Chapter 509: Confusion

The journey from Naples to Rome takes less than two hours, but Gao Shen still decided to travel a day in advance.

Napoli wasn't unfamiliar with the Stadio Olimpico, yet Gao Shen insisted on holding a familiarization session there the day before the match. Everything was meticulously planned, every detail executed with care.

His message to the players was clear: Don't get complacent just because the final is in Rome.

Even if the match were held at the San Paolo in Naples, victory wouldn't be guaranteed.

Remember the 2012 Champions League final? It was held at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich played Chelsea.

Who won?

That's right—Chelsea.

Gao Shen dismissed the media's claims that Napoli had an advantage because the final was being held in Rome.

It was nonsense, in his view.

With modern travel, technology, and improved logistics, the concept of "home advantage" wasn't what it used to be. Besides, what did Rome's Olympic Stadium have to do with Naples?

Take that Bayern-Chelsea final, for example.

Ticket allocations for Champions League finals are always evenly split: one-third goes to UEFA, while the remaining two-thirds are divided equally between the two finalists.

So where's the advantage?

Since he couldn't control the media narrative, Gao Shen focused on keeping his team sharp and alert.

The real advantage of playing in Rome was logistical convenience.

No long flights. No complex transport schedules. Everything was close and familiar.

Barcelona, on the other hand, had to send an entire truckload of food, water, and training equipment across the border.

At least they had learned their lesson.

Last time, when Gao Shen's Real Madrid faced Barcelona in the 2006 final in Paris, the Catalans had prematurely bought a giant bottle of champagne, confident they would win.

Instead, they left the Stade de France empty-handed.

As for that bottle of champagne? Gao Shen had no idea what happened to it.

Probably drank it at home in frustration.

This time, Barcelona kept a much lower profile.

And with good reason.

Napoli had reached the final after eliminating three consecutive Premier League clubs. Their path to Rome had been brutal but impressive.

Barcelona knew they were in for a fight.

…

Napoli's team bus departed Castel Volturno on time and headed directly to the Stadio Olimpico for their training session.

Afterward, the players went straight to their hotel to check in.

The proximity between the cities made everything smoother than usual.

Gao Shen, however, remained at the stadium for UEFA's pre-match press conference.

It was a familiar routine. He had gone through the same process before the final in Paris.

"Hey, congratulations, Gao!"

The greeting came from Bruno Conti, the venue representative for the Champions League final.

He had been involved throughout the tournament, from the group stage draw to overseeing the stadium's preparation for the final. As Roma's general manager, he was deeply invested in the event's success.

Before the press conference, Gao Shen took the opportunity to discuss some logistical details with him.

His request?

"Take care of us as much as possible, within the rules, of course."

There was nothing unusual about this.

UEFA guidelines for pitch dimensions allowed for some flexibility.

The standard size was 105m x 68m, but Camp Nou, for instance, measured 107m x 72m—significantly larger.

That added space changed the dynamics of a match.

The Stadio Olimpico's pitch was already set to the standard size, so Gao Shen's "care" request referred to other aspects: facilities, accommodations, and subtle, behind-the-scenes details that might provide an edge.

Despite the rivalry between Roma and Napoli, Conti agreed without hesitation.

After all, a Napoli victory would bring prestige not only to the club but also to Serie A as a whole.

"Don't worry," Conti promised, "we'll take care of you as best we can."

That, right there, was Napoli's only real "home advantage."

When Gao Shen walked into the press conference hall, he was greeted by warm applause.

Feeling slightly flattered, he quickly raised his hand to acknowledge the crowd with a modest smile.

The room was packed with reporters from all over the world. These weren't just average journalists, they were seasoned football insiders, the kind who knew more than the average fan and had access to behind-the-scenes information.

Gao Shen's three years in Naples had been nothing short of a success.

Even if Napoli lost the upcoming Champions League final, his standing within the football world wouldn't be shaken.

Especially if he lost to his own protégé, Guardiola.

The two coaches might share similar tactical philosophies, but they operated on vastly different platforms with vastly different resources.

Guardiola had inherited Messi, a generational talent, along with European champions like Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets. Add world-class stars like Henry, Eto'o, and Yaya Touré to the mix, and it was clear Barcelona's squad was in a different stratosphere.

Napoli's roster, on the other hand, was entirely Gao Shen's creation.

He had discovered and developed his players from relative obscurity. While many of them had grown into formidable talents, Napoli's lineup still couldn't match Barcelona's in terms of star power.

Forget Messi or Henry even producing a forward of Eto'o's caliber was a distant dream.

Napoli's platform remained too small to elevate their players to global superstardom.

The football world knew that both Gao Shen and his best players were destined for bigger clubs eventually.

But that only made Gao Shen's achievements even more remarkable.

Taking Napoli, a club without stars or a deep financial backing to a Champions League final was, in itself, a footballing miracle.

Over the past three years, Gao Shen had mellowed. Gone was the fiery, combative coach who once challenged the world during his Real Madrid tenure.

Now, he was more measured.

More composed.

And today, he had nothing but praise for Guardiola and Barcelona.

Three years ago, Gao Shen had led Real Madrid to victory against Rijkaard's Barcelona.

Now, facing Guardiola's version of the team, he acknowledged how different things were.

"Both teams were and are incredibly strong," Gao Shen said.

"Rijkaard's Barcelona had more creative freedom. Their football was more spontaneous, more unpredictable. But Guardiola's Barcelona is more structured, more methodical. They apply greater pressure and have a stronger collective identity."

He smiled.

"In this Barcelona team, we can see the tactical philosophy Johan Cruyff began building more than 20 years ago."

Despite the widespread belief that Guardiola was his "student," Gao Shen downplayed the idea.

"Pep doesn't need me as a mentor. He's meticulous, passionate, and aggressive. But also… very cunning."

The room stirred at the word cunning.

Sensing the shift, Gao Shen quickly clarified.

"I don't mean that negatively. In football, being cunning is an asset, it shows intelligence and adaptability."

As for Napoli's chances, Gao Shen placed them at 50-50.

Then, with a self-deprecating laugh, he added:

"To be honest, I feel more pressure than Pep. This is his debut season as a head coach, and he's already achieved so much. Even if Barcelona loses tomorrow, everyone will still consider it a fantastic season for them."

"But if I lose? I'm going to hear about it for weeks."

The room erupted into laughter.

To the reporters, it was surreal.

Gao Shen was only 28.

Yet here he was, discussing his second Champions League final like a seasoned veteran.

…

The press conference wrapped up smoothly, but many journalists left feeling disappointed.

The Gao Shen of old might have delivered a few headline-grabbing statements.

Now, he was too measured. Too diplomatic.

One reporter sighed, "He used to be such a fun kid. But three years in Serie A turned him into a boring tactician."

"Exactly," another agreed. "Serie A kills all the good ones."

Gao Shen had no idea what the media were thinking.

After fulfilling his UEFA obligations, he walked toward the tunnel just as Guardiola emerged from the field, having completed Barcelona's training session.

"Hey, Gao!"

"Pep!"

The two greeted each other with genuine smiles and a warm hug.

The media, UEFA officials, and stadium staff all sensed the respect between them. Phones came out as people scrambled to capture the moment.

"Did you say anything bad about me in there?" Guardiola asked, half-joking.

Gao Shen laughed.

"Would I dare? You're the favorites, remember? I have nothing but respect for you guys."

Guardiola narrowed his eyes. "I don't believe you."

Gao Shen couldn't resist.

"Honestly, Pep, I already know what tactics you're going to use tomorrow. The question is, can you guess mine?"

Guardiola froze.

Just for a second.

But it was enough for Gao Shen to see the uncertainty flash across his face.

Guardiola was a tactical perfectionist, someone who obsessed over every detail.

Hearing Gao Shen's confident statement instantly planted a seed of doubt.

What if Gao Shen really had cracked his tactical plan?

Would he need to make last-minute changes?

Gao Shen nearly burst out laughing at the sight.

Come on, Pep—don't let me down. I'm counting on you to overthink this.

"Anyway, take your time figuring it out, brother. I've got other things to do."

Gao Shen patted Guardiola on the shoulder.

"If I win tomorrow, drinks are on me."

With a casual wave, he turned and walked away.

The moment he was out of sight, Gao Shen allowed himself a grin.

Would Guardiola resist the bait?

Or would the so-called "Emperor of Confusion" tinker with his tactics at the last minute?

Come on, Pep. I believe in you.

***

For every 200 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on patreon to read 50+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.