Chương 103: Millwall! Charge! Charge! Charge!！
In football, a derby match may seem like a casual affair for neutral fans who can sit on their couches, beer in one hand and snacks in the other, calmly waiting for an exciting and fierce competition. But for the coaches, players, and fans of the two rival teams, it is nothing less than a war. Millwall needs this war. On its journey from a small club to a top-tier team, a derby battle is essential.
Take a look at the prestigious clubs around the world: Manchester United vs. Liverpool, the Milan Derby, the Italian Derby, the Madrid Derby, and the Spanish National Derby, to name a few.
If a top club goes an entire season without a worthy derby match, it starts to lose some of its luster. Bayern Munich, for example, is undeniably the most dominant team in German football, yet from a public perspective, derbies against local adversaries like 1860 Munich, the Bavaria Derby, or the North-South Derby fail to capture significant attention. This has led Bayern to tirelessly cultivate a national derby to attract eyeballs. Whether it's against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Hamburger SV, or the contemporary challengers like Borussia Dortmund, the tradition of derby matches is deeply rooted and cannot simply be created by picking the strongest opponent to generate a spectacle. While matches between powerhouses are thrilling, the essence of derby culture cannot just materialize out of thin air.
Aldrich can't quite explain why Millwall and West Ham United are still embroiled in a bitter rivalry. After more than a century, this relationship defies reason; it's not like a detective story where clues can unravel the complexity, nor can it be solved by simply sitting down and calmly discussing "revenge will come to an end someday."
The rivalry behind a derby is always influenced by changing times, mixed with factors such as history, culture, politics, and economics. For example, understanding Spanish history makes it easier to grasp the war between Real Madrid and Barcelona; it is not just a football match but a struggle between the Catalan nation and the Spanish ruling class, amplified by decades of political manipulation. Even though Real Madrid was founded by Catalans and carries the blood of Catalonia, the hatred towards Barcelona persists. The political undertones may have subsided since the 1970s, but the intense emotions of rivalry endure.
Millwall is located in London, and Aldrich considers this very fortunate. Aside from London being an international metropolis beneficial for the club's long-term development and rapid rise, it holds no shortage of derby rivals. Today, the East London Derby might match Millwall's current standing with its prominence and status, but in the future, Millwall could compete against revitalized teams like Arsenal or rising ones like Chelsea. In such a derby context, the appeal of fierce competitions will surely be amplified.
Millwall's bus safely arrives at Upton Park, the home ground of West Ham United.
The players' expressions are somewhat tense, especially after witnessing the "welcoming gestures" of the Hammers fans on the way.
Aldrich says nothing to the players, allowing them to soak in the atmosphere. Although the East London Derby doesn't feature top-tier teams, the electrifying atmosphere is among the most exhilarating in England. Playing in such an environment is also a stroke of luck for the players; if a player's career is spent in quiet stadiums, they will surely feel regret upon retirement.
Football is inherently a passionate and explosive sport.
As the players change into their kits for warm-ups, they are unsettled by two things.
Upton Park is packed to capacity, with Millwall fans seated in the South Stand, separated from the Hammers fans. Security police line the aisles on both east and west sides, watchfully averting any contact between the rival fans.
On the stands, the Hammers fans have stopped blowing bubbles or singing their team songs; the fans on both sides are synchronously pointing toward the South Stand, hurling shouts at Millwall fans.
"Your support is rubbish!"
"Millwall is going down today!"
...
Typically, away games would see the Lions' fans gather a larger crowd, but today, due to ticket scarcity, Brady has come with only a few hundred members to Upton Park. Among them are Millwall fans, but they are not part of an organized group, and certainly, some extreme factions are present.
In this charged atmosphere, everyone feels the tension and is unable to remain calm. The Hammers fans shout insults, and Millwall supporters retaliate, even throwing objects at each other. If not for the immediate intervention of the police, who removed and expelled several fans from both sides, the situation could have escalated further.
The players warming up on the field are not having it easy either. Fans in the nearest stands hurl obscenities at them, flipping them off, and making derogatory remarks about their families, some even tinged with racial slurs.
Millwall's players try hard to maintain their composure. This might be the most nervous moment of their lives, and they are infuriated by the state of the pitch under their feet.
Is this a football field?
This is a vegetable patch!
Not only is it uneven, but there are also many bare patches. When the ball rolls to a teammate during warm-ups, it bounces and wobbles several times on the rough ground, causing unpredictable deflections.
This is undoubtedly a plan devised by the Hammers. Redknapp has studied Millwall's gameplay, which focuses on a ground-based passing game that emphasizes speed, technique, and teamwork.
Contrastingly, West Ham continues with its brute-force tactics, not fearing a poor pitch; the ball flies through the air rather than rolling on the ground. A rough surface would limit Millwall's speed, which is crucial to their game plan.
Imagine how cautious fast players must be on such a terrible pitch. One misstep onto a pothole could easily result in an ankle sprain.
Although Redknapp may not show age—his hair still largely ungrayed—that does not diminish his calculating nature. This pitch alone can minimize Millwall's technical advantages and increase the Hammers' chances of winning.
Aldrich has been aware of all this since he started preparing for the match two weeks ago.
West Ham has not maintained the grass since their last game, and Aldrich's scouts report back daily. He was already aware of Redknapp's plans earlier in the week.
Because Schneider was injured in the match against Wimbledon, Aldrich has encountered some difficulties in his lineup for this game.
After the players return to the locker room, Aldrich gently pushes the tactical board, toppling it to the ground.
Clank!!
The noise caused the players to jump, making them somewhat tense and acutely aware of any sounds. They looked at Aldrich, thinking that the head coach was also being careless.
"Today, you don't need this! You may not grasp how intense the hatred is between Millwall and West Ham United. Yes, it's pure hatred—a fierce enmity, a brutal rivalry with no chance for peace. It's that deep-rooted animosity that tells you, even if you crush me today, I will make you regret it! Picture me dancing on your grave, still unsatisfied, occasionally pulling your corpse out to lash it in ruthless celebration. This is the East London derby! If you let the Hammers' mighty presence scare you into submission, I will be utterly disappointed. You'll be doomed to mediocrity. You'll feel that overwhelming pressure; when those hostile fans come at you, you might wonder: 'Who are you, and why do you want to kill me?' Let me remind you, the football pitch is not a stage for fine art. Welcome to the explosive and savage East London derby!"
Aldrich spreads his arms, expressionless, and the players collectively raise their heads to look at him. For a moment, Aldrich seems more like a battle-hardened general, while they are the soldiers about to march into battle.
"Today, I can't say that winning or losing is secondary because it's more important than ever! But above winning and losing, there is something even more significant. We need to show our fighting spirit, our passion, and our ruthlessness! Fight like men until the end, and if we win, the fans will regard you as heroes as if you have ruled the land, defended the homeland, and carved out new territories. You'll be greater in their eyes than Napoleon! I have always been proud of you. You make me proud. But today, if anyone shows cowardice or shrinks back during the game, I can only honestly say: I won't have any reason to respect you anymore. And now, before we head out, take a moment to look down at the emblem on the left chest of your jersey for a minute. Thank you."
With that, Aldrich leaves the locker room, heading to the field.
Many players bow their heads, gazing at the emblem on their shirts.
Take Trezeguet, for instance; he understands the significance of Millwall better than anyone. This may not be his last stop, but here, he has found a platform to soar. Preaching about honor might seem insincere, but the practical benefits have been offered by Millwall.
Among these players, Southgate has the deepest understanding of England's derby culture. Although he made the switch from Crystal Palace, it was here that he truly evolved, and the doors of the England national team opened for him. All of this owes itself to the path he forged after coming to Millwall.
As captain, he speaks deeply, "Guys, let's give it our all today."
After he speaks, other players rise too. Southgate solemnly calls out, "Millwall!"
"Charge! Charge! Charge!"
The teammates respond in unison.
"Millwall!" Southgate raises his voice.
"Charge! Charge! Charge!" The players' eyes are sharp as they roar.
"Millwall!" Southgate shouts.
"Charge! Charge! Charge!"
The entire team bellows together.
With a determined pull on the locker room door, Southgate leads the charge out, and the Lions of Millwall stride forth like beasts released from their cages.
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