Chapter 39: part 1
Was it an illusion?
Every time Yang Hao saw Héctor Cúper in the past, the man always seemed dour and brooding, as if the world owed him a fortune. But today, he seemed... lighter, almost as if he'd achieved enlightenment and abandoned his grievances.
Truly, his entire demeanor had changed.
"Héctor, good to see you again."
Yang Hao met Cúper at the hotel. With him was a younger Italian man who bore a striking resemblance to Jude Law from Spielberg's A.I.: Artificial Intelligence. Clean-cut, impeccably groomed, with an almost robotic aura.
That look rang a bell.
"Hello, Yang. It's great to see you," Cúper said warmly, shaking Yang Hao's hand.
Wait—he smiled?
Yang Hao silently sighed. People change so quickly.
A perennial runner-up turned champion, and now even his aura was transformed.
"This is our new sporting director, Marco Branca," Cúper introduced.
Yang Hao paused momentarily. No wonder he looked familiar.
"Nice to meet you, Marco."
"Likewise, Yang. It's a pleasure," Marco Branca replied, his tone amicable.
It was a deliberate choice of demeanor. Who knew? Perhaps one day Inter Milan would come calling for Yang Hao as their head coach. Building bridges never hurt.
"You probably know why we're here, Yang," Cúper began with a smile.
Yang Hao laughed and nodded. "Of course. I even cut my vacation short to meet you."
But then, his tone shifted.
"Honestly, Héctor, what you're doing here feels a bit underhanded."
"Oh? How so?"
"Last year, you snatched three players from us in one go. And now, you're back again. What's next? Turning Atlético into Inter Milan's training academy?"
Yang Hao's mock complaint elicited hearty laughter from both Cúper and Branca.
Yang Hao, however, wasn't laughing.
Go ahead, laugh now. We'll see who's crying later. Wait until I climb back up and crush you!
"Yang, you know our midfield is lacking. And as for the right wing, we don't have many options."
"I get it, but you can't just raid Atlético like it's a free buffet, can you?" Yang Hao shot back with a smirk.
"Isn't Deco the best midfielder in Europe right now?"
"Who says so? Zidane still holds that title."
"He's getting on in years."
"What about Rosický from Dortmund? He's solid."
Cúper nodded. Inter was indeed considering Rosický as a candidate. But compared to Deco, Rosický fell short—especially in terms of being an all-around player.
"If not Rosický, then Verón from Manchester United. He knows Serie A well."
This was Yang Hao's way of redirecting their interest elsewhere.
Inter Milan's squad was already formidable. With Cúper's tactical acumen and the current roster, adding Deco and Joaquín would elevate them into one of Europe's top contenders for years to come.
This wasn't in Atlético's best interest. Selling players required a delicate balance, especially when dealing with potential rivals.
If professional football was a war without smoke, then the transfer market was an arms race.
Atlético needed cash, yes, but strengthening a direct competitor by selling Deco and Joaquín would be counterproductive.
Yang Hao still hadn't settled last season's Champions League semi-final score with Inter.
Cúper, meanwhile, was growing frustrated.
Yang Hao's demeanor was friendly, his words courteous, but he kept sidestepping the discussion. Eventually, Cúper brought out the big guns—naming Atlético President Enrique Cerezo and General Manager Miguel Gil.
"You see, I'm just an employee. My bosses have said no to selling them. My hands are tied," Yang Hao deflected with a shrug.
Cúper knew it was an excuse, but what could he do?
"How about Kaká, then?" Cúper tested the waters.
Inter Milan had clearly noticed the Brazilian prodigy's immense potential.
This time, Yang Hao's smile vanished. His expression turned icy. The message was clear: You're crossing the line, and I'm not happy.
Sensing the tension, Marco Branca quickly intervened to smooth things over, steering the conversation to safer ground.
In the end, Yang Hao treated them to a lavish lunch before they parted ways.
"Atlético is clearly guarding against us," Marco Branca commented after Yang Hao left.
"Of course they are. They've got ambitions of their own," Cúper replied.
Few understood Yang Hao's mentality better than Cúper.
Last season's Champions League defeat had clearly left Yang Hao frustrated. With a hard-fought La Liga title to his name, he was undoubtedly hungry for more—whether it was defending the domestic crown or taking another shot at European glory.
Competing on both fronts required a deep squad.
From Cúper's perspective, targeting Deco and Joaquín wasn't just about strengthening Inter but also weakening Atlético. Losing two key players would strip Atlético of a midfield linchpin and a critical winger.
Cúper's strategy made sense, but Yang Hao wasn't naive.
"Why didn't you press further on Joaquín?" Branca asked, puzzled.
The new sporting director wasn't yet fully seasoned.
"Because we've got alternatives—like Van der Meyde from Ajax," Cúper explained.
For him, Deco—or perhaps Kaká—was the real prize.
But Yang Hao clearly wasn't interested in letting either go.
"Couldn't we try approaching the players directly?" Branca suggested cautiously.
"Best not," Cúper warned, pausing to elaborate.
"These deals are better done with mutual consent. You might land a player by going behind their backs, but it could sour relations between the clubs. Next time we visit Madrid, don't expect Yang Hao to treat us to lunch again—and that would complicate future negotiations."
It was an unwritten rule of the game.
Real Madrid's notorious poaching of Predrag Mijatović from Valencia, for example, had irreparably damaged the relationship between the two clubs. From then on, Valencia refused to sell players to Real under any circumstances.
If not, Mendieta wouldn't have flopped so badly in Serie A.
"What now?"
"Follow the proper process and raise the bid."
"We're already offering €35 million."
"Then go up to €40 million."
"That's outrageous."
"Verón cost Manchester United €42.6 million when he was 26. But Deco, whether in terms of performance, ability, or accolades, is superior to Verón."
Cúper's implication was clear: if Verón was worth that much, how much should Deco be worth?
After parting ways with Cúper, Yang Hao didn't immediately head back but lingered in the hotel lobby for a while.
He knew Deco wouldn't stay at Atlético much longer. Even if they managed to keep him this season, he would likely leave the next.
The reason? His age.
At 26, a player could fetch the highest price.
Transfers weren't just battles between clubs; they were also negotiations between players and their teams.
Take Deco, for example. He hadn't asked for a raise this year, but based on current trends, he would almost certainly request a contract renewal next year.
Why?
Contracts typically lasted four or five years. Waiting until the final year to negotiate was too risky and left clubs in a passive position.
If Deco renewed at 27, what terms should they offer him?
A high salary? That would put financial pressure on Atlético and deter potential buyers.
If they waited another two years, Deco would be in the twilight of his career, and Atlético might end up paying him a hefty salary for no return.
It wasn't that Yang Hao didn't appreciate Deco's contributions—it was simply that Atlético's current circumstances didn't allow for such luxuries.
This was why Yang Hao had been eyeing Iniesta. At 19, Iniesta would be 20 next season, the perfect age to grow into a key role.
By then, Kaká could take the lead, Iniesta could provide support, and David Silva could round out the midfield. The transition would be seamless.
Could they sell Deco now?
Yes, but it would jeopardize their upcoming season's performance.
What if Kaká got injured? Could they rely solely on Iniesta?
And what about the critical knockout rounds?
Of course, in the worst-case scenario where both Deco and Kaká got injured, Yang Hao would have no choice but to adapt. No one could fight against fate, after all.
For this reason, Yang Hao had devoted significant resources to his "lab" and scientific training regimens to minimize the risk of injury crises.
Thus, selling Deco this season was not an option.
As for Joaquín, it was even more critical to keep him.
Yang Hao had already instructed his scouts in France to keep tabs on Franck Ribéry, the "Blade Runner."
Last year, Ribéry had been playing in France's third-tier league with Alès, but he was notorious for his temperament.
Because of a prominent scar on his face, Ribéry had endured countless stares and whispers growing up. His small stature made him an easy target for bullies, fostering a combative and prickly nature.
For Ribéry, getting into fights was as natural as eating breakfast.
His talent was undeniable—anyone who watched him play could see it. Yet, few believed he would succeed.
Why?
Despite Lille boasting one of the best youth academies in France, Ribéry had racked up 250 warnings and 300 reprimands in just three years. His academic performance was abysmal, and he even injured a girl's arm in a schoolyard altercation.
Lille finally had enough and let him go.
In his autobiography, Ribéry offered a different account, claiming his academic struggles stemmed from his single-minded focus on football. As for the injured girl, she was a close friend, and the incident was an accident.
Regardless, his reputation in football circles had taken a hit.
After leaving Lille, Ribéry returned to his hometown of Boulogne and joined a local club.
His monthly salary? A measly €150.
Three years later, it had risen to €400. Despite excelling in the third division, Ribéry's demands for a pay raise were rejected, prompting his move to Alès.
At Alès, his monthly salary jumped to €1,500.
But Alès soon went bankrupt.
According to the latest intelligence Yang Hao received, Ribéry had been trialing at various clubs in search of opportunities. However, many French teams—including Guingamp and Caen—were uninterested, citing his poor reputation.
With no trials on the horizon, Ribéry had been working at a construction site with his father François.
Atlético's scouting report labeled Ribéry as:
"Extremely talented but prone to trouble off the pitch. Chances of success: 1%."
Yang Hao, having read Ribéry's autobiography in his previous life, understood how deeply those two months working on construction sites had shaped the Frenchman.
It was a humbling yet transformative period that smoothed his rough edges and instilled a newfound resilience.
Yang Hao had initially planned to let Ribéry remain in France, perhaps joining Brest to further develop. When he matured, Atlético could swoop in.
That would've been a more stress-free approach for Atlético.
However, the ongoing raids from Inter Milan and Chelsea prompted Yang Hao to expedite his plans.
"Hello, César."
Yang Hao called Atlético's head scout, César Mendiódo.
"Contact our scouts in France. Keep a close eye on Ribéry. Let him stay on the construction site for two or three more months. When the time is right, bring him to Madrid."
"Do you really think that kid has what it takes?" Mendiódo asked, puzzled.
The scouting reports on Ribéry were abysmal, mainly due to his fiery temperament and tendency to get into trouble.
"Strict discipline should do the trick," Yang Hao replied, though he couldn't help but feel exasperated.
As he often said, football was a simulation of primal hunting, and most players carried a natural wildness. Troublemakers were even more common.
It was rare for a "model student" to excel in the world of football.
Take Kaká, for example. He seemed polite and mild-mannered, but beneath that exterior lay a fiercely competitive spirit.
The key was how the club guided and managed these personalities.
After all, in football, as in life, temperament often determined one's destiny.
"How's it looking?" Yang Hao asked as Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo got into the car, heading back to the Calderón.
"Chelsea's approach is scattershot. Abramovich and his team are complete novices, so they're relying heavily on agents like Pini Zahavi to navigate the market," explained Miguel Gil.
"These agents, in turn, don't care about what the club actually needs. As long as they can close deals, they earn their commissions," he added.
Yang Hao nodded. None of this surprised him.
It was, in essence, a case of paying for lessons.
In this chaotic scenario, Chelsea had no choice but to play the fool and overpay.
From a certain perspective, Roman Abramovich could be seen as laying the groundwork for future capital-backed football ownerships. His efforts served as a prelude, clearing a path for more sophisticated entrants like Manchester City, which later managed their operations and transfers far more maturely. It was a clear example of iterative progress in the footballing world.
"We made it clear to him: Atlético's players are not for sale."
"And that was it?" Yang Hao asked with a smile.
"It wasn't that simple," Miguel Gil replied.
"Pini Zahavi, being the savvy agent he is, wasn't going to let such a rare opportunity pass by without trying his luck. He put forward a high offer to buy Fernando Torres."
Yang Hao smirked but said nothing.
Torres was a cornerstone of Atlético—a symbol of the club's homegrown talent. Handsome, marketable, and a local hero from their academy, he was not just a player but a crucial part of the club's identity. Selling him would only happen under dire circumstances.
The same principle applied to several other homegrown players who formed the bedrock of Atlético.
Yang Hao understood this dynamic well. As long as they sold players in moderation each season, the impact on Atlético's performance would be manageable. With his knowledge as a time traveler, he could strategically recruit replacements to fill any gaps—a challenge he was more than equipped to handle.
Moreover, a competitive team required constant evolution. Players needed to come and go to prevent stagnation. A static roster might foster camaraderie, but it risked losing its edge, leading to complacency and declining performance.
This was precisely the issue plaguing Real Madrid at times.
Competition within the squad was crucial. Each season needed an element of survival of the fittest, ensuring every player stayed sharp and motivated. This was essential to maintaining the team's fighting spirit.
Yang Hao had implemented this philosophy at Atlético as well: controlled sales to generate transfer funds while maintaining team stability.
That summer, the departures of Mauricio Pochettino and Diego Simeone had already shaken the squad significantly.
"Chelsea is offering €20 million for Diego Forlán," Miguel Gil added.
"That's too low," Yang Hao replied firmly.
Forlán was already on Yang Hao's list of players to sell.
The reasoning was simple: Forlán was no longer content with his role.
When it came to high-stakes matches, he couldn't match the impact of Torres or Drogba. Even his goal-scoring prowess, his greatest strength, was now under threat from David Villa. Forlán's position at Atlético had become increasingly precarious.
Rather than let him drift into a backup role and lose value, it was better to cash in while he was still a hot commodity.
"Tell Pini Zahavi that we sold Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to Chelsea for €30 million. If they're not willing to meet that figure, they shouldn't bother contacting us again."
With Yang Hao's decision made, Miguel Gil found the situation much easier to handle.
Sometimes, it was impossible not to marvel at the influence football wielded in Europe.
Just as Yang Hao, Enrique Cerezo, and Miguel Gil were deliberating their ambitious plans, Cerezo managed to get in touch with MSM Group.
MSM Group wasn't just in the beer business; they also owned farms and sat at the top of the bullfighting supply chain.
Since 1997, Spain's real estate market had entered a rapid growth phase. Property prices were soaring year after year, particularly in Madrid, where they had reached dizzying heights.
Coastal vacation properties in places like Marbella and Mallorca had even seen their values double.
This booming market had not gone unnoticed by MSM Group.
As a family-owned business managed by four brothers, MSM Group's total assets were valued at around €1 billion. While substantial, this wasn't enough to play in the big leagues of real estate.
This limitation explained why their previous attempts to redevelop the land around their old brewery had failed.
Now, Atlético's involvement presented them with a golden opportunity.
It was a match made in heaven.
A single phone call from Cerezo brought the four brothers to the Calderón within two days. Miguel Gil promptly called Yang Hao, interrupting his vacation, and the group headed straight to the site for an inspection.
Despite Spain's reputation for a relaxed pace of life and low efficiency, when it came to making money, the wealthy moved with surprising speed.
After touring the brewery and the Calderón, the four brothers agreed: the plan was solid.
MSM Group, while not a massive conglomerate, was still a reputable brand in Spain with connections in government. Atlético, too, had its own network. With both sides aligned, they were eager to move quickly and capitalize on the real estate boom.
The project would be presented as a shining example of urban renewal, complete with promises of creating a benchmark for old town redevelopment.
World-renowned architects would be brought in to design the project, ensuring it was as prestigious and iconic as possible. The vision included landmark buildings for Madrid and Spain, with high-end residential units for sale and skyscrapers for leasing.
Interestingly, Madrid's strict height restrictions meant the city had very few tall buildings. At the time, the only major skyscraper project was Real Madrid's Cuatro Torres Business Area, spearheaded by Florentino Pérez.
The Calderón's location in central Madrid, near the Royal Palace, was far superior. Not only was it well-connected, but the site's prime location made it a guaranteed success for office leasing, luxury apartments, and retail developments.
Yang Hao's previous research on Madrid's real estate market had revealed an interesting trend: after the subprime and euro debt crises, Madrid's office and retail sectors rebounded faster than expected. The city's limited supply of high-rises likely played a role in this resilience.
The question now was whether Cerezo and MSM Group could navigate the bureaucratic hurdles to secure government approval for easing height restrictions.
Ultimately, the M30 highway's awkward path through the Calderón and the brewery's long-abandoned state were eyesores that even the government wanted to address.
As for funding?
In a real estate market as hot as this, was that even a question?
Atlético's only major challenge was Yang Hao's insistence that the new stadium's ownership remain with the club.
This meant Atlético's financial contribution had to be significant and upfront.
Yang Hao reassured Cerezo and Miguel Gil that if needed, he would sell his shares in Line Corporation to invest in the project.
MSM Group, on the other hand, wanted to bring in a third-party investor with strong financial backing to accelerate the project's timeline.
Even so, Spain's pace of development was slow compared to other countries.
According to initial estimates, the project would require one to two years of preparation to secure all the necessary permits. This was considered fast.
Once construction began, building the new stadium alone would take two to three years. By the time the residential and commercial components were completed, four to five years would have passed.
If they managed to acquire the small plot of land separating the two sites, the stadium and residential projects could be developed simultaneously. The Calderón site, designated for skyscrapers and commercial properties, would be addressed in the final phase.
By the time construction on the skyscrapers begins, at least five years will have passed.
For MSM Group and its partners, this was seen as lightning-fast progress. For Yang Hao, it still felt painfully slow.
"Five years for just one project? Back in China, even the flowers would've wilted by then."
Of course, Yang Hao had to remind himself that China in 2003 hadn't quite become the infrastructure juggernaut it was in his past life.
Still, he proposed an idea during internal discussions: consider hiring Chinese construction firms.
"Why?" Miguel Gil asked, intrigued.
"Reasonable pricing, solid quality, and most importantly—speed!"
In large-scale projects, especially housing developments, speed directly translates into profits.
Yang Hao had his own calculations. He insisted to Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil that the contract for the stadium project must specify that the stadium itself would remain wholly owned by Atlético Madrid.
The reasoning was simple.
"We can sell naming rights, which would bring in a huge chunk of revenue," Yang Hao explained during a meeting with the club's executives.
"You're saying the new stadium won't be called Calderón anymore?"
"Of course not. The new stadium deserves a new name. Think about it: we're building a new stadium but don't have enough funds. Selling naming rights is a no-brainer. The fans will understand, and over time, it'll just become normal practice."
Yang Hao compared it to Barcelona's refusal to sell shirt sponsorships for years. That choice alone cost them millions of euros annually.
Stadium naming rights were still a novel concept in 2003, but Yang Hao believed it could easily generate several million euros a year.
"Remember, this is Madrid's city center, just south of the Royal Palace. If we turn this into a landmark building and a must-visit tourist spot, those naming fees will only go up."
He added, "We can even negotiate contracts to receive the naming fees in advance for a set number of years and use that money to fund the stadium's construction."
"Is that even possible?" Cerezo and Miguel Gil were baffled.
Carlos Leo, who had seen similar strategies in the U.S., was quick to agree. "If we keep performing well, there's no doubt sponsors will be interested."
This gave the club a financial safety net. If additional funds were still needed, they could always take out loans from the bank.
The message was clear: the stadium had to be built.
If they could complete it by 2008, the club would reap the benefits, even if the residential and commercial projects ended up stalling due to a financial crisis. The stadium would insulate Atlético from the worst of the fallout.
Yang Hao also laid out projections for the club's finances over the coming years:
Champions League Revenue: This would continue to grow.La Liga TV Rights: Starting in 2005, broadcast rights would be bundled and sold collectively, leading to an increase in revenue.Global Market Expansion: Atlético's growing international presence would boost earnings.
The conclusion was clear: as long as Atlético consistently qualified for the Champions League, their revenue streams would steadily climb.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this new stadium project is our stepping stone to becoming a true European powerhouse!"
The room was electric with excitement.
Despite Atlético's recent successes, there was still a sense that they were just shy of breaking into the elite. The stadium project could bridge that gap.
Stadium revenue, often overlooked, was the backbone of many elite clubs' finances. It provided a stable and consistent cash flow.
Under Yang Hao's guidance, the club's ambitions had lit a fire throughout its ranks.
Transfers and Team Adjustments
Diego Forlán was sold to Chelsea for €30 million after a series of negotiations.
The London club finally met Atlético's asking price, securing the Uruguayan international.
Atlético's only stipulation? The payment had to be in cash.
Given the stellar performances of Torres, Drogba, and Villa the previous season, coupled with Forlán's public comments about wanting a clearer role, fans largely accepted the transfer.
At the same time, Atlético issued public rejections to several offers:
Internazionale for DecoManchester United for JoaquínArsenal for Reyes and Kaká
The club reiterated that these players were not for sale.
Yang Hao personally called each of them to reassure them of the club's ambitions for the new season. He emphasized their importance in achieving those goals and expressed his hope that they would all stay.
The players, including Deco, Joaquín, Reyes, and especially Kaká, pledged their loyalty.
Kaká even signed a new five-year contract without hesitation.
Other young stars, such as Torres and Robben, also extended their contracts following impressive seasons.
While Forlán's departure, along with those of Simeone and Pochettino, marked significant changes, the overall reaction from fans and media was relatively calm.
In the midst of these changes, Atlético announced the signing of two young prospects:
Pepe (20 years old, central defender) from Marítimo for €1 million.Javier Mascherano (19 years old, defensive midfielder) from River Plate's youth academy for €1 million.
The addition of Pepe created a stir.
Atlético, being in the spotlight, faced intense scrutiny for every signing. Pepe's disciplinary record—29 games, 14 yellow cards, and 2 red cards—raised eyebrows.
Fans flooded the club's online forums, expressing doubts about the decision to sign such an aggressive defender.
The club's social media team humorously responded, "Don't worry, dear fans. He only fights the enemies, not his teammates!"
Mascherano's signing, on the other hand, went largely unnoticed.
The young Argentine hadn't yet made his debut for River Plate's first team, so his arrival lacked the same level of controversy. Nonetheless, the club highlighted his defensive and playmaking abilities, as well as his Italian citizenship, which allowed him to avoid counting as a foreign player.
Elsewhere in La Liga
Valencia: Sold John Carew and signed Ricardo Oliveira from Santos (€3.5 million) and Momo Sissoko from Auxerre (€1 million). The 18-year-old Sissoko was one of Europe's most promising young talents, making his signing a coup for Valencia.Barcelona: Joan Laporta won the presidential election without much drama, only to be overshadowed by Real Madrid's announcement of David Beckham's signing.
Beckham had been Laporta's campaign promise to the Barça faithful. His failure to deliver was a public relations nightmare. In a socios-run club like Barcelona, broken promises could spell disaster for a president's tenure.
If all went according to plan, construction on the skyscrapers would start in no less than five years.
The partners felt that was lightning-fast, but to Yang Hao, it still seemed painfully slow.
"Five years to get just this far? Back in China, by the time you're done, the flowers have already wilted."
"Ugh, you've never seen the speed of China's infrastructure projects, have you?" he muttered, though he reminded himself that even in 2003, China's infrastructure prowess hadn't fully matured yet.
Still, Yang Hao suggested exploring Chinese construction firms for the project.
"Why?"
"Fair prices, solid quality, and most importantly—speed!"
For large-scale developments, especially residential projects, speed directly correlates to profit.
Yang Hao also had other plans in mind. He insisted that Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil include a clause in their agreements guaranteeing that the new stadium would be wholly owned by Atlético Madrid.
"Why?"
"Simple. We can sell the naming rights for a massive influx of revenue," Yang Hao explained during a club meeting.
"You mean the stadium won't be called Calderón anymore?"
"Of course not. A new stadium deserves a new name. Think about it: we're building a state-of-the-art facility, but we need funding. Selling the naming rights is the logical step. Fans will understand, and eventually, it'll become a normal practice."
Yang Hao drew comparisons to Barcelona's delayed decision to allow shirt sponsors, a move that cost them millions of euros annually.
Stadium naming rights were still relatively novel in 2003, but Yang Hao was confident they could fetch several million euros annually, especially given the prime location.
"This is Madrid's city center, south of the Royal Palace. Once we turn it into a landmark and a must-see destination for tourists, the naming rights will only skyrocket in value."
More importantly, Yang Hao proposed another innovative idea:
"We can sign long-term contracts and receive the naming fees upfront to finance the stadium construction."
"Is that even possible?" Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo were flabbergasted.
Carlos Leo, with his experience in the U.S., applauded the idea.
"As long as the team's performance remains stable, sponsors will be eager to get involved," Yang Hao assured them.
The plan gave them confidence that funding wouldn't be an issue. If additional financing was needed, they could always resort to bank loans.
"All in all, this stadium has to be built," Yang Hao concluded.
"If we can finish by 2008, the new stadium will be ours. Even if the residential and skyscraper projects stall during a financial crisis, Atlético Madrid will remain unaffected, right?"
Yang Hao also shared a financial roadmap for the club's future:
Champions League Revenue: Expected to grow steadily.La Liga Broadcasting Rights: Starting in 2005, centralized rights sales would lead to a revenue boom.Global Market Expansion: Atlético's increasing international footprint would boost income.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the new stadium is our decisive battle. Win it, and we'll have the ladder to climb into the ranks of the football elite!"
Yang Hao's words ignited enthusiasm throughout the room.
While Atlético had achieved impressive results recently, they still lacked the resources of a true giant. The new stadium would bridge that gap.
Stadium revenue, often overlooked, was a cornerstone of financial stability for top clubs. It represented a consistent and reliable cash flow.
Yang Hao's rousing vision energized not just the board but the entire club. The promise of becoming a financially sustainable powerhouse was tantalizing.
Diego Forlán's Transfer
Diego Forlán eventually joined Chelsea for €30 million after several rounds of negotiations.
The London club agreed to Atlético's valuation and signed the Uruguayan international.
Atlético's condition? Payment had to be in cash.
Forlán's departure was well-received by fans, given the stellar performances of Torres, Drogba, and Villa, as well as the forward's own public remarks about wanting a guaranteed starting role.
Simultaneously, Atlético reaffirmed its commitment to keeping its core players by rejecting offers from several top clubs:
Internazionale for DecoManchester United for JoaquínArsenal for Reyes and Kaká
The club announced that these players were not for sale.
Yang Hao personally called each player to express the club's ambitions and reassure them of their importance. He emphasized the need to build on last season's successes and urged them to stay focused.
Deco, Joaquín, Reyes, and especially Kaká pledged their loyalty.
Kaká even signed a five-year extension without hesitation.
Other rising stars, such as Torres and Robben, also renewed their contracts following impressive seasons.
Though Forlán, Simeone, and Pochettino left during the summer, fans and media viewed these departures with relative calm.
Young Talent Arrives
Amid these developments, Atlético made two key signings:
Pepe (20, central defender) from Marítimo for €1 million.Javier Mascherano (19, defensive midfielder) from River Plate's academy for €1 million.
Pepe's arrival sparked immediate debate.
Atlético, being under the spotlight, faced scrutiny for every transfer. Pepe's disciplinary record—29 matches, 14 yellow cards, and 2 red cards—made headlines.
Fans flooded the club's forums, questioning the wisdom of signing such an aggressive player.
The club's social media team cheekily responded: "Don't worry, dear fans. He only fights enemies, not teammates!"
Mascherano's signing, however, flew under the radar.
The Argentine, nicknamed the "Next Redondo," hadn't yet debuted for River Plate's first team. His reputation as a promising playmaker with Italian citizenship (avoiding foreign-player restrictions) made him a low-risk investment.
Elsewhere in La Liga
Valencia: Sold John Carew and signed Ricardo Oliveira from Santos (€3.5 million) and Momo Sissoko from Auxerre (€1 million). At just 18, Sissoko was one of Europe's most sought-after prospects, making his signing a significant coup.Barcelona: Joan Laporta won the presidency but found himself in a bind when Real Madrid used David Beckham's signing to overshadow his election.
Beckham had been Laporta's main campaign promise, making his failure to deliver a public embarrassment. In a socios-run club like Barcelona, such blunders could have long-lasting consequences.
Laporta Feels the Pressure
Faced with mounting pressure, Joan Laporta immediately announced his involvement in Ronaldinho's transfer.
Barcelona spent €5.5 million on Rafa Márquez and €6.5 million on Ricardo Quaresma, but for Ronaldinho, they offered a staggering €30 million—outbidding Chelsea and Manchester United.
Even so, the transfer still couldn't be finalized.
No surprise there—when a powerhouse like Chelsea enters the fray, securing Ronaldinho becomes a Herculean task.
Real Madrid's Moves
After their consecutive acquisitions of global superstars, Real Madrid kept things relatively quiet this summer, bringing in David Beckham for €37.5 million.
To balance the books, the club sold Geremi—on loan at Middlesbrough the previous season—to Chelsea for €10 million.
However, just as in Yang Hao's previous timeline, Makélélé's contract renewal hit a deadlock, a development that left Yang Hao deep in thought.
The butterfly effect of being a transmigrator could change many things, but some events seemed immovable.
Deportivo La Coruña's Opportunity
Deportivo signed Pedro Munitis from Real Madrid on a free transfer.
This wasn't an act of charity from Los Blancos nor a fulfillment of past promises—it boiled down to wages.
From Lorenzo Sanz to Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid's wage structure issues were becoming increasingly apparent.
Florentino had plans to sell players like Munitis, Morientes, and Solari. Offloading them would free up roster spots and salary space for new signings like Beckham, Makélélé, and homegrown talents such as Portillo, who also demanded higher wages.
But complications arose.
The Morientes Saga
Take Morientes, for example.
Schalke 04 was keen on him. General manager Rudi Assauer flew to Madrid for face-to-face talks. Real Madrid agreed to the €9 million offer.
Yet, the deal collapsed due to Morientes' €3.5 million annual salary.
Schalke simply couldn't afford it. Morientes, meanwhile, refused to take a pay cut, leaving him stuck at Real Madrid for now.
Solari's Case
Yang Hao found the Solari situation particularly amusing.
This Argentine winger had been poached from Atlético Madrid with a generous salary offer.
Fine, Atlético took the loss.
Over three years, Solari made sporadic appearances for Real Madrid, delivering decent performances here and there—enough to justify his presence. However, his salary was significant, and now Real Madrid wanted to sell him to Lazio.
The result? Even Lazio balked at his wage demands.
The Fallout
Real Madrid found themselves in a bind.
Players like Morientes and Solari were backup options with modest transfer fees but hefty salaries.
The club had their calculations, but since the gloves were off, the players had theirs too.
Unwilling to lower their wages, the players opted to stay until their contracts expired, at which point they could negotiate freely with new clubs, often securing the same or even better pay.
Thus, the players were content to wait things out.
In the meantime, Munitis—loaned to Racing Santander the previous season—delivered a solid performance but couldn't fetch a high transfer fee. Real Madrid ultimately terminated his contract, allowing him to join Deportivo on a free transfer.
In hindsight, it was a win-win move.
Yang Hao's Perspective
Observing Real Madrid's summer transfer operations, Yang Hao couldn't help but feel validated in his cautious approach.
If Atlético Madrid operated like Real Madrid, the club would've folded ages ago.
However, Real Madrid's method created another major issue.
By concentrating wages on superstar players, they drastically compressed the salaries of substitutes.
Salaries often corresponded to skill level.
As a result, while the starting lineup grew stronger, the bench weakened—a reflection of the Zidane and Pavón policy.
Yet, with Beckham's arrival, this balance had already been disrupted.
Could Real Madrid's star-studded lineup grow even stronger?
Yang Hao doubted it.
Chelsea's Spending Spree
With Roman Abramovich at the helm, Chelsea transformed into a transfer-market juggernaut overnight.
Signing Diego Forlán from Atlético Madrid wasn't nearly enough to satisfy the ambitions of a club aiming to build a powerhouse in record time.
Chelsea soon splurged on Christian Vieri from Inter Milan.
After Atlético refused to sell Deco and Reyes, Chelsea pivoted to:
Signing Juan Sebastián Verón from Manchester United.Acquiring Joe Cole from West Ham.Securing Damien Duff from Blackburn.Bringing in Wayne Bridge from Southampton.
Chelsea also intensified their pursuit of Ronaldinho and made a bid for Makélélé amid his standoff with Real Madrid.
The Makélélé Standoff
Chelsea initially offered €10 million for the French midfielder.
Everyone knew Makélélé's age meant his transfer fee wouldn't be astronomical, but €10 million was laughably low.
Still, the move seemed more like a tactic to pressure Real Madrid into renewing his contract.
Both Real Madrid and Chelsea exchanged subtle messages. For Madrid, the high asking price suggested a willingness to sell if Chelsea was serious.
To Yang Hao's surprise, Chelsea upped their bid to €15 million after Makélélé's agent visited London.
Real Madrid responded with a firm counter: €30 million or nothing.
Chelsea didn't flinch, returning with a €20 million bid.
This escalation shocked not only Real Madrid but also the Spanish media.
An aging defensive midfielder commanding such a fee?
Madrid's management began to waver. €20 million for a 30-year-old player was undeniably tempting.
Negotiations began in earnest.
Makélélé Departs
The result? A €25 million deal.
Both sides compromised, and Makélélé joined Chelsea.
Spanish media erupted in disbelief.
A 30-year-old sold for €25 million? Most pundits hailed it as a masterstroke by Florentino Pérez, squeezing a fortune out of the billionaire newcomers.
Even as Zidane and Vieira publicly criticized the sale, calling it a mistake, few took them seriously.
"Of course, they'd defend their friend," the narrative went.
But Yang Hao knew better. Zidane and Vieira weren't simply being polite—they were right.
A Chaotic Summer
The summer transfer market in Europe was pure chaos.
Between Chelsea's unprecedented spending spree, Real Madrid's internal disputes, and Laporta's desperate attempts to salvage his campaign promises, clubs scrambled to adapt to the shifting dynamics.
For Yang Hao, one thing became clear: the arrival of new money in football was reshaping the game—and fast.
Atlético Madrid's U.S. tour this year was organized by their main sponsor, Nike, with the training camp set on the East Coast.
While some European teams had previously visited the U.S., their trips were mostly limited to playing a few matches before heading back.
Atlético, however, took a different approach this time, conducting a full-scale training camp in Chicago.
Joining the first team for this camp were several young prospects from the reserves, including Sergio Ramos, David Silva, Lionel Messi, and Luka Modrić. Ángel Di María, still too young, remained with the U17 squad.
The Preseason Schedule
Atlético's first match of the season was the Spanish Super Cup's first leg against Real Mallorca on August 24th, followed by the return leg on August 27th. The league campaign kicked off on August 30th, with the second round of matches on September 2nd.
In the UEFA Champions League, with the second group stage replaced by knockout rounds, there were only six group-stage matches before the winter break—two fewer than before.
Overall, the early-season schedule was less intense than in previous years.
Nevertheless, Yang Hao and his coaching team remained cautious.
Fitness and Preparation
Over the years, Atlético Madrid had heavily invested in fitness and injury prevention. Their lab collaborated with Madrid University and acquired cutting-edge training equipment and research from around the globe.
As a result, Atlético had become one of the fittest teams in La Liga and Europe, with an exceptionally low injury rate—especially concerning major injuries.
With three years of fine-tuning, Yang Hao and his team had developed meticulous control over the squad.
However, last season revealed some lingering weaknesses, especially the team's struggles against defensive-minded opponents.
This was a glaring issue that required immediate attention.
Solving the Tactical Puzzle
Before the camp officially started, Yang Hao and his coaching staff spent three days analyzing last season's shortcomings. The primary focus was overcoming difficulties in breaking down defensive setups during possession-based attacks.
Atlético thrived on quick counterattacks, leveraging players like Reyes, Joaquín, Kaká, Torres, and Drogba. In this regard, Yang Hao believed Atlético could rival any team in Europe, including Manchester United.
The problem arose when their counters failed, forcing the team into prolonged possession battles. In such situations, Atlético struggled with ball control and penetration.
To address this, Yang Hao broke down the pitch into four vertical zones:
Initiation Zone: The defensive third, where attacks are launched.Organization Zone: The area between the defensive third and midfield.Penetration Zone: The space between the halfway line and the opposition's box.Finishing Zone: The final third, especially around the penalty area.
Atlético's primary issue lay in the Penetration Zone, where their movement and passing needed improvement.
The Plan for Improvement
Yang Hao highlighted that while Atlético's players possessed solid technical skills, they often compressed their opponents' defensive lines too much during possession play, leaving little room to exploit.
His proposed solution was to incorporate backward passing into their repertoire—a counterintuitive but effective strategy.
Many teams instinctively avoided back passes, fearing lost momentum. However, Yang Hao argued that measured back passes could stretch the opponent's defensive shape, creating new spaces to exploit.
Atlético's lightning-fast transitions already put opponents on edge. Adding deliberate ball circulation to draw defenders out would make them even more unpredictable.
This required:
Improved ball retention in midfield.Greater involvement of fullbacks in advanced positions.
Yang Hao's philosophy was gradually integrated into training, with drills like three-player passing triangles and four-player passing groups becoming routine.
These adjustments aimed to enhance Atlético's control and attacking precision, making them a more dominant force.
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