I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 721 - 17: You Really Are a Genius!

"We just lost one match.""I don’t think it’s a big deal!"

"We are still at the top of the league table." Chen Zhong accepted media interviews and talked about Real Madrid’s away loss to Osasuna.

After this match loss, the points gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid shrank to 4 points.

And soon after, the two teams will meet again in the league.

Real Madrid’s unexpected loss to Osasuna was unforeseen by most people before the match, even though Chen Zhong was not included in the squad, they still believed Real Madrid would achieve victory as usual.

After this match ended, many fans once again highlighted Chen Zhong’s importance to the team.

Post-match, Mourinho also accepted a TV interview, but refused to criticize any players who performed poorly, while also addressing the Chen Zhong issue.

"Our players completed their work with dignity, and for the defeat the team faced, I cannot blame them, so I remain calm."

"Moreover, today’s referee officiated fairly; tomorrow marks a new beginning, and we will strive for victory in the next match."

"As for Chen..."

"I know what you are talking about regarding the predecessor."

"I have great faith in Chen; I only hope he can participate in more important matches in better condition."

A reporter mentioned Pellegrini, last season Real Madrid did not advance to the Champions League final, many thought it was due to Pellegrini’s misjudgment in player selection.

A player like Chen Zhong should always be on the pitch.

Even with insufficient stamina, he can pose a great threat to the opponent’s defense, causing psychological pressure on them.

Mourinho refuted this claim and expressed his respect for Chen Zhong.

Considering the discussion was meant to end there, Mourinho did well, but it was evident the last question from the reporter struck a nerve, and he displayed a somewhat uncomfortable side.

Furthermore, he also heard some voices suggesting that what Real Madrid lacks may not be a No. 9 player, but a replacement for Chen Zhong, a midfielder who can control the game while Chen Zhong is resting.

Recently, Mourinho acquired the No. 9 he wanted, yet Real Madrid lost a crucial match, and after this, Barcelona further closed the gap with Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s ambitions to win the league are not as unassailable as before.

After this match, many began analyzing the reasons behind Real Madrid’s failure.

Among these analyses, Chen Zhong’s name was frequently mentioned.

Jose Samano from Spain’s "El País" believed that Real Madrid clearly needed more than just a No. 9, Mourinho’s team appeared lackluster because Chen Zhong did not start, they were suffocated by the pressure imposed by Osasuna, Adebayor made his debut for Real Madrid but the giant that night was Osasuna’s Alanada.

After this match, Real Madrid’s executives also engaged in discussions.

They believed what the team lacked was not a forward, but a midfielder like Barcelona’s Xavi. After all, Cristiano Ronaldo scores a lot on the front line, and in midfield, Chen Zhong’s goal count is also gradually increasing.

Additionally, they have not given up on Benzema, Benzema needs playing time, Higuain can also return next season, there is also young talent Morata in the second team, Castilla has Joselu.

However, Chen Zhong lacks a substitute.

Whenever Chen Zhong is not on the pitch, be it er dai yan (the nickname/name), Granero, or Parejo cannot bring the team’s offense to the level it reaches when Chen Zhong is there.

The team’s offense always falls into difficulties.

And if Chen Zhong returns to the pitch, Real Madrid instantly regaining its order, controlling the match.

Chen Zhong is indispensable to Real Madrid, yet overly relying on one player is something Real Madrid, aiming for achievement, must avoid.

Real Madrid is already planning to introduce Fabregas from Arsenal as a substitute for Chen Zhong.

Of course, they never thought there would be a player who could completely match Chen Zhong’s level; they just hope this player can achieve Chen Zhong’s standard in offensive organization, then they would be satisfied.

In the match against Osasuna, with Chen Zhong absent, Real Madrid’s entire team "hit the iron," once again proving the severity of the problem of Real Madrid lacking a substitute for Chen Zhong.

Initially, everyone believed that er dai yan could assume this responsibility.

However, er dai yan’s actual performance showed everyone he couldn’t.

This German genius midfielder simply cannot compare with Chen Zhong on the pitch.

In this match, Real Madrid lost because without Chen Zhong, they tried to confront Osasuna physically, yet in physical confrontations, Osasuna is the true champion.

Osasuna players have fighting elements in their genes, especially when facing strong opponents at the Navarre Kingdom Stadium, they appear even more fierce.

Er dai yan couldn’t assume Chen Zhong’s previous duties, causing Real Madrid to lose its vision, the team lacked coherence, relying solely on front-line players to exert individual abilities.