"The little guy's over the moon, but that watch is pretty expensive, right? I'm a bit envious. Not planning to give me one too?"
On the phone, Rakitić asked with a hopeful tone.
Sure, he earned enough to buy one himself, but compared to big spender Suker, his finances were a lot tighter — he'd feel the pinch.
"Sure!" Suker said casually. "Win a Champions League, and I'll reward you with one!"
Rakitić: "...Will Europa League do?"
"Get lost!"
Winning the Europa League with Sevilla? You've got the nerve to bring that up?
Sevilla won back-to-back Europa League titles in the 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 seasons, and there would be more in the future.
This was a club known as the "King of the Europa League" — Suker wasn't stupid!
"How are the new guys doing this season?" Suker asked.
"So-so!" Rakitić replied. "No one particularly amazing so far… maybe because we're too good."
Suker grinned.
This guy really knew how to brag.
"But," Rakitić continued, "I heard from Brozović that Dinamo Zagreb has another young genius — Mateo Kovačić. But he's too young, born in 1994, so he still needs some seasoning. He might get called up for Euro 2012."
Hearing this, Suker nodded.
If it was a big squad rotation, then he had to make the Euro squad — this could be the express train straight to the 2014 World Cup. Catch it, and they might create glory together. Miss it, and you might have to wait a long time.
"Damn, why are they all midfielders? We're overflowing with midfielders," Rakitić complained. "Me, Luka, and Vukojević… add Duimović that's already four. Then Kranjčar, little Kovač, now Brozović and Kovačić — bring in some forwards! We're short on forwards!"
"Feeling the pressure?" Suker asked.
Rakitić grinned. "Brozović doesn't matter — he's not in my position. He's competing more with Luka and Vukojević. But I've seen Kovačić's game footage. The kid's good. If he grows fast, he could threaten my spot!"
They had similar technical styles, so in the future, it could be direct competition.
The key thing was — Kovačić was young.
Damn it!Youth is capital!
"How's the defense?" Srna asked — that was what he cared about most.
"The defense is pretty good. At least in this match, they did well. We conceded one goal, but it wasn't the defense's fault — it was the whole team's slow retreat. And Subašić… he's basically nailed down the starting spot. He's more consistent than Pletikosa."
Pletikosa had been Croatia's main keeper before. He wasn't that old, but his form fluctuated too much.
When he was good, he was godlike.
But when he was bad, mistakes poured out — butterfingers, letting in soft goals, even rushing out recklessly.
Croatia didn't need a sweeper-keeper type. Their style wasn't built for that.
So compared to Pletikosa, the more stable Subašić naturally took the starting role.
Suker and Srna both nodded slightly.
Croatia's squad was once again undergoing a generational shift!
2006 was a major rebuild, cementing Suker and Croatia's third generation of internationals as the main core.
Then came gradual adjustments — players like Perišić emerged. Now, another big change was happening.
This time, it was focused on defense — phasing out veterans like Šimunić and Kovač, with Srna and Pranjić leading the backline and grooming new talent.
Brozović, Lovren, Subašić, and others were starting to surface.
Bilić wasn't just talking — he was already preparing for the 2014 World Cup.
Adjust first, then build chemistry!
Use the Euros for training, then explode at the World Cup!Step by step.
Bilić firmly believed — victory belongs to those who prepare.
"Good morning! Another sunny day!"
The locker room door swung open to Suker's cheerful voice.
Like a ray of sunshine into the room, it made everyone smile.
"Hey! We beat Denmark!" Pepe said happily.
Suker turned. "What's it got to do with you? You were suspended for three yellow cards."
He gave a thumbs-up. "Does the ref's card belong to you or something?"
Pepe's habit of collecting cards was like a dog not giving up bones.
Punished repeatedly, never learned — one rush of blood and he'd start a fight.
Pepe retorted, "I had an intimidating presence on the sidelines."
Suker rolled his eyes. Even though his suspension was over, the Portugal coach still kept him benched — too card-happy, next time he'd go straight to a red.
Against Denmark, Portugal had to be serious.
Despite Pepe's talent, stability came first — so he was kept on the bench.
"Our next league game is away to Sevilla!"
Mourinho tapped the tactics board. "Sevilla are a technically strong team — they've got all the traits of Spanish football, and they're well-organized in attack and defense. This season, they brought in a new No. 10, Rakitić!"
He glanced at Suker and Srna, then continued:
"This Croatian midfielder's traits are clear — great technique, vision, and tactical awareness…"
Mourinho's analysis was spot-on — even Suker and Srna, who knew Rakitić well, were a little stunned.
It was like Mourinho had stripped him bare — all strengths and weaknesses laid out.
Rakitić left a complex impression.
At Schalke 04, he was the undisputed midfield core. But for the national team, he became more of a workhorse.
That actually proved his adaptability and versatility!In other words — very useful!
At Schalke and Sevilla, he was a driving force forward — stamina, vision, and technique pushing the team on.
In Croatia, with Modrić around, Rakitić lost some tactical freedom and took on more of the hard graft.
He did the dirty work — but could still deliver moments of quality.
That's why Mourinho rated him so highly.
Simple — Mourinho loved midfielders who could do anything you told them to.
The tactics meeting covered Sevilla's traits in detail. Real Madrid knew exactly how to prepare.
After this match, it would be the Spanish El Clásico.
This was the warm-up battle — take down Sevilla first, then face Barcelona!
"Rakitić would fit well with us too," Srna said.
But Suker shook his head. "Where would he play? As a sub?"
Sure, a club like Real Madrid aimed for two full luxury lineups.
But Suker didn't want Rakitić sitting on the bench.
Sure, you'd get a few trophies — but it'd just be padding the resume.
It wouldn't help him maintain form.
And, selfishly, Suker didn't want him losing sharpness for the national team.
As for a starting spot — hard to win.
Up front, there was Suker and Kaká. How could Rakitić compete?
He played in an attacking midfield role — unless Real played 4-2-3-1, there'd only be a right midfielder slot open. The central attacking role was Kaká's.
And even for the right, Rakitić would have to compete with Di María.
From the start of training, Mourinho practically lived on the pitch, scribbling in his notebook.
This made the squad — especially some starters — nervous.
They'd learned quickly that when Mourinho wrote a lot, it meant changes were coming.
The question was — who'd be affected?
For starters, it was pressure. For subs, it was hope.
"Training's over for today!"
Mourinho dismissed the players, then called a coaches' meeting.
"This meeting's to explore a possibility."
Holding a sheet of data, Mourinho said:"53 touches, 41 passes, 39 completed — 95% accuracy."
"7 key passes! 2 assists!"
"2 crosses — 2 successful!"
"2 long balls — 2 successful!"
"2 big chances created!"
"3 times losing possession."
"1 foul committed."
"2 fouls won."
"3 tackles, 2 interceptions — 2 leading directly to counterattacks, one of which scored!"
Mourinho looked up. "This is Kaká's data when playing central midfield. Across multiple games, I've been thinking — can we convert Kaká into a defensive midfielder?"
Boom!
The coaches were stunned.
Kaká was already performing well!
"I'm not saying Xabi Alonso is bad — but I think we might have something even better. If Kaká plays deeper, his numbers could improve even more, boosting the team."
Faria asked, "What about Alonso?"
Mourinho replied, "Right now, we're discussing Kaká's potential conversion."
Fitness coach Pintus stroked his chin. "Kaká's stamina is good. With adjustments, he could handle it. And as you said…"
"Call me José," Mourinho interjected.
He'd grown to value Pintus — even considering bringing him into his private coaching team.
"Alright," Pintus continued. "This could extend Kaká's career. He's 28 — maybe 2-3 years left at his peak. This change could add years and give Madrid a stronger DM."
Analyst Silvino Louro adjusted his glasses. "I agree — it's feasible."
Soon, the coaches were nodding in agreement.
Of course, they'd need Kaká's approval.
Back in his office, Mourinho sat down. Assistant coach Faria followed.
"José, it's not that simple, is it?" Faria said.
"What?" Mourinho raised an eyebrow.
"This would replace Alonso — the Spanish faction…"
Mourinho smiled. "You finally see it."
Faria sighed.
Since joining Real Madrid, Mourinho had sought to weaken the Spanish core's dominance.
First, he dropped Diarra and promoted Di María — testing their reaction. No pushback.
Now, he'd turn up the heat.
And if he dragged another faction into the mix?
Could Suker and Kaká refuse?
This was tempting — and good for Kaká's career.
If successful, it benefited both player and team.
Mourinho was pleased with the plan.
First: Strengthen midfield — justified.Second: Increase tension between Spanish locals and the foreign faction.Third: Maintain balance until winning trophies — then seize the dressing room fully.
So this had to happen — and succeed.
The next day, Mourinho called Kaká in for a long talk.
At lunch, Kaká returned looking dazed.
Suker noticed but waited until after they ate to pull him aside.
"What happened?" Suker asked.
Kaká hesitated, then said, "Mourinho wants to turn me into a defensive midfielder."
Suker froze.
Good thing!Definitely good!
Kaká sighed. "But that would overlap with Alonso's position."
Suker froze again — immediately understanding Mourinho's intent.
"That bird's digging me a hole…" Suker grinned.
Kaká looked at him.
"Maybe forget it — things are fine now."
"Why forget it? If you can fight for it, fight for it!"
"But that'll cause conflict — I don't want to break the dressing room."
If Kaká succeeded, Alonso would be benched.
Would Alonso be happy?
The Spanish faction would blow up.
Mourinho had stepped right on their tail — using a temptation Suker couldn't refuse.
Suker couldn't say no — he'd had this idea before.
Alonso's interests? Who cared?
Seeing Kaká's troubled face, Suker said, "Leave it to me."
"How?" Kaká frowned. "You're not going to confront Casillas, are you?"
"Casillas isn't the key."
Suker smiled. "I'll talk to someone who can really keep things in line."
That evening, at Florentino Pérez's estate…
Suker and Pérez sat opposite each other in silence.
Pérez tapped his armrest, frowning deeply.
This was tricky — very tricky.
On one hand, it'd hurt the Spanish core's interests — Casillas, Alonso, and others Pérez valued.
On the other, this was Suker's request — and Suker was vital to Madrid.
After a long pause, Pérez shook his head. "I don't agree."
Suker nodded — he'd expected that.
"Mr. Pérez, I know it's hard for you. But we won't back down…"
Pérez's eyes sharpened.
"Don't be angry, hear me out," Suker said.
"You might not realize the benefits of converting Kaká. I can guarantee at least—"
Suker held up two fingers. "Two Champions Leagues."
Pérez: "Madrid isn't short of Champions Leagues."
Suker dropped a bigger bomb.
"Back-to-back!"
Pérez jolted.
Currently, Madrid and AC Milan were tied for most Champions League titles.
Madrid had one more overall, but Milan had gone back-to-back — giving them bragging rights.
Suker's offer hit Pérez right where it mattered.
Pérez exhaled, then smiled. "So this is a deal?"
Suker nodded.
"Your bargaining chip is consecutive Champions Leagues?"
Suker nodded again.
"And if you fail?"
Suker raised two fingers. "I take a 20% pay cut."
Suker's massive salary was a big annual burden for Madrid. A cut would be welcome.
Pérez didn't react.
Suker sighed, raised three fingers.
"30%."
Pérez finally smiled and extended his hand.
"Pleasure doing business."
Suker grinned back. "Pleasure doing business."