Starting With Real Madrid

As it turned out, Gao Shen was right.

At Stamford Bridge, Hiddink deployed a 4-3-3 formation, nearly identical to the lineup from the previous away game against Aston Villa. The only change was Ashley Cole replacing Ferreira.

In the locker room before the match, Gao Shen reminded his players once again.

"Chelsea will definitely come out attacking. Be mentally prepared and stay calm, no matter what."

"They'll rely on more direct passes and crosses from the flanks."

He specifically addressed Bonucci, David Luiz, and Thiago Motta, "Keep a close eye on Drogba and control the center of the penalty area!"

This was Chelsea's home ground. If they launched a fierce assault at the start, Napoli, as the away team, had no choice but to endure it.

While Chelsea's players were at a disadvantage in terms of physical fitness, Napoli's players lacked big-match experience, which was another concern.

Therefore, Gao Shen emphasized a cautious approach at the start, avoiding direct confrontation with Chelsea's initial onslaught.

"Guys, remember: when you step onto the pitch, no matter what happens, don't panic. Stay composed, hold your ground, and play steady football."

"This is Napoli's first Champions League knockout match and the first for many of you in your careers. I know it's going to be tough, but I want you to trust me, I'll lead you back from Stamford Bridge."

"I promise you, we will reach the quarterfinals. Be confident!"

The players responded in unison, their fighting spirit ignited.

…

Chelsea, under Hiddink, faced Napoli, the dark horse of this year's Champions League.

The match drew 40,000 fans to Stamford Bridge, creating a packed and lively atmosphere.

When Gao Shen led his team out of the tunnel, he saw Hiddink waiting at the exit.

The Dutch coach had put on weight, and his hair was fully white, but his energy was undiminished. His sharp gaze exuded wisdom and confidence.

At 62 years old, Hiddink carried the pressure of years of coaching but maintained a passion for the game.

"Nice to meet you, Gao!" Hiddink greeted warmly, extending his hand. "Welcome, welcome."

Gao Shen smiled as he shook hands with the veteran coach.

He had great respect and admiration for Hiddink. Among Dutch coaches, Gao Shen admired Van Gaal the most, with Hiddink a close second.

Their coaching styles, however, couldn't be more different. Van Gaal was relentless in his beliefs, while Hiddink was adaptable and pragmatic. Despite this, both had achieved tremendous success.

"I never expected a Chinese coach to step onto the Champions League stage before any Chinese players, let alone win a title. It's unbelievable," Hiddink said with a chuckle.

Typically, the development of football in any country begins with nurturing young players, gradually building a talent pool, which then evolves into producing great coaches as retired players transition into management.

But Gao Shen was an anomaly.

Gao Shen smiled lightly. "My decision to become a coach has a lot to do with you."

"Oh?" Hiddink raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Gao Shen recounted his experience with "Korea" and how the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan had left a deep impression on him, inspiring him to study football at Loughborough University in the UK.

"I'm proud to hear that," Hiddink laughed.

Gao Shen had become a world-renowned young coach, and Hiddink couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for indirectly playing a role in Gao Shen's entry into football.

"So, you must have a trap prepared for Drogba tonight, right?" Hiddink asked.

Gao Shen didn't answer directly but countered, "Did I guess wrong?"

Hiddink chuckled. "You're sharp, just like your tactics, young man."

"Your analysis is spot on. In a match of this magnitude, a focal point like Drogba is critical."

Gao Shen nodded in agreement.

Unfortunately, some coaches didn't understand this, like Scolari.

Of course, it wasn't entirely Scolari's fault, he had never coached in a top European league, let alone managed a team in the Champions League.

South America's Copa Libertadores couldn't compare in tactical depth or intensity to Europe's top leagues, let alone the Champions League.

Mourinho had once told Gao Shen that Champions League tactics evolved almost every year. Coaches constantly experimented and developed strategies to counter their opponents. To avoid being outmaneuvered, one had to consistently adapt and improve.

Gao Shen deeply resonated with this philosophy.

In today's football, how many players could single-handedly break through a defense like Drogba?

Messi and Ronaldo certainly fit the bill. Kaka used to, though his current form was questionable. Drogba and Ibrahimovic were capable, but beyond them, who else?

Ribery hadn't yet peaked, Robben was too injury-prone, and his cuts from the right lacked consistent sharpness. Players like him also needed space to shine.

Napoli didn't have anyone of Drogba's caliber. Players like Sanchez, Cavani, and Di Maria had strong abilities but lacked the unstoppable dominance of Drogba.

Napoli's strength lay in their cohesion and Gao Shen's meticulous tactics.

"Good luck, young man from China," Hiddink said with a smile before leaving.

His confidence was unmistakable.

Gao Shen's expression darkened as he returned to the visitors' dugout.

"What did he say?" Zidane asked, curious.

"He wished me good luck," Gao Shen replied with a bitter smile.

The coaching staff exchanged puzzled looks. Was Hiddink really that kind-hearted?

"In front of him, I feel like I have no secrets," Gao Shen admitted, frustrated.

That feeling left him unsettled.

"It's normal," Carlo chimed in. "There aren't many secrets in football. Most strategies are open to interpretation, and matches are won through in-game adjustments."

This game was no different.

Both teams had clear objectives: Chelsea aimed to unleash Drogba's explosiveness to score early and finish the match before fatigue set in, while Napoli wanted to neutralize Drogba, drag the game into the later stages, and counter when Chelsea's energy waned.

These weren't hidden strategies; the challenge lay in execution.

Chelsea wanted Drogba to score, but how?

Napoli wanted to strike late, but how?

Pondering this, Gao Shen felt uneasy. He walked to the touchline, signaling his players to stay composed and focus on their game.

He specifically reminded Bonucci and David Luiz to stay alert to Drogba's movements.

…

To the deafening cheers of 40,000 fans, the referee blew the whistle to start the game.

As expected, Chelsea launched an aggressive attack from the outset.

Under Hiddink, Chelsea's style was vastly different from Scolari's. Their play was more oppressive and dynamic, reflecting a modern tactical approach.

They focused on creating numerical advantages in key areas through constant player movement.

This style closely resembled Napoli's, and at the start, the visitors found themselves under immense pressure.

As predicted, Chelsea's attacks leaned heavily on the flanks, particularly through Kalou.

From the opening whistle, Kalou was highly active.

Whenever Chelsea gained possession, the ball quickly went to Kalou, who orchestrated their counterattacks and offensive plays.

The young winger impressed immediately.

He first cut in from the right and passed horizontally to Anelka at the top of the penalty area, allowing the Frenchman to take a shot. However, Thiago Motta's interference made it an easy save for goalkeeper Handanovic.

Chelsea's pressure only increased. Ballack and Lampard pushed forward aggressively, forcing Napoli's defense deeper. Right-back Bosingwa also advanced frequently.

In the 7th minute, Chelsea created another chance. Ballack attempted a long-range shot, but it sailed over the bar.

A minute later, Bosingwa sprinted down the right flank, reached the byline, and whipped in a cross. Drogba and David Luiz contested the header, but Drogba's effort, disrupted by Luiz, went high.

Chelsea continued their assault in the 10th minute.

After a neat combination between Kalou and Bosingwa, Kalou turned sharply and sent a through ball down the line. Bosingwa raced onto it and crossed low into the box, but David Luiz cleared it at the near post.

Chelsea earned their first corner.

Lampard stepped up to take it.

For some reason, Gao Shen felt an ominous premonition from the sidelines.

Perhaps it was his experience as a coach sharpening his instincts.

Before he could shout a reminder, Lampard delivered the corner.

Chaos erupted in the penalty area. Terry, Alex, Ballack, and Anelka all vied for the ball.

In the confusion, Drogba quietly drifted back, taking advantage of David Luiz being momentarily blocked by a teammate. Rising above Bonucci, Drogba powered a header into the left side of the goal.

"GOAL!"

Drogba celebrated wildly, sprinting toward the corner flag.

Bonucci stood frozen. He had been completely outmatched by Drogba and couldn't even contest the header.

Chelsea's players swarmed Drogba in celebration, while Napoli's players looked dejected.

Conceding a goal within ten minutes, how were they supposed to recover from this?

"It's okay! It's okay!"

Gao Shen shouted from the sidelines as loudly as he could.

"Everyone stay focused! Keep your composure and get ready!"

His voice carried authority, and the Napoli players felt a sense of reassurance. Gao Shen was their backbone, the one they trusted to guide them through moments like this.

But inwardly, Gao Shen was frustrated.

After all the planning and preparation, they still conceded so early.