As soon as the season ended, Fort Volturno became eerily quiet.
That morning, the team officially disbanded. The players left for their well-deserved vacations, leaving only Gao Shen and his coaching staff behind.
The players might be on holiday, but the coaching staff still had much to do mainly preparing for the upcoming season.
Fort Volturno required upgrades. There was a need for new training equipment, and the gym needed to be expanded and improved. Lucas' data analysis team, which had been invaluable throughout the season, was being expanded to three members, and new office space and equipment were needed for them. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍
Carlo, as the chief assistant coach, also needed to compile reports based on the past season's performance. He had to assess areas for improvement, submit feedback to management, and suggest changes to be implemented during the offseason. Everything had to be completed within the next two months, before the new season began.
Gao Shen, on the other hand, was the most relaxed. He only had two responsibilities: overseeing everything and handling player signings.
For the first time since taking over as coach of Napoli, Gao Shen found himself with some time to relax. He strolled leisurely around Fort Volturno, taking in the sights of the training center that had become like a second home to him.
Since arriving at Napoli, his days had been consumed by the endless grind of managing a football club. There had hardly been a moment of respite. He was constantly thinking about tactics, training regimens, player performances, and upcoming matches.
But now, with the season over, he could finally take a moment to reflect.
He walked up the small mound next to the training ground, the spot where fans would often gather to watch the team's sessions. Standing atop the mound, Gao Shen could almost picture his players running on the field, working hard to perfect their game.
Another season had passed.
He couldn't help but reflect on all that had happened. His first full season as a coach had been a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs.
From the early days of the Coppa Italia, where Napoli faced off against Ascoli, Parma, Juventus, Roma, and Inter Milan, Gao Shen had encountered a wide variety of opponents. In Serie B, he had never truly been threatened his Napoli team was simply too strong for the competition.
If not for their focus on the Coppa Italia and a bit of complacency after securing the title early, Gao Shen was confident Napoli could have gone unbeaten for the entire season. The team's strength in Serie B was undeniable.
Even Juventus, the giants of Italian football, had struggled to contend with his Napoli side.
Gao Shen still had that confidence, despite the setbacks.
Of course, there had also been the bitter moments. The 0-3 loss to Inter Milan still stung. It was the worst defeat of his career, and it had haunted him since that day.
From a purely statistical standpoint, Napoli's season had been brilliant. As a newly promoted club, they won the Serie B title and reached the semifinals of the Coppa Italia a remarkable achievement.
And there were individual accolades too. Cavani had finished as Serie B's top scorer, outpacing Juventus' David Trezeguet by three goals. Gervinho, Pellè, Hamsik, and Sánchez had all contributed significantly as well.
Napoli boasted both the best offense and the best defense in Serie B. They played attractive, attacking football that was a joy to watch.
It was a season to be proud of.
If only there hadn't been that loss to Inter Milan.
Gao Shen couldn't shake the feeling. He would never forget it.
As Gao Shen stood atop the mound, Guardiola approached from behind, his steps slow and deliberate.
"Last year, I visited Bielsa in the outskirts of Rosario, Argentina," Guardiola began, standing next to Gao Shen. "A friend of mine, along with Batistuta, strongly recommended I meet him."
Gao Shen nodded in recognition. "When I was in Argentina, I tried to visit him too, but he wasn't home."
Guardiola smiled. "I got lucky that time."
Gao Shen remained quiet, acknowledging the significance of such a meeting.
"In his home," Guardiola continued, "we analyzed football tactics in the most unconventional way. We used whatever we had at our disposal furniture, chairs, even the fan as a center forward. We spent hours talking, dissecting every aspect of the game."
He paused for a moment, a smile crossing his face as he remembered the experience.
"We talked for over ten hours. And when I was leaving, Bielsa asked me a question."
Gao Shen turned to Guardiola, waiting for him to continue.
"He said, 'As a professional player, you know everything about the dirty side of football. You've seen all the shady deals, all the dishonesty. You know what people do in the name of the game. So why, with all that knowledge, are you so eager to coach?'"
Guardiola smiled slightly, looking at Gao Shen. "I told him, 'Because I love this feeling. The blood, the intensity, the passion of football.'"
Gao Shen nodded. "That's what makes it all worth it."
"The football world is full of filth," Guardiola continued. "It's a machine driven by fame and fortune. But at its core, football is still full of raw emotion. And that's what makes it so addictive."
Gao Shen couldn't agree more. While fans often only see the glamour, there's an undeniable darker side to football a side filled with power struggles, betrayals, and underhanded tactics.
But all of that is overshadowed by the pure joy of the game itself.
"In the months I've spent with you," Guardiola said, "I've learned so much. You're not like other coaches. You dare to think, to speak your mind, and to act on it. Sometimes I even wonder, 'How is he so sure he's right?' But you always are."
Gao Shen chuckled, but deep down, he knew the truth. He had an advantage that others didn't he knew the future. He had seen these moments play out, and that gave him confidence.
"You beat Juventus, demolished Roma, Parma, and dominated Serie B," Guardiola continued. "I've seen it all up close. And in all of it, I saw passion. I saw fire in you, in the players, and in Napoli itself."
It was the kind of football Guardiola loved. Passionate, intense, and full of heart.
Gao Shen understood why Guardiola would one day leave Barcelona when the game became too sterile and possession-based. He valued football's passion above all else.
Guardiola hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I've been invited to return to Barcelona."
Gao Shen raised an eyebrow, curious.
"They want me to coach the second team," Guardiola explained. "They're struggling in the fourth division, and they need someone to rebuild the squad."
In the Spanish league system, the second teams of clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid could play in the professional leagues but were not allowed to compete in the same division as their first teams.
If Gao Shen's memory was correct, in his previous life, Guardiola had volunteered to coach Barcelona's second team. But in this timeline, the club was actively reaching out to him.
"Have you made a decision?" Gao Shen asked with a knowing smile.
Guardiola nodded. "You know, I had promised you that I would stay with you in Serie A next season. But I can't refuse Barcelona's call. They need me."
Gao Shen understood completely.
"I've really been looking forward to seeing you lead Napoli in Serie A," Guardiola continued. "To watch you challenge the league, to seek revenge for that 0-3 loss to Inter Milan."
"I'm also looking forward to seeing you and Napoli competing for the Serie A title," he added, his voice tinged with regret. "But… I have to go back."
It was a decision that made perfect sense. How could someone like Guardiola turn down the opportunity to return to his home club and help rebuild it?
"You know," Gao Shen said with a playful grin, "when you go back to Barcelona, I'm confident you'll do great things with the second team. But you'll be on your own soon enough, and then we'll be rivals."
"And when that day comes," Gao Shen warned, "I won't hold back."
Guardiola chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
The two shared a knowing look, each understanding the passion and determination that drove the other.
"We'll face each other one day," Guardiola said. "And when we do, I'll do everything I can to beat you. That's the respect you deserve."
"Same here," Gao Shen responded with a smile. "We'll both give it our all. Whoever wins will treat the other to dinner."
"It's a deal," Guardiola said, extending his hand. "But I'm confident it'll be my treat."
"Confident, huh?" Gao Shen laughed, pulling Guardiola into a tight hug.
Though their time together had been brief, they had formed a strong bond a bond forged through their shared love of football.
"Go back to Barcelona and do well," Gao Shen said, clapping Guardiola on the shoulder. "I'm rooting for you."
"You too," Guardiola replied. "Win that Serie A title. I'll be cheering for you from Barcelona."
With that, they shared one last look of mutual respect before parting ways.
As Guardiola left Fort Volturno, Gao Shen reflected on their time together. He wondered if his presence in this timeline had been a blessing or a curse for Guardiola. Only time would tell.