Giants ready to roar

Wang Xiaolong (L) of Beijing Guo'an vies for the ball with Lee Ho of Ulsan Hyundai during their Group F match of the AFC Champions League in Ulsan, 310 km southeast of Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday. Ulsan Hyundai won 2-1. [Photo/Agencies]

China Daily is providing all-round coverage of the upcoming Chinese Super League this week. This second section focuses on two of the title contenders, Guangzhou Evergrande and Beijing Guo'an.

After spending 10 years in the German leagues, Chinese midfielder Shao Jiayi has returned to Beijing Guo'an and expects to win a league trophy with the club. The-31-year-old started his professional career with Guo'an in 1998 and joined Munich 1860 to play in the Bundesliga in 2002.

"It was just a matter of time for me to return to Guo'an, because this is my home, but I didn't expect to come back so early," said Shao, who also played in the German second division with Energie Cottbus and MSV Duisburg.

"I am not back to prepare for retirement, I came back with goals," he said. "I haven't won any league championship in my career, which is a pity for a professional player, and I really hope to fulfill my wish by playing hard with the team."

While Shao admitted the drastic changes in Chinese and Asian soccer required him to adapt fast, the former national player also needs to convince the team's Portuguese coach, Jaime Moreira Pacheco, of his ability.

"When I left China, the league was called 'Jia A', and I have never played a game in the Super League or the AFC Champions League. I need some time to learn and get used to the new circumstances," said Shao, who has been surprised by his Asian counterparts' dramatic improvement.

"The way (Pacheco) plays soccer is typical Latin style. When I was in Germany, one of my teammates from Brazil told me a training session for Latin soccer normally lasts 2 1/2 hours, while we only trained 75 to 90 minutes at a time in Germany. Despite the toughness of the training, it provided a solid foundation for the upcoming games."

"I have only had one month to break in with the team. I need to fit myself into the squad's style. Also, it depends on how Pacheco wants to make full use of my ability."

Shao played as a forward, attacking midfielder, right-half and left-half during the club's preseason training camp in Portugal.

Shao's experience has intensified competition for places in the lineup, and Pacheco has encouraged his players to compete for positions through performances instead of reputations.

"It shouldn't be for me to decide the main lineup, the players should play for themselves," said the 53-year-old, who led Beijing to second place in his first season with the team last year.

"We need to play more than 40 games this year. Even some hardcore players will be unable to play through the year due to injuries and suspensions. Therefore, I hope each player will play with 100 percent effort and stand up when I need them."

tangzhe@chinadaily.com.cn