The Young Lion

July 2, 2000

In the Netherlands, France defeated Italy through Trezeguet's goal in extra time, and won the European Cup after winning the World Cup in 1998, creating the myth of the Gallic Rooster.

The victory made the French rejoice, while the loser, Italy, was dejected.

They are not far from the championship. If Wiltord hadn't equalized the score before the end, where would there be overtime? They were already celebrating the championship.

For the Italians this time, the European Cup is on the brink of failure, and pain is inevitable.

But for several players in the Italian team, they have mixed feelings in their hearts.

Tormented, suffering, dazed...

Pirlo, Gattuso, and Materazzi have all been selected for this Italian national team lineup, as well as Zambrotta. Of these four, only Zambrotta is the main force, and only Pirlo sits in the other four. On the bench, but even on the bench, he did not have a minute of playing time.

In fact, their status in the national team is very unstable.

If you compare the clubs of the members of the Italian national team in this European Cup, it is clear that, except for Pirlo's four players from Millwall, the other members of the Italian national team are all from Serie A clubs!

In other words, the Italian national team is dominated by local league players.

In this era, for Italian players, going abroad to play is basically tantamount to saying goodbye to the national team. Zola is in the Premier League, and the Italian national team turns a blind eye.

If Millwall hadn't shined so brightly in the European War that it hurt people's eyes, Italy might not have recruited Pirlo and others, but even if they did, they would not entrust them with important tasks!

In other words, if Millwall recruits the main players of the Italian national team now, the opponent may refuse because they are unwilling to give up their national football qualifications or main positions.

If Pirlo were playing for the Italian team today, he might think about it too.

Fortunately, Millwall recruited them when they were penniless and doubted whether they could have a future in football.

But real problems lie in front of them. It has come to a point where they feel heartbroken.

Obviously he performed so well in the club,

In the past two years, the giants of Serie A have been defeated, but there are very few opportunities to play in the national team. Who can bear this?

club honors. They are only one UEFA Cup away from winning the Grand Slam, who the fuck cares about the UEFA Cup!

Like Pirlo, they naturally hope to go further in the honor of the national team. Their situation is completely different from that of Larsson. Sweden's participation in international competitions is one game at a time. How far it can go depends on luck. What about Italy? Not necessarily the number one favorite to win the championship, but at least the top five, the top three are certain, especially now that the Serie A league has not yet reached the stage of decline. Strong people come forth in large numbers, each of whom is world-class.

The European Cup is over, Pirlo and others can go on vacation.

But before the disbandment of the Italian national team, he told his good friend Gattuso who shared the same room with him about his distress.

In fact, Gattuso doesn't have deep feelings in his heart, and neither does Materazzi.

Gattuso was originally a substitute at the club. It was a joy to be called up this time, perhaps because he started the Champions League final and performed well. After all, the plus points of public opinion brought about by that victory were too high.

And Materazzi is self-aware, although he is not inferior to his teammates in honor, but teammates like Nesta, Ferrara, and Cannavaro. If he really wanted to say that he was definitely better than them, it would be a bit shameless.

Pirlo is the main starting candidate for the two Champions League finals to help the team win the cup. At least, he believes that his ability is no worse than that of Albertini and Dino Baggio. So the sense of gap in his heart was even stronger.

He obviously found the wrong person to confide in. Gattuso still can't think of such a long-term view, excluding the shadow of the national team's final defeat, he is full of expectations for the new season, and Makelele will transfer and leave. When it's his turn to take over, he won't give others a chance, he must firmly occupy the main position!

Pirlo also chose to forget about the national team for the time being, let's see in the future.

At the same time, Aldridge returned to England after his vacation, but he did not return to London with Ivan. He asked Ivan to find a new house, and he went to Exeter by himself. Rowling returned to London. He returned to his alma mater to give a speech and invited him to participate.

Active and open social activities, Aldrich generally would not refuse if he had time, and Rowling rarely called to invite him, and he didn't want to spoil the other party's interest.

In the auditorium of the University of Exeter, Aldrich sat in the first row of the audience, and Jessica sat next to him, proudly looking up at Rowling who was giving a speech on the stage.

The success of Rowling's creative career in the past two years has turned her into a public figure, and the Harry Potter series has achieved unprecedented success. As her friend, Aldrich is also happy for him.

As you can see, I'm a single mom, and I've certainly been through the lowest points of my life, but I've been lucky, and here I want to thank my friend, Aldrich Hall, for his support in my life. When I was penniless, he generously gave me money to keep creating and encouraged me. He even believed more firmly than me that I could succeed. Without his help, I might have been lost. He is the most important friend in my life. , and the most special friend.

Probably recalling the time when she was impoverished, Rowling looked at Aldrich with a smile on her face and moist eyes, and there was applause at the scene.

The master of ceremonies then unexpectedly invited Aldrich to go up and deliver a speech.

The vast majority of people present naturally knew Aldridge, and when he took the stage, the applause of the audience became more enthusiastic.

But Aldrich's first words after standing still shocked everyone.

She's lying! Don't believe her! Ms. Rowling lied to you all! She's a liar!

Aldridge was loud and smiling.

The audience exclaimed, but Rowling and Jessica still stared at him with smiles, not minding his unreasonable accusations at all!

The scene fell into dead silence, as if everyone was waiting for Aldridge to give an explanation.

Allow me to introduce myself briefly. My name is Aldrich Hall and I am a football coach. Part of my job is to develop young players. Evaluation, one of which is potential evaluation, we think this player has potential, then we will do our best to cultivate him. If we think that he has no talent in this area and there is no room for improvement, then we will not waste time. So. I There is no magic that makes a mediocre person gifted, Ms. Rowling was lying just now, she has potential, she has creative talent, it's hers, I didn't give it to her, she can be successful without me, same Standing here today to speak for you and share her secrets of success.

Aldrich's words made the people present a false alarm. A lot of reporters came here today, and they hoped that Aldrich would really stage a good scene of turning enemies against his friends here.

Having experienced a lot of big scenes, it is impossible for Aldrich to be stage fright here. Even if he is not prepared before, he can still win the applause of the audience.

Sorry. I didn't go to university, I didn't have the depth of knowledge, I didn't have the culture of high art, but I know that if you want to achieve something, you need to give, to be a football coach. I gave 8 years , In order to become a successful football coach, I have paid 14 years, and I plan to continue to pay and work hard. Within the scope of my work, I will see successful people. Those famous players, I will also watch To the underdogs, every year in May, there will be many unknown players who are given up by the club. I mentioned potential just now. Is potential important to success? Of course it is important, but everyone’s potential is different, like me, when I was 10 years old I knew I couldn't become a professional player, if I insisted on playing football, I might be unemployed now...

Confusion, frustration, temptation, laziness, etc. are enemies. Part of my job is to help my players overcome these enemies, to make them calm, patient, put their minds in order, and hone their tenacity. These intangible qualities often That's what determines success, and look, Ms. Rowling is a good example of that.

 …

Aldridge's impromptu speech may not be particularly exciting, but under the star effect, he still won applause from the audience. When he stepped down, many students even cheered, probably, they were all fans.

At the end of the event, Aldrich took photos with many people present and signed autographs for them. He was busier than Rowling.

When he walked out of the University of Exeter, a group of reporters who heard the news surrounded him.

Since the end of the Champions League final, the paparazzi on Fleet Street have been searching for Aldridge in every possible way. After more than a month, the legendary marshal finally showed up!

Mr. Hall, the England national team has returned home from the European Cup group stage. How do you evaluate the performance of the national team? Is Keegan still suitable to lead the England national team?

Reporters surrounded him, of course it was about football.

Aldrich was in a good mood today, so he responded patiently.

I think the national team just lacked some luck. We should also give coach Keegan more time. He took over the national team hastily. It is too early to draw conclusions.

Is the disastrous defeat of the England national team because of luck? Isn't Neville's mistake in giving the opponent a penalty at the end not fatal?

Aldridge smiled and shook his head and said: I have coached Millwall for six years. Although the club is different from the national team, I have never blamed a certain player for the team's loss. It is unfair. It is the team that plays, not the individual players. Gareth four years ago, David two years ago, Phil today, you must ask me how I feel? My answer will not change, he is not Sinner. You may not accept my answer, so think about it from another angle. If England advances early, even if Phil makes a mistake or foul in the last game, so what? Will you define him as a sinner? He alone can't decide the victory or defeat of the first two games, but he fouled in the last game, that's all, he should not bear the responsibility of losing for the whole national team, it's too heavy.

After all, it is a player from another team who made a mistake, and it has nothing to do with him. Aldridge said a few good words. It doesn't matter whether the public opinion condemns him, but it can earn him a good reputation in the industry.

Mr Hall, will Millwall bring in heavyweight players this summer? It is his honor that Anelka's agent declares that he is willing to play for you.

Hehe, I can't guarantee anything else, but Millwall is not interested in Anelka. You can report directly from my original words. He will not wear Millwall's shirt, and neither will we. It takes so many forwards.

But, isn't Millwall going to sell Henry? Don't you find a replacement? I know Millwall has Miroslav Klose, he is very good, but in case he can't replace Henry, Millwall has a backup Choose?

Aldridge smiled and said: Nonsense, how could we sell Henry? He scored 49 goals last season, 49! Why should we sell such a shooter?

But Henry's agent has announced that Henry will not renew his contract with Millwall. Real Madrid has offered players plus cash for 23 million pounds. Inter Milan and Juventus have offered 32 million pounds in cash. Millwall Are you forcing Henry to stay? There are only two years left on his contract!

Aldrich was really caught off guard.

However, he still maintained his normal expression on the surface, shaking his head and said: He will stay in Millwall.

After saying this, Aldrich got into Rowling's car, and then took out his phone to call Adam, his expression became slightly gloomy.