I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 493: Chapter 2: The Madman and Chen

In 2010, it was destined to be a tumultuous year.

The ”Special One” arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with his second Champions League trophy.

Guardiola led Barcelona to become Spain’s first ”Triple Crown” winner, while Mourinho led Inter Milan to become Italy’s first ”Triple Crown” winner.

The rivalry between these two mentors brought significant attention to the La Liga.

Today was Mourinho’s first meeting with the locker room players, and as he walked in, everyone’s eyes turned to this stern man.

This was a ”special man,” someone who seemed ”funny” when he smiled, but emitted an air of authority and pressure when serious.

”He doesn’t seem easy to get along with,” Marcelo whispered next to Chen Zhong.

Chen Zhong frowned at Marcelo, warning him with a glance to watch his words.

Marcelo pressed his lips together, indicating he understood. After Mourinho entered, the players glanced at Chen Zhong before focusing on Mourinho, which made a glint appear in Mourinho’s eyes.

”I’m surprised by your performance last season.”

”But clearly, what I achieved at Inter Milan was even more outstanding.”

”Pellegrini is a good coach, but his management of the locker room wasn’t strict enough.”

After a brief introduction, Mourinho eloquently continued, with Francisco standing beside him, trying to straighten his back, clearly having been warned before attending the meeting.

”But it’s different now.”

”Pellegrini couldn’t enforce discipline on some key players.”

”That’s because he lacked the significant champions to prove himself, like the Champions League trophy, which I have, twice.”

”Therefore, I will bring you strict discipline.”

”I am here for victory, to instill a belief in winning in this team.”

”To create another Triple Crown.”

With his head held high, Mourinho’s two Champions League victories and various honors made him stand out among active football coaches. After leading Inter Milan to a Triple Crown in 2010, Mourinho became the undisputed world’s top manager.

”Actually, I’ve been here for a while.”

”Sports City.”

Mourinho smiled at the players, acknowledging that it wasn’t easy for Pellegrini, nor is it for him. At least, this start wasn’t ideal.

Because this is a World Cup year, when Mourinho first arrived at Real Madrid, nearly half the team was on vacation.

Especially those from the Spain Team, who became the last batch to return after winning the World Cup.

Francisco had once suggested to Mourinho to gather the players still in the team for a small meeting first, but Mourinho refused.

No matter who you are, whether you’re staying or leaving, or what level you hold within the team’s hierarchy.

When I hold a meeting, you must be present and listen.

What does it mean to gather half the people?

If you call for a meeting, everyone should be there, quietly watching me, and listening until I finish.

Mourinho reiterated his discipline and expressed his firm stance, reminding all players to remember one thing.

”We are serving Real Madrid.”

”I know some of you have close relationships with Barcelona’s players.”

”But I hope you remember which team’s jersey you are wearing and who the opposing team’s players are.”

”I need everyone, and I mean everyone!”

”Whether in the media or elsewhere, when facing Barcelona and their players, you should show enough fighting spirit!”

”National team teammates? Former friends!”

”The first thing to remember is, they are your enemies, the ones you need to defeat!”

”Whether in actions or words, you need to be strict, ruthless!”

Mourinho’s right hand moved with his speech, causing some restlessness among the players, especially Cristiano Ronaldo, who instinctively thought of his friend, Pique, when he heard Mourinho’s instructions.

Likewise, Ramos, Casillas, and others inevitably thought of their Spain National Team teammates, their eyes first turning to Chen Zhong, hoping he would speak up for fairness, but Chen Zhong remained indifferent.

Chen Zhong’s indifference gradually subdued the players’ dissatisfaction, and they just looked at Mourinho, who was unfazed.

He scanned all the players, pausing slightly on Chen Zhong, and seeing no reaction from him, a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.

For Mourinho, everything he was doing was going smoothly, so the second matter was to be put on the agenda. He didn’t speak but scanned the surroundings.

”I’ve noticed,” Mourinho said mysteriously. ”Have you seen it?”

The players looked at each other, unsure of what Mourinho was referring to, until he pointed to the camera in the locker room: ”This is the camera in plain view.”