August 1, at Phoenix University Stadium in Phoenix, on the west coast of the United States.

In the fourth match of the first round of the International Champions Cup, Real Madrid faced the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The opponent was not strong, so Gao Shen did not field all his main players, instead making large-scale rotations.

Just six minutes into the game, Vázquez crossed from the right, and new signing Dzeko headed in from the edge of the six-yard box to score his first goal for Real Madrid.

In the 15th minute, Isco sent a long pass. Dzeko laid it off first time across the box, and the unmarked Jesé finished calmly, 2-0.

Real Madrid then launched wave after wave of attacks on the Galaxy.

After the break, Gao Shen made further changes, bringing on Pogba, Verratti, and others.

In the 51st minute, Pogba dribbled in from the left channel and slipped a diagonal pass through. Morata finished low in the area to make it 3-0.

Then in the 63rd and 74th minutes, Real Madrid added two more through Casemiro and Jesé, changing the score to 5-0.

Real Madrid defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 5-0.

This left Gao Shen dissatisfied with the team's performance when he spoke to the media after the match.

The reason was simple.

There was nothing sophisticated about this kind of warm-up match.

…

On August 3, Real Madrid moved from Phoenix to Los Angeles to face Premier League side Leeds United at Dodger Stadium.

This was a highly anticipated clash.

In their first game, Leeds United defeated Juventus 2-1 to advance.

Gao Shen also attached great importance to this match.

He had a clear understanding of Real Madrid's strength and could use this opportunity to test Leeds United.

Moreover, after reaching the semifinals, according to the contract between Real Madrid and the organizers, the team was required to field all its main players.

Therefore, Gao Shen started with his best 4-3-3. In the starting lineup, except for Xabi Alonso, who was injured and replaced by Casemiro, all the other regulars started.

Ten minutes in, Ramos launched a long pass to the left side of the area. Ronaldo burst in, controlled it on his chest, and volleyed home from the left of the penalty spot to open the scoring for Real Madrid.

Just four minutes later, Kroos played a direct pass. Ronaldo made another run in behind, rounded the onrushing goalkeeper Navas, and finished into an empty net to make it 2-0.

In the 17th minute, Real Madrid had another chance, this time from a Modric through ball. Ronaldo went a fraction early. He scored, but the referee signaled offside and the goal was ruled out.

In the 31st minute, Modric threaded another pass. Ronaldo squared from the left of the box, and Benzema tapped into the empty net to extend the lead to 3-0.

Leeds United did not produce a real threat until the end of the first half, when Vardy's shot struck the post.

At halftime, Gao Shen made six changes. Leeds United came under slightly less pressure and began to trade attacks with Real Madrid.

In the 62nd minute, Zaha broke through on the left and crossed. Harry Kane finished from close range to pull one back for Leeds United.

In the end, Real Madrid defeated Leeds United 3-1.

Anyone could see that this was a comprehensive defeat.

Even if Gao Shen had not eased off at halftime, Leeds United might have lost by a larger margin.

After the game, the media reaction was quite negative.

The main reason was that Leeds United's summer signings and adjustments had not been effective.

At least for now, the team's overall strength had not reached last season's level, and the new campaign looked precarious.

But Gao Shen had a different view.

…

The match kicked off at 5 pm. After the game, everyone returned to the hotel. Gao Shen took Carlo, Zidane, and others to have dinner there.

Fernando Lucas, Borrell, and others called as well.

They were staying in the same hotel, so everyone came over to eat together. Pochettino also arrived when he heard and they shared a table.

At dinner, the conversation naturally turned to the match that had just ended.

Zidane pointed out that Pochettino's tactics still had issues, and the coordination across the three lines was not smooth.

"In the first half hour, your entire midfield was in disarray. We picked you off accurately, one by one, and there was no protection. Three goals, plus the one that was disallowed, four in total, all came from direct passes played into the penalty area from outside."

Once might be an accident. Twice or three times means there is definitely a problem.

Another issue was that, in dealing with Ronaldo's positioning, the two centre-backs still did not coordinate well.

Pochettino agreed with Zidane and said he had been adjusting the midfield's setup and positioning.

This game was still very much a training exercise, but the effect was poor.

"My original idea was to play Coutinho as a number 10, with Zaha on the left, Harry Kane through the middle, and Salah on the right, forming an attacking square."

Pochettino had his reasons.

Coutinho is not quick and lacks explosiveness. If he is put on the wing, the problem becomes more obvious.

Last season, Pogba often operated in that area and the issue was not particularly prominent. This season, Pogba and Kondogbia are gone, Rabiot has just arrived, and Leeds United do not have that type of player in midfield.

"Coutinho is a really good player," Carlo agreed. "I noticed that once he gets the ball, he rarely loses it. He can play incisive passes and threaten the opponent, and he can shoot from range. But his physicality is a bit weak, which limits him."

"Yes," Pochettino continued, "If you put him on the wing and have him face defenders directly, he will be at a disadvantage."

Pochettino wanted Coutinho as a number 10 to be the creative hub, with Brozovic and Kanté as the double pivots. The results were not good.

"I think Coutinho should not push up too high. In the first half he was too close to Casemiro," Gao Shen said.

Casemiro is very strong in duels, and Coutinho cannot gain an edge there.

"And Kanté should be given more freedom to run and recover the ball. If he drops in, Brozovic can hold his position. He also has solid defensive skills."

Gao Shen asked Lucas, who was carrying a briefcase, for paper and pen, and began sketching on the table.

"Harry Kane has a complete skill set and a high scoring efficiency. He has height and strength. He can occupy the center and give both flanks a target. He is the focal point of your attack."

Leeds United now have many good wingers, such as Zaha, Salah, Mané, Felipe Anderson, and Sterling. They are all excellent wide players who can become explosive points on the flanks.

"The midfield must control the tempo and possession. This is where Coutinho excels. He is great on the ball and has strong passing ability. He should be responsible for supplying the ammunition. Kanté should win the ball, and Brozovic should organize and distribute. The three of them must work closely together to control the middle."

"Bertrand is very fast and has great thrust, and Trippier on the right has excellent crossing. Both flanks can provide strong support for the team."

"The most important thing now is to link the front, middle, and back to form a combined force."

Gao Shen felt that Pochettino was still a bit constrained.

Perhaps, when facing Real Madrid, he still wanted to perform better.

At the very least, he wanted to hold the line, but the result was a heavier defeat.

"I think you have to be clear that Leeds United's greatest strength lies in attacking, not in controlling the game, and certainly not in sitting back to defend."

In this warm-up match against Real Madrid, Leeds United suffered a complete defeat.

But it was not without gains.

Judging from the process, Leeds United's players are still strong.

This group of players in their early twenties are highly talented. The key is how Pochettino brings them together to form a collective force.

"Take it easy, we performed well," Borrell said with a smile to comfort Pochettino.

Lucas nodded. "Exactly. We were facing Real Madrid. What is the big deal about losing 1-3? At least we scored one more than Bayern. It's fine."

Everyone could not help but smile.

Isn't that true?

In the Champions League final, Bayern lost by three.

"After I go back, I will study it carefully with the coaching staff. I think I know what to do," Pochettino nodded.

These words from Gao Shen, Zidane, and Carlo were very inspiring.

Once you have a plan, everything becomes easier.

Gao Shen turned to Lucas. "How is it going? I heard you have been doing well in the United States lately."

It would have been fine if he had not brought it up. Once mentioned, Fernando Lucas sighed repeatedly.

"Let's not talk about it. The momentum is good, but the actual effect is not ideal. I think this will be a long-term battle."

Everyone nodded.

If the North American market were so easy to develop, teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United would have already struck gold.

Competitive sports in North America are extremely inward-looking. Football is still considered a niche sport here.

What really draws attention are American football, baseball, and basketball, while football takes a back seat.

This year, Barcelona went to Asia.

To put it bluntly, the big piece of meat in North America looks tempting, but you cannot get a bite.

After years of hard work, how many have actually made money from the North American market?

Manchester United did make a lot, given the historic ties between Britain and the United States. Real Madrid and Bayern also made some. As for other teams, it is hard to say. Most were hoping to collect appearance fees from commercial matches.

"Of course. Do not think about opening up this market all at once. You need patience and deep cultivation."

Gao Shen smiled and patted Lucas on the shoulder to encourage him.

"If we do not make money this summer, so what? We will try again next year. If it does not work next year, we will try the year after. If we persist, we will conquer it sooner or later."

"Tell me, we have been doing this for two years and have so many fans, but we have not even found a business model to monetize it. What can we do?" Lucas asked with a wry smile.

It was quite frustrating to talk about.

(To be continued.)