Many times, fans tend to misunderstand players.
For example, they might think a certain star is overrated and lacks real ability.
They might also believe a player's goal was just down to luck or a fluke.
Some even delude themselves into thinking that anyone—even if they put a crown on a dog—could do the same job.
Building on this, fans often like to debate who is stronger or more important.
Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Messi or Guardiola? Messi or Xhaka? Ronaldo or the so-called ceremonial midfielder? Toni Kroos or Modric in that same midfield?
There's always something to compare.
Of course, most of it is just harmless entertainment and casual discussion.
Gao Shen used to be the same when he was younger. But not anymore.
Just like he had grown numb to Marvel's endless superhero movies.
Especially after working in a large corporation, he came to truly realize that in today's world, there are no more lone heroes.
Everything is a matter of systems and collaboration.
Even a company as powerful as Apple only had Jobs as its face, the most dazzling jewel in the crown.
But a jewel still needs a crown to sit on.
From large corporations to small businesses, from leagues to clubs, from teams to coaches to players—even down to the staff at the grassroots level.
Everyone is part of a system of division of labor and cooperation.
Some may be small cogs, others major components, but all success ultimately comes from the system.
Still, we must admit that some individuals are different.
There's always that one friend who's addicted to socializing, that one workaholic who thrives on overtime, that one "perfect" child others are always comparing you to…
The same applies on the football pitch.
Everyone depends on the system. But some can shine as the brightest stars within that system.
Just like Jobs stood at the top of Apple, dazzling and brilliant.
Just like Messi stood out in Barcelona's Dream Team III.
Just like Ronaldo dominated at Real Madrid.
They are simply different.
They are the ones who step up in the moments that matter and turn the tide.
That's not luck.
That's a kind of strength!
People always empathize with tragedy.
Baggio missing a penalty in the World Cup final. Robben missing a one-on-one in the final…
Had Baggio scored, he would've been hailed as a hero who rescued Italy at a critical moment. Had Robben finished that chance, he would've been the one to bring the Netherlands the World Cup, maybe even winning the Ballon d'Or.
But they didn't.
It's tragic, but it also proves that in that critical moment, they weren't strong enough to do it.
Those who can step up and make the difference are the ones hailed as heroes.
…
Due to the European Super Cup, Manchester City's third-round Premier League away match against Tottenham was moved to midweek, one day after Leeds United's match.
Since both matches were in London, Gao Shen, Carlo, and others, after organizing their team's affairs, quietly appeared in the stands at Upton Park to watch this high-profile Championship clash.
They witnessed Leeds United's struggles firsthand.
As a recently relegated Premier League side, West Ham were receiving parachute payments.
The so-called parachute policy is a financial subsidy granted by the Premier League to relegated teams. Its purpose is to bridge the massive revenue gap between the Premier League and the Championship and to prevent financial collapse after relegation.
The amount of the subsidy isn't fixed.
Previously, the payment was over £23 million across two years, based on an earlier broadcast deal.
In 2010, after the new contract was activated, the total subsidy reached over £48 million for four years, roughly £12 million annually.
The Premier League also subsidizes lower-tier leagues each year.
For example, the annual payment for Championship teams not covered by the parachute policy has increased from £800,000 to £2.2 million.
League One clubs receive around £325,000, and League Two clubs get even less—just £250,000.
But that extra £10 million per year for relegated Premier League clubs makes a massive difference in the Championship.
According to the Daily Mail, the probability of a relegated team earning promotion back to the Premier League is three times higher than for other Championship sides, simply because of the financial advantage that £10 million provides.
Take West Ham United, for example.
Although some players left after relegation, most of them weren't starters. The only significant departure was Scott Parker, who joined Tottenham for £5 million.
But West Ham responded quickly, signing Kevin Nolan from Newcastle for £3 million, Sam Baldock from League One's MK Dons for £2.5 million, Matthew Taylor from Bolton, and Nicky Maynard from Bristol City for £1.8 million.
They also brought in Bentley from Tottenham, John Carew from Aston Villa, Faye from Stoke, and Almunia from Arsenal—all known Premier League players.
This made West Ham a dominant force in the Championship.
The man orchestrating all this was none other than the seasoned Premier League manager, Sam Allardyce.
So, in some ways, it wasn't surprising that a rookie coach like Sarri was being schooled by a veteran like Allardyce.
But what Gao Shen cared about wasn't the result of the match.
He was watching to see how the team would handle pressure in a difficult situation.
That was what mattered most to him.
…
After conceding the opening goal, Leeds United were disorganized for more than 20 minutes.
The match became very one-sided.
West Ham's tactics were precise. Allardyce used a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation, with five midfielders completely shutting down Leeds' midfield, which brought the entire system to a halt.
If the team panicked, they could have conceded multiple goals and suffered a heavy defeat.
That would have undone all the momentum they had built with their good start to the season.
But if they managed to hold on, even a loss would still be a valuable learning experience for Leeds United.
This kind of test is something you can't simulate in a friendly.
Fortunately, in the key moments, Leeds United's defense began to settle down.
Koulibaly and Maguire started at center back tonight. Under the pressure from striker Carlton Cole, the two defenders gradually composed themselves and managed to contain him.
The midfield trio of Schneiderlin, Pogba, and Paulinho also worked hard on defense, shielding the backline and helping the team stabilize.
Even Lallana, Bolasie, and Benteke up front tracked back and joined in pressing and counter-pressing.
By the 30th minute, Leeds United had largely regained control.
In the stands, Gao Shen, Carlo, and Buenaventura all let out a sigh of relief.
"After two months, Sarri finally showed something real," Carlo said with a smile.
Sarri, after all, is a professional Italian coach. He had studied under Gao Shen for three years and had real ability.
"Yes, real quality only shows in critical moments," Gao Shen nodded in agreement.
"We should look to stabilize the match until halftime, then adjust and push for a comeback in the second half," Carlo analyzed.
Gao Shen nodded. It was the safe approach.
But sometimes football doesn't follow logic.
A match isn't a static formula. It's a dynamic, constantly evolving process.
Once Leeds United settled, the situation could shift dramatically.
"If we want to win, we have to take risks in the first half," Gao Shen said.
Carlo looked at him in surprise. "Isn't that a bit risky?"
"Going into halftime trailing isn't good for morale. If we can pull one back before then, the entire momentum shifts. But it requires a lot from the team and the players."
Gao Shen himself wasn't entirely confident.
After all, this wasn't his team.
"The one who can step up now is the true core of this team."
First, Leeds United needed to stabilize. Then, it was up to the players.
Was there anyone who could rise to the occasion?
No one knew. No one could be sure.
Even the players themselves might not know.
But right now, that's exactly what Leeds United needed—and West Ham was also waiting for that moment.
If the Hammers scored again, it would be game over for Leeds.
But if Leeds equalized, the tide could turn completely.
That's the power of morale.
The first strike is strong, the second weaker, and the third is exhausted.
Morale matters.
"Honestly, I think you're asking too much of these players. Paulinho just arrived and hasn't fully settled. Pogba is only 18. Schneiderlin's a pure holding midfielder. Benteke doesn't seem like the guy to step up—his strengths are tactical and physical," Buenaventura joked.
"We all know Lallana. He's capable, resilient, but he's still not someone who breaks games open. As for Bolasie, to be honest, he probably regrets not meeting you sooner. If he'd had you two years ago, his career might've reached another level. But now…"
West Ham doesn't really have that kind of player either and neither does Leeds.
These kinds of players are what we call the core.
Kevin Nolan, who was made captain right after joining, is quite good. He delivered that key assist to Carlton Cole and has clearly played his role well.
But even his ceiling is limited.
As for Leeds United, Paulinho probably has the best chance, but he's still adapting to English football.
Gao Shen didn't say a word. His eyes remained fixed on Paul Pogba.
He wanted to see what the French midfielder would do in this kind of adversity.
"Who knows? Maybe it's really him," Gao Shen muttered, as if talking to himself—or praying.
(To be continued.)