The next morning after arriving in Barcelona, Gao Shen was woken up on time by the alarm on his phone.
He lay lazily in bed, mentally cursing the group of Barcelona fans who had made noise outside the hotel all night. Only after that did he finally gather his spirits and get up.
After brushing his teeth and washing his face, Gao Shen changed clothes while video-calling Su Qing, who was far away in Manchester.
Because of the continuous away matches, he hadn't been home for several days.
Su Qing was doing well. She chatted about family matters and didn't mention Leeds United at all.
This was a silent understanding between her and Gao Shen.
It was a crucial period for Manchester City, and she wouldn't bring up Leeds United to distract him.
Instead, she kept asking how his preparations were going.
Even over video, she noticed that Gao Shen looked like he hadn't slept well.
No one knew better than her what Gao Shen looked like when he was well-rested, and how he behaved when he wasn't.
"Don't even mention it. Last night a bunch of Barcelona fans were banging drums and gongs outside the hotel. It was infuriating," Gao Shen said helplessly.
"I really wanted to call Guardiola last night."
"Haha, you didn't sleep well and wanted to drag him down with you?" Su Qing giggled.
"He doesn't need me to drag him down. I'm telling you, he definitely didn't sleep well either."
When it came to understanding Guardiola, Gao Shen was second to none—even if most people wouldn't put him first.
Guardiola was a worrier. It would be strange if he slept well before a match like this.
"Honestly, with all that noise from fans, doesn't the hotel care?"
"Of course they care," Gao Shen said, exasperated. "But what can they do? The fans are just standing outside."
"That's it?"
"What else can they do? They're only making noise on the street. It's not like they came inside the hotel. That's not the hotel's responsibility."
"Didn't you call the police?"
"Yeah, we did."
"And then?"
"The police came around symbolically and told them not to disturb the nearby residents and hotel guests."
"That's it?"
"After they found out we were staying here, they just left."
"Is that even possible?" Su Qing was speechless.
"I should've video-called you last night so you could hear their lovely singing voices."
"Don't do that! Sleep is the best skincare product for women."
The two chatted off and on until Gao Shen left.
Not only had Gao Shen slept poorly, but Carlo and the others also looked groggy.
Not surprising. Unless someone is a deep sleeper, who could rest properly with all that racket?
"Honestly, we're all getting dragged down because of you."
As soon as Carlo saw Gao Shen, he started complaining.
"Why did you have to offend Barcelona fans of all people? Now we're in their territory, and they won't even let us sleep. Just imagine how much they hate you."
Everyone around laughed in amazement.
Gao Shen was speechless. "It's been years, and they haven't changed a bit. Still using the same old tricks."
"Tell me about it," Buenatula said, also frustrated.
"It doesn't matter if the tricks are old. As long as they work," Carlo added with a smirk.
The Manchester City coaching staff spent breakfast complaining.
Just like every away game, breakfast was a team activity, with all players eating together.
After breakfast, the players went back to rest before gathering on time in the hotel's conference room.
This was standard matchday routine.
Especially when playing two matches in a week, there wasn't much time for team meetings during the weekdays. So, the matchday morning meeting became especially important. Gao Shen would go over the tactical plan and highlight key points and players to watch.
Today was no different.
Carlo started the meeting by introducing the match and analyzing the opponent.
Carlos Vargas handed each player a report that included data analysis and targeted stats on Barcelona.
Buenatula and Pintus briefed the players on physical conditions and expected physical matchups.
For example, in this match against Barcelona, Manchester City had a physical edge. So even though the Champions League's officiating standards differed from the Premier League's, the coaching staff still encouraged players to increase physical confrontations within the legal limits.
This was City's strength, and they needed to capitalize on it.
After all, if it turned into a pure possession battle, could Manchester City outplay Barcelona?
That brought things to the key moment.
Gao Shen was usually the last to speak. He summarized the previous input from the coaching staff and then presented his own analysis and tactical objectives.
For this match, Gao Shen's priority was an away goal.
Manchester City obviously wanted to win, and to do that, they had to score.
"Carlos just said their data team analyzed almost all of Barcelona's matches this season and found one major pattern: they love to control the ball and the tempo."
This wasn't news, but Gao Shen wasn't finished.
"But we all know the most difficult parts of controlling the ball and tempo are at the beginning and the end."
The players nodded in agreement.
Manchester City was also a team good at ball control and tempo, so they knew that starting and ending phases were the toughest.
At kickoff, you can't control possession or rhythm instantly. There's a process.
Like a car accelerating from zero to 100—it takes a few seconds.
Nothing instantly jumps from zero to 100.
Even planes and rockets need to build up speed.
Same with controlling the rhythm of a match.
You need to control possession, manage space, and create advantages before controlling tempo.
So Barcelona's grip at the start is relatively weaker.
"When facing Barcelona, a good start is crucial."
In last season's Champions League final, Gao Shen had also aimed to score early, but failed.
"Barcelona's control this season is stronger than last. Their possession is smoother, their players more coordinated and experienced, so their control is better overall."
"So we'll aim to score early. If we succeed, great. If not, we'll switch to solid defense and counterattacks."
Gao Shen was a pragmatist. Against a team like Barcelona, he didn't mind being cautious.
He was even willing to leave David Silva out and start Yaya Toure.
The Ivorian midfielder was eager to play. He had scored in the league recently and personally asked Gao Shen multiple times to be in the squad for the Camp Nou match.
Gao Shen decided to grant his request.
Manchester City would face heavy defensive pressure at Camp Nou. A midfield of Yaya Toure, Javi Martinez, and Rakitic would bring solidity.
This decision was also backed by another data set from the analysis team.
"Barcelona often attack through the middle, especially the two channels. So even if they start wide, the ball usually ends up back in the center. Our midfielders need to be alert to this."
"Once they dominate possession, the tempo becomes monotonous. They're used to playing at a specific rhythm. So don't be too focused on winning the ball back. Keep the shape organized and tight."
"Our three midfielders can push forward, but must be able to retreat in time. The defense must be compact and force them to play out wide."
"Even our full-backs, Felipe and Lichtsteiner, when dropping back, be sure to close in toward the penalty area. Don't worry about them crossing. As long as it's not a cutback from the byline, let them cross. Understood?"
Felipe and Lichtsteiner nodded. They got it.
"They'll pass a lot, switch sides, and rotate positions frequently. You're familiar with all this, right? You know why they do it?"
The players all nodded.
Manchester City practiced this style too. The technical staff had drilled the players on both the how and the why behind these tactics.
This would help them read Barcelona's moves more clearly.
"In short, we need to take control in the opening and closing phases of each half. Let Barcelona keep the ball during the rest of the game. We just need to stay disciplined and maintain our shape."
As he spoke, Gao Shen pointed to Javi Martinez.
"Javi, your position is key. You must hold firm. Whether it's Messi playing as a false nine, or Fabregas, Aguero, or a double striker with a number 10, your job is to protect the penalty area. Understand?"
"Understood!" Javi Martinez replied firmly.
Since joining Manchester City, his level had soared. He was now among the world's best defensive midfielders, on par with Busquets and Xabi Alonso.
The difference was that Javi Martinez was more physical, especially in aerial duels and tackles. He also had solid feet and good passing, though not as refined as the other two.
But at Manchester City, Gao Shen valued his defensive and positional abilities the most.
"We've faced Barcelona before in last season's Champions League final. In the past three years, we've played many high-level opponents, even the Copa Libertadores champions."
"I believe everyone is experienced and capable of handling any kind of match. But I want to emphasize that against Barcelona, the challenges and pressure are higher."
"Even now, I can't predict what tactics Guardiola will use. But that doesn't matter."
"What matters is that you remember everything I just said, and give me 200 percent focus from kickoff to the final whistle."
"Focus is the key to winning!"
Having said that, Gao Shen wrapped up the meeting.
"No one slept well last night. Get some rest this afternoon, stay sharp, and tonight we head to Camp Nou to take on Barcelona!"
With that, Gao Shen waved his hand, and the players responded in unison and dispersed.
After seeing them off, Gao Shen stayed behind with the coaching staff for a final tactical review.
It wasn't until close to noon that he was about to head out for lunch when he suddenly received a phone call.
A friend had come to visit.
(To be continued.)