In the 16th round of the Chinese Super League on September 6, Beijing Guoan will welcome Zhejiang in Rizhao. Before the match, Guoan's new head coach Stanley and player Zhang Yuning attended the press conference.
Talking about the preparation, Stanley revealed, "I arrived in Beijing last Sunday and started training with the team on Monday. We had a number of meetings this week and had in-depth exchanges with many of the players. I can't make too many changes to the team in a short period of time. The key thing is that we need all the players to be united so that we can move forward effectively. I've conveyed a lot of information to the players this week and I hope they can absorb and digest it and try to perform in tomorrow's game."
Zhang Yuning also said, "Since the last game, we have had a longer break and are in good physical condition. At the same time, we have a new coach. We have shown good form in the last 3 games and hope to keep it up tomorrow and welcome our new coach with a win, as well as injecting confidence into ourselves."
Reporter's question, "What changes do you think this week's practice has brought to the team?" Stanley replied, "I just got to the team, and if I bring too many new things in, it takes time for the players to get used to it, it's an up and down process, not everyone can digest it right away. For a week, I do try my best to improve the team. It is important that the players and I understand each other and reach a consensus. Changing managers in the middle of the season requires both sides to adapt and I believe we will do well."
The reporter then asked, "While watching the reserve team train, did you spot any good young players? Who could feature in the later games?" Stanley responded, "It's true that there's been a lot going on this week, I did watch the reserve team training twice and got to know most of the players and they got to know me. Of course, it's been a long time since I've seen them and I need to check them out further."
The reporter continued with the question, "Do you feel that the standard of the reserve team players you have taken before has improved?" Stanley replied, "I have taken some young players but it has been two years since I have seen them and I have heard that they have improved, but I need to observe further."
The reporter asked, "How many young players in the current squad fit your tactical requirements?" Stanley said, "I think it's very important to play young players at the right time because it's about their performance. When you play youngsters they have to be confident and that is the importance of timing. At the same time, they need to be ready. As coaches, we need to help them. It's not just my responsibility alone, but the responsibility of the whole team. I can give you an example, in Europe, like Ajax, it's usually when the team is doing well, for example, 4-0 up against the opponent, that young players are brought in to work on their game. If the team is in trouble, it may not be good for them to switch to young players. Our whole team agrees with this view, so we need to wait until the team achieves good results, when it is a good time to give young players a chance, provided of course that they are ready."
The reporter finally asked Zhang Yuning, "How do you feel about facing your hometown team tomorrow?" Zhang Yuning said, "First of all, I'm glad to see Zhejiang finally return to the Chinese Super League stage after years of hibernation, congratulations to them. I've been following them, including abroad. I hope both sides can give a great game tomorrow, and we will take this opponent very seriously."
