Chapter 538 - 24: It’s Broken, I’m Broken! (Part 2)
In terms of shots, Real Madrid had over 30 attempts, while Milan didn’t even reach 10.
Afterwards, Mourinho also accepted interviews from Madrid media, stating, "We played a remarkable game. The players remained focused throughout, maintaining a high tempo in attack and defense. Just two days ago we had a match against Malaga, accomplishing this is truly incredible, we played very well. Not only did the starting eleven excel in completing the task, other team members also contributed significantly in preparing for this match."
After the match, Mourinho openly discussed Real Madrid’s goals in front of the media, clearly stating, "Our next task is to compete for the top spot in the group. In a few days, if we beat Ousel, then the team would be thrice victorious, securing our position at the top with 10 points guaranteeing advancement. Our goals should be set further ahead."
Following their victory over Milan, Real Madrid continued their momentum in the league, and in the 8th round of La Liga, facing Santander Athletic, they crazily scored 8 goals.
Winning 8:1 against the opponent.
In this match, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his goal-scoring nature, netting 4 goals on the field, achieving a grand slam.
Replacing Kaka in this match, Di Maria also created 3 goals. Evidently, Santander Athletic was somewhat unfamiliar with Di Maria, unprepared to handle him.
After Chen Zhong completed two goals, he was substituted by Mourinho in the 78th minute, replaced by Big Eye. At that time, the team was already leading 8:0.
Big Eye seemed somewhat dissatisfied with entering at this point, but facing Chen Zhong’s outstretched hand, he could only force a smile and eagerly reach out for a high-five.
He had now recognized who was the boss in the locker room.
Big Eye’s entry allowed Santander Athletic to launch a counterattack in the final minutes of the game against Real Madrid.
At the 90th minute, while controlling the ball in midfield, he attempted to mimic Chen Zhong’s move from the back row.
But Santander Athletic showed no pity for his fragile body, intercepting Big Eye swiftly, changing the score to 8:1 with a rapid counterattack.
This displeased the Real Madrid fans watching at Bernabeu.
Casillas even rushed over to Big Eye after conceding a goal, roaring loudly, "What are you doing? What are you doing?"
"You’re such an idiot!"
"You should just sit on the damned bench. If it was Chen, this wouldn’t have happened."
After Chen Zhong left the field, Casillas wore the captain’s armband, his eyes filled with disdain for Big Eye. It was due to the presence of people like Big Eye that his clean sheet bonus and record couldn’t be secured or updated.
Big Eye’s face turned red instantly.
But he signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid, including an option for extension, and since his salary was relatively low, with growth-based wages, under certain performance and appearance conditions...
He could even earn some substantial bonuses.
Initially, Big Eye believed that he could quickly secure his position at Real Madrid through his abilities, replacing Chen Zhong, becoming Bernabeu’s favorite.
But now, things didn’t seem to go as he expected.
After this match, the media wrote extensively that Big Eye would be Real Madrid’s worst signing this summer, his performance in this match was practically a disaster.
The German genius player, who had expressed controversial opinions and performed excellently in the World Cup, seemed to be plunging into a deep abyss.
This summer, Portuguese agent "giant" Mendes played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s signings, he brought Mourinho, Cavaleiro, and Di Maria into Real Madrid.
Currently, there are five players in Real Madrid under his management. While many worried this summer that Mendes would hollow out Real Madrid, the media now praises him for significantly strengthening Real Madrid’s strength, with his recommendations playing significant roles, among which Mourinho is indisputably his proudest achievement.
After 10 matches, Real Madrid fans are convinced that hiring Mourinho has been Real Madrid’s most correct decision in years.
In just two months, Mourinho has transformed Real Madrid into a team aligned with his football philosophy: a solid defensive line, relentless pressure on the opponent in the front, strong and powerful attacking.
Most importantly, the team’s performance is outstanding, remaining unbeaten in 10 matches, with few goals conceded (3), leading both in La Liga and Champions League.
Following Real Madrid’s victory over Milan, the "World Newspaper" praised, "Mourinho has given Real Madrid a fresh start. The new era of Real Madrid is casting a shadow over all of Europe. Motivated by Mourinho, the former ’King of Europe’ Real Madrid has finally awakened, Mourinho’s coaching abilities give Real Madrid hope to see farewell to eight years of mediocrity in European competitions."
"Marca" also claims Mourinho silenced all criticism, like God building an invincible team, defensively unbreakable, in attack unstoppable, the team is in an excellent overall state. Now Real Madrid appears stable, efficient, although the football isn’t very beautiful, players’ confidence continues to grow with each victory.
This event marks a traditional huge change at Bernabeu, the first time in Real Madrid history to hand club’s sovereignty to a coach for management.
Florentino learned his lesson, clearly stating he would grant Mourinho maximum authority, while Mourinho accepted the power without hesitation.
Previously, due to lacking benefits in interview resources, "Diario AS" had quite a complaint against Mourinho, waiting for an opportunity to criticize him, but now, their attitude changed, they fully trust this Portuguese coach.
Alfredo said, Real Madrid needs Mourinho’s iron hand, Florentino’s delegation, and Mourinho’s ability to provide the much-needed stability.
Mourinho brought calm to Real Madrid, and people can trust that even if he leaves in the future, he will leave Real Madrid with a solid winning foundation, just like the one he left at Chelsea and Inter.
Following Real Madrid’s victory over Milan, Italian media acknowledged Real Madrid’s overwhelming superiority against Milan, especially noting Mourinho’s successful transformation of Real Madrid.
"Milan Sports Newspaper" states, Mourinho taught Milan a lesson.
"Rome Sports Newspaper" praised, saying Mourinho’s team shows very positive fighting spirit, the Portuguese resulted effectively in improving Real Madrid.
"All Sports" commented, Mourinho made Milan realize the reality of their inferiority to Real Madrid.
Everything seems to be moving in the right direction, except perhaps for Big Eye.
He feels everything is utterly miserable.
And soon after, in the match against Ousel, Big Eye entered the game while the team was already leading by a large margin.
In this match, eager Big Eye sought to contest for a 55-ball, but was directly brought down to the ground by the opponent.
As he painfully held his leg, Big Eye’s face turned ashen.
He looked at his wobbling ankle, and a phrase kept emerging in his mind.
Broken!
I’m broken!
