Sarko, who first started coaching at Evergrande Soccer School, led the team to win the national championship and sent nearly 30 outstanding players to the national team at all levels. 2020, Sarko moved to Kunshan and took on the responsibility of coaching the reserve team, devoting himself to constructing the youth team, exploring talents and cultivating the reserve force. In September of the following year, he officially took the helm of the Kunshan team, leading the team through 14 matches, and has continued to lead the team ever since.
Since Kunshan's 1-0 win over Qingdao Youth Island on August 29, the team has been on a winning streak, winning 13 games in a row so far. Now, as the team's superhero, it seems logical for Sarko to continue leading the team in the Chinese Super League. What kind of performance will Sarko show in the Chinese Super League? Let's wait and see. We had the honor to interview Coach Sarko on the stage of Kunshan Super League.
[Soccer] The Kunshan team managed to achieve the surpass, Coach Salko, can you share your feelings at this moment?
Sarko: The joy is overflowing. I am very happy with the way the players have performed this season. We have five games left and our ambitions are even stronger. In addition to going above and beyond, we aspire to produce better results and bring more joy to the season as a whole. We have shown a high level of performance, currently unbeaten in 29 games and on a 13-game winning streak. I believe this is a challenge not easy for any team to accomplish.
Having taken over the team at mid-season [last season] on a temporary basis, what systematic changes have you made to the team this season?
Last year I took over the team in the middle of the season, which helped me a lot, allowing me to get to know the players better and giving me the opportunity to instill my tactical philosophy in the team. This year we have made some key additions and the players have executed our demands brilliantly, they are motivated in training and games and have implemented the team's tactics perfectly, which has been the key to our achievements so far.
What do you think is the most important factor in the success of the Kunshan team in the Super League?
Locker room unity! We form a team like a big family. The players support each other and overcome difficulties by working together. Everyone gives their best. Whether it's a player who gets more game time or a player who has less chances to play, they all excel in the team. The players are the real stars on the pitch.
[Club Support] What kind of support do you get from the Kunshan Club?
In fact, I think this is the best guarantee the club can give. The club is very close to the team and provides us with all the necessary help and support. All the staff are passionate about helping the team, which is an important factor in our current achievements.
[Chinese Super League] You are going to participate in the Chinese Super League next year, do you have any 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 of the club's plans for next season. In my opinion, we should at least try to stabilize next season, continue to maintain our style of play, allow the team to grow, and strive to actively participate in the Chinese Super League for many years to come.
There is no pressure. On the contrary, I would like to say that whether it is this year's promotion horse of the Chinese Super League or next year's promotion horse, we can perform well in the Chinese Super League. This year, the four new Super League armies have performed spectacularly. We have to follow their example. After joining the Super League next year, we will continue their outstanding performance this year.
There are many Spanish coaches in the Chinese Super League, are you familiar with them? Are you particularly looking forward to playing with them?
Both Coach Pedro and Coach Jordy, I know them and have quite a personal relationship. I didn't have a chance to meet Henan's Coach Javier. It's good that there are so many Spanish coaches in the Chinese Super League. We can spread our soccer philosophy in China. Of course, I'm looking forward to playing against them next season.
[Guangzhou team] Do you still follow the Guangzhou team's matches while coaching the Kunshan team?
Sarko: Yes. I played for Evergrande for a long time. I am very grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to work in China for ten years. Now I consider China my home. I'm also happy to see some of the young players, whom I used to teach at the soccer school and who are now playing in the first team.
How to evaluate the technical and tactical level of the Chinese Super League and the Chinese First Division?
In my opinion, there are definitely some differences between countries. The technical and tactical level of the Chinese Super League has been well improved. Not only foreign coaches, but 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.
[Kunshan City] What is your impression of Kunshan?
I was very impressed. It is a very beautiful, clean and livable city. Because of the destiny of soccer, I came here. I am also very happy to lead this city's team into China's top soccer league. Next year, I hope Kunshan fans can come to watch us play.
[Youth Training Message] What is your message to Chinese soccer from the Youth Professional League?
I have been working with young players for a long time and now I am starting to get in touch with the Chinese professional league. 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.
