Chapter 83

After the start of the new season, the entire English football world did not expect that the two teams that would steal the show would be Manchester United and Millwall. Apart from a classic match, the intense speculation about Manchester United's pursuit of Larsson and Trezeguet in the final stages of the transfer window was all over the British media.

The defending champions, Blackburn Rovers, started their title defense with a lackluster one-goal win over a weak team like Queens Park Rangers.

Arsenal, aiming for a revival, drew 1-1 with another promoted team, Middlesbrough, at Highbury.

Liverpool narrowly defeated Sheffield Wednesday.

All these matches seemed to receive little attention.

Hovering over the British Isles were only two names.

Manchester United, Millwall.

Manchester United, Millwall.

...

The day before the second round of the league, the number of journalists attending Millwall's routine press conference noticeably increased, and many major newspapers joined in.

For the first time, Audrich brought two players to the press conference: Larsson and Trezeguet.

When Millwall played in the Second Division, Audrich always appeared alone, as the attention was low and journalists were not interested in writing about the players' voices.

But now it was different. Millwall had established itself in the Premier League, and the team had stars. At least, the offers from Manchester United were at the superstar level.

The journalists perked up, their eyes gleaming.

Millwall had been slow to respond, and now bringing two players to the press conference seemed to indicate that the moment of decision had arrived.

Whether they agreed to the transfer as a farewell ceremony for the two players or refused, it would be big news.

After sitting down, Audrich said calmly into the microphone, "On Monday morning, Manchester United officially approached Millwall to purchase two players from the team. After discussions with the players, Millwall fully respects and supports their choices."

Hearing Audrich's opening remarks, the journalists were immediately alert. From the tone, it seemed that Millwall's two strikers would not be staying!

Audrich turned and smiled at Trezeguet.

Trezeguet leaned in close to the microphone and said, "I came to Millwall a year ago. I like it here. The boss has helped me a lot, giving me trust and support, and I have achieved good results here. But that's not enough. I want to achieve even greater success here. I am not interested in transferring to Manchester United."

Trezeguet, being young, spoke bluntly, and his words, if they reached Manchester, would likely make the proud Manchester United lose interest in him even if they admired him.

There was a stir in the room.

What a cocky kid!

Not interested in a traditional powerhouse like Manchester United?

How many clubs in the world could meet his standards?

The journalists couldn't help but think of the story of how Ferguson once tried to sign Gascoigne, who was lured away by Tottenham's offer of a big house, and then went to the world's top league, Italy...

Trezeguet's refusal made the journalists like sharks smelling blood, licking their lips in anticipation. This was going to be a front-page story.

If he had agreed, the headline would have been a predictable script: "French Newcomer Joins the Red Devils."

That would have been too normal.

But to refuse, that was different.

"Trezeguet Says No to Ferguson: No Interest in Manchester United!"

Such a headline would grab attention!

After speaking, Trezeguet sat up straight, looking a bit carefree.

Larsson then spoke into the microphone, "Manchester United is a well-known club in England, with a legendary history and inspiring stories. I thank Manchester United for their interest. Being considered by Manchester United is also a form of recognition. However, I am very happy at Millwall. Working with the boss makes me enjoy football. There is an excellent team and a harmonious atmosphere here, which is worth staying for. I believe this is a decision I will never regret."

Larsson's words were more tactful, refusing without offending anyone or causing unnecessary controversy.

The journalists scribbled furiously, nodding in agreement.

Yes, you should say no to Manchester United!

Making the arrogant Manchester United look bad is what makes it interesting. Great, Millwall, we love it here, and we will never be out of work!

After the two players spoke, Audrich said, "That's the end of the transfer rumors. As you know, Tottenham and Leeds United have also made offers for some of our players, but we have rejected those offers. I will say this only once: Millwall's transfer window is closed. No players will come in, and no players will leave. Please do not harass us. The season has started, and our focus is on the pitch. Do you have any questions about tomorrow's match?"

Now, the journalists interviewing Millwall were not just from the tabloids. By seniority and reputation, the major newspapers had priority.

David Miller from The Times raised his hand to ask a question.

"Mr. Hall, historically and traditionally, there hasn't been much conflict between Millwall and Arsenal. But tomorrow's match is Millwall's first-ever Premier League derby. Arsenal lost to Millwall at The Den in the FA Cup last season, leading to the dismissal of their legendary manager, Graham. Will this be a focal point of the match? What are your thoughts on the current Arsenal?"

Audrich smiled and shook his head. "No, let me correct that. Graham was dismissed not because of the loss but because of legal issues. The FA also banned him from coaching, and Arsenal couldn't go a year without a manager, so he left Highbury. I believe Millwall's fans will enjoy a great match at The Den. This is indeed a derby, and both Arsenal and Millwall want to win. The focus will be on the pitch. Arsenal is a traditional English powerhouse, and Millwall is eager to challenge the strong. This is a good opportunity for us to grow. Although Graham has left Arsenal, his influence remains. Arsenal is still a strong team, and they nearly retained the UEFA Cup last season. This season, they have retained their main squad and added excellent players like Bergkamp and Platt, who bring both skill and experience. They are stronger than last season, and I believe Coach Bruce Rioch will aim to show Arsenal's strong comeback at The Den!"

Strong comeback?

The journalists looked at each other. Arsenal, like Manchester United, failed to win against a promoted team in the first round.

But those who watched the match knew that Millwall and Middlesbrough were not in the same league. Manchester United's match against Millwall was intense, while Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough was dull, with few chances and no signs of a revival.

Richard from the Daily Mail followed up, "Audrich, are you saying Rioch will try to conquer the 'Devil's Den' of the Second Division last season? But Arsenal is not good at attacking!"

Audrich exaggeratedly countered, "Are you saying Arsenal will tell the world that, as a traditional English powerhouse and the most successful club in London's history, they came to a promoted team's home ground with no intention of winning? If that's the case, I'm happy. Then Millwall can proudly announce: Arsenal fears Millwall, and the future of London will be North Arsenal and East Millwall on equal footing! Of course, that's impossible. Arsenal is a champion, and they won't give up their winning mentality."

The atmosphere at the press conference became lively, and the journalists smiled broadly. Richard, who asked the question, grinned as he began writing down the key points for his news article.

As a journalist who had been following Millwall since the beginning of last season, Richard was very familiar with Audrich's style.

This was the prelude to a psychological game.

Would Arsenal dare to attack at The Den? Would they dare?

If they didn't, they would be cowards, afraid of Millwall.

If they dared to attack aggressively?

Ha, what did Millwall rely on last season?

Technically, it was a defensive counter-attack, but in simpler terms, it was about outrunning the defenders in short sprints!

After the news was published, Rioch would be in a difficult position, no matter what he thought.

The press conference ended on a positive note.

The journalists got better news than expected, and Audrich had given the two traditional English powerhouses a bit of a headache.

Manchester United eagerly awaited the arrival of the new stars but got nothing, while Rioch, who was trying to transform Arsenal from "boring football" to "beautiful football," had to face the most shining team of the new season, and it was a derby.

Audrich continued to follow his routine. The match against Manchester United was a good one, but there was no room for complacency. The league continued, and football was an endless game. There was no true peak, only the achievements that participants would create, for others to chase and surpass.

At the pre-match tactical meeting, Audrich was as serious as ever, analyzing the opponent and laying out specific tactics. The players listened attentively, and the upcoming matches were their best stages.

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