The Millwall players felt a deep sense of regret; they should have listened to Aldrich's advice and avoided reading the newspapers or even turning on the TV the next day. A day earlier, headlines buzzed with predictions about Millwall's chances of clinching a treble; just twenty-four hours later, the entire team found themselves facing a barrage of criticism.
Overall, the assessment of the team was that they lacked maturity and stability.
Individual players were also dragged out for public scorn.
Pires was criticized for his poor dribbling: too selfish, too individualistic.
Nedved didn't score—unworthy of being a spiritual leader.
Larsson and Trezeguet had precious few opportunities: underwhelming performances, with the exception of one penalty and a goal from open play, their display was lackluster.
Schneider was reproached: "Is crossing the only thing you can do? Can't you manage a decent shot?"
Young Spanish defender elgra was particularly targeted for the two counterattack goals that came as a direct result of his mistakes. Even though he was more of a center-back than Southgate, he couldn't match Southgate's maturity!
Keller had long been the focus of media derision as well. There was a prevailing belief that Millwall's goalkeeper was their weak link; he could be counted on to concede the goals he shouldn't, while the ones he should save would sometimes slip through.
Aldrich, the head coach, naturally faced mockery from all sides, treated like a drowning dog, with every passerby eager to swing a stick at his head.
Seeing the news, the players naturally felt resentful; even the most rational among them couldn't maintain their composure.
Aldrich had a broader perspective. This was the usual way of Fleet Street; nothing was surprising about it.
The British entertainment media certainly operates with its own set of successful strategies. In essence, it's about praising some while criticizing others.
If someone was in the spotlight, they'd amplify it to celestial heights, causing all eyes to focus on them.
If they were down, they'd stomp on them until they couldn't suffer anymore. Sympathy was a scarce commodity.
No one is perfect; mistakes happen and teams endure their share of defeats. This is news, and Fleet Street turned these common elements of football into sensational headlines.
Fairness and objectivity? Forget about it.
Football is part of the entertainment industry, and adapting to the fickle British media is not something newcomers can do quickly.
Aldrich chose to grant his starting players a week off, meaning they wouldn't play in the last two matches of the season. By the time they recovered from their exhaustion in April, they would aim to finish the season strong and gear up for the FA Cup at Wembley.
Before the last league match at the end of April, Aldrich held a routine pre-match press conference.
Many reporters showed up, and after the media's savage attacks in the past two days, they were eager to see if Aldrich would slip up or reveal any locker room secrets.
However, to the disappointment of Fleet Street, after the drawn game with Leeds United, the Millwall locker room was surprisingly calm.
Even when players were interviewed, they merely expressed standard platitudes: "We didn't perform well. Leeds played excellently; congratulations to them for staying up."
After drawing with Millwall and considering the other match results, Leeds United had secured their survival in the league.
This outcome made Manchester United smile, as it meant they would face Leeds next. Though there was a rivalry between the two, Leeds' spirit would surely wane after securing their safety.
"In recent days, many of the main players have been absent from training. I hear you gave them time off. So, who will you send out for tomorrow's match at St. James' Park? Theoretically, Millwall still has a shot at the title."
Facing this question, Aldrich locked eyes with Richard from the Daily Mail.
He was an old acquaintance, having followed Millwall since last season and never missing a press conference.
In the past two days, while the Daily Mail also participated in the media's vilification of Millwall, it was not Richard writing those articles. Their long-standing rapport meant there was no need for unnecessary conflict, and he preferred to maintain the relationship while still creating news.
After all, anyone can kick someone when they're down. Richard didn't need to hurt his own standing, especially since he wanted to hear real news from Aldrich.
Aldrich paused for a moment, contemplating the prospects of winning the championship.
Is there any hope for winning the title?
Yes.
Assuming Millwall emerges victorious in both of their matches, Newcastle United would need at least one loss and one draw, while Manchester United can only manage to earn 4 points in their two games.
An expert evaluated this scenario's probability, and while it's uncertain how he calculated it, he provided a rather bleak outcome: 2.78%.
Quite accurate, indeed.
Aldrich replied calmly, "Since the first round of the league, Millwall has never been at the top of the table, so we haven't experienced any significant psychological disparity. I've said countless times that we are a young team focusing on each match. The growth and development of the players are our primary goals. No matter the outcome of the season, I am satisfied with the team's performance. Furthermore, I emphasize that it was you who continually shouted that Millwall would win the title. Now, you feign concern over our championship prospects. My team and I only want to play well in every match; that's all."
"So for tomorrow's away match against Newcastle, is your plan to develop younger players?"
"My plan is to have the players play a fantastic game at St. James' Park, to showcase their abilities. That's our goal."
"Could you share the starting lineup for tomorrow?"
"Goalkeeper: Butte. Defenders: Zambrotta, Materazzi, elgra, Capdevila. Midfield: Gattuso, Viera, Ballack. Forwards: Solskjaer, Van Nistelrooy, Shevchenko. Do you need the substitutes list too?"
"That's enough, that's sufficient. Uh, excuse my curiosity, but who are Capdevila and Van Nistelrooy?"
Some reporters stared blankly, unable to recall who these two were.
Aldrich shrugged: "Capdevila is the full-back we signed from Spain last summer. He has adapted to our team's system over the last season, and I've decided to give him a chance to show what he can do. Van Nistelrooy came to the club a couple of years ago but hasn't played much. However, his recent performances have improved, and I believe he has the potential to be a regular first-team player."
Aldrich's decisions regarding his lineup were not impulsive or last-minute; according to his original plan, both Capdevila and Van Nistelrooy should have made the rotational squad by early April. However, this plan was hindered by the team's "crazy" state.
For young players, it's impossible to buy them one day and have them start the next. Aldrich had given them a whole season to acclimate to Millwall—players like Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Capdevila, and Mills all needed time to integrate, as Millwall's tactical system is completely different from the mainstream 4-4-2. Adapting to the football philosophy here requires a lengthy process of learning, understanding, and practicing.
Youth and reserve teams are essential stages for players before they step into the first team, especially since they are still quite young.
After concluding the press conference, Aldrich returned to his office to sort through reports from various departments before heading home to rest for the next day's match against Newcastle.
His phone rang.
Upon answering, he heard a Scottish voice that sounded somewhat irritable.
"Aldrich, what the hell are you doing? Are you throwing away tomorrow's match?"
Ferguson, focused not only on his own team but also on Newcastle United's situation, was keenly aware that Manchester United trailed Newcastle by three points. Ferguson pinned his hopes on Millwall being able to take down Newcastle.
However, Aldrich had announced his starting lineup a day in advance, clearly indicating that Millwall wasn't fielding its strongest side—none of the starting eleven were present!
"Unless I'm mistaken, how I arrange my starting players is none of your business!"
Aldrich's brusque tone left Ferguson momentarily silenced.
"Can you really watch Keegan win the title? He's never had any respect for Millwall!"
"Is that supposed to provoke me? It won't work! My key players need to rest. If I field them, the injury list will only grow. Alex, if you respect me, you'll refrain from interfering in how I manage the team. You've crossed the line! If Millwall loses to Newcastle tomorrow, it won't be because I wanted to gift Keegan a championship. If Millwall beats Newcastle, it won't be because I'm killing myself to help Manchester United win!"
Following a lengthy silence on the other end of the line.
"I apologize for what I just said. Aldrich, about the trade we discussed earlier—can you give me your answer?"
"Nedved isn't interested in moving to Manchester United. No matter how much you offer, I don't plan to sell. I have a deal in place with Stam: if Millwall doesn't win the league this season, Stam will stay for another season. You can ask about his price again next summer. If he decides he wants to stay then, I can only say sorry. Solskjaer can leave, but Manchester United has to make a decent offer; you said he's going to be a starter at Manchester United. He's been a substitute at Millwall this season yet has scored more goals than Cole, who's a first-team regular for Manchester United. If you want this trade done quickly, let's make it smooth and easy."
"What's your asking price?"
"Do you know how to negotiate? My asking price? I'll tell you directly: eight million pounds."
"Are you joking?"
"Joking? How many goals has Cole scored for the six million pounds you spent on him? With two league matches remaining, he has only scored 11 goals. Bergkamp cost Arsenal seven and a half million pounds and has scored how many this season? Ten. My Solskjaer is just a substitute and has scored 12 goals in the league and four in cup matches; do you really think I'm joking?"
"Final offer: five million pounds."
"Well, we can't come to an agreement. Selling a forward who can score nearly twenty goals a season for five million pounds? Ha!"
"Six million pounds, that's my final offer."
"Seven million pounds, or we say goodbye. We'll remain friends, but let's not discuss this trade anymore."
"Deal!"
As Aldrich hung up, he could hear Ferguson grinding his teeth on the other end.