durex you used with your girlfriend last night. You cannot hide it."
Pogba felt it sounded terrifying.
The boss is such a good person. How could that be possible?
But he had to admit, treating people to dinner was a great way to build closer relationships.
Gradually, Pogba became friends with them, and they began to tell him their in-game habits, little codes, and preferences on the pitch.
As they became more familiar over time, Pogba gradually fit in.
He began to link up with teammates on the pitch.
Sometimes, it even became those flowing, continuous combinations.
Pogba discovered that keeping up with these geniuses' thinking was not that difficult.
And time passed without him noticing.
The new season was about to begin.
At that moment, Gao Shen called him to the office again.
…
"I heard you moved into a new place?"
As soon as he sat down, Gao Shen started with family matters.
Pogba smiled and nodded. "In La Finca, rented. It costs a lot per year."
La Finca is in the western suburbs of Madrid, a new wealthy community where Cristiano Ronaldo and others live.
Many young players like it, and they all live in detached villas.
"That's good. Keep working hard and perform better, and I will apply for a contract renewal for you. Then you can buy your own house," Gao Shen encouraged.
Pogba nodded firmly. He really thought so.
Gao Shen chatted with him about trivial daily matters, including how he was getting along with teammates and his situation at home.
This was because Gao Shen remembered that Pogba's brother did not seem very reliable, so he showed more concern.
When the moment was right, Gao Shen got down to business.
"Next week we host Barcelona, so I am considering starting you in this weekend's league match."
Pogba looked surprised. Start the first match of the new season? And at home?
"Any problem?" Gao Shen asked, noticing his expression.
Pogba immediately shook his head. He was confident in his ability.
Gao Shen smiled.
Whether in memory or in the Pogba we know now, he has a big heart.
As Gao Shen often says, that is what a top star must have.
"As we emphasize in daily training, our midfield is as vital as the heart, and you will be the player we rely on most in this game." Gao Shen looked at Pogba with expectation.
Pogba felt the weight of his words, and also felt the coach's high expectations.
"Do not worry, Boss. I will never let you down."
"I believe it," Gao Shen smiled. "When the time comes, let the entire Bernabéu and everyone in the world see your strength."
Pogba nodded heavily.
…
After watching Pogba leave, Gao Shen stood and returned to his desk.
Buenaventura had just submitted a report stating that Xabi Alonso's recovery was not as good as expected, and recommending Casemiro or Illarramendi for the first match.
Gao Shen thought for a moment and finally chose Casemiro.
The reason was simple. He did not want to put too much pressure on Illarramendi.
This kid has carried heavy pressure since joining Real Madrid. If he plays the first match of the new season and performs well, then fine, but if he does not, would that not make things worse?
Gao Shen is cautious with Illarramendi now. He plans to let him train with the team, get familiar, and integrate, then gradually arrange minutes.
Xabi Alonso could be used, but Gao Shen prefers to keep him for the Barcelona match.
In the upcoming period, there will be only two days between matches. Real Madrid will basically need two lineups, which is a big test of the bench.
How to arrange appearances and coordinate rotation is a major test for Gao Shen.
For this match, he plans to pair Pogba, Verratti, and Casemiro.
Ronaldo is determined to compete with Messi for goals, so he volunteered to play. Gao Shen agreed.
The Portuguese has excellent fitness and stamina. There should not be problems.
At center forward, Gao Shen plans to use Dzeko and keep Benzema for Barcelona.
Isco has been working very hard in training, and Gao Shen plans to use him on the right.
This is also related to the approach for this match.
The first round of the new season is not easy, especially at home.
The optimal strategy is to rely on stable possession, use the team's strength to overpower the opponent, and win.
Of course, Gao Shen will also try to press in the opening phase and aim for a good start.
As Gao Shen was thinking, there was another knock at the door.
"Boss, you were looking for me?"
Isco stood at the door, smiling.
He had obviously guessed why Gao Shen wanted him.
Many people say that anyone called in for a talk by Gao Shen before a match will get a chance.
There are even mysterious rumors in the media that Gao Shen has a magical philosopher's stone, and anyone invited to touch it before a game will shine in the match.
Of course, Real Madrid's players know it is only a rumor, but they all hope to be called by the head coach for some pre-match guidance.
They know what that means.
Isco is a really good kid. Gao Shen likes him a lot. His technique is excellent, but his lack of top-end speed reduces the threat of his dribbling and penetration.
If he were faster, Gao Shen believes his ability and career achievements would be on a higher level.
Unfortunately, speed is something you cannot really change.
So Gao Shen can only try to change Isco's playing habits.
For example, tell him not to dwell on the ball so much. When it is time to pass, seize the moment and play it decisively.
Otherwise, who can keep missing those windows?
Fortunately, last season Gao Shen had Ramos and the other tough guys "rough" Isco up in training, which helped him improve. After Pogba joined this summer, Isco also put in extra work.
Gao Shen wanted to give him a chance.
(To be continued.)