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Chapter 142: The Dejected Benitez

Additionally, the management at Millwall Stadium was fined ￡180,000 for failing to control the crowd in the stands. The incident rapidly escalated into one of the largest fan riots in the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The FA subsequently released another statement addressing the clashes between the fans of both teams, which resulted in injuries to police officers. During a stoppage of over 15 minutes, mounted police were even seen charging onto the pitch.

The FA was determined to crack down on football hooliganism. Millwall and West Ham United had long been breeding grounds for such behavior, providing the FA with a perfect opportunity to enforce strict measures. Rumors circulated that an unpublished list included over 400 fans, with those caught on camera clashing with police facing lifetime bans. This would effectively mean they would be barred from attending any matches organized by the FA for life.

Fans who engaged in violent behavior would also face prosecution.

Despite Aldrich and his two assistant referees showing disrespect towards the officiating, the FA only suspended him for two matches, likely due to Millwall's cooperation in combating hooliganism, which prompted the FA to take a lenient approach.

Regardless, as the Premier League neared its championship finale, imposing harsh penalties on Millwall might be perceived as favoritism towards Manchester United or Newcastle United, potentially inciting greater discontent among the Lions' supporters.

In the eye of the storm, referee Barry Knight was placed under the FA's protection and demoted to officiate in lower leagues. Even if he were to return to the Premier League in the future, it was unlikely he would referee at Millwall's ground again.

England's suspension rules significantly differ from those of other European leagues; in England, player suspensions apply to domestic matches rather than being divided into league and cup competitions. This meant that Aldrich wouldn't miss Millwall's upcoming FA Cup Fourth Round match against Newcastle United.

Newcastle had just lost to Liverpool in the league, narrowing the gap with Manchester United and Millwall to just one game.

Despite Aldrich's absence, a key player's injury, and the captain's suspension, Kevin Keegan chose to field a squad primarily made up of substitutes at home against Aston Villa, preparing for the last five matches of the league.

Meanwhile, with the players' frustration continuing to build, Aldrich decided to replace Southgate with Elkhra and Neil with Zambrotta, encouraging his team to play freely at St James' Park.

Aldrich watched as Millwall defeated Newcastle 2-1, advancing to the semifinal of the FA Cup, with FA officials accompanying him.

Kevin Keegan didn't mind losing in the FA Cup; in fact, he felt somewhat relieved. Millwall would face Manchester United in the semifinals, and this would benefit Newcastle's performance in the remaining five league matches.

However, on the way back from victory, Aldrich displayed no signs of joy.

Reaching the semifinals didn't mean winning the cup, and there was nothing to celebrate.

With the European Championship due to occur on home soil during the summer, England held high hopes for the national team to clinch the title. To allow players ample preparation time and ensure the facilities were ready for top teams, the English leagues would conclude in early May—more than a month earlier than during odd-numbered years. This resulted in an especially tight schedule for April.

May 3rd marked the final matchday of the Premier League.

This meant Millwall had four Premier League matches and one FA Cup semifinal left within the month.

Upon returning to London, Aldrich granted the players a day off. For the weekend's league match against Aston Villa, he planned to field a reserve team, preserving the starters for the upcoming FA Cup semifinal against Manchester United.

Back at home, Aldrich found himself sitting on the couch, seemingly unable to think of anything, especially considering Neil's severe injury and the crowd troubles.

Ding-dong.

The doorbell rang.

Aldrich stood up to open the door, greeted by a man who looked even more exhausted and downcast than he felt.

The man was slightly overweight, about the same height as Aldrich, dressed in a shirt and casual pants. His head shone with grease, showing signs of balding.

"Rafa?"

Aldrich was surprised to see this evening visitor.

He never expected to find this man at his doorstep; their next encounter seemed destined to happen on a Premier League pitch, one in a blue jersey and the other in red.

The man at the door was 36-year-old Rafael Benitez. His hair was thinning, and he glanced into the living room, appearing somewhat fatigued.

"Are you not going to let me in for a chat?" he asked. Aldrich raised an eyebrow, stepped aside, and said, "Come in, make yourself comfortable. What would you like to drink? Coffee, tea, or water?"

"Got any wine?" Benitez replied, his demeanor reflecting a hint of gloom. Once he sat down, Aldrich fetched two bottles of beer—one for each of them.

Benitez looked at the beer in his hand and couldn't help but chuckle bitterly, "Aren't you supposed to be a rich kid? When did you start inviting me for beer?" Aldrich, not in the mood for casual conversation, replied, "If you're looking for something better, check the kitchen. There's a wine cabinet next to the fridge with some red wine. You're not still working for Bosque, are you?" During his years in Spain, Aldrich hadn't met many big names, but he did become acquainted with Benitez, who was coaching Real Madrid's B team at the time, and they clicked due to their mutual respect for tactics.

Benitez leaned back on the sofa, staring absentmindedly at the ceiling, and softly said, "Haven't you seen the news? Bosque was only the acting coach for two months; I'm no longer with Real Madrid."

"What team are you coaching now?" Aldrich inquired. He knew that Benitez would eventually coach Valencia and Liverpool, but he had no idea where he was at that moment. Before returning to London in 1994, Benitez had been impressive with the Real Madrid B team.

Benitez sighed heavily, "Valladolid hired me, but I ended up getting fired." "Wasn't the team performing well?" Aldrich asked. "No, it was terrible. Halfway through the season, we're at the bottom of La Liga." Benitez took another swig of beer, clearly trying to drown his sorrows.

Aldrich, resting his chin on his hand, asked, "So you're unemployed now? No prospects?"

Benitez replied, "I've received offers from several teams in the Segunda División."

"Oh, so you're just on holiday in London? Planning to return to Spain in the summer to take over a team?"

Benitez suddenly sat up straight and fixed Aldrich with a sharp gaze that made him feel a little uncomfortable.

"I have a question I can't wrap my head around."

"What question?"

"Aldrich, in terms of tactics, I don't think I'm inferior to you. I should have the advantage in terms of age and experience, but why are you so successful while my team is a mess? I even feel like the players I'm coaching are worse than those at Real Madrid B; they don't seem to grasp what I'm asking them to do. Getting them to execute my tactics is harder than getting a cow to fly. Yet Millwall operates very smoothly as a team and doesn't rely too much on individual ability. How do you execute your tactics so effectively? Is it just because you have a group of obedient young players?"

Aldrich chuckled after hearing this, reclining on the sofa with a sip of his beer.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. I just think you've taken a hit, psychologically. But once you calm down, maybe you'll find the reason yourself."

"Come on, just tell me."

Benitez stared at Aldrich with keen, intense eyes.

Aldrich asked indifferently, "How many years were you at Real Madrid?"

"As a player or as a coach?"

"As a coach."

"Eight years."

"Yeah, you coached there for eight years, starting with U19 all the way through to the B team. Many players there know you and respect you; they listen to whatever you say. You understand the players' characteristics, so building a team is no problem. Of course, they can implement your tactical ideas. That's why your B team has good results in the Segunda. But when you go to a new team, who will listen to you? They already have their style. I bet that when you attempt sweeping reforms, whether or not the players can adapt to your tactics, during tough times, they'll revert to their usual style. This inevitably leads to conflicts between you and the players. The team's performance is predictable."

Benitez's eyes widened, "Are you following La Liga?"

Aldrich shrugged, "Not really, I don't have time for that. What does La Liga mean to me? Oh, I'll watch the El Clásico, but besides that, I'm not interested."

Benitez rubbed his thinning hair and sighed deeply, "What you're saying makes basic sense. I just don't understand—if the players implemented my tactical ideas, I know their abilities are limited, but they should at least avoid relegation, yet we're at the bottom. I'm doing this for their good."

"I think you're too idealistic. Let me put it this way: the most advanced tactics aren't necessarily suitable for every team. Top teams can execute the best tactics while lower-league teams may not. Some teams can only play down the flanks, while others can only counterattack, and some can only play long balls. You can't impose an advanced tactical system on every team; often, that backfires. The best synergy comes from the right tactics combined with suitable players, and tactics are often dictated by the players. You must adjust your tactics to fit the players rather than trying to mold most players to fit a set of tactics. Of course, unless there's no pressure to score and you have absolute authority in the team— but even then, cooperation from the players is essential."

Aldrich's casual remarks enlightened Benitez, who fell into deep thought, his previously furrowed brow slowly easing.