章 385: Conflicted Heart
As Aldrich stepped into the locker room, the atmosphere was electric. The players, recently returned from an intense 90 minutes on the field, were laughing and chatting, already preparing to wash off the fatigue and change out of their kits.
In that moment, amid effective tactics flourishing through creativity, these talented athletes were in their element, reveling in the joy of the game—a thrill that carried on into the locker room.
Before Aldrich arrived, they playfully mocked each other over missed opportunities—who had squandered a one-on-one chance, who had shot wildly wide from a prime position, and who had tripped over their own feet at an inopportune moment.
But once he entered, the room fell quiet. They looked at him, smiles lingering on their faces, perhaps hoping for a word of encouragement.
Aldrich leaned against the door, hands tucked away in his pockets. He started with a genuine compliment before transitioning to a more serious tone. "Listen up, this is just the start. You're not quite where I want you to be yet. Don't ever think that scoring a bunch of goals today means you've reached your peak and can coast into the next match. Absolutely not. Kick that mindset to the curb! You should be telling yourselves: today went well, but I can do better! Beating Liverpool isn't that impressive—at least seven teams have taken them down this season. What we're after isn't just defeating a single club or snagging a trophy; it's about leaving a glorious legacy on the pitch throughout your careers. Let's make sure that when people talk about Millwall in the years to come, they rave about who was on this team. Remember, you have the power to create history. Together, we can dominate. No doubt about it—dominate European football!"
The locker room was silent. Players stared at Aldrich in awe until Ronaldinho finally asked, "Boss, what's your ultimate goal? I mean, you've already brought the club the highest honors. What's next?"
Aldrich replied calmly, "My goal? There's only one: I want the totem of the Lions to overshadow the entire continent of Europe, to have the deep blue of Millwall shade the European sky, and for the name Millwall to resonate globally. My ambitions rely on you. If you're unwilling to support me, let me know in advance."
With that, Aldrich turned to leave, but behind him, Ronaldinho shouted excitedly, "Boss! I will help you achieve all your goals!"
Aldrich walked off, leaving the players unaware of his expression. At that moment, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, a mix of satisfaction and emotion. No matter how lofty a coach's ambitions may be, they must rely on excellent players to bring them to fruition. Aldrich hoped that the stars under his guidance could reach their historic heights and not squander their potential, or he would regret it for life.
The post-match press conference was centered on Millwall's victory, and Fleet Street praised their dazzling attack.
However, some skeptics questioned Aldrich about the stark contrast in Millwall's performances against Manchester United and Liverpool, noting how the attacking group was ineffectual against United but explosive against Liverpool.
"Compare the goals scored and conceded by Manchester United and Liverpool, and you'll understand the difference in our performance," Aldrich explained. "United's offense and defense are stronger than Liverpool's. When the attack is potent, the defensive pressure is high, leading to fewer opportunities for offensive plays. When the defense is strong, our attacking formation suffers, demanding greater teamwork and understanding. That's the reason. You can't expect a team to deliver identical performance statistics against two teams of differing strengths."
The win at Anfield significantly boosted the team's confidence as they tested new tactical adjustments, reducing the overlap from wing-backs and relying solely on a five-man attacking unit. The effectiveness demonstrated the integrity of their strategy, inspiring the players and affirming Aldrich's coaching capabilities.
Leading up to the Champions League's reboot in March, Millwall's league performances continued to improve:
- Round 23: Millwall 5 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday
- Round 24: Wimbledon 0 - 2 Millwall
- Round 25: Millwall 3 - 0 Nottingham Forest
- Round 26: Millwall 2 - 1 Middlesbrough
- Round 27: Millwall 1 - 1 Blackburn
- Round 28: Southampton 1 - 4 Millwall
- Round 29: Spurs 2 - 4 Millwall
Milwall's new generation of attackers began to take shape. Including their victory over Liverpool, they achieved 7 wins and a draw in their last 8 league matches, averaging three goals per game, which shocked the English football scene.
This momentum propelled Millwall to the top of the league table, pulling 4 points clear of Manchester United, 6 points above Arsenal, and 8 points ahead of Chelsea.
Fielding all substitutes in the FA Cup, they advanced smoothly, maintaining hopes for trophies on all fronts.
Millwall's rapid ascension captured the attention of Europe, with scouts from top clubs frequently appearing in the stands to observe their players up close.
The magical Lions on the banks of the Thames drew the gaze of many European teams, and calls for Millwall to sweep through Europe in the Champions League echoed louder than ever.
They appeared unstoppable, with no defense able to withstand their onslaught.
The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 took place at Wembley, and Aldrich attended the pre-match press conference with a serious demeanor, despite the recent praise showered upon him over the last three months.
He knew that Millwall hadn't faced a true powerhouse yet, and Kyiv Dynamo might just be the test he needed.
The atmosphere at the press conference was light, but when one reporter asked, "Will Kyiv Dynamo give Millwall any trouble?" it came off as disrespectful, suggesting they weren't a serious concern.
Aldrich frowned and said, "A team that has managed to outperform the champions of both Ligue 1 and the Premier League—will they pose a problem for Millwall? That question is quite foolish. The chances of Millwall advancing against Kyiv Dynamo are fifty-fifty. Their opportunities to reach the semifinals are equal to ours."
The reporters in attendance shook their heads, believing Aldrich was being overly cautious.
"Millwall has beaten Kyiv Dynamo twice last season. Your form has been impressive so far. If you believe Millwall and Kyiv Dynamo are on the same level, wouldn't that undermine Millwall's morale?"
Aldrich retorted: "Football is not just a comparison of strength or current form; you also have to consider climate, pitch conditions and adaptation - especially the psychological impact. If Millwall thought they could easily beat Dynamo Kyiv, as you say, then after 180 minutes our Champions League journey would be over."
The press conference today concluded with tension between Aldrich and the journalists.
It wasn't just Fleet Street; media outlets across Europe following the match also believed Aldrich was being overly low-key.
They argued that Millwall should adopt a more assertive stance, especially as the reigning champions, even without their best form.
During dinner, Aldrich arrived at a Western restaurant in the city where Yvonne was already waiting for him. After he ordered and sat down, he seemed lost in thought.
"What are you thinking about?" Yvonne asked, grinning as she rested her chin on her hand.
Aldrich shook his head, "Oh, nothing."
"Tell me, I want to share in your worries," she said with a teasing tone.
Aldrich raised an eyebrow, "It's just work, mainly team stuff."
"Millwall's been doing great lately. There's a buzz saying we're the most glamorous team in England and the biggest threat to all the European heavyweights."
Yvonne's eyes sparkled as she gazed at Aldrich, who seemed enveloped in a mystical aura.
Aldrich spread his napkin across his lap, saying, "It's like school—you ace all the little quizzes, think you're fine when the big test comes, but if you don't review, you might find the exam questions completely alien, and suddenly you're blanking out."
Yvonne's expression shifted. "You're worried about the team underestimating their opponents?"
Aldrich nodded. "The right mindset is crucial, but it can't just change with a few words from the coach."
In three months without a strong opponent, the team's soaring morale is great, but if it breeds blind confidence, that could be detrimental.
As dinner came to a close, Yvonne suddenly said, "Chisholm has gone back to Liverpool. Aren't you going to visit her?"
Aldrich fell silent, his gaze unfocused and distant.
The news of Melanie's pregnancy had become public, and during an interview, she confessed that Aldrich was the father. Initially, their busy work lives kept them apart, but her return to England and choice to stay in Liverpool raised suspicions.
Just a few days ago, paparazzi had approached Aldrich on the street, asking if he had broken up with Melanie.
The two were in a silent standoff, neither making a public declaration of their separation.
Both he and Melanie were waiting for the other to budge.
Yet Aldrich's patience was nearly spent.
Aldrich liked to examine himself; after all, having lived for decades, he wasn't one to shift the blame to others when problems arose.
He had changed. The old him might have yielded, feeling accomplished and satisfied, even settling for being a perfect husband instead of pursuing the head coach position. The version of him from a past life would probably have hurried to find Melanie by now.
But he couldn't do that now—he completely couldn't.
His success and fame had instilled in him a special kind of pride.
Men tend to have an aggressive nature, always wanting to take charge.
He would not yield.
If not for the child's consideration, he would have already resolved to sever ties with Melanie.
His emotions were very contradictory. Every night before sleep, he closed his eyes and envisioned his future children. Yet, the idea that they might not grow up in a complete family filled him with a vague sense of sorrow. Perhaps, as an orphan in a past life, he desperately wanted to give his children a happy and intact family.
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