Before the FA Cup quarterfinals on March 7, Gao Bo remained focused on the league.
The team now had two major objectives: the league and the FA Cup. For Gao Bo, the ideal outcome would be winning both.
Winning the league would be a tough challenge for Luton. Despite their recent winning streak, they hadn't been able to close the gap with the league leaders. Wycombe Rovers, aware of the competition behind them, had been in outstanding form, stringing together a series of victories to maintain their 10-point lead over Luton.
After 30 league matches, Luton had climbed to fifth place with 52 points, just one point behind Shrewsbury in fourth. Wycombe Rovers sat at the top with 62 points, six points clear of second-placed Rochdale.
For Luton, every point in the league was now crucial. With 16 matches remaining, overtaking Wycombe Rovers would require near-perfection. Not only would Luton need to win almost every game, but they would also have to hope that Wycombe lost at least three games and drew one.
Given Wycombe's current form, it seemed unlikely they would falter so badly without some extraordinary luck.
Gao Bo, however, wasn't the type to rely on luck. Yet, under the circumstances, he could only hope for Wycombe to slip up. Fortunately, Luton still had a chance to face Wycombe directly in the 41st round of the league, a match that could potentially determine the top spot.
---
Luton's growing popularity across England had also drawn attention to their key players, with the media dubbing them targets for bigger clubs.
In his office, Gao Bo sat across from team owner David Morton.
"I've already received offers for several players," Gao Bo said, looking out the window at the training ground, where fitness coach Mel was leading the team in recovery exercises.
"However, I don't think the club should become a supermarket for players. You know how valuable Luton could be in the Premier League. Even without signing new players next season, the current squad has the potential to earn promotion." Gao Bo turned to face Morton, who seemed conflicted.
David Morton knew Gao Bo was right. The Premier League was immensely lucrative, far surpassing any immediate profits from selling players.
"I… I need money now, Gao Bo," Morton admitted, his tone subdued. Once confident in his investments, Morton had recently suffered significant financial losses.
"You could list the club on the stock market, David!" Gao Bo suggested. "Everyone can see the potential of this team. If you go public, it could bring in a lot of money."
"Go public?" Morton hesitated.
"Exactly! Look at Manchester United. Their owners have made a fortune by going public."
"But that's Manchester United," Morton countered, doubting Luton's appeal.
"What if we win the Europa League next season? Or even the FA Cup this season?" Gao Bo presented a bold vision.
After a season with Luton, Gao Bo had set his sights high. He wasn't content with modest achievements; he wanted to be the best football coach in history. To reach that level, he needed to accomplish something extraordinary.
Winning the FA Cup could cement his reputation in English football and attract offers from Premier League clubs. But even that wasn't enough for Gao Bo. He wanted more.
Could he lead Luton to a Europa League title?
The thought thrilled him. If Luton, a Third-division club, could win the Europa League, it would make history. Even José Mourinho's Champions League triumph with Porto wouldn't compare to such an achievement.
"Win the Europa League?" Morton asked in disbelief. "That's impossible. How would we even qualify?"
"The FA Cup!" Gao Bo replied, determined to leave his mark on the club and the football world.
"Win the FA Cup!!" he repeated, his ambition shining through.
Morton stared at Gao Bo, surprised by the intensity of his coach's resolve. In Gao Bo's eyes, he saw not just ambition but unrelenting determination.
"Yes, think about it, David! If Luton wins the FA Cup, the team's reputation will skyrocket, and the world will know our name! That will be the perfect time to go public," Gao Bo explained, painting a bright future.
"And next season, we'll win the Europa League!" he declared confidently.
"That's easier said than done…" Morton was shaken by Gao Bo's audacious plan.
"To make big money, you have to take big risks, David!" Gao Bo grinned.
Morton found himself strangely persuaded. Yet, the idea of winning the Europa League next season still seemed far-fetched.
"Are you planning to rely on the current squad for that?" Morton asked.
"Of course not!" Gao Bo replied. "We'll reinforce the team next season!"
Relieved to hear this, Morton felt that perhaps Gao Bo wasn't entirely out of his mind.
"I don't have much to spend on transfers, though," Morton reminded him.
"David, are you willing to gamble?" Gao Bo asked, stepping closer. "Think about the prize money for winning the Europa League—tens of millions of euros! Add to that the broadcast revenue and the fame of the team. That's worth far more than any multimillion-pound player you could buy right now!"
Morton, tempted by the prospect, nodded slowly. "It's not easy to win the FA Cup, though…"
"You leave that to me!" Gao Bo said, his confidence unshakable. "Let's make a bet, David!"
"A bet? What kind of bet?"
"If we win the FA Cup, I'll manage the transfer budget myself next season. I'll sell a player or two to raise funds for reinforcements and contract upgrades."
Morton considered the proposal. It seemed like a reasonable deal, after all, it didn't cost him anything upfront.
"Alright! I accept the bet!" Morton finally agreed.
"Mark my words, David, next season, your team will be European champions!"
Faced with Gao Bo's unwavering confidence, Morton found himself speechless.
Perhaps the common trait among great individuals was their boundless madness.