In an interview on April 16, veteran player Yan Xiangguan revealed to Soccer Daily what he felt and thought about representing Dalian Yingbo in the Central League this season.
Dalian Imbo has successfully hosted three home matches this season and the crowds have been enthusiastic, averaging more than 20,000 spectators per match. Such attendance is rare in China A-League, what do you think about this?
After all, this is Dalian, where the soccer atmosphere is extraordinary. The Barracuda Bay Stadium is known for its professional facilities, with the spectator stands so close to the pitch that it is as if the players are within reach. The slope of the pitch is also designed with great care and appears to be unusually steep. For the home team, this brings an air of overlooking the entire field; for the visiting team, it may be a sense of ubiquitous oppression.
Yesterday, I heard that nearly 35,000 people flocked to the venue when we hosted Liaoning Ironmen. I was incredibly proud! We are just an ordinary first division team, but the Dalian fans created a feeling for us as if we were in the home stadium of European giants. The team also said that the Dalian fans showed what a real soccer city is with their actions. Their love for soccer and their support for the city's teams will be there to support them no matter what the level of the league is.
Dalian Yingbo, which remains undefeated for six rounds, does this have anything to do with the above factors?
Of course, but this is not possible without the joint efforts of all the team members. First of all, the owner's strong investment and the city's full support gave us the foundation for stable development. Secondly, the head coach's tactical arrangement was proper and the team atmosphere was harmonious. No matter who is on or off the field, we remain calm and obey the coach's instructions completely. Furthermore, the support of our families and the encouragement of our fans have given us a clear direction to strive for and we are no longer lost.
Which Central League One team do you think has the best chance of making it to the Premier League this year?
As of now, Yunnan Yukun is the most likely, with their deep squad depth. As far as the current staffing is concerned, they are fully capable of gaining a foothold in the Chinese Super League. In addition to Yukun, the gap between the other teams in the Central League is not obvious, the key lies in who can be firm in their beliefs, and who can make effective additions at critical moments.
In the past, foreign aid often played a key role in the Central League, and whoever had the strongest foreign aid would be able to make it to the Super League.
But the overall level of foreign aid in today's China A-League has declined. A few years ago, didn't Chinese Super League teams poach foreign aiders from China A League? And now, some foreign aiders are not outstanding in China A-League, instead, they provide more space for Chinese players to show themselves.
It is reported that players like you are quite popular in China A-League, with rich experience, good image, serious attitude in training and playing, as well as organizing offense. Shijiazhuang Kung Fu was interested in inviting you to join them, but in the end you chose to stay in Dalian.
How do you feel about the invitation to Shijiazhuang Kung Fu?
I am very grateful to Shijiazhuang Kung Fu for inviting me. Mr. Yuan contacted me several times to join. As a matter of fact, there were several other Central League clubs that also extended an olive branch to me, but after much deliberation, I decided to stay in Dalian. Some of my teammates and I made the same choice during our time at Dalian Ren because we had an unspeakable pain and regret in our hearts. We witnessed the relegation and cancellation of the Dalian Ren team, which we couldn't let go of for a long time.
Some people think that you get more popular as you get older and your popularity seems to peak late in your career, what do you think about that?
My popularity? No way, I'm just darker (laughs). Thanks to the Dalian fans for their support, understanding and tolerance! I don't want to be a popular person, I just want to contribute more to the team within my ability, do some demonstration and example that older players should do, and help and unite more young players. I am very grateful to Imbo for giving me the opportunity to continue to fight for my hometown and I will give it my all.
