The Rise of Millwal

Chapter 349: Breaking Ties with the FA

Chapter 349: Breaking Ties with the FA

After Millwall's aggregate victory over Dortmund six months ago to claim the European Super Cup title, they triumphed again today at the Louis II Stadium, decisively beating Chelsea 2-0. This match reminded everyone of just about six months ago when Vialli, newly appointed at Chelsea, faced off against Hall in the League Cup final. Back then, Hall's strategy outsmarted Vialli. Today, it was tactical execution that brought down the opponent. Through these two championship battles, Hall showcased outstanding tactical deployment and command, while Vialli's efforts appeared lacking. But that's to be expected; Vialli can boast of his achievements as a player, while Hall can counter with his coaching successes. Life certainly seems fair that way.

Millwall raised the European Super Cup once again at the Louis II Stadium. After the game, Aldrich was naturally the center of attention. He had shown disdain for Chelsea before the match, only to dismantle them with a cautious counter-attacking strategy. The turnaround was dramatic, yet the outcome was enough for Aldrich to hold his head high in front of the media.

He directly participated in the post-match interview, surrounded by a swarm of reporters.

When asked if he felt proud of defeating Chelsea and claiming the title again, Aldrich shrugged, "I don't even know where this pride comes from. Is it because of the trophy or because we beat Chelsea? If it's the former, I can't say I'm proud, but I am satisfied with the players' performance. If it's the latter, that seems absurd to me—Chelsea isn't anything remarkable. You keep saying Desailly and Le Saux are better than Southgate and Materazzi, and that Poyet and Di Matteo surpass Lampard and Makélélé. I think that's the most erroneous comparison. Comparing two teams based on player matchups is meaningless. Southgate isn't going to face Desailly one-on-one, and Materazzi doesn't defend against Le Saux. Does it really matter who is better? What's important is that Southgate and Materazzi neutralized Flo and Zola, and Makélélé and Lampard restricted Poyet and Di Matteo. Meanwhile, Chelsea couldn't handle Millwall's attacking players. Millwall is simply stronger. There's nothing to argue about, so should I feel proud for defeating a team that's already weaker than us?"

Aldrich had grown weary of the media's constant elevation of Chelsea's prowess.

Yes, Chelsea has improved. They've certainly made strides, but that doesn't mean they've reached a level worthy of being called a top team.

Especially when the media, out of boredom, vertically compares the strengths of various teams; such methods seem absurd to him.

Normally, comparing two teams means evaluating the strength of players across three lines: defense, midfield, and attack—who's stronger in each position.

But as a head coach, Aldrich never compares the strength of teams this way.

It's meaningless. When he analyzes the opponent, his comparisons are flipped.

Midfielders might directly confront each other, which relates to controlling the center.

But comparing defenders to defenders, forwards to forwards, what does that have to do with the game?

He only compares the opponent's forwards to his own defenders, and his own forwards to the opponent's defenders, carefully crafting his strategy.

If their defenders are slow, he exploits the speed advantage. If their defenders struggle with aerial duels, he plays long balls.

If their forwards are quick and incisive, he adjusts the defensive positions, assigning Southgate to play deep, intercepting the enemy's penetrative runs. If the opponent relies on long passes, the defenders must focus on controlling the area.

He can honestly admit that the midfield combination of Makelele and Lampard had no possession advantage against Chelsea. So, he adjusted his tactics and focused on wing play. Millwall's attack was wide-ranging today, maximizing their strengths and minimizing their weaknesses - this is the key to victory.

The post-match interview ended on a sour note, with Aldrich criticizing the media, believing their constant comparisons disrespected his players and affected their mood.

Anyone hearing their performance compared unfavorably to the opponent's wouldn't be pleased!

But if they won the match, it only made the players happier.

After the awards ceremony, Millwall celebrated quietly before many players left for their national teams for FIFA international fixtures.

Aldrich took the remaining few players back to London.

The next league match wouldn't be held for another ten days.

Except for the main players of the national team such as Nedved and Southgate, most of the young starters either sit on the bench of the national team or are called up to the lower-level national teams. Aldrich didn't object. He believes playing for the U23 or U21 internationals would help their development, although it could impact Millwall's upcoming league fixtures (the so-called FIFA virus).

Back in London, Aldrich's routine resumed. He went for morning runs with Yvonne and spent the day working.

Just as national team matches were heating up, he received a dinner invitation from FA official Weissman.

That evening, the Ritz hotel buzzed with influential guests coming and going, a bustling hub of activity.

Aldrich arrived in a brand new Audi. His old BMW had seen better days and frequently required maintenance, so he opted for a new car from the team's sponsor during summer—advertising was a normal part of the deal.

Guided by a waiter, Aldrich entered the private room, where Weissman and CEO Kelly awaited him eagerly. As Aldrich walked in, they both stood to greet him.

"Congratulations! Another trophy for Millwall's honor cabinet. Aldrich, your speed in collecting trophies is faster than a rocket! Hahaha."

Weissman's opening line surprised Aldrich.

That was quite an obvious flattery.

Strangely, this felt unusual.

Previously, their interactions had a more equal tone, or Weissman, owing to his seniority, would speak to Aldrich in a grandfatherly way.

Aldrich had never minded that, given Weissman's position in the FA. But many in the football world eyed that spot enviously, vying for higher positions within the FA.

So dealing with people like him, Aldrich played along, as it didn't matter much.

However, today's demeanor seemed out of the ordinary. Aldrich began to suspect that the dinner might be part of a hidden agenda—something unusual was afoot!

He humbly responded and took a seat. Kelly was equally enthusiastic, smiling as he handed the menu to Aldrich, who politely declined and turned to order his dinner directly from the waiter. He had visited here often enough to know what he liked.

In the first half of the dinner, Weissman and Kelly engaged in lively discussion. They reminisced about Aldrich's journey since becoming the head coach over four years ago.

They recounted trophy after trophy.

Their words were laced with the memories of witnessing Aldrich's rise.

Weissman excitedly talked about his emotions every time Millwall received a domestic award and praised himself for recognizing Aldrich's potential early on...

Aldrich simply ate, nodding and smiling, not joining the conversation.

Once they had exhausted their flattery, Weissman signaled to Kelly, who understood immediately. From his briefcase, he pulled out a document and handed it to Aldrich.

Aldrich wiped his mouth, thinking, finally, we're getting to the point.

He took the document, scanned it, and was confused about its relevance, laying it down and asking, "How does this relate to me or Millwall?"

Weissman smiled broadly, "It does! The FA invites you to join our team. Isn't Lion King Stadium slated for completion in two years? By then, it can become one of the main venues for the 2006 World Cup."

The 2006 World Cup?

Yes, the document contained details about the FA's bid to host the 2006 World Cup.

Aldrich pondered for a moment and replied, "But I'm the head coach; I don't have the time."

"This won't take much of your time. You are currently popular, with influence in European football, and with your image, representing England as one of the delegation members would benefit you greatly."

Weissman looked at Aldrich with eager eyes.

The FA hoped Aldrich could become the face of England's bid for the 2006 World Cup.

As Weissman said, it seemed this could only be advantageous for Aldrich, getting further recognition.

However, this was contingent on England winning the bid.

Aldrich thought for a moment before shaking his head, "Sorry, I just want to focus on my current job."

His conclusion was that it was best to decline.

There were three reasons.

First, England's bid for the 2006 World Cup was doomed to fail; Aldrich didn't want to carry the label of a failed ambassador.

Second, it would be morally reprehensible for England to bid now, given their past commitments.

This stemmed from the 1996 European Championship, when Aldrich remembered reading detailed analyses of the situation. England successfully hosted the 1996 Euro because they had a gentleman's agreement with Germany to withdraw their bid in exchange for support in their 2006 World Cup bid.

Now, after reaping the benefits of hosting the Euro, England suddenly wanted to bid for the World Cup. This was not only turning their back on Germany but also competing against them, which felt incredibly disloyal.

If Aldrich got involved, while he had no ties to the previous agreements or football politics, the negative repercussions would surely impact him.

Lastly, Germany was simply too strong!

In the process of preparing for the 2006 World Cup, Germany received strong support from the political and business circles. The delegation has a majestic lineup, and the whole country spares no effort to support the World Cup, even sacrificing national interests to canvass votes. What price can Britain pay for the competition?

Aldridge knew this was a doomed endeavor and he wanted no part of it.

The World Cup was such a grand, complex undertaking, and no matter how brilliant Aldrich was, he couldn't turn the tide; England had no foundation for their campaign, which he simply didn't want to involve himself in.

However, Weissman and Kelly persistently tried to persuade Aldrich to join England's bid committee, but Aldrich remained unyielding. No matter their arguments, he insisted on focusing on coaching his club.

Ultimately, the dinner ended with Weissman and Kelly leaving in a huff, and Aldrich's three-year friendly relationships with Weissman in the FA were abruptly severed.