In an exclusive interview with Eastern Sports Daily today, Fei Yu, 31, shared a bit of insight into his career, lamenting that he is having the best time of his life.
-- In the match with Shenzhen, you hit two goals alone and took the credit for the team to win the championship. Judging from the statistics, the frequency of your appearances has remained stable this year, does it mean that your form and performance have reached a new height?
In fact, I'm not looking for a highlight reel performance in one game, but rather consistent play in every game. Some seasons in the past, I may not have been stable and had a lot of ups and downs. But as I grow older, I have a more mature mindset and more experience. Now, even if there is a mistake, I quickly adjust my mindset and focus on the next game.
-- What do you think are the factors behind the fact that Dalian has played with an all Chinese team for long periods of time this year and yet has achieved notable results?
I think it comes from the correctness of our thinking. My years in the Chinese Super League have taught me that whether it's during the golden dollar soccer period or the plight of salary arrears, I cherish the fact that I can now be reused at Dalian People's Club. This kind of cherish motivates me to do my best, because it's all hard to come by. I believe that this attitude also exists in the veterans of the team, such as the brother (Yan Xiangguan) and brother (Zhu Ting).
--Nowadays, "pressing" has become a hot topic, as a player, how do you feel about this tactic?
To some extent, there is an element of internet banter. At the technical and tactical level, I am not going to dwell too much on it. In my opinion, to "press on" means to go all out and fight for every ball.
-- Coach Xie Hui is passionate on the sidelines, what is it like on the practice field? What does he emphasize most often?
To be honest, I think Coach Xie Hui is very kind at the training ground. He most often emphasizes the ideological level, teaching us to remain humble and dedicated. There is no reason for us to be complacent because we have earned our points. Even if we go all out sometimes we may lose, but if we can't go all out then we have no chance of winning at all.
-You have had a colorful career, experiencing the Chinese Super League, staying in the foreign countries, the Chinese First Division, and now returning to the Chinese Super League. If you were to evaluate yourself, at what stage of your career would you say you are now?
I consider myself to be in the best time of my life. On the one hand, getting older, I should be at the stage of a mature player now. On the other hand, I am very lucky to be able to spend this stage with Dalian People FC. When I was a kid, I knew about the rivalry between Shanghai and Dalian and that Dalian is a soccer city. I feel very proud to be here this year. Since I have come to this soccer city, I will give my best and have no regrets.
-- Coach Shehui has said that the team's goal is more than just relegation, he just doesn't say it out loud. As his players, what are your goals again?
My goal? I don't feel the need to elaborate too much. I believe that if I persevere, time will tell. Time will also show me what persistence means.
