March 10 - After advancing to the knockout rounds of the U20 Asian Cup, the U20 national soccer team held a recovery session today where coach Antonio gave his players a brief recap, but it lasted close to 10 minutes, according to Sportsweek.
I think you should all know that to outsiders we should be packing our bags on the way to the airport right now because no one thinks we can advance in this group or be the top eight in Asia," Antonio said.
"But we're still standing on the training ground, preparing for the next game. What I want to tell you is that you are the best! It doesn't matter what people out there say, even if it's ugly, what matters is if you believe in yourself. Because it's only when you believe in yourself that you can stand here and not on your way home.
"I think everyone knows what Chinese soccer needs most right now. We work hard together, not only for ourselves, but also for the future of Chinese soccer. Now we are in the top eight in Asia. When the 05-year-old national youth team participates in the U20 Asian Cup again, they will no longer be a fourth-tier team like us. In the next qualifier, they will be a first tier team. They enjoy what they have earned with your work and effort. Without your efforts and achievements today, the teams behind you might have a harder time than you do, so that's the meaning and value of your work.
"I'm not boasting about our achievements, but I'm saying that before we put in the work today, we think about not just today, but tomorrow and the future. Chinese soccer needs this kind of work style and attitude, so I don't want you to just think about whether you work hard or not. I want you to see more flags on the front of your uniform and always know that you are working today for the sake of Chinese soccer tomorrow.
"But what is our dream? We all know everyone wants to go to Indonesia. If we want to go to Indonesia for the World Junior Championships, we have to pass this level. From now on, we will get into the track of preparation and not think more but be confident that we can do it."
