Chapter 443: Mourinho Here I Come
After winning the Serie A Oscar for Best Coach, Gao Shen was busy fielding interviews from major media outlets. However, he still found time to post a tweet showing off the trophy he had just won.
Netizens and media from around the world quickly flooded in to watch.
One comment immediately rose to the top in likes:
"Incredible! He won the Serie A Golden Chair Award at just 28 years old!"
Many felt he should have received the award last season, but unfortunately, during the first half of that season, Gao Shen was still in Serie B and wasn't eligible for the selection process.
A fan commented: "Gao Shen absolutely deserves this trophy. He's the best coach in Serie A, without question."
"Gao Shen's football is always full of passion. I hope he continues to dominate European football!"
Another joked: "You're showing off after winning just one award? Young man, stay calm and trust yourself. The next 30 years of world football belong to you!"
Some fans also took the opportunity to explain Gao Shen's achievements to newcomers. Many believed that in his three years in Italy, he had already become one of the most sought-after coaches in European football, mainly because of his mastery of various tactical styles.
One fan asked, "Gao, are you better at defensive counterattacks or high pressing?"
In a good mood after winning his award, Gao Shen responded, "That depends on what you like. I'm fine with both."
This sparked another wave of lively discussion in the comments section.
Real Madrid fans joined in, offering their blessings and asking, "When will you come back to coach Real Madrid?"
Gao Shen replied, "Anytime."
This stirred a frenzy in the comment section, with fans leaving mixed messages. Some supported his return to Real Madrid, while others hoped he would coach their favorite teams instead.
Another fan asked: "Gao, I heard you're leaving Napoli at the end of this season. Where are you going next?"
Gao Shen replied simply, "Guess."
This set off even more speculation.
Someone teased him: "Gao, what about Mourinho? Does he have a Twitter account?"
Gao Shen replied with a smile: "Unfortunately, he doesn't."
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While casually replying to tweets on his phone, Gao Shen was also giving interviews to reporters on the scene.
What he didn't expect was that some reporters had been monitoring his Twitter activity and immediately exposed his actions. Everyone present burst out laughing.
"I've seen many head coaches," one journalist quipped, "but this is the first time I've seen one like Gao Shen."
When it comes to being the current traffic magnet in Serie A, Gao Shen's popularity is undeniable. While he may have kept a lower profile after Mourinho's arrival, he still made headlines in newspapers and online almost daily.
Before leading Napoli to a double championship last season, there were plenty of skeptics. Even after that feat, many critics compared him unfavorably to Mancini, trying to diminish his accomplishments. But now, with the Golden Chair Award in hand, Gao Shen has silenced those voices.
He's shown that he can win both championships and personal accolades.
When the media asked him to comment on his award, Gao Shen thought for a moment before answering seriously, "This proves that I'm the best head coach under 30 in all the top leagues."
The audience, including the guests around him, erupted in laughter.
And who could argue? Looking at all the top European leagues, was there anyone else under 30 even in contention?
The witty response even made Gao Shen chuckle with pride.
When asked who his favorite head coach was, Gao Shen didn't hesitate: "Ferguson. He's the most special in my eyes. I grew up watching his teams."
What if he faced Ferguson in the Champions League?
Gao Shen gave it some thought and then replied, "I'm younger than him. He can't beat me."
This humorous and self-assured response showed how comfortable Gao Shen had become in the spotlight of European football, even developing a sharp sense of humor when dealing with the media.
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As Gao Shen and the Napoli squad headed south from Milan, the news of his win quickly spread throughout Italy, European football, and beyond.
Italy is widely regarded as the kingdom of tactics. For Gao Shen to win the Golden Chair Award, the highest honor for a Serie A coach, at the age of 28 was nothing short of extraordinary.
As the youngest head coach in Serie A history and now the youngest winner of its prestigious coaching award, Gao Shen had silenced doubters worldwide. Even the usually critical Turin Sports Daily featured a front-page headline congratulating him, calling him:
"The best coach in Italy this past year!"
Arrigo Sacchi, a legendary Italian coach, published a column analyzing the Serie A Oscar awards, specifically highlighting Gao Shen's achievement.
Sacchi wrote, "Gao Shen's win proves that his work in Naples has been recognized by the highest authorities. And what could be more valuable than the approval of your players?"
He added that the 28-year-old had spent two and a half seasons in Italy, achieving remarkable results. Sacchi praised Gao Shen for building Napoli into one of the most competitive teams in Serie A and European football.
"When I was at Real Madrid," Sacchi recalled, "I had several in-depth conversations with him. I thought I understood his potential, which is why I suggested he move to Serie A. I believed this tactical environment would sharpen him even further."
"But Gao Shen's growth has exceeded even my expectations. Napoli has improved year after year under his leadership and has become one of the strongest teams in Europe."
Sacchi also recalled the skepticism Gao Shen faced when he first joined Napoli.
"Back then, many doubted him, especially when he declared his ambition to build a strong Serie A team in just three years. He was mocked by countless people, including his peers. But in reality, he didn't even need three years. In two seasons, he led Napoli to a double championship. In this season's Champions League group stage, Napoli was also the standout performer."
Sacchi emphasized that Gao Shen's accomplishments went beyond trophies. His tactical philosophy had sparked a wave of innovation in Italy and across European football.
"In La Liga," Sacchi noted, "Barcelona, led by Guardiola—who was once Gao Shen's assistant—has only lost one match and drawn two this season, leading second-placed Real Madrid by 12 points. Guardiola has publicly credited Gao Shen's influence on his tactical approach."
Sacchi used this example to illustrate the impact Gao Shen's tactical ideas had on European football. Napoli's consistent success and Barcelona's dominance both attested to his influence.
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Sacchi wasn't the only figure in Italian football to congratulate Gao Shen. Prominent figures like Lippi, Ancelotti, Spalletti, Prandelli, and Del Neri all publicly praised him. Even Inter Milan coach Mourinho offered his thoughts:
"Last season's Serie A was indeed very competitive, but this season is different."
"Because I'm here!"
This sparked lively debates in the media. Some believed Mourinho was taking a jab at Gao Shen, while others felt he was simply capitalizing on Gao Shen's popularity.
Regardless, Gao Shen's achievements were undeniable. Both players and coaches alike had recognized his accomplishments in Serie A. The media and fans agreed: Gao Shen deserved the award.
Even the most cynical critics couldn't claim Gao Shen was like Mancini, winning titles but failing to earn individual recognition.
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When Gao Shen and his team arrived back in Naples, they were met with an outpouring of support from local fans.
Although Napoli didn't take home any of the three major player awards this year, Gao Shen's Golden Chair Award felt like a collective victory for the city.
In the past two or three years, Napoli fans had unwaveringly supported Gao Shen, believing he was the best coach in Italy. And Gao Shen had rewarded their faith with results. Now, with official recognition in hand, the fans' pride swelled even more.
When Gao Shen walked out of the airport, more than a thousand fans were there to greet him, cheering and screaming.
Among the crowd were as many young women as men.
This had always been a unique aspect of Gao Shen's appeal. From Madrid to Naples, from Spain to Italy, he had never lacked female admirers.
So much so that luxury brands like Dior, L'Oreal, and Estée Lauder often sought him as an ambassador, recognizing his appeal among women.
A recent Italian media survey named Gao Shen the "Most Perfect Ideal Man in Italy," beating figures from football, entertainment, politics, and business.
Even Silvia Battisti, Miss Italy 2007 and a die-hard Juventus fan, openly admired Gao Shen. She had declared multiple times that she was a fan and even hinted at romantic interest.
After his latest win, Battisti was the first to congratulate him, boldly saying, "If Gao Shen calls me, I'll fly to Naples no matter the time."
"He's a charming man. No woman can resist him," she said.
Gao Shen was left speechless.