In the final chapter of the 2021 Chinese Super League season, Guangzhou lost a thrilling battle with Shanghai Seaport to finish third, a result that has been no small consolation for the team experiencing financial woes.
Looking back on the season, the resilience of the Guangzhou players is admirable. Before the start of the second stage, the team faced a crisis of not being able to compete, but eventually they pulled through, and an article in Football Daily revealed the players' journey. One player said, "We only have one faith in our hearts, and that is the hope that the Guangzhou team can continue to exist!"
Ji motivated his team before the competition, "Whatever it is for, to prove ourselves or otherwise, our goal is to give it our all and finish this stage of the competition."
They fought for the city of Guangzhou and its fans, and for their personal honor. Despite the adversity, the Guangzhou team was united, and the players were grateful for the sense of responsibility of the coaching staff and the leadership of Zhi.
One small detail was also touching: while the hotel and restaurant staff had left during the players' spontaneous training, the team staff bought their own ingredients and cooked for the players. This spirit of overcoming difficulties is especially inspiring to young players.
Looking ahead, fans and players still have questions about the direction of the Guangzhou team. Currently, the contracts of a number of key players are about to expire and their renewal is not yet clear. Despite the interest expressed by other clubs and players, the players prefer Guangzhou to complete the share reform as soon as possible so that they can decide whether to stay or go based on the result. (DD)
