Interview with Brazilian striker Kieza: “There are big rivalries in Chinese football, but it's not so big like in Brazil”

Kieza is one of many Brazilian players in China

The Chinese Football League is currently the most competitive and attractive in Asia. With many Brazilian players and renowned coaches like Marcelo Lippi and Sven Goran Eriksson, there has been a tremendous growth in public attendance and the media following of the game there.

One of the clubs that had the largest increase in public attendances is Shanghai Shenxin, where, the Brazilian striker Kieza, an ex-Fluminense and Nautico player is playing. We chatted with him to learn more about his experience and the current situation of Chinese football.

When you arrived last year, what was the greatest difficulty you faced in adapting to the very fast game style of Chinese football? Are you missing a creative midfielder to give assists to you in the team?

I had no difficulty in adapting, it was easy. Surely a creative midfielder could help us and give me some assistance would help too.

The manager, Cheng Yaodong was a major player in China two decades ago, it helps the relationship with the players?

Yes, it adds a lot because he was a football player and knows more about football. He knows how to handle players.

Do you consider the current Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande as the best team in China? The attacking trio Diamanti – Muriqui – Elkeson is the most dangerous attack of Chinese football?

Yes, Guangzhou Evergrande is by far the best team in China. Their trio of forwards is very dangerous, they are the players who make the difference in the offensive zones.

Is there big rivalry between the three teams from Shanghai who for fighting for the Chinese Super League? Is it possible to compare it with the rivalry from Recife city between Nautico, Sport and Santa Cruz?

No, it’s different here, but there is great rivalry too. There are big rivalries in Chinese football, but it’s not so big like in Brazil.

How is your relationship with other Brazilians players in China, such as Paulo Andre, who just arrived to play for a rival team, Shanghai Shenshua?

I only see them when we play against them, apart from that we don’t have much contact. Often I only speak with my teammates.

The Chinese players are barely worked on their basics. Is there any Chinese player who would be able to play in Brazilian Serie B, for example?

The clubs usually have youth teams and systems, but Chinese football is very complicated, there is no structure, no knowledge. It’s still very amateurish to be honest. It even has players who can play in Brazil, but they are few and far in between.

Do you prefer to play with less pressure from the media and fans as is the case with Chinese football? Do you plan to return to Brazilian football?

I never cared about pressure, I always try to do my best, but it is much better here than in other places because they don’t bother you too much. I want to return to Brazilian football, but not now.

China is a country with continental dimensions. How is traveling through the country to play in the championship? Plane or bus? What is the plan of the club for this season?

Usually we travel by plane; our focus this year is to qualify for the Asian Champions League and we are fighting for it.

Your nickname Kieza has some relation with the ex-former Italian forward Enrico Chiesa, who played for Parma and Fiorentina?

No relation. This nickname was given by a friend who just referred to me like that, and then everyone started calling me just so.

What was the best player who played with you during in his career?

I had many good players on my side, but one of the best not only on the pitch, but also off of it was the striker Roni; he was a friend, partner and taught me a lot when we played for Fluminense.