On March 5th, the springtime Yuxi Highland Sports Center ushered in an event - the Yunnan Yukun Club's new season departure ceremony. The team's head coach, Li Jinyu, accepted an in-depth interview with the media after the ceremony.
In the face of the brand new foreign aid policy, Li Jin Yu was blunt: "This wave of policy will have a profound impact on the Chinese Super League, and is an unknown challenge for every team." He further elaborated, "Although the China First Division has yet to be unveiled, the changes in the Chinese Super League will undoubtedly have a butterfly effect on the First Division. Considering the increase in foreign aid quotas, some teams may instantly have as many as six foreign players, which will be a quantum leap in the league's spectacle and competitive pace. Although teams in the First Division currently have only three foreign players per team, we all have clear goals."
Talking about the overall prognosis of the China First Division League, Li Jin Yu confessed, "As the new force of the league, we need time to adapt to the higher level of the competitive arena. This year's team lineup has changed a lot, and the addition of many outstanding players has brought us new energy. However, team bonding and detail handling are equally crucial, and we will do our best to show our best in the game."
Yukon FC has made a massive investment this season, with a projected investment of up to 100 million dollars. Although it is a new army in the first grade, but this initiative has already made the team in the spotlight. Li Jin Yu said of this: "Our strength lies in the stability of the team. Last year, the operating environment of Chinese soccer was slightly volatile, and I'm here committed to creating a warm home for the players. Chairman Cai has also invested heavily in emotionally building a family-like bond for the players. We will not blindly pursue scale expansion, but focus on inner stability."
Talking about the goal of the new season, Li Jin Yu said: "Our goal this year is relatively conservative, starting from relegation. China A-League is still unfamiliar to many players, and even some of the players who have experience in the Chinese Super League need time to adapt. At the same time, our newly introduced foreign players also need some time to get used to the game. In this season, we will learn more about other teams and try to play well in the competition."
Li Jin Yu also shared his thoughts on the tournament, "The first round of the tournament was a strong viewing experience, with teams being very committed and well prepared. Each level of the league faces similar difficulties and challenges. When I was in the B-League, I often felt the unpredictability of the game and the frequent mistakes of the players, but in the A-League, we need more rhythm and changes."
Regarding Yuxi's 1700-meter plateau home field advantage, Li Jin Yu humorously responded: "Although the plateau environment may bring some favorable factors, but the key also lies in the team's own performance. Even with the advantage of home field, if the game is not played well, all the advantages will come to naught. Doing well is the most important thing."
