Finding Home, Dismissing Rumors

Millwall has become both a darling and a headache for European bookmakers. Their dominance draws a multitude of customers, yet even a draw in the league can net substantial profits for the betting companies.

However, when it comes to domestic cup matches, Millwall becomes the bookmakers' worst nightmare. Fielding their second team, ostensibly weaker, they still manage to win. Take today's semifinal, for instance—the final score suggests an almost effortless victory, devoid of suspense.

This success is largely attributed to Millwall's renowned youth academy. Aside from goalkeeper Keller, Klose, and Larmore, the entire starting lineup consisted of players who joined the club at or before age 18. This season, Millwall not only enjoys stellar first-team performance but also showcases remarkable youth development.

After the match, a few players spoke to the media.

Millwall's first-team players have long been on the radar of many European clubs. This is no secret. But now, even their substitutes are becoming highly sought after.

"Congratulations, Larmore! Today, you scored the crucial goal that broke the deadlock and secured your team's place in the final. How do you feel right now?"

Larmore paused for a moment, smiling at the camera, before replying, "Incredible. Right now, I feel absolutely incredible. Being able to help the team reach the final and compete for such an important trophy is an honor. It gives me a real sense of purpose here, and I know I'll look back on this season with a great deal of pride. Playing for a great club like Millwall feels like living in a dream."

"There are rumors that Liverpool is keen on bringing you back to Anfield to don the Red shirt once again. We all know you came through Liverpool's youth academy. Have you ever thought about reuniting with Gerrard, Owen, and your old teammates there?"

Though the summer transfer window is yet to open, many clubs have already initiated transfer talks, some as early as February or March when their seasons were effectively settled.

Larmore's smile softened as he spoke. "It's true—I was once a part of Liverpool's youth academy, and I'm grateful for the investment they made in me during that time. But that's it; that's the full extent of my story with Liverpool. My professional career truly began here at Millwall. I've built strong relationships with the coaches, connected well with my teammates, and worked hard in training. The club has protected me, ensured my health, and discussed my career development with me to help me improve. The boss has given me opportunities to contribute, and I'm happy with where I am. Millwall feels amazing—like home."

Having fallen from the heights of promise to the depths of doubt, Larmore remained calm in the face of transfer rumors. Perhaps only someone who had endured such experiences could fully understand how rare it is to find a manager who recognizes your potential and knows how to bring out the best in you. Larmore had no desire to leave—not now, not ever. The nightmare of being loaned out to Doncaster by Liverpool was still fresh in his memory, a chapter he'd rather not revisit. He held no grudge against Liverpool, nor did he feel any gratitude. There was no hate in his heart, and he saw no need to criticize the club after finding his footing again. Leaving Anfield and joining Millwall felt like emerging from the shadows into the light. To Larmore, that journey was a valuable experience that strengthened his spirit and steeled his resolve.

As Larmore calmly dismissed the rumors, his teammate and fellow goal scorer took a far bolder stance in their interview.

"Hi Klose, you've scored 14 goals this season. However, with Henry in the squad, have you considered leaving to secure a starting spot elsewhere? Many clubs, especially in Germany, are reportedly interested in you."

Klose looked genuinely puzzled as he responded, "I've just finished renovating my new house in London. I'm not going anywhere..."

For young players starting out, club-provided apartments are standard, but those who can afford to buy their own homes often prefer to do so.

Klose has had a lucrative season. Beyond his increased weekly wages from last season's contract renewal, he's earned goal bonuses and cup progression bonuses. While there's still a significant gap between his earnings and those of the main squad players, he has saved up a substantial amount.

In February, he purchased a house in London and spent his free time overseeing the renovations himself. For a young player, earning his first home is a monumental milestone—one that might hold even greater sentimental value than future multi-million-dollar mansions.

Modern football clubs can no longer manage players with a military-style approach. They cannot forbid players from speaking to the media or engaging in commercial activities. David Beckham is a prime example of how to navigate this balance.

Nonetheless, there are internal guidelines. Players are free to give interviews but must avoid saying anything damaging to the club. Otherwise, they risk backlash.

This is where agents step in, teaching players how to handle the media. The goal is to increase fame and marketability without jeopardizing relationships with the club—unless, of course, the agent is already planning the player's departure.

Both Larmore and Klose's remarks reflected loyalty and gratitude to Millwall, earning them favor not only among fans but also within the club's management.

Aldrich was asked during an interview about the growing interest in Millwall's young players and whether the club would sell off many academy talents as they had done last year.

"I don't want to describe player transfers as a routine. Every player is unique. Different players suit different clubs, and Millwall's philosophy is to always prioritize the player's career. When we believe a player has no future at this club, we don't frame it as giving up on them. Instead, we strive to find a club where they can develop and thrive further. Millwall doesn't sell young players just for the sake of it. Take Klose, for example. He is integral to Millwall's future. I'm not saying he will replace Henry, but Klose is fully capable of contributing significantly to the team. He's still in a development phase. Right now, he plays roughly one match every ten days. In the future, depending on his physical condition and form, he will have more opportunities."

"But you already have Henry," a reporter interjected.

"Who told you that Millwall can only field one striker at a time? Neither Henry nor Klose is confined to playing as a central forward. If I decide to play them both together one day, does that mean they can't coexist?"

The reporters were struck by the thought. Millwall's dominance in the Premier League with a 4-3-3 formation had left a lasting impression. During their title-winning season, they used the 4-3-3 extensively. Last season, they alternated between a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, but their devastating form—continuing into this season—was firmly rooted in the 4-3-3. This system placed a central striker flanked by two goal-scoring wingers, an attacking setup etched into people's minds as Millwall's signature style.

However, if Aldrich ever succeeded with a 4-4-2 formation, would anyone in England truly be surprised? For decades, English football fans had lived and breathed the 4-4-2 system.

Millwall stormed through their FA Cup semifinal, and once the final opponent was determined, Fleet Street proclaimed, "Rivals Collide!"

The FA Cup final matchup sent Millwall fans into a frenzy.

Chelsea!

What could possibly be more thrilling than winning a trophy?

There was one thing:

Defeating your archrival in the final to claim the trophy!

To watch your beloved team lift the cup while witnessing your greatest foe sink into despair—nothing could top that.

The FA Cup buzz lasted only two days before fresh headlines took over.

The Champions League semifinal second leg loomed.

Dressed in pristine white, Real Madrid had arrived in London a day early. With no chance of winning the league, Real Madrid had gone all-in on their Champions League campaign.

At the dawn of the new millennium, Fleet Street hailed the clash between Millwall and Real Madrid as the "Battle of the Century."

Real Madrid, holders of six European Cups, remained the most successful team in Champions League history. Though their glory days were behind them, their legacy could not be erased. As the only club to still possess the original European Cup trophy, Real Madrid naturally commanded the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Millwall, the most dominant team of the new millennium, entered this showdown with justified hype.

As grand as the billing was, Aldrich knew better than to be swept up by the theatrics. Remaining composed, he focused on preparing the team alongside his coaching staff, ensuring the players stayed sharp and never underestimated the task ahead.

On the evening before the pivotal clash, Aldrich gathered the players after training.

"4-3," he began. "That's the scoreline after 90 minutes in the first leg. But this semifinal has another 90 minutes to go—or maybe more, with the possibility of penalties. While the odds of that are slim, it's still a reality. I know you're brimming with confidence, and that's good. But we cannot relax. We cannot assume our current lead guarantees an easy path forward.

"I believe Real Madrid has some clear advantages. First, their strength. Back in the quarterfinals, everyone assumed Manchester United would sweep past them. What happened? A 0-0 draw at the Bernabéu made things look shaky for them, but when they went to Old Trafford? They raced to a 3-0 lead at one point. Now, we're ahead 4-3. But what if Real Madrid scores two quick goals tomorrow? Then we're down 5-4. And let's not kid ourselves—they're capable of doing that. Nobody expected them to crush Manchester United like they did."

Aldrich's words caused the players to frown.

They had been riding high, optimistic about reaching the final.

But on sober reflection, Aldrich's caution made sense.

This was Real Madrid—a team that had stormed into the semifinals with an emphatic display at Old Trafford.

Aldrich continued, "Second, they have nothing left to lose. Their league campaign is over; there's no title to chase. So they'll treat tomorrow's match as their final. If we're not fully prepared, especially mentally, we could lose to them. We've been there ourselves before—fighting with nothing left to lose. You all know what that desperation feels like. You've lived it, and you know the kind of fight it brings out."

The room fell into contemplative silence.

Millwall's current position was enviable. But if they failed to stay composed and assess the situation clearly, their advantage could turn into a catastrophe.

Nedvěd stepped forward, his expression solemn. "Last year, when we went to Munich, we had a 1-0 lead. In the end, we were eliminated. Our situation then was eerily similar to now. Today, things look better—our league title is already secured, and we're in the FA Cup final. But I believe part of the reason for last year's failure was that we got complacent. That mindset crept into our performance, and we paid the price.

"Now, we have time to regroup, but tomorrow, if we lose, our Champions League campaign ends. Nobody remembers semifinalists—they only care about the finalists. So, we cannot afford regrets. Tomorrow is Real Madrid's final. It's ours too. From now until the final whistle, let's focus entirely on this match. Treat it as the final. If we lose, at least we'll go down knowing we gave everything, without letting overconfidence or comfort cloud our judgment."

Aldrich nodded firmly, his expression resolute. The rest of the squad followed, their eyes burning with determination.

The Champions League showdown between Millwall and Real Madrid was set to ignite!