AS: "Aznar's political defeat is the sole reason behind Florentino's resignation."
Sport: "Real Madrid changes leadership—the Galácticos may be heading for disintegration!"
Mundo Deportivo: "Calderón takes charge! A new era dawns at Real Madrid as the old guard prepares for a purge!"
Bild: "Florentino's resignation is regrettable, but his departure allows us to finally assess his legacy!"
Kicker: "During Florentino's six years in charge, Real Madrid became the most commercially successful club of the new millennium!"
France Football: "Three Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, three Supercopa de España, one UEFA Super Cup, one Toyota Cup—the Galácticos' reign has been immensely fruitful!"
Sky Sports: "Real Madrid patriarch Florentino Pérez brought both commercial and sporting success. His exit is a loss for world football!"
The Mirror: "It's truly unfortunate that a football legend's story must be cut short for non-football reasons—especially for Su Hang, who was just hitting his stride!"
BBC: "Su Hang may be the biggest casualty of Florentino's resignation and the Galácticos' collapse! He'll never again find such teammates, such a supportive coach, such a hands-off board, or such a harmonious dressing room!"
Manchester Evening News: "Galácticos collapse imminent? Su Hang to join Manchester United—the Red Devils are assembling a Super RRR dream frontline! Su Hang will be the spearhead!"
Of all the reports, the Manchester Evening News piece was easily the most entertaining.
The so-called Super RRR!
Back in 2002, Brazil's legendary "3R" attack—Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho—dominated the world.
And Manchester United already had their own version of that trio:
Ruud van Nistelrooy,
Cristiano Ronaldo,
Wayne Rooney.
If Su Hang were to join United, it would become SRRR—Super RRR!
The Red Devils' trident, led by Su Hang—the spearhead himself!
How epic would that be?!
And truth be told, the media's analysis wasn't wrong. Su Hang really did end up being the biggest casualty of Florentino's departure.
As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean—and Calderón wasted no time. After taking office, he needed to win the fans' trust with bold new signings and generous treatment for incoming stars.
That inevitably meant the existing team leaders would suffer.
Just like Raúl during the early Galácticos era, who saw resources and focus drift away from him.
But Su Hang was even younger and less established than Raúl had been back then. His position at the club was still fragile, and his future looked uncertain.
On top of that, Calderón would surely want to replace Su Hang—the most influential remnant of the previous regime.
Su Hang's influence within Real Madrid had grown immense; he even had a say in tactical matters.
And sure enough, Calderón's first move after taking office was aimed squarely at the coaching staff.
He immediately dismissed Real Madrid's head coach, Simon.
Simon was the only manager since the Champions League's modern reform to lead Real Madrid to a Treble that included the Champions League title.
He'd spent his career working for the club, had shined as an interim coach before, and this time, he'd made history.
Yet Calderón showed him no mercy.
Still, Calderón's reasoning was easy to understand—a new ruler always wants his own general.
Otherwise, when success comes later, who gets the credit? Florentino?
Before long, Real Madrid contacted Fabio Capello, Juventus' manager, who was under fire due to the Calciopoli scandal.
Capello was one of Europe's most decorated managers, having coached giants like AC Milan, Roma, and Juventus.
Remember that Champions League final where Real Madrid crushed Barcelona 5–0, breaking Barça's own record 4–0 defeat in a final?
That 4–0 thrashing was delivered by Capello's AC Milan.
Judging from Real Madrid's actions, Capello's appointment seemed all but confirmed.
Having been burned by the club's management before, Simon took things calmly this time. He called Su Hang early to ask for his opinion.
After Su Hang's encouragement, Simon made a decision that shocked the football world.
The London Globe: "Real Madrid's quadruple-winning coach Simon, driven by national pride, reaches out to Aragonés, volunteering to join the Spanish national team coaching staff as the Wise One's assistant!"
The news sent shockwaves through the football community.
Sky Sports: "Simon seems to have lost his bearings. Many clubs would gladly hire him as head coach—why would he lower himself to be Aragonés' assistant?"
Marca: "In terms of honors, Simon stands shoulder to shoulder with Aragonés. Though his career has been short, he reached the pinnacle almost immediately."
AS: "Simon is answering Real Madrid's abandonment with his actions! Managing Real Madrid wasn't his only dream—helping Spain succeed is an even nobler pursuit."
Bild: "Wolfsburg, Schalke 04, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Sampdoria, and Paris Saint-Germain have all extended offers to Simon, hoping he'll take charge!"
Kicker: "China, Croatia, Nigeria, and Uruguay have publicly expressed interest in hiring Simon! Uruguay's invitation, in particular, carries significant prestige."
Mundo Deportivo: "Simon isn't a tactical genius—he simply lacks the ability to manage independently. That's the only reason he turned down so many offers."
Sport: "The Galácticos were so talented they didn't need tactics. Simon just got lucky. He's joining Spain to steal Aragonés' secrets, nothing more!"
Simon was genuinely taken aback by the Catalan headlines—those so-called prophets were ruthless!
Fortunately, few people take those tabloids too seriously.
How could Simon possibly not understand football?
The last man to achieve what he did was named Ferguson.
Would anyone dare claim Ferguson didn't understand football?
Before long, Spain's national coach Aragonés publicly welcomed Simon's arrival.
Aragonés said, "I'm truly honored to have Simon join us. He's currently one of the hottest managers in Europe, and having him as my assistant is a privilege."
"But Simon's attitude has truly moved me. He turned down all honors, including the position of chief assistant coach, choosing instead to start from the bottom and give everything he has to Spain."
"It reminds me of another man. They share the same selflessness—and the same kind of admiration they inspire."
Aragonés didn't reveal who that other man was.
But soon, everyone would know.
Shortly afterward, Simon officially joined Spain's coaching staff.
With his addition, Spain's projected World Cup ranking rose two places—from twelfth to tenth.
Some even claimed that, judging by the coaching lineup alone, Spain now had the best staff in the world.
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser