Inside the Chelsea training ground, Mourinho stood by the sidelines, a hint of solemnity in his expression.
In the first round, they lost to Basel away, which meant they had to win the second-round match.
The problem was, although the second round was a home game, their opponent was the even stronger Real Madrid.
As Real Madrid's former Head Coach, Mourinho knew all too well how formidable those guys' individual abilities were.
It could even be said that even if Real Madrid lacked a coherent system, they still possessed extremely strong competitiveness in the Champions League.
Every position in Real Madrid could become a key one.
Whether it was offense or defense, or linking the two, they could be considered proficient in everything.
At the same time, in the match against Real Madrid, there was one most difficult aspect, and that was the issue of dealing with Suker.
If Suker couldn't be contained, it would be very difficult to win the match.
Mourinho considered his two years at Real Madrid to be his most relaxed period.
Because he had the strongest firepower in the world, he didn't need to consider how strong the opposing players were, because they certainly weren't as formidable as Suker.
Therefore, he only needed to focus on defense; as long as the defense became systematic, Real Madrid would naturally form a powerful fighting force.
As for the current Chelsea, many familiar players had already left.
Drogba transferred away!
Terry was getting old.
Among the old players, only Lampard was still struggling to hold on.
Of course, Cahill in the backline and Hazard in the forward line were also strong new additions.
But even so, could they really withstand Real Madrid's attack?
Whoosh!
Hazard dribbled quickly on the field, darting past Mourinho, constantly pushing forward using simple yet effective dribbling methods.
Hazard's individual ability was very strong; if it were in the past, Mourinho would definitely have liked this player very much.
But now, Mourinho's appetite had become spoiled.
He had seen better, more outstanding in all aspects.
Hazard was indeed excellent, but he always felt like a smaller version of Suker.
Whoosh!
The ball went into the net, and Hazard celebrated excitedly.
The other Chelsea players around him also shook their heads helplessly.
They understood their teammate's ability; it could be said that Hazard had formidable offensive capabilities, which led Mourinho to arrange for Hazard to not track back and have no defensive duties.
And Hazard's defensive duties were naturally shared by others.
But he was strong, he could score goals, he was the key player, so they couldn't say anything and could only silently endure it.
"Too slow!"
Mourinho suddenly spoke, interrupting Hazard's celebration.
"Real Madrid won't let you dribble past them so easily; their technique and experience are top-notch.
After you beat one person, the second defending player who follows up will be prepared.
If you are slightly lax in your control of the ball, they will immediately tackle it.
If you try to dribble past them, they will foul!"
Mourinho clenched his fists and shouted, "Speed up the tempo, shoot decisively.
As soon as you see a gap, shoot directly, don't hesitate!"
Hazard looked at Mourinho, always feeling that Mourinho had been somewhat anxious recently.
His tone was not as calm, but rather carried a hint of tension.
Hazard also knew that the next Champions League opponent was Real Madrid, but was there really a need to be so vigilant?
"Faster, stronger, more decisive, and you will become stronger." After shouting at Hazard, Mourinho suddenly turned his head and called out, "Oscar!"
Oscar, who was hiding behind Hazard, suddenly stiffened.
Mourinho looked at Oscar indifferently; "Your tracking back just now was slow.
I've always emphasized that as a midfielder, you must not only perform in attack but also contribute in defense."
"A midfielder who doesn't understand defense will never become a top midfielder."
"You always easily forget my words, but I hope this doesn't happen again, okay?" Mourinho's tone was calm, but the anger within it could be deeply felt.
Mourinho hated all players who didn't defend, except for a few specific players he named who didn't need to defend; everyone else had to participate in defense.
So far, in Mourinho's lineup, only two players didn't need to defend.
One was Suker!
The other was Hazard!
They both possessed formidable individual abilities; compared to defense, their role was more reflected in offense.
Therefore, weighing the pros and cons, these decisions were ultimately reached.
But this didn't mean Oscar was one of them!
Mourinho had expectations for this newly emerging Brazilian midfield talent.
And his expectation was for Oscar to become an all-around midfielder.
Once skills like positioning, marking, tackling, and intercepting were developed, Oscar, with his inherent ability, would certainly be able to showcase a better side in the team and greatly increase the team's fighting strength.
But Mourinho also knew that this required gradual change.
Currently, Oscar still had some resistance to his transformation, but Mourinho believed that he could successfully transform this guy.
To make him one of the top midfielders in the world!
Under Mourinho's high-pressure training, the Chelsea players were tormented badly.
However, they also gained a deeper understanding of how to specifically integrate the tactics against Real Madrid.
Of course, these still only existed in theory and had not yet been put into practice.
"Only two days left!"
David Luiz said, "Playing against Real Madrid, I always feel a bit nervous."
"No choice, that's the Real Madrid." Hazard shrugged; he wasn't that nervous, rather a bit eager to try.
His form was getting better and better, and this was another good opportunity to challenge Suker.
"I heard Suker is injured!"
"A wrist injury shouldn't have too much impact; his combat power and threat are still there!"
"But this season, his goal count has decreased quite a bit; is his form declining?"
"Nonsense! Look at how many games he's actually played; he's been rotating.
Real Madrid is just holding back for a big push.
Underestimate Suker, and you'll suffer terribly."
David Luiz, Hazard, and Oscar gathered together to chat.
David Luiz suddenly looked at Hazard and said, "Didn't you just play a World Cup qualifier against Croatia? How did it feel?"
It was fine not to mention it, but as soon as it was brought up, Hazard's face turned green.
"We lost the game 1-0!" Hazard said, feigning nonchalance.
"Only conceded one goal? That's very good." David Luiz nodded.
Playing against Croatia and only conceding one goal was already very good.
Hazard didn't respond to this but grumbled inwardly.
Good my foot!
That match didn't receive too much attention, but he knew very well that for 90 minutes, they were almost completely dominated by Croatia.
In the front, middle, and back, there was no position where they could gain an advantage.
Coupled with the gradual exertion of Suker, Rakitić, Perisic, and Mandžukić, they played extremely passively throughout the entire match and failed to organize many effective attacks.
Hazard also tried to break through using individual ability.
But on one hand, Belgium's passes were difficult to find him.
On the other hand, Hazard was also being marked, and he found it difficult to achieve high-efficiency scoring while dribbling and advancing, unlike Suker.
"Don't think about these things." Hazard waved his hand; "The match is about to start; we'll know then."
With that, he slung his kit bag over his shoulder and left the locker room directly.
Looking at Hazard's retreating figure, David Luiz raised an eyebrow slightly; "Is he nervous?"
Oscar also nodded; "He feels a bit off!"
Hazard was certainly nervous!
This match was not just a simple Champions League game.
It was also an opportunity for him to challenge Suker.
In the entire football world, any ambitious player had their eyes on Suker.
Defeating Suker would bring extremely rich rewards in terms of popularity, traffic, fame, influence, and so on.
One could even rely on this to further contend for the Ballon d'Or.
However, so far, only Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have broken Suker's monopoly on these honors.
And for others, achieving this would be incredibly difficult.
Hazard had ambition!
Therefore, he also wanted to perform well in this match.
Even if he couldn't defeat Suker, it would still be a good showing in front of Real Madrid.
Hazard's calculations were very good.
Currently, Suker was already 27 years old!
He had maintained a long peak period, but how much longer could he maintain it?
At most three years, Suker would be 30, and his form would inevitably decline.
Suker's current change in playing style is also a signal; when he can no longer run, he will inevitably transition into a playmaker.
And those vacated positions will naturally need to be filled.
Therefore, for Hazard, he must perform well in this match.
If he directly defeats Suker, that would be the best outcome, as it would instantly make him famous!
If he doesn't win, but still puts in an excellent performance, he will certainly catch Real Madrid's eye.
That's right!
Hazard has set his sights on the role of Suker's successor.
That is, Real Madrid's next number 9!
As the second round of the Champions League approached, the unexpected topic of the 'Ballon d'Or' became a hot topic.
Initially, Bayern Munich was hyping up Cristiano Ronaldo to increase their influence.
But soon, the topic started to deviate.
The reason is simple: Borussia Dortmund's Head Coach Klopp's remarks became the key to the entire trend.
Klopp led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League, becoming the most successful youth storm.
Although he failed to win the Champions League, his ability was fully revealed.
In his prediction for the Ballon d'Or, Klopp cleverly evaded the question.
He didn't make any predictions but focused on praising Suker, Klopp's original words were:
"Actually, coaching Suker is a very boring thing because he is already too perfect; he doesn't even need the Head Coach's help; he understands everything and can do it all well."
"This can be frustrating for any Head Coach. The most successful representation of a Head Coach is to sculpt a player from scratch, help him grow, become strong, and integrate into the team, allowing the team to form a stronger fighting force."
"But Suker is different; you just put him in the team, and he will adapt himself. Everyone will play around him."
At this point, Klopp even joked a little: "After all, no one can ignore a crazy guy with 60 goals in a season!"
"In summary, coaching Suker makes the Head Coach very useless. All you need to do is make him happy, and then when there's trouble, tell him we have trouble, and he can solve any problem."
"However, no Head Coach can refuse him. He is so perfect; as long as you put him in the team, it's like having a guarantee of a championship!"
Klopp sighed: "This is Suker, a player who makes all Head Coaches salivate but offers no sense of accomplishment."
Klopp greatly acknowledged Suker's ability and praised his performance.
This was originally an internal Bundesliga player evaluation interview, but it inexplicably took a turn, and then all Bundesliga Head Coaches began to collectively praise Suker.
After all, for these Bundesliga coaches, they can make anyone happy, just not Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich's attempt to generate buzz for Cristiano Ronaldo indirectly brought attention to Suker.
Suker also quickly learned of this news and couldn't help but smile wryly.
"Bayern's strange move, is this helping Cristiano Ronaldo or harming him!"
Suker was speechless about Bayern Munich's PR capabilities.
With such promotional ability, a perfectly good promotional event ended up creating momentum for a competitor. Cristiano Ronaldo would be furious if he knew.
Franck Ribéry didn't win the Ballon d'Or, and Bayern Munich didn't help promote him.
But with this promotional ability, they couldn't do a good job of promoting anyway.
"The Bundesliga is limited by the '50+1 Rule.' While it largely preserves the authentic fan football culture, it also keeps capital out. In the gradually commercializing football world, Bayern Munich's promotional ability is a bit stretched."
Zorancic shook his head and said.
Suker: "But I still really like the football culture there."
The Big Five Leagues, with the invasion of capital, many teams also began to gradually commercialize.
While increasing fame and influence, they also need to deal with many things besides football.
For example, Real Madrid, in addition to matches, they also have many commercial activities.
Even in matches, Real Madrid needs to play beautifully!
Today, 'camera football' is not yet prevalent, but this situation has already provided enough nourishment for it.
Zorancic: "You want to play in the Bundesliga?"
Suker: "No!"
Zorancic thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "Have you thought about the future?"
Suker: "What future?"
Zorancic: "I mean, what will you do after leaving Real Madrid?"
Suker blinked and said, "Actually, I have thought about this question, and I have some ideas."
"For example?"
Suker: "How about I buy a team?"
"Huh?"
Zorancic was stunned.
"Buy a team?"
Suker nodded: "Buy a team myself, operate it myself. I don't care about results, but the main goal is to stir things up!"
"If I really can't play anymore, most likely others can't either. I'll create an 'Elderly League,' bring all the superstars from our era together. Winning or losing doesn't matter; the main goal is traffic first!"
"Me! Messi! Ronaldo! All on one team, do you think that would be attractive?"
Listening to Suker's words, Zorancic was stunned, then waved his hand and said:
"How is that possible?"
"Why not!" Suker rolled his eyes: "You tell me, when the time comes, I'll get a team from the middle or lower tier of the Big Five Leagues. I'll join on a free transfer, and let others hold the fort first. Ronaldo and Messi will eventually be unable to play, right? But once they have the chance, are they really willing to leave the Big Five Leagues?"
"Other Big Five Leagues teams might not want them for the future, but I do!" Suker emphasized; "Who would turn down money!"
Zorancic was stunned: "What about the salary?"
Suker: "Negotiate, give what's due, give a lot, give the same amount, no one shortchanges anyone. Anyway, I earn more, and I'm not short on money!"
"It doesn't matter if we don't achieve results; we'll be the most popular in the world anyway!"
"If we do achieve results, we'll make a fortune!"
Zorancic: "What about Financial Fair Play?"
Suker quietly said: "Financial Fair Play requires a balance of income and expenditure, with expenditure not exceeding total income based on income. But do you think a team like that would earn little? Just selling jerseys, various merchandise, doing commercial activities every now and then, occasionally playing a commercial match, I'd already make a fortune!"
Zorancic was a bit confused, but he had to admit that if Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi could be convinced, this idea really had potential.
"You really want to buy?" Zorancic asked.
Suker: "Do you think I've been recruiting a basic management team for nothing recently?"
"I want to try it out with a team from another League first. If it works well, I'll go for it directly!"
Zorancic: "No, no, no! Wait, you want to buy, but no team is willing to sell!"
Football is generally doing well now, with everyone making a lot of money; who would sell a cash cow!
In response, Suker showed a strange smile.
"Just wait! There will be a day when they go bankrupt! Then I'll descend like a divine soldier, bringing people and money in together. Do you think those fans will be grateful to me?"
Zorancic was a bit confused.
He couldn't keep up with Suker's thoughts at all.
This was also the first time Suker expressed his desire to buy a team.
"Let me digest this news; I'm having a hard time adapting."
Zorancic waved his hand and said.
Suker nodded: "No rush, there's still a long time, let's take it slow!"
With that, Suker looked up at the time and realized it was time to leave.
Suker immediately got up, picked up his ball bag, and after bidding farewell to Zorancic, he left the house directly.
Upon arriving at the training base, Suker met up with the Real Madrid players, boarded the bus, and collectively headed to the airport, preparing to fly to London, England.
Under the cover of night, Real Madrid arrived in London at 7 PM.
Under the watchful eyes of numerous reporters, they once again boarded the bus to their hotel.
Looking at the city of London, Suker also felt a bit emotional.
In the Champions League, they had successively beaten Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea, unlocking the 'King of London' achievement in advance!