Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- In an interview with reporter Ma Dexing, Tao Qianglong talked about the different feelings he had during this training in Croatia with the National Youth League and when he used to play in Japan.
-What was it like to come to Croatia with the team to train?
I should say that I came here rather suddenly this time, because I was not on the list that was initially drawn up. When I was in Japan with the national selection team, I was contacted by director Sung (Sung Yeo-dong). Because I was still in Japan at that time, I didn't prepare myself. So I went back to Japan with the selection team, rested for two days after the quarantine, and came here right away. I played about 10 matches here this time, mainly with teams from the second division. We counted the points ourselves and compared it with them, especially since we have data after every game to compare and see how we are doing. I think there is still some exercise value in all aspects, in terms of confrontation, rhythm and other aspects are quite a bit stronger than the domestic league.
-Having stayed for so long this time, what are your feelings and impressions of the overall soccer atmosphere in Croatia?
The other day, I was talking to Mr. Wang (Eddie Wang) and he told me that the registered population over here is very large and there are many levels of leagues. Once I went to play a fourth division team, the atmosphere of soccer in the town, as well as the hard work of the players and their attitudes towards soccer are all worth learning from us. I think we don't have this kind of atmosphere in China, and we can't compare with them in terms of knowledge and attitude towards soccer.
--If you had a choice, would you stay in Tri-Town, or would you follow the National Youth side of the game?
I'm definitely more inclined to go wherever there are games to be played because I'd prefer to play more games myself. It wouldn't make much sense to stay on the bench domestically to be honest.
--You've been to Japan to play soccer, what do you think is the difference in the atmosphere here compared to Japan?
I think there's probably more feeling playing in Japan than over here.
-How?
Because I was in a prefecture in Japan, part of a small town below a big city, and they had about a dozen teams in total. With that many teams in that small of a city, I think there must be more people playing soccer in Japan than here.
--Ballistically?
The style of play is definitely different. The Japanese team and players are better than Croatia in terms of technique, including passing. The game of Croatian soccer is quite good including the intensity of it, especially the intensity of confrontation. Moreover, their players are very determined in handling the ball, never dragging their feet. But Japan may emphasize more on passing, including the overall aspects of some of the requirements are more, how to run, the timing of the pass, the weight of the pass, etc., these are a lot of requirements, I have a lot of experience.
--Three towns in this year
China Super League (soccer league)
The title race in the league is looking good, what are your plans when you get back?
I think it's definitely better to go all out for the title. As a player, it's definitely not the first thing to think about whether you play more or less this year, it's definitely still the team's and the club's goal, and now it's all about going for number one. And, this year
China Super League (soccer league)
The league is a bit tight for everyone, and now that there are some injuries in the team, I think if I can play, I still want to stay in good shape and help the team achieve their goals.
