Recently, Li Yi, the head coach of Sichuan Jiuniu soccer team, shared his feelings about public opinion in an exclusive interview on the official website of the FA Cup. He pointed out that the voices teasing him instead made him realize his own value; at the same time, he revealed that although his income as a netizen far exceeded that of a coach, he felt that it was a kind of emptiness, and that only on the green field could he find true excitement and satisfaction.
In the face of ridicule and skepticism on the Internet, Li Yi said: "First of all, you have to have a strong heart, otherwise you may not be able to cross this threshold. When I was young, I was confused as to why other people's mistakes on the field may be insignificant, while one of my mistakes, especially in the national team, may be magnified countless times. But a lot of things need to take on themselves, to experience, when you walk through, you will understand that this is the grinding of growth, only through experience, you can forge a strong heart."
Talking about his status as a netizen, Li Yi confessed, "I think this is a very natural phenomenon, at least this way people still remember me. If we all stopped teasing me, maybe I wouldn't have any value of existence. Therefore, I also want to thank the fans who have been supporting me for so many years. In fact, working as a commentator and netizen does pay far more than coaching, but I feel empty inside, and once I stand on the soccer field, I can feel infinite passion. This may be what I am really pursuing, so I resolutely chose the profession of coaching, hoping to bring a touch of warmth to the cold Chinese soccer."
Asked why he dresses formally for every game, Li Yi responded humorously, "First of all, the weather is cold and I will freeze if I don't wear a coat. Secondly, as an image representative, I want to show the club and the players that I am ready for the challenge."
