Florentino's plan was to play the villain himself by selling several of the squad's veterans, then have Yang Yang bring in younger players and rebuild a youthful, energetic team.
The advantage was that the squad could be rebuilt quickly, while Yang Yang could avoid conflicts with old friends who had once fought alongside him. Real Madrid hoped to put together a team capable of challenging for the Champions League title within two years.
After hearing Florentino's proposal, Yang Yang was grateful for the Real Madrid president's consideration, but he disagreed with the approach. He had no intention of driving out those veterans.
"Apart from the players whose contracts expire this season, I hope everyone else can stay," Yang Yang said firmly.
Florentino did not quite understand. "The veterans aren't getting any younger. They can't cope with a tactical approach like Ajax's."
Faced with that well-intentioned reminder, Yang Yang smiled slightly and nodded. "Yes, that's true, but I still think we should keep them."
"I don't understand," Florentino said, puzzled.
"Real Madrid is completely different from other clubs. We have our own club culture. We're like a royal court. Zidane said that one year coaching here was worth ten years at another club, because things here are so complicated."
Florentino nodded. That was indeed the case, which was why coaches like Lopetegui and Solari had been unable to establish themselves.
"Veterans have their strengths, and young players have their shortcomings. We can't generalize. The key is how to fire up the players' fighting spirit and get them fully focused on matches, rather than judging them by their age."
Florentino had no answer. He had intended to help Yang Yang build a young team, one full of energy and passion like Ajax, but Yang Yang did not seem to have that in