In the just-concluded first four rounds of the Chinese Super League, Hebei team with 2 wins and 2 draws to maintain an undefeated record, this achievement has surprised many outsiders. Captain Zhang Chengdong's performance in the team can not be ignored, he returned to the team as a sea god pin, so that the team has become more calm and tough, he joined the team injected more confidence and calm.
Journalist:
What do you think about returning to the familiar Suzhou region?
Zhang Chengdong:
Even though the divisions are the same, we still live in building 2, which makes us feel more at ease. Last year we did well in the first stage here, making the top four, and although I wasn't here for the second stage, I watched the team play and everyone gave it their best shot. We've all adapted very well to the environment here, we're more familiar with it this year than we were last year when we first came here, and we feel at ease coming back here.
Journalist:
What process did you go through during your treatment in Germany?
Zhang Chengdong:
Before I went to Germany, I was planning to have surgery due to the difficulty of leaving the country due to the epidemic, but I didn't realize that the doctors didn't think I needed surgery, just conservative treatment to repair the medial collateral ligament. This made me feel happy to be able to return to the team quickly, in time for the start of the league. I went through four weeks of isolation after returning home and was also stocking up on fitness later in the season to avoid muscle atrophy. I trained with the team for three weeks before the league and although the preparation time was short, I'm happy to be back to help the team.
Journalist:
The team has replaced the Korean coaching staff, what changes do you feel the new coaches have brought to the team?
Zhang Chengdong:
There are some cultural differences between Korean coaches and our country, and we are all trying to adapt to our head coach's style and playing style. The tactical setup is different from before, but we are all working positively with it. The first two games of the league may not have met the expectations, but it takes time and process, the head coach came late, we are all in positive communication, and I hope the team will get on track as soon as possible.
Journalist:
With the average age of the team dropping, how do you communicate with the younger players as captain and experienced player?
Zhang Chengdong:
The team has brought in a lot of promising young players who are working hard. We need to communicate with them more to help them adapt to the team and to the high-intensity training and matches. Although the high-intensity training makes them tired, we will remind them that this is just training, not the league. We need to encourage them to work hard to adapt to the rhythm of the league and strive to enter the national team for a higher platform.
Journalist:
Outside backs returned at varying times and Malcolm made a significant difference on the field after his second start.
Zhang Chengdong:
Foreigners are crucial to the team in the Chinese Super League and we are glad to have four of them back before the league starts. They have not practiced with the team for a long time, but as long as they return to good form, they can help the team a lot, improve the speed of offense and defense, and make the game more exciting.
Journalist:
What have you been reading lately?
Zhang Chengdong:
Recently I've been reading Sequential Blossoms, about the happy lives of the Tibetan people, and the biography of Zeng Guofan, about his life.
Journalist:
Is there less pressure on the team to play a different format this year than last year?
Zhang Chengdong:
This year's system is different from last year's, and the league will also expand next year, so the pressure is not as great as last year. Last year, there were only 14 rounds in the first stage, and you might not perform well in the second stage, but you can be relegated if you play well in the second stage. This year is a full league, team stability, internal condition and training quality are key, the pressure is not as big as last year.
Journalist:
The team was renamed Hebei, what are your feelings as a Hebei player?
Zhang Chengdong:
As a Hebei player, I have deep feelings for the team. The team was renamed Hebei, and the logo shows that it was founded in 2009. I have represented the team in the National Games, and my teammate is now Wu Xi. I will inject my passion into the team and try to make it better. Before the warm-up match, the secretary of Langfang Municipal Party Committee came to the stadium to visit the team, giving us motivation and confidence. I hope everyone in the team will be happy and hope to get good results.
Journalist:
Hebei fans are passionate, but can't make it to the game due to the format. What would you like to say to the fans?
Zhang Chengdong:
Thank you very much for the support of the fans, the Hebei fans are very lovely. We have two Chinese Super League teams in Hebei, which is the pride of Hebei fans. We have to cherish this honor, drive Hebei soccer and let more children play football. I hope the fans will cheer for the team, both Hebei and Cangzhou teams are from Hebei, we have to be united to push Hebei soccer to a new peak.
Journalist:
What are your expectations as a captain, both personally and for the team?
Zhang Chengdong:
Now I've played two games, I'm in the wing back position, I hope to use my experience to help the team in defense, and at the same time create opportunities for the team in the offensive end. I hope the team will play at their own level, show more of the coach's tactical style, help the young players grow and gain experience in the Chinese Super League.
Journalist:
The team leader, Lang Zheng, is also your big brother, what kind of help do you think he has given you in life and training?
Zhang Chengdong:
Last year, the team was under a lot of pressure, and Lang often gave us a chance to regulate the atmosphere and communicate with the players and coaches, playing the role of a carrier. This year, the team has brought in many young players, and Lang will also help them to adapt to the team as soon as possible. He will actively create a good atmosphere so that veteran players, young players and coaches can get along more harmoniously. The logistics staff will also do a good job for us during training and games, and we will work together to get good results.
Journalist:
Many players have long term plans, do you have plans to pursue a career in coaching?
Zhang Chengdong:
I haven't thought too much about this aspect yet, I think I haven't played soccer for half a year, but my physical condition has been maintained well, I still hope to continue to play in the Chinese Super League as a player and cherish my career. As a player, I hope to have a breakthrough in terms of performance.
