On the May 13 episode of Soccer Night, Shijiazhuang Kung Fu Team's 40-year-old veteran Wang Song shared his thoughts on his soccer coaching career.
Reporter's question, "How have the young players changed now compared to the players of 17 years ago?"
Wang Song responded, "Back then we were all top of the top and became professional players. Today, even though there seem to be fewer people playing soccer, that is not true. Those who can survive the fierce competition have many excellent qualities. There are not many people playing soccer nowadays and the selection is not extensive. Youth training models and institutions are of varying levels, resulting in professionals no longer being the top of the top, but the 'good of the good'. For example, willpower qualities such as toughness, hard work and perseverance are much inferior to what they were back then."
Faced with the question of whether he intends to become a head coach, Wang Song said: "Being a coach is a difficult job. As a player, I can show my understanding of soccer on the field, but as a coach, the team may not be able to fully reflect my tactical thinking. I may like the role of coach in the future, but for now I'm still focused on the role of player."
The reporter asked again, "You've been honest and forthright for years, is the soccer world still accepting of you?"
Wang Song lamented, "My physical foundation is fine at the competitive level, but there aren't many platforms for veterans like us that are willing to give me a chance. Many fans may feel that many teams are competing for me, but that's not the case. At the age level, a lot of people won't see me as one of their own, won't trust me, and think I'll be insubordinate and influence the team. Therefore, I am very grateful to the Kung Fu team for giving me this opportunity and being willing to accept me at my age."
The reporter continued the question, "When do you plan to retire?"
Wang Song replied, "If I were to suddenly stop playing soccer, I certainly wouldn't give up so easily. But if I am no longer able to do anything at the competitive level and I am told to continue playing soccer, I won't. That would be ugly. Being like Chira Miura in Japan is definitely not what I'm looking for. I know my soccer career is coming to an end, but exactly how much longer I have, I don't know. I'll just give it my all and cherish the time left in each game."
