Salko first coached the Evergrande Soccer School, leading the team to a national championship and sending nearly 30 players to national teams at all levels.In 2020, Salko joined the Kunshan team as a reserve team coach, responsible for building the youth team, selecting talent, and cultivating reserves.Salko took over the reins of the Kunshan team in September 2021, successfully completing the season with 14 matches, and then went on to continue coaching the Kunshan team.
Since Kunshan's 1-0 win over Qingdao Youth Island on August 29, they have gotten into a winning streak and have won 13 straight games. Currently a superhero, it is only natural for Sarko to continue coaching Kunshan in the Chinese Super League. What kind of answer will Sarko deliver in the Super League? We will see. On the occasion of the Kunshan Super League, we interviewed Coach Sarko.
◆Soccer: Can you express your feelings first when Kunshan team managed to overtake?
Sarko: I'm very happy. I'm very happy with the players' performance so far this season. We still have five games to go and we still have bigger ambitions. Besides going above and beyond, we want to influence better results and bring more joy to the season.
We have performed at a high level in many of our games. The team's current run of results continues with 29 games undefeated and 13 consecutive wins. I believe it is not easy to accomplish not only for us but for any team.
◆ Having taken over on an interim basis last season, what kind of systemic adjustments have you made to the team this season?
Last year I took over the team in the middle of the season, which I think was very helpful, allowing me to get to know the players better and lead the team further, as well as allowing me to instill in the team the style of tactics that I wanted to implement this year. This year we have made some key signings and the players have done an excellent job of executing all of our requirements, they have been motivated in training and games to fully implement the team's tactical game which has enabled us to achieve the results we have achieved so far.
◆ What is the most important factor for the Kunshan team to reach the Super League?
Locker room unity! We can form a team like a big family. Players help each other and overcome difficulties by uniting with each other. Everyone works hard. Whether it's a player who has more game time or a player who barely gets a chance to play, they all do a great job on the team. The players were the main protagonists on the pitch.
◆ What kind of support does the Kunshan Club give you?
In fact, I think it's the best guarantee the club can get. The club is close to the team and gives the team all the help and support it needs. All the staff are motivated to help the team and this is a very important part of what we have achieved so far.
◆Football: You're going to play in the Chinese Super League next year, what are your plans?
Sarko: We just achieved our goals for this season. It's too early to talk about next season. As a rule, we need to fully discuss all aspects and understand what the club has in mind for next season. In my opinion, we should at least try to get on our feet next season, continue our style of play, let the team grow little by little and try to be active in the Super League for many years to come.
There is no pressure. On the contrary, I would like to say that we can perform well in the Chinese Super League, both as this year's promotion horse and as next year's promotion horse. This year, the four new Super League armies performed well. We need to follow their example. We will continue their good performance this year when we join the CPL next year.
◆ In the Chinese Super League, there are many Spanish coaches, are you familiar with all of them? Especially looking forward to fight with them?
Both Coach Pedro and Coach Jordy, I know them personally. I didn't have a chance to meet Coach Javier from Henan. It's good to have so many Spanish coaches in the Chinese Super League. We can convey our soccer philosophy in China. Of course, I'm looking forward to playing against them next season.
◆Football: Do you still follow the Guangzhou team's matches while coaching the Kunshan team?
SARKO: Yes. I've been at Evergrande for a long time. I'm very grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to work in China for ten years. Now I consider China as a home. I'm also happy to see some of the young players that I used to be in the soccer academy and now play in the first team.
◆ How do you evaluate the technical and tactical level of the Chinese Super League and Chinese League One?
In my opinion, there are definitely some differences between countries. The technical and tactical level of the Chinese Super League is well adjusted. Not only foreign coaches but also more and more Chinese coaches are playing an important role in it. Closer to me is the Chinese First League. I think some teams are well coached. They have created a relatively complete style of play with good results.
◆What is your impression of the city of Kunshan?
I was very, very impressed. It's a very beautiful, clean, livable city. I came here because of the destiny of soccer. I'm also very happy to lead this city's team into China's top soccer league. Next year, I hope the fans in Kunshan can go to watch our matches live.
◆ What is your message to Chinese soccer from the youth professional league?
I've been working with young players for a long time and now I'm starting to get in touch with the professional league in China. I have a wish that we should be more patient when we develop young players and give them opportunities. Players need to learn and improve from their mistakes. Now is probably the best time to develop young players. Developing these youngsters can give Chinese soccer a better future.
