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Appointed Beijing Guoan coach in China at the end of July, former Lyon resident Bruno Genesio told the Chinese press and our correspondent on Wednesday (August 28th). After a difficult end of the season with the Olympique Lyonnais, the French technician "needed to get away from Lyon" and said he was "happy" in Beijing.
RFI : Why did you choose to pursue your coaching career in China, Beijing Guoan?
Bruno Genesio : After three and a half years spent in Lyon, my city, my training club, I needed to live an experience abroad, to get away from Lyon, France.
I needed a completely different challenge. It could have been in Europe but I had the opportunity to come here and that was what I was looking for after learning and discussing it with my agents who are familiar with the Chinese championship.
There are some very good players and coaches coming here and I think that Chinese football is evolving. What I observe on a daily basis confirms this.
I am very pleasantly surprised by the overall level of Chinese players, the championship and the fervor that surrounds it. Here, we play in front of more than 40,000 people every game. It's very important for motivation.
How was your first month here?
I quickly adapted. I do not see any major difference with my life in Lyon, whether in my workplace or outside.
I feel very good and very happy here. I am even more relaxed than during my last season in Lyon. I feel fully fulfilled, whether in my professional or personal life.
What are your goals for the rest of the season ?
We want to keep our second place and keep a hope of hanging first. (Editor's note: 7 days from the end, Beijing Guoan FC is 2nd 5 points behind leader Guangzhou Evergrande).
But what is also important for me is to advance the team, to develop the youth of our academy that is well organized.
Moreover, if I compare a little with OL, I find the same values here with the desire to train young people, staff members who love the club, a city that loves football and its club.
What do you think of your Congolese scorer Cédric Bakambu, less flamboyant this season ?
He scored on penalty recently. A penalty is a goal.
He scored 23 last season in all competitions. This shows that he is capable of it.
It's often a matter of trust. I discussed it with him and he knows he has all my confidence. I think he's a player who proved he could be decisive.
It will find the way of the nets but it is not what is essential. What is it is his involvement. I'm happy with his state of mind and it's at least as important as scoring goals.