Xie Pengfei, the shining star of the soccer field, as the right-hand man of Wuhan Three Towns team, recently accepted an in-depth interview with Northwestern Watchtower.
Moments on the field
Q: In the World Qualifier in November, two consecutive matches came back with three points, are you satisfied with this result?
Xie Pengfei: This is the result of the team's efforts. Everyone is satisfied with this result, especially the team's tenacity is praiseworthy.
Q: In the reverse match against Thailand, you came on as a half-time substitute and played well, contributing a key assist. How do you evaluate your performance?
Xie Pengfei: My fans and friends should know better what I am capable of. After the half, I was satisfied with my performance because I know there is more I can do for the team.
Q: You played well in the warm-up matches for the national soccer team, winning praise from the media and fans, and there were even calls for you to start. Will you regret it if you play poorly in Korea?
Xie Pengfei: National team games are highly publicized. As a national team player, personal gains and losses and emotions cannot affect the team. A mature player should have the mentality of not only pursuing the starting position, but also maintaining the desire to play and inspire the best competitive state.
Q: The team will face the AFC Champions League next, what are your thoughts on the team's performance this season?
Xie Pengfei: This is the team's first time participating in the AFC Champions League. So far, there are both highlights and shortcomings, but we have gained valuable experience that will be beneficial to our future careers.
Q: In recent years, Chinese Super League teams have mostly sent youth teams to participate in the competition, now the first team is back to the AFC Champions League stage, how do you feel about this?
Xie Pengfei: I am very excited to play against a strong Asian team again. We have privately exchanged the playing styles of Japan and South Korea, which gives us a different confrontation experience. We can also feel the difference in rhythm and intensity between the international field and the domestic league, which is the direction we focus on and improve.
Q: What's the secret of keeping yourselves in good shape despite fighting on three fronts: Chinese Super League, National Football League and AFC Champions League?
Xie Pengfei: There are inevitably ups and downs in form throughout the year. In the middle of the league, I suffered bone contusions in my left foot, wrist and ball of foot, an injury that has a long recovery cycle and makes it difficult to stay in top form when you're not in good physical condition. But I've emphasized foot training since I was a kid, and when my left foot was injured, the ability of my right foot helped me get through that tough time.
Q: There are numerous negative comments about Chinese players and Chinese soccer on the Internet, do you usually pay attention to these news? Do you feel uncomfortable in the face of negative comments? How do you adjust your mindset?
Xie Pengfei: I seldom pay attention to others' comments. I think it is best to develop good professional habits at this age. I pay more attention to my own feelings because no one knows myself better than myself. Through self-analysis, motivation and hard work, it is more meaningful than external comments.
Q: What are your plans for the future? National team, club, and an Asian Cup match in January.
Xie Pengfei: First of all, I hope the national team will achieve good results in the Asian Cup and play its role. Secondly, I hope the three Wuhan towns will continue to be competitive next year and bring more exciting moments to Wuhan fans.
