Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Before this round of the tournament, Manchester United takes the top spot in the league with seventy-eight points, followed closely by Chelsea with seventy-three points and Nottingham Forest in the third with sixty-seven points, eleven points away from top-ranked Manchester United. Their hopes of winning the title seem very slim…”
“Based on expert analysis, Nottingham Forest, who is fully preparing for the Champions League semi-final, should give up the league tournament. It would be unwise to give it their all to challenge Manchester United in this away game.”
“If Ferguson’s side can beat Nottingham Forest at home, then the Red Devils are close to another English Premier League title. Of course, the situation is not necessarily so forthright. In the last round of the league tournament, Manchester United unexpectedly lost 1:2 to Portsmouth in an away upset, which allowed Chelsea to narrow the points gap between the two teams to just five points. With six rounds left in the league tournament, this difference is not secure enough for Manchester United…”
“Therefore, we think for the Manchester United’s home game against Nottingham Forest, the highlight of this round will likely determine the team that will win the Premier League. Nottingham Forest already has no hope of winning the league, but I think, given Tony Twain’s character, he will certainly join in on the fun.”
Before the 33rd round of the Premier League, all sorts of information, news and rumors about the important highlight circulated. It was the topic of conversation in everywhere.
Who was going to get the title? Manchester United or Chelsea? What role would Nottingham Forest play in all of it?
※※※
33rd round of the tournament was two days away, and Mourinho had just arrived at Chelsea’s training base when he received a call from his immediate superior and the big boss, Abramovich. Over the phone, the Russian oligarch warmly invited him to a dinner party that evening and made it very clear that it was not the kind of big banquet with many social celebrities, but a private dinner between the Chelsea club president and manager.
Mourinho knew that Abramovich had to have a purpose to invite him to dinner. It had to do with this year’s championship title goal. He had long known the kind of ambitions his boss had.
They had taken the titles for the Premier League, the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. However, the current nouveau riche Chelsea still had the label of “upstart” over its head. In order to be recognized and known as a real powerhouse team, and to give the Chelsea club chairman more recognition in the upper echelons of London society, Mourinho needed to bring in a new title for his boss, something that the Chelsea team had never come close to in its 102-year history — the UEFA Champions League title.
How could Mourinho refuse a dinner invitation from Abramovich? He ever even think to do so.
Although he and Abramovich were defiant figures, they also had something in common now. They were both ambitious, knew what they were going to do, which was to be champions.
At the end of the call, Abramovich asked with concern about the team’s preparations for the Champions League. With the 33rd round of the league tournament just around the corner, he did not seem to care. He only had the Champions League in his mind. It looked like the Russian could not wait any longer.
Mourinho naturally replied that everything was going well, and the morale of the team was high because their opponent was Nottingham Forest and did not even need him to rally the troops.
Mourinho tightened his grip on his cell phone at the idea that his semi-final opponent was Tony Twain from Nottingham Forest.
Of course, we’re going to beat Nottingham Forest and advance to the Champions League final. Then no matter who our opponent is in front of us at that time, whether it’s AC Milan or Manchester United, the title will be Chelsea’s. Of course, boss, this trophy isn’t won just for you…
※※※
Meanwhile, at the Carrington training base in Manchester, the atmosphere on the training ground was somber to the point of feeling oppressive. The leader of the Red Devils, Sir Alex Ferguson’s face was as gloomy as the weather above his head at the moment. The usual laughter and chatter during the training was also gone.
Would anyone dare to be all smiles and silly in front of a boss in a bad mood?
Usually lively and fond of showing off, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo simply did their own training programs today and dared not slack off the slightest bit.
After the last round of the league tournament, Ferguson locked all the players in the visitors’ locker room and completely ignored the press conference he needed to deal with. Inside the room, he berated the entire team and even the international star footballers who were worth hundreds of millions of pounds put together dared not take a breath in front of an angry Ferguson. They were afraid that they would become the receiving end of his furious vent.
The media did not cover this part after the game because they did not know what happened either. This was destined to only be revealed as “a confidential story” in the autobiography of a Manchester United player in the future.
Ferguson fully conveyed his anger to the big shot players to make them understand that in the Manchester United kingdom, his command was supreme and inviolable.
Ferguson wore the expression for the entire week.
Like Chelsea, Manchester United was at a critical juncture. After experiencing a low for three seasons, Manchester United rallied under Ferguson and made a comeback. They did not expect to have a chance to win the league title and Championships League title in the first year and be able to achieve the Double. How could they let go of this great opportunity?
However, now Chelsea was catching up quickly in the league tournament and they had to contend with a strong opponent like AC Milan in the Champions League semi-finals. Both teams were tough opponents that they had to deal with.
If Manchester United had easily beaten the underdog Portsmouth in the last away round, why would they be so nervous these days? Chelsea was only five points away from catching up and could overtake at any time.
While watching the players bow their heads on their training on the field, he forcefully roared, “put more energy into it, you bastards! This is to pay back for your carelessness in the last game!”
After two days, he would welcome an old friend in Old Trafford, “the Theatre of Dreams,” but this old friend would not dispatched so easily.
Nowadays, the outside comments and analysis about this game flew over all. He was also keen to know Tony Twain’s thoughts on the game. Would he use all his might or give up the game in order to prepare for the Champions League?
You don’t have a chance to win the league tournament, Tony. Are you going to meddle?
※※※
For almost the entire season, Nottingham Forest had played a supporting role. Now, overnight, they had become a central character. Therefore, at the present moment, what was the man, who was going to decide whom the league title would belong to and might even decide the winner of the Champions League, doing?
He was at the lush training base in Wilford where he had a relaxing chat with Albertini.
“The season is almost over, Demetrio. It’s almost time to say goodbye. If you can’t bear it, do not force yourself. You can still stay continue to play. I can get someone to draw up a new contract in ten minutes.”
When he heard Twain speak, Albertini laughed. “Don’t make fun of me, chief. There’s nothing that I’m reluctant to part with. I’ve already played eighteen years of high-level professional football. It’s time to retire.”
“Is that so? What a shame… Although I knew that this day would arrive, I still can’t treat it like it’s a normal matter.” Twain shrugged and asked, “are you going back to Italy after you retire?”
“If I miss you, I’ll come back to Nottingham to visit you, chief.”
“In that case, when I miss you, I’ll go to Milan. My team is always traveling all over the world anyway. Haha!” Speaking of Milan, Twain soon stopped laughing. “Demetrio, you said you would like to be a coach the most, and your favorite video game is the Championship Manager… So can you tell me now from a coach’s point of view, for the game the day after tomorrow, what choice should we make? You saw all those analysis reviews out there, didn’t you?” he asked.
Albertini was used to Twain asking questions on a whim, so he just nodded and said, “if I were the manager, I think I would choose to give up the game against Manchester United, rotate to let more of the main players rest, let the substitute players get the chance to practice, conserve our strength and avoid injuries. I’d be satisfied with a point.”
As he spoke, Twain nodded. When he had finished, Twain nodded again and said, “You’re right, absolutely right. Generally speaking, that’s what we should do. I’ll ask you this again. Between AC Milan and Manchester United in semi-finals, which team do you think will reach the final?”
Albertini pondered this question for a long time and said hesitantly, “I’m not sure… I think the two teams are evenly matched. Both have a chance to reach the final, and it even makes sense for one of them to take the championship trophy.”
Twain smiled, “Then I’ll ask in a different way. Which team do you wish to see in the final?”
This time, Albertini answered as soon as Twain threw the question out. “AC Milan.”
“You and I think alike, Demetrio.”
Albertini found it strange. “I remember, chief, you’re not an AC Milan fan.”
“Yes, of course I’m not. But I prefer to them to be in the final, and not Manchester United.”
“You and Ferguson have a good personal relationship…”
“This has nothing to do with personal relationships. I think it’s better for us if AC Milan reaches the final. Demetrio, remember when I promised to give you a really wonderful and truly unforgettable farewell game at the end of your career?” Twain turned to look at Albertini, smiling, and the expression he saw on Albertini’s face was what he wanted to see.
“AC Milan must enter the final, they have to go to the final. Demetrio, that’s the farewell game I want to give to you. I hope you like it.” With that, he looked down at his watch and then said to Albertini, “breaktime is over; let’s go back to training.”
Twain patted Albertini, who was still in a daze, on the back and turned around to walk toward his coaching staff.
“Guys, the situation in the league tournament is good for us right now.” Walking up to the coaching staff, he opened his arms and said, “both Chelsea and Manchester United have a chance at winning the league tournament, as well as breaking into the Champions League final. With more effort, they may even be able to win the legendary Double. How many people will refuse such a temptation?”
In the eyes of the coaches, Twain smiled like he was the devil with a pair of black wings extended behind him, blocking out the sunlight before them.
※※※
A day later, the Nottingham Forest team bus arrived at the hotel where they would be staying in Manchester. At the hotel entrance, Twain, who was surrounded by the reporters, reiterated that the Forest team’s goal this season was the European arena. As for their ranking in the league tournament, as long as they were guaranteed a spot in the top four to qualify for next season’s Champions League, he would be very satisfied.
“I won’t be so polite if I meet Mr. Ferguson in the Champions League finals again.”
His last remark made the reporters’ imagination run wild. Firstly, he had implied that he would not do his best in this game; secondly, he had completely disregarded his semi-final opponent, Mourinho’s Chelsea; thirdly, he had a strong confidence in winning the Champions League.
“Should I believe what he said?” Queiroz asked his boss, Ferguson, as he looked at Twain in the photo. “On the whole, it is reasonable and almost certain to give up an insignificant game before a more important game…”
“But that’s just generally speaking…” Ferguson, sitting in his chair, rubbed his chin and murmured.
In fact, he was uncertain. The young chap, Twain, made him feel complicated. Sometimes he would think he was sincere and eager to open up. Sometimes he made people think that he was full of lies and that his words were not credible.
Queiroz wanted to persuade his boss to accept his ideas. “I think no matter what the analysis is, Twain will temporarily discard a tiny slice he has in his hands when there is a bigger pie before him. Because, based on his ability, he will be able to eat the slice and the large pie at the same time.”
“What you said made a lot of sense, Carlos.” Ferguson nodded, “But I have a concern…”
“Sir, you’re worried about AC Milan, right? They are really a tough enemy to deal with, especially this season, since Kaka is in a very good shape.”
What about AC Milan?
At the thought of the team, Ferguson felt that the situation was really complicated. Ferguson did not want to lose the league title, especially to Mourinho. At the same time, he was keen to get his second Champions League trophy in his coaching career, making him incomparable in the history of Manchester United Football Club. No — he could become a significant figure comparable to those legends in the history of English football.
Sir Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, Brian Clough, Bob Paisley… all those brilliant names, to be able to be put together with them and to be brought up again and again in the future; Ferguson would have no regrets in his coaching career.
Ferguson snapped out of his contemplation, and looked at Queiroz to say, “of course we can’t lose the league title, and I want the Champions League title, too. Let’s put AC Milan aside and not think about what kind of opponent they are. I think Nottingham Forest is definitely not an opponent we can beat easily, even if they only deploy half of their main force. We’ll make an all-out effort.”
※※※
Inside the Old Trafford home team’s locker room before the game, Ferguson had already changed into his jersey and growled at the Manchester United players who were ready to play as they paced back and forth, making them nervous. “Think of your shitty performance in the last round of the league game against Portsmouth! If any of you are proud of this, you can still do so this in this game. If you feel that losing to Portsmouth is a disgrace, then give it your all in this game to beat this opponent in front of us!”
Half an hour ago, he had already gotten a list of Nottingham Forest appearances. It turned out that his caution was a good call. Tony Twain had sent out his strongest lineup that he could currently send to play the game that he could call “insignificant.”
As expected, this was “an old friend” that was going to be tough to deal with.
“Crush Nottingham Forest and have a good vent before the Champions League semi-final. Otherwise every one of you will suffer! Rip them to pieces and smash them!”
And inside the visitors’ locker room, unlike Ferguson’s vehemence, Twain was grinning and looked relaxed.
“Guys, if any one among you is wondering why I’m asking you to go all out for victory in this game, you can now raise your hand and ask questions.”
Obviously, no one raised their hands. Twain was pleased with this. The players must have had questions in mind, but they chose to trust their manager.
“To be honest, we already had little chance of competing for the league title this season, unlike last season. We’re putting more energy into the Champions League game this season and that’s the price. Now we’re going to watch the other teams fight to the last for the title. For me, I’m used to being the protagonist, so this is just too brutal to watch…”
Looking at their manager’s pretentious manner, some people in the locker room laughed. Of course, those who dared to laugh and were not afraid were Ribéry and Eastwood.
“But are we going to be the stepping stone and corpse that the victors step on before they ascend the throne and put on the crown? The path that they take on their way up, that red carpet was dyed with the blood of their opponents! I don’t want my blood to be on that. Do you want that?”
“No, chief!”
“No one wants that!”
“No f**king way!”
They roared, as if they had been waiting for the manager to ask.
“Very good! We’re not like the losers who have fallen to the ground with their blood drained dry and bodies cold! We still have a goal that we are pursuing that’s bigger than this little throne, and we can’t perish here. We’re the damn Mysterion! Come and go without a trace. We will take down anyone who is in our way from behind!” Twain smacked his palm and said, “a certain someone thinks he’s going to win? Let’s tell them how naïve that idea is! If we can’t get it, then other people will not get their hands on it easily either!”
※※※
Ninety minutes later, inside the hustle and bustle of the entire game at Old Trafford, “the Theatre of Dreams,” the spectators had not yet left, but the show had ended.
“Ah, the Theatre of Dreams. The Theatre of Dreams is definitely a place to direct a good show.” Twain clapped his hands on the sidelines and said to Dunn, who stood beside him, “It’s said this is the stage for the players, and I think this is the stage for the director.”
A huge electronic screen above the stands clearly displayed the score: 0:2
According to the international practice, the home team’s score was to the left and the visitors’ score was on the right.
“Unbelievable! Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United by 2:0 in this away game! Even though the game didn’t look as easy as the score, in the end, it was Tony Twain who took the last laugh ninety minutes, and not Sir Alex Ferguson! Now, with Chelsea having not played its game yet, the two sides are only five points apart!” The television commentator was giving his thoughts on the game. “Both sides did their best, but Manchester United’s luck was just a little worse. They had a chance to reverse the situation on the field…”
What was the use of saying that now?
The game was over.
After he applauded and lauded the players on the field, Twain turned to walk toward the Manchester United’s technical area.
At the same time, Ferguson was coming toward him and the two men met in the middle.
Ferguson looked terrible, and Twain thought that the poor Manchester United players would suffer for this when they returned. Losing two games in a row at this critical juncture was a big problem. If it was not handled well, Manchester United’s bid for the season’s league title that they had devoted their efforts to the entire season could be gone and end up in Mourinho’s hands.
The two men shook hands. Twain did not want to look too smug and infuriate Ferguson. Twain would not do anything that taunted others and was damaging to himself.
Ferguson spoke first. “I gave you a pistol and a bullet and you thought it was not enough, so I gave you another one. I didn’t expect you to use them all to shoot me.”
Twain smiled a little. “I told my players that their manager is someone who doesn’t give up at any time. It’s the same for this game. I can’t let them see me give up.”
“Give up? Even if you win this game, what have you won? There’s no change in the rankings and there is no guarantee that you will win against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final.”
“In the first half of the season, your team beat my team on my home ground. Now, I won it back. Consider us even.”
Ferguson was a little surprised by this answer. “You’re such a vindictive man, Mr. Twain.”
“The media sometimes gets it right.”
Ferguson wanted to leave, so he let go of Twain’s hand and said, “one last word. If I see you at the Champions League final, I won’t hold back.”
Twain waved and watched Ferguson leave before he whispered, “we’re not going to meet, Sir Alex. A secure championship title, or an uncertain championship title, which one do you want?”
Twain, who returned to the locker room, shouted to the elated players, “You guys did a great job! Now we can go to Athens without a worry!”
※※※
The next night after Manchester United’s loss to Nottingham Forest, Mourinho’s Chelsea team had a big win over West Ham United in their away game with a 4:1 score. As a result, Manchester United remained the same with seventy-eight points and Chelsea rose to seventy-six points. They were now only two points away from the top spot of the league. One game could turn the entire landscape of the Premier League upside down.
It was like a big chunk of meat dripping with oil hanging in front of everyone. Who could resist this temptation?
A League title and Champions League trophy… The Double!
Shaking off the upstart label to become a real powerhouse team could remake Chelsea.
An hour after the game, Mourinho received a congratulatory call from his immediate boss, Mr. Abramovich. He congratulated the team on winning the game and catching up with Manchester United on the league table. At the same time, he invited Mourinho to have lunch on his private yacht at noon the next day and some afternoon tea if there was time left.
Before this call was over, the Russian billionaire casually asked the likelihood of Chelsea winning the Double this season.
