Manchester City defeated Manchester United 2-0, lifted the FA Cup, and completed a domestic double!
After the match, media and fans across Europe—and the world—rushed to cover the story.
If last season's Premier League title win had left people unsure whether the Blue Moon would truly dominate English football, then this season, the answer had become increasingly clear.
Gao Shen's team remained unbeaten and looked likely to break the record set by Wenger's "Invincibles," potentially becoming the Premier League's new ruling power and ushering in a Manchester City and Gao Shen era.
After the final, Gao Shen attended the post-match mixed zone and answered questions from reporters. He offered high praise to Manchester United and Ferguson but also noted that United's squad had obvious weaknesses and needed reinforcement.
Ferguson extended his congratulations to Manchester City on their title win.
"Gao Shen and his team have completed another great season."
"We have to accept that Manchester City is now one of the strongest teams in the Premier League."
Of course, Ferguson still wasn't ready to admit that United were weaker than City. But he did acknowledge United's shortcomings.
"Goalkeeper. We'll lose Edwin van der Sar this summer. We absolutely must sign a new keeper. That's not negotiable. And we already have clear targets."
Reports suggested Ferguson had two candidates.
One was Leverkusen's German goalkeeper René Adler.
Adler was previously regarded as the best among Germany's younger generation of goalkeepers and widely seen as the natural heir to the national team's No. 1 shirt. But Gao Shen had always favored Neuer.
Back in 2009, Gao Shen publicly predicted that Neuer would redefine the goalkeeper role in European football and become the best in Germany—and even the world.
At the time, many questioned his judgment. But in hindsight, he was spot on.
Neuer's performances at Manchester City, especially his sweeping and expansive style of play, had completely reshaped perceptions of modern goalkeepers. Some were now referring to him as a "goal-keeper," someone who offers protection more akin to a defensive anchor than a traditional shot-stopper.
It felt like having security.
Still, Adler's talent was undeniable. At 25, he was entering his prime with a promising future.
The other target was Atlético Madrid's 20-year-old David De Gea. Tall and lanky, he looked a bit like Van der Sar. His performances were solid, but he was still raw, having only completed one full season with Atlético. He lacked consistency.
Ferguson had instructed his scouts to monitor both keepers closely. With Van der Sar retiring, United would need a top-class replacement.
What concerned him most, however, was the striker situation.
Berbatov was a puzzle for Ferguson.
It would be unfair to say he was poor—he had scored 20 goals in the Premier League this season, second only to Manchester City's Robin van Persie.
That's hardly a bad return.
But to say he was outstanding? Ferguson couldn't trust him in the Champions League or in big matches like this FA Cup final.
Everyone knew that Berbatov had a reputation for being a stylish player, rarely breaking a sweat and never messing up his hair.
This made Ferguson conflicted. After all, United had spent over £30 million to bring him in. If they were to sell him now, what would they recoup?
But if they kept him, Berbatov wouldn't meet the demands of high-level European competition.
Even more concerning, few people knew that this was a contract year for Berbatov.
His current deal was set to expire in 2012.
So why had he performed so well in the league? Because he wanted a contract extension. He had something to prove.
But if he got that extension, could he keep up this level?
Ferguson found himself at a crossroads. If United didn't plan to extend his deal, the best move would be to sell him this summer.
If not, in six months, they'd lose all leverage. And Berbatov could leave on a free.
He was 30—not particularly old—but Ferguson remained torn.
A bit like chicken ribs: tasteless, but too much of a waste to throw away.
…
Gao Shen couldn't relate to Ferguson's dilemma.
From his point of view, he would never have favored a player like Berbatov in the first place.
To him, attitude mattered more than anything else.
As for the rumors about United going to Napoli to sign Cavani, Gao Shen just laughed.
He would love to see that happen. Manchester United was famously good at driving up transfer prices.
Cavani had won the Serie A Golden Boot in consecutive seasons. His value had skyrocketed, especially with the reputation of being the "chosen striker." He was no longer the player he used to be.
The Uruguayan striker was now a superstar in European football. Napoli wouldn't let him go without a serious offer and Manchester United didn't have the money.
Of course, these weren't things Gao Shen needed to worry about.
After returning to Manchester from London, Gao Shen followed the players' wishes and treated the entire squad to a lavish meal.
It drew a few complaints from the team's nutritionist, but Gao Shen brushed it off. A little indulgence now and then wouldn't hurt.
Despite returning with the FA Cup, Manchester City didn't hold a celebration. Even the ceremony to place the trophy into the Hall of Fame was kept simple.
The players had dinner together. In the presence of some media and fans, Chairman Mubarak placed the long-awaited trophy absent from the club's cabinet for 32 years into the team's Hall of Honor.
Even during the 37th round, the final home game of the season, when City would be presented with the Premier League trophy, Mubarak stated that at the team's request, the club would not organize any formal celebrations.
In other words, fans could celebrate freely, but the team would remain focused on preparing for the Champions League final at the end of the month.
Both media and fans largely supported Gao Shen's approach.
…
Due to their involvement in the FA Cup final, City's Premier League Round 37 clash with Manchester United was rescheduled to midweek.
All other teams had already played their fixtures that weekend.
The rescheduled match saw Manchester United, still licking their wounds from the FA Cup loss, held to a 1-1 draw away at Blackburn Rovers.
Rooney converted a crucial penalty. Without it, United would have left empty-handed.
City, riding high on confidence, defeated Stoke City 3-0 at home, with Suárez scoring twice.
After the match, Manchester City were officially awarded the league championship trophy at the Etihad Stadium in front of more than 50,000 supporters.
It was only the second league title in the club's history, but fans were still as excited as ever.
When the trophy was lifted, the stadium erupted into a thunderous chant of Gao Shen's name.
Everyone knew that while Abu Dhabi's funding had laid the foundation, it was Gao Shen's coaching that had delivered back-to-back league titles.
Fifty thousand fans chanting in unison—what a magnificent sight.
Gao Shen walked up to the podium to accept the cheers and applause.
He said the people most deserving of gratitude were the Manchester City fans. Their loyalty had given the team strength.
He also thanked the management, whose support allowed the coaching staff to work with peace of mind.
And of course, he thanked the players.
"We all come from different parts of the world and bring different ideas to this team. But I'm very happy that we've come together in unity, working toward a common goal."
"Two seasons, two league titles, an FA Cup, and a Community Shield. What I want to say is, I'm proud of this team and every single player."
His heartfelt words earned another round of thunderous applause.
"The league isn't over yet. I'm a picky Virgo. We've gone 37 rounds unbeaten. I see no reason why we should lose the final round. And absolutely no reason to lose in the all-important final ten days from now!"
As soon as he finished, the crowd erupted once more.
Ten days from now, Wembley Stadium. The Champions League final.
"I've heard some people saying I'll leave at the end of the season. But let me say this—honestly, I'm very happy here. I've never thought about leaving."
"If—just if—the management still thinks I'm doing a good job and doesn't plan to sack me, then next season, I'll continue fighting alongside you all!"
"I hope we can complete the treble this season! And I hope next season, we'll be even stronger and win more trophies and honors!"
His final words brought the entire stadium to its feet in applause and cheers.
Afterward, Kompany stepped forward as team captain and spoke on behalf of the squad, voicing the dressing room's full support for the manager.
"We're ready. We'll give everything. And at Wembley, we'll bring home the Champions League trophy!"
"When the time comes, come back to the Etihad, and we'll celebrate together again!"
Kompany's statement electrified the fans.
It meant more than any press release.
Finally, club CEO Gary Cook also took the stage, offering his backing to the coaching staff and players. He expressed belief that they could defeat Barcelona in the Champions League final and win the trophy.
To conclude, Kompany led the entire squad onto the stage to thank the fans who had stood by them throughout the season.
The Etihad Stadium was filled with prolonged, thunderous applause.
Manchester City fans had experienced the dark days. That's why they cherished this golden moment even more.
Especially now, as they watched their club become stronger and more dominant.
And the one who deserved the most credit for it all was Gao Shen.
(To be continued.)
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