章 415: Four Years Down, Nine Crowns.
As the starting players of Millwall stepped onto the pitch, the commentator focused on introducing a somewhat surprising figure in the lineup.
"If you've only followed Millwall's key matches this season, you might find one name a bit unfamiliar: Miroslav Klose. He takes the place of the injured Nedved. Klose joined Millwall two years ago and has come on as a substitute a total of 18 times this season in cup and league matches, scoring 8 goals and assisting 12 times with excellent efficiency. He's considered one of the potential future stars of Millwall that English football is keeping an eye on. Traditionally, he partnered with Van Nistelrooy as a two-man frontline, often playing a supportive role for him. Today, however, Hall has placed Van Nistelrooy, who has scored 27 goals in all competitions this season, on the bench and chosen Klose instead, which raises some eyebrows. Let's hope this decision won't become the focal point after the match."
Millwall's formation today appeared to be a 4-2-2-2, with forwards Henry and Klose leading the front, flanked by Van der Meyde and Larsson. Gronkjaer also sat on the bench, while the midfield duo comprised Makelele and Pirlo.
Aldrich believes that his team is obviously stronger than Newcastle United, and Newcastle United will definitely adopt a defensive counterattack strategy. He is very confident in the quality of Van der Meyde's cross and believes that Van der Meyde's cross will definitely shine today.
Before the kickoff, the veterans of the team approached Klose to offer encouragement, reminding him to keep calm.
Klose wore a serious expression. Was he nervous?
No, he was excited.
This was his first time in the starting lineup, playing alongside these highly acclaimed top players. It seemed as if his dream of playing football was beginning to come true.
Aldrich watched intently from the coaching box; he had high expectations for Klose, and he was pleased with Klose's growth over the past two years. Due to Klose's focus on refining his skills, Aldrich felt he couldn't impose even higher demands on him, but that didn't mean he overlooked him.
Klose's transformation was evident. Like Henry, he had come from a wing role.
The difference was that Henry had played as a winger in Ligue 1, whereas Klose had done so in regional amateur leagues.
Thus, there was a noticeable gap in their technical abilities. Fortunately, Klose was still young when he arrived at Millwall. In the past two years, he had focused on honing his technique. While he might not be able to blitz down the field like Henry, his ball control had improved significantly, and he'd racked up 12 assists this season.
As the match began, Millwall immediately seized control of the game, dictating the pace. Newcastle United could only passively defend.
The opponents were tenacious, often making desperate sprints to win the ball, but Millwall calmly dictated the rhythm. Pirlo and Schneider made three consecutive passes, forcing Shearer to run back and forth like a pendulum before Pirlo suddenly slipped a diagonal ball out to Van der Meyde. Gradually increasing the tempo was Millwall's signature move.
Van der Meyde slotted a pinpoint pass into the channel for Henry. Henry controlled the ball, then laid it off for Klose, who squandered the chance to make a pass!
He intended to send it to Larsson, who was indeed making a forward run, but he didn't find any space, as Newcastle United clearly focused on marking Larsson.
After watching the game for 20 minutes, Aldrich saw that Klose had touched the ball 11 times, making 11 passes—7 of which were successful, while 4 were misdirected, all attempted forward balls to Larsson or Henry.
The seasoned manager was quick to catch on to the issue.
He stood and made his way to the touchline, calling Klose over during a pause in play. He succinctly stated, "Think of yourself as a forward!"
After that, he casually returned to his seat.
Klose absorbed the advice and sprinted back into the action.
He had played a supporting role for an entire season, assisting Van Nistelrooy.
So when he started the game, he naturally thought of himself as a supporting role for Henry and Larsson.
This kind of gameplay wasn't wrong per se; instead, it was something Millwall emphasized heavily in training, where attacking players were expected to have a strong playmaking awareness and teamwork.
However, goal-scoring awareness was equally necessary.
Within the substitute lineup, Klose and Van Nistelrooy had defined roles—Van Nistelrooy was the primary scorer, dictated by his playing style.
In the first team, Klose didn't need to play that way as long as he had a scoring mentality and occupied the right areas; Larsson and Henry would be sure to reward him with assists.
After Aldrich's guidance, Klose began to actively call for the ball in attacking situations, pushing forward after making a play to enter threatening zones. Clearly, Newcastle United had underestimated him.
In the 30th minute, Van der Meyde delivered a cross from the right. Henry was positioned centrally, while Larsson lurked at the back post; these two were the primary targets of Newcastle United's defense. Klose made a clever run toward the front post, where only one defender was competing for the header. Klose out-jumped the opponent and expertly nodded the ball into Newcastle United's net.
After scoring, Klose raced toward the sideline and performed a perfect front flip. Those who've practiced gymnastics can certainly differentiate their celebration moves, and his was something even the others found hard to replicate.
"Klose! The young star we highlighted before the match, he has opened the scoring in the FA Cup final! His celebration today was a beautiful front flip! He brings to mind Ronaldinho's breakout performance in the FA Cup final two years ago. Now, another young star from Millwall is shining bright! Remember the name: Miroslav Klose! He is destined to make a mark on English and European football in the not-so-distant future!"
Seeing the goal, Aldrich stood up to applaud Klose, a broad smile spreading across his face. Not only was the team leading, but Klose's goal was incredibly significant for his growth. It was a self-reward that would help him develop faster.
Many teammates rushed to celebrate with Klose. Materazzi playfully butted Klose's forehead and asked, "Hey, little carpenter, how's it feel to score in the final?"
Little carpenter?
Well, ever since the teammates discovered Klose's hobby of climbing onto roofs for repairs one training day, they'd given him the nickname: Little Carpenter.
Klose laughed and replied, "Super awesome!"
Larsson wrapped an arm around Klose's neck, whispering in his ear, "Wait till you get used to this feeling, then you won't just say 'super awesome'!"
"What will it be then?"
"That's addiction! Impossible to resist!"
Millwall had kicked off brilliantly. The players remained fully engaged in the subsequent matches, as this season's remaining time was ticking away second by second.
"Newcastle United has an average of 1.24 goals scored per game and 1.56 goals conceded this season, while Millwall has an impressive 2.34 goals scored per match. Although their 0.73 goals conceded average isn't quite as terrifying as Arsenal's 0.5, they rank second in both offense and defense in the Premier League—Manchester United leads in attack while Arsenal leads in defense. It's understandable that Newcastle United is now caught in a passive role, struggling to create shooting opportunities. Although Materazzi may still show signs of recklessness or mistakes, his overall performance has exceeded expectations. The combination of him and Southgate in central defense is reassuring, particularly with the improvements in aerial defense and physical confrontations against strong forwards. The formidable defensive trio of Materazzi, Southgate, and Makelele complements each other effectively across various aspects, leaving most opponents feeling hopeless when facing them. As Newcastle United goes on the counter-attack, Shearer receives the ball, too focused on Southgate in front of him, oblivious to Makelele's steal from behind. Millwall seizes the opportunity to counter, with numerous gaps appearing in Newcastle United's defense as the visitors had just pushed forward, and their return speed was clearly insufficient!"
In this counter-attack, Van der Meyde dropped back to receive a diagonal pass from Makelele, completing a triangular exchange with Pirlo.
Pirlo turned and fed a through ball to the wing, where Henry broke forward, creating space. In the movement, Larsson completed a role reversal—now Larsson was the center forward.
Henry crossed from the left side of the penalty area to the middle, and Klose, moving outside the box, slotted a pass without touching the ball. Larsson, having successfully evaded the offside trap, cut inside and unleashed a shot, the ball flying straight into the corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
"A magnificent goal! A classic Millwall quick counter-attack! As soon as the opponent's formation stretches out, Millwall can tear through their defenses in waves. The runs and decision-making of their attacking players are impeccable, and Klose's pass to Larsson was perfectly timed, striking at the heart of Newcastle United's defensive gaps. Yet, there's nothing they can do; they can't withstand Millwall's furious front assaults. Gullit has always claimed he would allow Newcastle United to play romantic, beautiful football, but while Hall's side may not be termed 'romantic,' they do embody a stunning brand of football marked by speed, skill, and teamwork—a vision so many teams strive to replicate but can't quite capture!"
Gullit frowned on the sidelines, then relaxed again.
If he had to say he was outclassed, he wouldn't agree.
He believed it was a disparity in strength.
What was Newcastle United's total market value?
What was the combined market value of Millwall's players on the field?
Aldrich didn't celebrate the second goal too heavily; he simply smiled and exchanged light banter with Klinsmann.
Millwall was meant to win this match.
They faced neither the pressures of a congested fixture schedule nor the effects of dwindling combativeness, and certainly wouldn't fall into any traps of complacency.
As the second half began, Aldrich immediately used two substitutions, pulling off Pirlo and Larsson.
Gattuso and Lampard entered, strengthening the defense while Millwall aimed to control the midfield and slow down the game, denying their opponents any chance for a quick counter.
Newcastle United came out with furious counter-attacks in the second half, but in the 71st minute, they were utterly dismantled by Millwall's counter. Van der Meyde unexpectedly beat the offside trap in the center, receiving Schneider's over-the-top pass, slotting the ball into the opponent's net, sealing the victory.
Aldrich finally let Ashley Cole come on to soak in the match atmosphere.
"The match has concluded, congratulations to Millwall for their 3-0 victory over Newcastle United. Millwall has claimed their third FA Cup trophy in four years, becoming this season's league and FA Cup double champions! This marks Milwall's twelfth major title since ascending to the Premier League in the 95-96 season—a feat typical of a dynasty. Aldrich Hall has ushered in a dynasty for Millwall, but how long will this dynasty last? Together, we will witness its future!"
At Wembley, it appeared that the fans of The Lions had organized a pre-match tribute. As the final whistle blew, the entire stand unified in a collective motion of worship toward the pitch, creating a truly stunning scene.
Aldrich stood up and walked to the sideline, hands casually tucked into his pockets, his expression contemplative as he observed.
Four years, and this would be his ninth major trophy.
He hadn't even calculated the two European Super Cups and the Toyota Cup.
If he was indeed in the process of forging a dynasty, then it shouldn't be limited to ruling just England.
Aldrich looked up towards the sky.
The European sky.
Was there really no drive left?
No, I will establish a dynasty that rules over Europe!
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Name: Aldrich Hall
Education
Bachelor's Degree: Sports Management, University of London, Honours Degree
Master's Degree: Football Coaching, Sports Science Institute, specializing in Tactics and Sports Psychology
Physical Features
Height: Approximately 1.80 meters
Build: Athletic, robust physique
Hair Color: Dark brown, often kept short
Eye Color: Deep blue, with a determined gaze
Appearance: Wears a beard, usually dresses simply yet appropriately, exuding a sense of approachability and reliability
Skills
Tactical Analysis: Proficient in various tactical setups, able to flexibly adjust formations and strategies based on opponents' characteristics.
Player Management: Excels in communication with players, effectively motivating the team and boosting morale.
Sports Psychology: Understands players' mental states and provides necessary psychological support at critical moments.
Technical Training: Capable of creating targeted training programs to enhance players' technical and tactical abilities.
Language Proficiency
English: Fluent
Highly proficient in spoken and written English, capable of engaging in complex tactical discussions and presentations.
French: Intermediate
Able to conduct daily conversations and basic tactical exchanges, understands fundamental business and football terminology.
Spanish: Basic
Capable of basic daily interactions and familiar with some common football terms.
Coaching Style
Attack-Oriented: Advocates for an offensive style, emphasizing high pressing and quick counterattacks.
Flexible and Adaptable: Adjusts tactics based on the flow of the game, able to adapt to various opponents' styles.
Encourages Innovation: Promotes creative problem-solving on the field, allowing players to express themselves freely.
Player-Centric: Values individual player development, focusing on teamwork and synergy.
Personality Traits
Decisive: Quick in making tactical decisions, seizing opportunities for key adjustments.
Passionate: Filled with enthusiasm for football, consistently maintaining high energy and inspiring those around him.
Charismatic: Enjoys great interaction with players and fans, earning widespread affection.
Composed: Maintains calmness under pressure, effectively managing unexpected situations.
Good Listener: Open to others' opinions, collaborative in growth with the team, and respects each member's input.
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