By mid-May, most of the European Nations Leagues and Cups had come to an end.

All eyes of European football and world football are focused on Athens, Greece, where the most important game of the end of the season will be played -

Champions League final!

The UEFA Champions League is already fascinating.

The UEFA Champions League final, the last match of the Champions League every season, attracts the attention of hundreds of millions of fans around the world.

Since entering the 21st century, with the development of the commercialization of professional football, the Champions League final every season is also the most attractive game for ratings.

At that time, the number of viewers worldwide will be at least more than 100 million.

Last year, Barcelona and Arsenal went head-to-head, with an average global viewership of more than 130 million people, and an indirect audience of 280 million.

UEFA's statistics department calculates that the match between Millwall and Chelsea in Athens, Greece, will be broadcast in more than 160 countries and regions, and the average global audience is expected to be around 160 million, and the indirect audience is expected to exceed 300 million.

"The coverage of 300 million people will be unique in the world." UEFA vice-president Layden Delisi said in anticipation.

This kind of ratings is already comparable to the final of the World Cup.

Viewership in Europe is mainly concentrated in Europe and other populous countries, Millwall and Chelsea will play games, more than a third of the British will watch, and the rest of Europe will watch a lot of numbers, outside Europe, China has a population base of 1.3 billion people, and the influence of Zhang Yang coaching, it will also be the country that contributes the most viewership, and Africa, South Asia and the Americas will also have many fans watching the game.

Such a high-profile match was enough for the media to go crazy with it.

Although there is still a week before the start of the finals, the media can't help but make all kinds of analysis and reports.

These reports are mostly clichés.

Millwall won the Premier League championship with a sweeping attitude, and also won the League Cup with some chicken ribs, plus reached the Champions League final, such a result is very amazing, Millwall's lineup and tactical play have also been thoroughly analyzed by people from all walks of life.

Many media believe that "with Millwall's forward momentum, it is not surprising to continue to win the Champions League trophy." ”

There is more media support for Chelsea and the view that Chelsea will win, that is, the impact of the 'San Siro brawl', Braniff and Livermore will be suspended, and it is uncertain what kind of play Millwall can have.

This claim was scoffed by Millwall's supporting media, because in terms of the main squad, Chelsea are actually not much better than Millwall, they have no players banned from the Champions League, but the injuries are much more serious than Millwall.

Carvalho, Ballack and Shepchenko are all on the injury list, and it is very uncertain whether the trio will be able to play in the Champions League final.

Carvalho was the main centre-back.

'German Captain' Ballack has replaced Makelele as Chelsea's core midfielder, and Ballack, who has both attack and defence, can imagine the role he plays in the Chelsea team.

Shepchenko......

Perhaps Shepchenko is the most useless of all, he has no fame and does not perform well at Chelsea.

In any case, Chelsea's situation is not much better than Millwall's, and the analysis of supporting Chelsea media is naturally somewhat untenable.

Of course, the analysis of the media had no effect at all.

A lot of people talk about the Champions League final, some for Millwall and some for Chelsea, but one thing is for sure: no one knows which team will win until the Champions League final is over.

The current state of preparedness is in Millwall's favour.

Millwall have already sealed the league title early and have already started preparations for the Champions League final, Chelsea is different, they really don't have the pressure of the league, but Chelsea have reached the FA Cup final and have to prepare for the FA Cup final.

The FA Cup is definitely to be fought for.

Chelsea could not afford to skip the FA Cup final three days before just because they were going to play in the Champions League final, which could result in missing out on two trophies and ending the season with nothing. They had to put their minds to prepare for the FA Cup final.

The FA Cup final is not easy to play.

The two teams reached the FA Cup final, Chelsea and Manchester United, Chelsea had just finished the Champions League semi-finals with Manchester United, and they met in the FA Cup final, which is also very 'fate'.

————

On 18 May, the FA Cup final is coming.

After six years of wandering at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the FA Cup final has finally returned to Wembley Stadium.

Wembley Stadium has undergone six years of refurbishment and has now undergone a major transformation with fans dubbing it 'The New Wembley Stadium', with the last FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium going back to 2000 when Chelsea beat Aston Villa by one goal to become the last team to win the FA Cup at the old Wembley Stadium.

Manchester United are regulars in FA Cup finals, reaching the FA Cup final 18 times in the 126-year history of the competition.

Maybe the data doesn't matter.

If you look back in history, Manchester United have been too glorious, both in terms of the number of entries and the direct encounter with Chelsea in the FA Cup.

But when it comes to the past two years, the situation is just the opposite, since Mourinho took charge, Chelsea has encountered Manchester United ten times in all competitions, with a record of five wins, three draws and two losses, which can be said to have crushed Manchester United.

Therefore, the outcome of the two sides depends on the real game.

Millwall was also very concerned about this game, Zhang Yang gathered the coaching staff, plus all the players, to watch the live broadcast of the game through the big screen in the coach's office, and what made the players a little relaxed was that Zhang Yang did not ask to write any 'game speech'.

Just watching the game, it's a lot easier.

Manchester United and Chelsea are both rivals in the Millwall league, and the game between the two sides is still very valuable, and Millwall mainly observes Chelsea, because Chelsea will be the opponent in the Champions League final.

Chelsea are doing very well.

It should probably be said that Chelsea's defensive performance is quite good, and they use a 433 formation to press and fast attack Manchester United, and the effect is quite obvious.

Manchester United are playing well, defensively, too.

Both teams played very steadily, both focused on defense, and the real game was not very good.

Fans definitely think so.

Millwall are teams, each one is a professional player, and they watch the game from a different angle.

'Pay more attention to Chelsea's defensive formation and pay attention to which directions are prone to slip through.

Zhang Yang reminded in particular.

After watching the game carefully, time passed very quickly, and in the blink of an eye, half time was over, and Zhang Yang asked the players to divide into several groups and discuss with each other, just like elementary school students studying.

This trick is somewhat ridiculous.

However, Zhang Yang found that whether it is to understand tactics, or to watch the game and observe the opponent, the 'group discussion' is still effective, and the semi-mandatory letting the players say what they see can deepen their memory of what they have seen, summarize together, and also understand the opponent better, so he also told the coaching staff to write down what is worth recording.

Soon the second half began.

All the players continued to watch carefully, and when the viewing was over, they continued to analyze the game and say what they saw.

Wait a minute.

In the end, Chelsea beat Manchester United.

The two teams played out 0-0 after 90 minutes, with Chelsea's Ivorian striker Didier Drogba netting the only goal of the game in extra-time.

It also helped Chelsea beat Manchester United to win the FA Cup this season.

————

The FA Cup is the oldest football competition and has a special meaning for England fans.

The FA Cup is also very much to celebrate.

Millwall won the FA Cup last season and it seems to be even more exciting than a league title.

Of course, that's just the fans.

Millwall's entire team, of course, will pay more attention to the league, because the league is the foundation of the team, out of the scope of English football, into Europe and even the world, the FA Cup and the Premier League, the influence is not at the same level at all.

Either way, an FA Cup is enough to excite Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho celebrates with his players and then gives an interview to Sky Sports with a happy face, and instead of talking about the FA Cup, he turned to the Champions League, "We won the FA Cup, but I tell everyone that it's not time to celebrate! Our season isn't over yet, there's a new championship to come! ”

"When we win a new championship, it's time to celebrate!"

Jose Mourinho was undoubtedly referring to the Champions League trophy, and soon other Chelsea players began to talk about the Champions League final in interviews, and they all said with great fighting spirit.

"I'm looking forward to another final! Athens! We will win! ”

"We had a great day, but I don't think we had the happiest moment! Reaching the top of the Champions League is the time to release your emotions! ”

"The FA Cup is just the beginning, we have to keep going!"

"I believe our season is not over! The final will be held in Athens, Greece! That's what my teammates and I are looking forward to the most! ”

“……”

The Chelsea players have said a lot and seem to be aiming for the Champions League trophy, which gives them a lot of confidence.

Millwall is very low-key.

The next day, the team trained normally, but it was completely closed to the outside world, and there was no chance of any media interviews, and occasionally media reporters, when they interviewed Millwall players outside the club, or elsewhere, they didn't talk about anything at all, at most they said, "We are preparing for the game." ”

'Of course I want to win, it's the Champions League!'

"I'm confident."

That's it.

This is what Zhang Yang instructed his players to do, he did not want the team to be disturbed by the media, and to prepare for the game with all his heart and mind, and focus on preparing for the game, rather than going to fight Chelsea.

When there were only three days before the competition, Zhang Yang also had to let go of the requirements and let some media reporters enter.

The final is just around the corner.

There are too many media outlets that want to be interviewed, the club has received all kinds of interview requests, there are always more than 100 reporters in front of the door, Zhang Yang doesn't care much about media reporters, but a professional club can't refuse all interviews.

Clubs need to be publicized by the media.

When it comes to the final moment, it is a good opportunity to spread the word to the world.

Zhang Yang allowed some media to enter and take pictures, but he could not disturb the preparation training, and by the afternoon, most of the reporters had been politely sent out, and only a few reporters were left, who were able to stay and shoot.

The media represented by these journalists were all supporters of Millwall.

After Millwall won the Champions League semi-finals, there were many Chinese reporters who came to interview, and it was impossible for the club to agree to all Chinese journalists' interview requests, and it was the elite who remained.

On this day, there were only two Chinese media outlets that could leave interviews.

One is China's largest and most influential media outlet, ZY TV, and the other is the emerging online media XL Sports, both of which filmed Millwall's training and will also report on Millwall in China.

That makes a lot of sense.

Since Millwall FC was bought by Prince Mossad, Ebenezer has been in charge of commercial matters, and he has devoted himself to the commercial department, and the results have been very good.

Millwall is scheduled to make an official 'trip to China' at the end of July.

European clubs go on a 'trip to China', which is generally defined as a 'money tour'.

Millwall is no exception.

The purpose of the whole team going to China is to promote Millwall's football brand, and also to expand Millwall's popularity with the help of publicizing its influence in Chinese football.

It's great to have some money along the way.

This plan has been going on for a long time, and Ebenezer has done a lot of work, such as contacting well-known clubs in China, contacting potential sponsors, negotiating cooperation business, and inviting other clubs to play friendly matches in China.

Wait a minute.

ZY TV and XL Sports reporters stayed to shoot as part of the 'China Tour', and they would mention Millwall's trip to China in their reports to help Millwall do the pre-publicity.

Zhang Yang is probably clear about these things.

Zhang Yang doesn't care about the future, he is just a head coach, he doesn't care about commercial development affairs, he has only one request: don't affect normal training and preparation.

It's a must.

The most important thing for the team at the moment is to face Chelsea in the Champions League final and everything else will be put aside.

No matter what the club wants to do, the results are the basis of everything, if the results are not good, no matter how good the commercial development is, it will lose popularity, Zhang Yang is the head coach of the team, and his job is to lead the team to win, as long as it does not affect the preparation, does not affect the game, everything else is easy to say.

Regarding Millwall's 'trip to China', Zhang Yang did not resist in his heart, but still had some expectations, after all, he was going to lead the team to his motherland.

Regardless of whether the club is going to promote or make money, he will definitely lead the team to China, and when the time comes, he can direct a game in front of many Chinese fans, or get close to Chinese fans, in fact, this kind of opportunity is very rare, most of the time, he lives in Europe, even if he knows that China has many supporters, there is no way to contact them, there is no way to talk to them face-to-face.

Wait a minute.

Zhang Yang is also full of expectations.

In addition, Zhang Yang is also looking forward to winning the Champions League, if he can win the championship, and then lead the team back to China, it can be regarded as a return to his hometown, right?

Otherwise......

Zhang Yang felt that he was in no mood to return to China.

In the afternoon of the same day, after the team was disbanded, Zhang Yang returned home early to rest.

This has been the case in recent days.

The Champions League final is just around the corner and it's best for everyone to keep their energy up before the big game.

Zhang Yang especially told all players and assistant coaches to rest on time. Those who are more diligent are also told not to practice more, go back early, have a comfortable dinner, and then stay and rest and go to bed on time.

These are the best ways to stay in shape.

Zhang Yang also set an example, he didn't even have a minute of 'overtime' time, and when the player was disbanded, he left, returned home for dinner, took more rest, maintained his energy, and waited for the big war to come.

When facing a big game, the players will be nervous, the competition will be very tired, and the manager will not be easy.

The players only need to play well and prepare for the game, while the head coach has to arrange things well, deal with media reporters, and carefully sort out the key points of the game before the game.

It's easy to say, but when put together, it's a very draining job.

So Zhang Yang should also rest well.

This night, Zhang Yang didn't sleep well, at three o'clock in the morning, he suddenly received a call from home, the other end of the phone was his father Zhang Zhongyi, Zhang Zhongyi was very excited on the phone, "Yangyang!" Come on! I've seen it all on TV, and TV stations have come to our house to interview them! You've got to win the championship! ”

Zhang Yang woke up completely, and immediately smiled bitterly, "Why are you calling at this time!" ”

"Oh?" Zhang Zhongyi reacted, "Forget the time difference!" Are you sleeping? After you listen to me, I have discussed with your aunt, and tomorrow we will fly to Greece, we have already bought the tickets, and we will go to see your game live! ”

Zhang Yang was surprised, "You are going to Greece?" ”

"yes."

"How many?"

"Just me, your aunt, and Chenchen."

Zhang Yang was relieved.

Although he didn't show it in front of his family, Zhang Yang was still very disgusted with the 'aunt's family', and he would feel uncomfortable when he entertained the 'aunt's family'.

When he put down the phone, Zhang Yang thought of his father, and felt very strange.

It was a bit of a surprise for my father to come to see a football match or to travel a long way to Greece to watch the Champions League final, but he was still a little happy to be able to meet his family in distant Greece.

Zhang Yang felt strange that he suddenly thought of his daughter who was far away in the United States--

He's got a baby!

Zhang Zhongyi definitely doesn't know, otherwise he doesn't know what will happen.

The situation is too complicated.

Zhang Yang's expression was a little complicated, he thought about a lot of things in one night, but one of the goals in the future must be to let his daughter live with him, it is best to marry Ivanka, it is a real marriage, and he will be the master of the house when the time comes.

That old man of the real estate merchant, let's get out of here!

————

The next morning, Millwall gathered for a brief warm-up, and by two o'clock in the afternoon, the whole team rushed to the London airport and took a plane to Athens, Greece.

At this time, Athens, a city with a long history, was already covered with a passionate atmosphere of football.

Millwall was also warmly 'entertained'.

At Athens International Airport, there were many Millwall fans and local Greek fans who came to greet Millwall's arrival, and when the players walked out of the airport with their luggage, the cheers of the fan crowd were constantly resounding.

Many reporters stood in the front row to take pictures.

Zhang Yang told the players not to stop too long, and went directly to the bus outside the airport, and the group just waved to the fans, and then walked out of the airport.

After all the staff boarded the bus, Zhang Yang was the last to board the bus, closed the door, looked at everyone and said, "I never said the goal of the season, but we have come to this point step by step, so now, do you know what is the driving force that supports us to move forward?" ”

Zhang Yang didn't wait for anyone to answer, so he said sonorously, "It's the champion!" ”

"Every single one of you, including me, Dennis and so on, everyone in the club, will aim for the championship, and the championship is the best motivation, and every one of you will be very motivated to play whenever you think of winning the championship, right?"

"From the Community Shield at the start of the season, to the League Cup, to the league and now, we're competing for the Champions League! Thinking about the journey, it has not been easy for us, and I believe you also have a deep understanding. If at the beginning of the season, if we were to win the Champions League, probably not many of you would believe it, right? But we've come this far! ”

"Champion, just one game away!"

'Now we're in Athens, we're out there to see the passionate fans, to feel the atmosphere of the city, and I hope that after the final, the whole city will be shouting Millwall's name and going into the hustle and bustle of the night, not Chelsea...... See what I mean? ”

"In this game, only victory, not defeat!"

"I've never asked for that, but I'm sure you won't accept defeat either!"

Zhang Yang didn't continue, but the players' emotions were mobilized, and they also shouted together, "Champion!" Champion! ”

Everyone was excited.

Thinking back to the title and the Champions League final against Chelsea tomorrow, everyone is very excited and a little impatient, knowing that together with the team, they will create a very brilliant result that will be remembered by the fans for decades, maybe a hundred years if you talk about Millwall fans alone.

That's a 'great' achievement!

Every player who participates in the game, the name is recorded in history, every player in the team, will be deeply remembered by the fans, for them personally, more importantly, can perform well in the Champions League final, will be noticed by fans all over the world.

When the time comes--

Fame is there! It's worth it! The big contract is here!

There's everything!

So the Champions League final is the best stage, everyone wants to show themselves in the final, they can't wait to start playing.