In a recent interview with Red Star News, Sichuan Jiuniu side defender Li Zhi talked about how he felt about his third successful Super League run, saying that all three experiences were very special.
Li Zhi joined Chengdu Rongcheng at the beginning of 2021 and spent the next season on loan at Kunshan. In two seasons, he helped the effective team to finish overtaking twice. This year, he joined Sichuan Jiuiu team and overtook again. In an interview with Red Star News, he talked about these three experiences: "I think these three experiences are unforgettable, because each year gives me different feelings and stories. When I was in Chengdu Rongcheng, I succeeded in overtaking for the first time. At that time, the competition in the Chinese First Division was very fierce and we finally made it to the Super A play-offs in fourth place. It's been a long season so I'm probably more excited."
"Then, the second time was last year when we won the China First Division title with Kunshan FC. It was a better season but there weren't many fans there to witness the moment we won the cup, so it was a bit of a shame, but the whole season was still a great experience. This year was the first time after the epidemic that we resumed the home-and-away format, and it was another feeling to have so many fans there to watch. From my heart, I might be calmer after three overtakes, but the support the fans gave us is still very touching in my heart."
Talking about the disbanding of the Kunshan team
Li Zhi: "I think it's more of a regret. Everyone should be able to see that Kunshan FC's strength and control in China A last year definitely belonged to a unique class. At that time, both the team's hardware and software facilities, as well as the equipment of players and coaches, have definitely reached the level of the Chinese Super League, but in the end, due to a number of reasons beyond our control, we were unable to make a successful debut in the Chinese Super League."
"For us players and coaches who are fighting on the front line, it's really a shame that it ended this way. But I will tell myself that (my lack of appearance in the Super League) is probably because the temperature is not yet right and what I must go through in my career is probably still a little bit short, so I will try to take one more step and this day will definitely come again!"
Evaluating Head Coach Tatao's Coaching Style
Li Zhi: "I think Tato is a typical Spanish coach, coming from the La Masia youth camp as a player. First of all, his personality is recognized by our players. His passion, his enthusiasm, his love for soccer will always infect us."
"In terms of technical and tactical style, he also dominates a very advanced philosophy in modern soccer and has a strong passion for learning the advanced styles of soccer that are being played now. So all these things that we have shown in the Chinese First Division this year are things that we have practiced in our regular training and have really made each of us comfortable to play in the game."
Nine Bulls and Rongcheng will have a Sichuan derby next year, as an effective player for both teams, what will be the mood then?
Li Zhi: "I'm looking forward to it! The ball market in Chengdu Rongcheng is very good this year, when I played in Rongcheng, these two teams had a Central League derby. I remember the scene was very hot. After overtaking this year, the two teams will meet again next year on the Chinese Super League platform. I think the first thing that will happen is that all Chuan fans will feel very happy because they can witness such a scene at home. As a player, I am especially looking forward to playing in such a game and enjoying the atmosphere."
Phoenix Hill has become a phenomenal home field. Do you envy your past Chengdu Hibiscus teammates for being able to play in such an explosive atmosphere?
Li Zhi: "I transferred to Chengdu Rongcheng from Suzhou Dongwu in the same year as Chengdu Rongcheng's center back Gou Junchen. Every time I saw him in his circle of friends showing the market in Phoenix Hill and the fans picking him up, I wondered when I could feel that atmosphere. Now I think the opportunity has come because there are a lot of Nine Bulls fans in Sichuan. Our team is rooted in Sichuan and there are a lot of fans in the province, so I think next year, no matter which venue the team puts its home ground, it will also be a full situation."
