On March 20, Shanghai star Xu Junmin will return to Nantong Zhiyun to stand on the Chinese Super League stage in the new season. Last year, Nantong Zhiyun was promoted to the Super League with Kunshan and Qingdao Hainiu. He chose to extend his contract with Nantong Zhiyun after his contract expired when the Kunshan team was not assembled. In an interview with Oriental Sports Daily, Xu Junmin shared his feelings about returning to Nantong Zhiyun.
It's been more than ten days since I returned to Nantong Zhiyun, what are your thoughts?
I feel very much at home here, everything here is very close to me, and since I have played here before, I fit in very quickly. Nowadays, I train twice a week and the other day is a full day. The upcoming warm-up matches are still challenging. I took some time off for objective reasons, and although I kept up my workouts at home, they were very different from the team training. After a few days of training, I feel well recovered and much leaner, with a really high volume of workouts.
What made you decide to return to Nantong Jiyun?
Nantong Zhiyun is now a better and more professional platform. They are stable, not in arrears, and are back in the Chinese Super League. My contract with the Kunshan team had ended and I was approached by the senior management of Nantong Zhiyun to ask if I would like to return. After thinking about it, I chose to return to Nantong.
What have you learned over the years of playing in the Central League?
The biggest takeaway is confidence. Confidence is vital for professional players. On the field, I'm not as nervous as I used to be. The number of games has increased and my experience and reading ability has improved. In recent years, I've become more mature in the Central League. More matches and age have made me more mature. I think it was the right choice to go from Shenhua to Shenxin, and being able to get more games is crucial for me at my age.
Are you confident about returning to the Chinese Super League?
I desperately needed games instead of wasting time on the bench. More games, more self-confidence, more experience. With the trips to Nantong and Kunshan, I gradually gained a foothold in the First Division. After surpassing my rivals last year, I believe I have the ability to play in the Chinese Super League.
What do you think is the reason for Quinsam's Super League run?
The teammates have the same goal and are united in the pursuit of the championship. The teammates are strong and top in China, which is the hard power we surpass. Thanks to the leadership, coaches and logistics staff for their selfless dedication.
How does it feel to be a Central League Champion?
Very happy, the championship means a lot to me. Most importantly, I will be playing in the Chinese Super League in the new season. The chance to prove myself when I return to the Chinese Super League after five years is exciting and full of anticipation.
How do you rate head coach Salko after two seasons at Quinsam?
As a Spanish coach, he focuses on possession and passing, and is technically and tactically strict. He asked us to control the game on the field and demanded meticulous technique. He is a strict trainer on the field, but a friendly and kind coach off the field.
