On the afternoon before the second leg of the Champions League semifinal kicked off, the Millwall youth team joined the first team in Munich for a friendly match against Bayern Munich's youth team. Led by Joe Cole, Villa, Vicente, and Joaquin, the attack completely overwhelmed Bayern, securing a resounding 5-2 victory.
Under Nagy's leadership, the youth team decided against venturing into the outskirts of Munich to seek friendly matches with teams like 1860 Munich. Instead, they took their seats in the stands behind the visiting team's bench to watch the match. Such an important game deserved their close attention, as it also served as a way for the club to instill a sense of belonging in its young players.
However, as they watched their team eliminated by Bayern Munich, disappointment was evident on the young players' faces.
On the pitch, Aldrich approached Ronaldinho, unaware that he had pulled a muscle, assuming he was simply lying on the ground, saddened after missing a penalty. Aldrich bent down and gently pulled Ronaldinho's hands apart, revealing a tear-streaked face. The radiant smile that once lit up the entire Lions Den was nowhere to be found.
"Boss, I'm sorry!"
Ronaldinho recognized how much the entire team valued and anticipated defending their Champions League title, yet he felt he had kicked away everyone's dreams.
Aldrich gave him a gentle smile, showing no trace of bitterness. Without saying a word, he lifted Ronaldinho from the ground. But when he saw Ronaldinho struggling to stand on one leg, pain etched on his face, Aldrich realized that he was injured.
He draped one of Ronaldinho's arms over his shoulder and supported him as they walked toward the center circle.
Ronaldinho leaned against Aldrich, tears still streaming down his face, repeatedly apologizing as if he had committed an unforgivable mistake. As Aldrich strode toward the center circle, cameras surrounded them, broadcasting live, and audiences at home eagerly awaited the reaction of this young manager.
The commentator, Martin Tyler, expressed his profound sorrow. "This moment is unfamiliar to us, to Millwall's fans. It's not that Millwall never loses; they have fallen short before, even when they were so close to the league title. But today's defeat is a milestone in Millwall's history, one that will be etched into the records. Bayern Munich defeated Millwall 1-0 at home, marking Millwall's first loss in European competition, in the Champions League! Since embarking on their European journey last season, Millwall maintained an unbeaten record of 31 matches in the European Cup and the Winners' Cup. They won the Winners' Cup in their first season, only drawing once and winning all others. Last season, counting the finals, they had 8 wins and 3 draws from 11 games, with a penalty shootout victory in the final. This season, Millwall had achieved 8 wins and 1 draw in their first 9 Champions League matches! We have reason to tip our hats to Millwall and to Aldrich! They were never favored, even as reigning champions, and the outside world doubted them because they lost many key players in the summer. Yet, Aldrich quickly molded a new generation of Lions to reach the semifinals, facing Bayern Munich with several World Cup and European Championship winners. Throughout the match, Millwall showed no signs of weakness. It was only in the penalty shootout that they were eliminated, but I believe they will return, they will once again challenge for the Champions League. Never lose faith in Aldrich's team; they can create miracles and provide the fans with the ultimate enjoyment, writing their place in football history!"
Aldrich brought Ronaldinho to the center circle. Facing his head-down, dejected players, he signaled for the three team captains to help lift those still on the ground. He then waved to the substitutes and those who had been replaced to join them. Finally, he pointed to the stands behind the coaching bench, inviting the youth players to join the huddle.
The security staff hesitated but ultimately allowed the young lads in suits to enter the field. Dressed uniformly in suits adorned with Millwall's crest, they appeared sharp and dashing despite their youth.
Once everyone gathered, even as cameramen and journalists approached, Aldrich remained undistracted. His gaze was firm as he scanned the expressions of everyone present before speaking in a low, serious tone. "We lost this match! Yes, we lost. Losing to Bayern Munich is disappointing, but we should not blame ourselves or feel dejected. Competing against such strong opponents is a treasure. Losing is not shameful! Your faces look as if we are at a funeral; what are we mourning? Is this the end? No! This is not the end! It's the beginning, a milestone towards a stronger future for Millwall! Ronaldinho, stop your tears; you're only 19. You should be proud of your performance today! You forced Bayern's defense to keep at least 1.5 players on you! Materazzi, lift your head; I give you a 9 for your performance today! Each of you has only 1 point left to find. In your future, on the road to success, we must leave here with our heads held high—not to convey anything to the outside world, but to remind ourselves: we still have a future! That future is in your hands, in your hearts. The key is how you face it: will you stay down after falling, or will you become stronger and make this team even better? Now, lift your heads, cast aside your sadness; we're setting sail again!"
Aldrich's expression, words, and gestures were captured on camera throughout the entire moment, instantly revitalizing the faces of the players.
"Millwall!" Southgate shouted firmly.
Every Millwall player and coach echoed, "Charge! Charge! Charge!"
Aldrich turned around, leading the entire team off the field.
This scene was absolutely stunning, later becoming an unforgettable classic moment in Champions League history!
Despite the defeat, the Millwall players, under their resolute young manager's guidance, wore expressions that showed no sadness, but rather a resilient spirit. Even Ronaldinho, with tear-streaked cheeks and supported by Villa and Joe Cole, had a determined look in his eyes.
On that fallen pitch, Ronaldinho made a silent vow. He would lead Millwall back for retribution, to bring the Champions Cup home for all Millwall fans!
He would!
He would!!!
After returning to the locker room, Ronaldinho's injury was treated, and Schneider's cramp was attended to by the medical staff. The players were silent as they took showers and changed, preparing to leave Munich. Aldrich went to attend the post-match press conference.
As Aldrich entered the press room, reporters from Fleet Street warmly welcomed him with applause, reflecting admiration.
Millwall's elimination caught everyone off guard. However, it wasn't a crushing defeat but rather a heartbreaking exit via a penalty shootout. In 90 minutes, while Millwall didn't score, they effectively contained Bayern's attacks aside from that set-piece goal.
"Coach Aldrich, do you have anything to say about the match result?" a reporter asked.
Aldrich calmly responded, "Congratulations to Bayern Munich for advancing to the final; they deserve the victory. Before the first leg, I stated that either Millwall or Bayern Munich deserved to reach the final. Both teams are evenly matched, and the suspense lasted only a moment. Nedved's goal provided us with a good start, and Effenberg's header was a result of Bayern's hard work. Ultimately, it came down to penalties—a harsh but seemingly fair outcome. We were simply unfortunate; that's normal. Penalty shootouts are inherently unpredictable; no one has absolute confidence."
Reporters nodded in agreement with Aldrich's sentiments.
From the two legs and a total of 210 minutes of gameplay, it was neck-and-neck between Bayern Munich and Millwall. Neither team scored from a clearly created opportunity; normally, that would be called luck, but in such a top-tier encounter, what seems fortuitous is essentially inevitable.
A reporter from Germany's Bild raised his hand and asked, "The 'sinner' who missed the sixth penalty, Ronaldinho—before he took the shot, we noticed that Millwall captain Southgate had a brief exchange with him. Did he insist on taking that sixth penalty?"
Aldrich's expression turned fierce, and he replied vehemently, "'Sinner'? You'd better watch your fucking tone! None of my players is a sinner! If you want someone to blame, blame me! We were eliminated, and the responsibility falls on me! I allowed him to take that penalty! I didn't consider his physical limits, and that's why he got injured. If you're looking for a scapegoat, then it's me!"
With that, Aldrich stood up and left the stage, unwilling to argue further with the reporters.
The **Bild** reporter was left dumbfounded.
He curiously turned to his fellow Fleet Street journalists.
What the hell.
Isn't it your forte to search for a scapegoat when penalties are missed?
Isn't that England's tradition?
I respect your traditions, but your young coach is angry?
The Fleet Street reporters raised their brows, unsurprised.
This young manager was known for defending his players. Ever since he stood up to the media on behalf of Southgate, he has never allowed external pressure to weigh on his players.
Let alone the heavy burden of being labeled the "sinner" of the team.
Returning from Munich, Millwall's flight landed in London in the early morning.
As Aldrich led his team out of the airport to board the bus home, he was astonished to see nearly a thousand Lions fans gathered outside the terminal, chanting the names of each player in celebration.
If you hadn't seen the match and didn't know the outcome, you might have thought Millwall had returned victorious.
Seeing so many fans come to support them touched the players deeply, with some even having moist eyes.
Aldrich was also moved by the scene, making a gesture of reverence to the fans before boarding the bus.
After returning home, Aldrich slumped onto the sofa. Although he had lifted the spirits of the team right after the game, who was there to lift him?
Staring at the ceiling, a bittersweet smile crossed his lips.
To reclaim the Champions League title? There's a long way to go.
Was he disappointed?
No, he didn't feel that way.
Competing against Bayern Munich this season was a treasured memory, one that he would likely reflect on with a smile in his twilight years. Victory and defeat are common in this business; losing isn't shameful. The joy of competing against formidable opponents is one of the pleasures of his profession.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
This time, Aldrich genuinely smiled. Someone had come to comfort and uplift him.
He opened the door and, as expected, found Yvonne standing there with a fruit salad...