In the post-match press conference of Beijing Guoan's 3-1 away win over Wuxi Wuhu in the 1/8th final of the AFC Cup, head coach Ricardo Suarez not only expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Zhang Zhongyi's child, but also gave a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the tactical arrangements, players' performances and future outlook of the game.
Suarez first expressed his condolences and concern for the child Zhang Zhongyi and his family, a humanistic concern that reflects the social responsibility and warmth of Guoan Club and its coaching team. Subsequently, he talked about the rotation strategy of this game. Suarez confessed that the rotation was for the sake of protecting the players, avoiding injuries and building up strength for the next important game. Although the rotation may have led to a tense scene for a while, the team eventually achieved a reversal through strength and resilience, and successfully advanced to the next level. He particularly pointed out that the players' calmness and efficiency in the face of difficulties were the key to victory.
On the question of whether replacing the starters after being equalized by the opponent disrupted the rotation plan, Suarez said that avoiding extra time and ensuring the team's physical fitness were the top priorities at that time. He emphasized that the excellent performance of the substitutes not only helped stabilize the situation, but also showed the team's deep bench strength.
Speaking about his anticipation of the match's difficulties, Suarez said that every match in the knockout rounds is full of unknowns and challenges, and that the opponents' strong drives and outstanding performances were expected. He praised the Wuxi Wuhu team for their tenacity and wonderful goals, while emphasizing Guoan's firm goal of advancing to the final.
Regarding the decision to replace Cao Yongjing at halftime, Suarez explained that it was to avoid Cao Yongjing posing unnecessary risks to the team by accumulating yellow cards. He emphasized that Cao Yongjing's performance was excellent, but the team needed to manage the game more carefully to ensure the final victory. In addition, he revealed Li Lei's physical condition, stating that Li Lei was feeling well in training but did not play him for the full match for the sake of protecting the player and long-term considerations.
Finally, Suarez expressed his gratitude to all the fans and emphasized the importance of their support to the team. He mentioned that Guoan has the best fan base in China and their support is an important motivation for the team to keep moving forward. Looking ahead, Suarez said that the team will continue to maintain a high fighting spirit and rigorous attitude, and be fully prepared for the next games.
