Liu Shaoziyang from China attends a training session of FC Bayern Munich II in Munich, Germany, on Jan. 14, 2022. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Chinese goalkeeper Liu Shaoziyang has the potential to achieve a high level in professional football, said Bayern head of campus.
By Oliver Trust and Liu Yang
BERLIN, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich is optimistic Chinese talent Liu Shaoziyang can make his way into professional football at a high level.
The German record champion's head of Campus Jochen Sauer told Xinhua in an interview that the long-term contract with the former Wuhan Three Towns goalkeeper is giving evidence of the clubs' confidence.
"We have confidence he can make it," the 49-year-old said.
Bayern's youth coordinator called Liu "the biggest talent in China in his age group."
Speaking about the loan deal outlined for 18 months with Austrian side FC Klagenfurt, Sauer believed it's an opportunity for the keeper to get used to adult football and one day return to Bayern.
"He is on a similar level as all of our keepers of his age group," he commented, adding that the intermediate step in Austria has been set up to "gain further progress as there is nothing more important for a young goalkeeper than to gain as many playing minutes as possible."
Sauer rated the number of games needed to gain enough experience for a young goalie at around 100. Then it is time to talk about possibly being ready for the top leagues.
Much more than field players young keepers need time the official added. "The length of the loan gives him the chance to make a safe landing."
"Everyone knows about Manuel Neuer's approach to be an additional outfield player next to his goal-keeping job and that's what we demand from a keeper," Sauer said. "It's not only about saving shots."
Liu Shaoziyang from China attends a training session of FC Bayern Munich II in Munich, Germany, on Jan. 14, 2022. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Bayern's education boss said the Bavarian club was impressed by Liu's diligence, great discipline, and quick reactions in training. The Chinese talent soon reached a competitive level as he was able to follow instructions and advice pretty fast.
Bayern offered the opportunity for a five-month-long test training as this "gave us an overview about not only his sporting potential but about his character as well."
Liu Shaoziyang quickly adapted to routines, felt at home, and always wore a smile on his face.
"On top of that, he learned to speak German at a remarkable speed, [everyone] was highly impressed," he added.
Bayern announced to keep a close eye on the Chinese youngster's development in Austria.
The 2020 treble winners' strategy for Liu included accommodating him in one of the clubs' guest rooms on the campus to allow him to keep in contact with other players and learn the language. Training with Bayern's Under-19 team and Under-23 squad helped him to make even bigger steps in his development, Sauer reported.
Liu played in friendlies against other clubs and competitive training matches between the U-19 and U-23 teams.
Spotted by Bayern at his home club in Wuhan it seemed clear the Chinese footballer already had the basic physical requirements needed to get to the top. ■
