On Sunday, we started the League visiting newly-promoted Chongqing Lifan. It was a splendid day for a football match, the pitch was in perfect condition and the stands were packed with local fans enjoying their First Division debut. It was the perfect stage for us to play a good game and bring home a victory.

In the pre-match talk I decided to remind the players about all the records they had broken last season, so they would realise that we had to fight from the very first minute of the season if we wanted to improve on last year’s results.

I told them how proud I was of their hard work and highlighted that, although football always has a material side, with the trophies and prizes, there are other important aspects that will bring HAPPINESS, and those are:

– Personal satisfaction
– Team spirit
– Always giving one’s best
– Fighting until the very end
– Recognition for a work well done

I also reminded them that living in the past will not help us at all this season. If we want to win the League our goal must be to fight even harder, every single match; that must be the main characteristic that defines and shapes the SPIRIT of each Beijing Guoan player.

The team won by a solid 0-3, with goals from Dejan, Erton from the penalty spot and Batalla. A great victory to maintain the forward momentum. Right now we couldn’t ask for more, with four wins in four official matches, eight goals scored and none conceded. But now we must focus on consolidating this great run next Friday with a home win against Henan. I am sure all our fans will be there to support us.

Gregorio Manzano Ballesteros

Head Coach of Beijing Guoan Football Club