Ahead of his fourth Asian Cup appearance, China's veteran defender Zhang Linpeng emphasizes the importance of staying focused.
DOHA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's defensive linchpin Zhang Linpeng said on Wednesday that every player in the national team was ready for their first game at the AFC Asian Cup in three days' time.
Scheduled to take place from January 12 to February 10, the quadrennial Asian football tournament promises to deliver thrilling moments.
China was drawn into Group A along with Tajikistan, Lebanon and host Qatar, and will play its first match against Tajikistan on Saturday.
"We've been well-prepared. Everybody is ready for the first game," Zhang said ahead of Wednesday's training session.
The 34-year-old Zhang, dubbed "Zhang-mos" by his fans for a comparison to Spanish defender Sergio Ramos, can play both as a right full back and a central defender in accordance with head coach Aleksandar Jankovic's tactical changes.
Zhang will embrace his fourth Asian Cup in Doha. Coincidentally, the defender made his debut in the continental tournament in 2011, also in Qatar.
"The biggest change for me is the age as I'm older now. Qatar hosted the World Cup in 2022, and has prepared for the Asian Cup well in all aspects," he said.
"For me, it's about staying focused, which is not only an attitude in each training session and each game, but also in daily life. Now I'm focusing on the preparation for the game and that's the experience I can give to young players."
24 teams were divided into six groups at the Asian Cup, with Qatar poised to kick off its title defense in the tournament's opener against Lebanon on Friday.
China, two-time runner-up, reached the quarterfinals in the past two editions. ■
