"Real Madrid lose to Lyon again—this team has only one reason for winning, and that reason is Su Hang!"
"Real Madrid interested in Benzema—he's scored against them in the Champions League two years in a row!"
"This is the 'invincible Real Madrid' you all hype up? Hahaha!"
After the European match, fans unleashed waves of ridicule at Real Madrid.
The more frightened they were before, the happier they were to mock now.
Inside the club, morale hit a low point.
As captain, Su Hang felt deeply uneasy about the situation.
Using his alt account, Your Su Emperor, Infinitely Arrogant, he left comments:
"Real Madrid may lose, but Su Hang never loses!"
"You can insult Real Madrid, but you will NEVER have the right to insult Su Hang!"
"You trash? Your idols aren't even as good as one of Su Hang's toes!"
"*******!"
"Captain Su, you're here early…" Modrić walked over.
Startled, Su Hang slammed his laptop shut. "Oh, my concussion still needs monitoring, but it doesn't affect basic movement."
"Honestly, the team doctors are the ones holding me back. Otherwise, I would've made a comeback last match, no matter what."
"No need—totally not worth it." Sergio Ramos grabbed Su Hang as if afraid he'd bolt for the pitch. "The season just started. We'll settle things later."
Kompany echoed him: "Exactly! As long as you're healthy, Captain Su, we've got nothing to worry about!"
The group then made their way to the training field.
Capello announced they'd play a training match that afternoon.
The young players lit up.
For good reason—this scrimmage would likely determine which Forward would fill the void left by Su Hang.
Despite Su Hang's insistence, his medical team confirmed he still wouldn't play the next match.
Ignore a concussion now?
End up with dementia later.
No chance.
...
The training match began.
Su Hang sat at the sideline, watching alongside Capello.
Capello scribbled on his notebook, circling Reyes' name.
"Playing really well, isn't he?" Capello turned to Su Hang, careful not to overlook Real Madrid's talisman.
Su Hang nodded, hesitating.
Reyes was performing well—but if Capello knew the rumors around him and paid attention to his style, the issue would be clear.
He almost never contested 50-50 balls.
His movements were flashy and he was quick, but he actively avoided physical contact with defenders.
People assume big players love physical battles.
But agile, small dribblers also seek contact—it lets them use their Agility advantage better, making it easier to get past opponents.
Like a size mismatch in basketball—small attacking big.
Elite small players never avoid contact. They weave in and out of tight spaces.
But Reyes… he was genuinely scared.
And since this was an internal scrimmage—Real Madrid's star player still injured—no one was pushing the intensity.
From the outside, the pace might still look quick, and the duels still present.
But the essence was not the same.
Far fewer sliding tackles.
No sly fouls.
No relentless pressure.
In that environment, Reyes flourished.
This was his ideal playing condition—where he could display his full technical talent.
And yes, he did have real talent.
By the end, Reyes' performance completely won over Capello.
Wanting to motivate the young players, Capello immediately announced that Reyes would start the next match.
Su Hang didn't object.
Capello had his own philosophy in managing players.
Su Hang didn't fully understand it, but he respected it.
Still, Su Hang brought up Beckham's situation.
"Boss, we've already played quite a few matches this season—friendlies, Super Cups… almost ten games altogether." Su Hang gestured toward Emerson. "Emerson is indeed a good player."
"He covers ground well and contributes both offensively and defensively."
"But I feel like he still hasn't truly integrated into the team."
Capello nodded. "Yes, that's something I didn't expect."
"In my plans, he should be able to contribute far more."
"He has the ability—we all know that. But for some reason, he just can't fully show it."
Su Hang coughed twice. Seeing Capello still didn't grasp his point, he spelled it out:
"Is it possible Emerson's ability is exactly what we've seen so far?"
"As a Defensive Midfielder, he's world-class—one of the best in the world."
"But when he steps into central midfield, his habits and tactical mindset might no longer apply."
"Figo only became a top-class attacking midfielder after transitioning from right winger and right midfielder—and that took until the past two seasons."
"How many years would Emerson need to adapt before becoming Real Madrid's midfield cornerstone?"
"Do we—or rather, do you—have the time to wait?"
"Compared to that, I think David performs better in midfield. His running ability and willingness are at least equal to Emerson's—honestly, he runs more on average."
"His free kicks, long passes, and crosses all offer huge value to the team."
"And even when he's not using those strengths, he's still a very competent midfielder."
Capello looked at Su Hang and thought for a moment before responding:
"Su, I understand. Beckham is indeed a very nice person."
"But as head coach, I have to consider the long-term plan for my tenure here—and the midfield anchor is essential."
"As Real Madrid's symbol and the ultimate beneficiary of our tactical framework, you and I should be aligned."
"Zidane will retire after this season. We all know that."
"If we don't find a new midfield core this season, our performance will fall off a cliff next year."
"Then I'll be gone—and your own performances will suffer too."
"Emerson is our only hope."
"As for the rest—Guti is a utility midfielder. Modrić, Juan Mata, Valero—don't even get me started. Can they run the midfield? No way. They don't have that level, you know?"
"Forgive my bluntness. I know Modrić was signed largely because of your recommendation, but based on what I've seen so far, the results are terrible. I don't think he has the ability to start in any of the top five leagues."