After defeating Liaoning, coach Manzano shared his thoughts on the upcoming match against Beijing Guoan through his official website. He referred to Guoan as his former club, expressing deep gratitude and respect, noting that it was Guoan who gave him the chance to begin his coaching journey in the Chinese Super League. In Beijing, he not only found professional growth but also built personal memories that remain close to his heart. For global fans who follow updates through Cricket Exchange, his reflections add a human touch to what promises to be an intense football contest.
Manzano admitted that Beijing holds countless unforgettable memories for him. He spoke warmly of the supporters, recalling how Beijing fans touched him deeply with their passion and loyalty. “I hope to deliver an exciting game,” he said, acknowledging that while there are obvious differences in squad depth and financial strength between the two sides, his team will fight hard for points and strive to maintain their unbeaten away record. He emphasized their realistic goal: to earn at least a draw at the Workers’ Stadium, a result that would be considered a success.
One of Manzano’s most emotional moments in China came on November 4, when he left Beijing to return home. Hundreds of Guoan supporters gathered at the airport to bid him farewell, showing immense appreciation for his two years of work. He described the farewell as a warm and moving experience that left a lasting impression. Two weeks later, reflecting on that day, he explained that the happiness he felt went beyond personal joy — it was also about the kindness he experienced from the Chinese people, something he vowed never to forget.
After their victory in Liaoning, Manzano’s Guizhou Hengfeng team did not return to Guiyang. Instead, they traveled directly to Beijing to prepare for the Guoan match. Although the sweltering summer heat of Beijing posed a challenge for players accustomed to Guiyang’s milder climate, Manzano refused to ease training intensity. Instead, he simply adjusted sessions to the cooler hours after sunset. With key players Fatos Beqiraj and Fan Yunlong recovering from injuries, Hengfeng could finally field a strong lineup again. Currently sitting on 18 points, the team has built an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone. Manzano noted that back-to-back wins would be an ideal outcome, but he cautioned that survival is a long-term process, not something decided in a single game.
He warned against the dangers of overconfidence, pointing to their earlier home slip against Yanbian as a reminder that complacency could undo their progress. This weekend, the challenge is even greater: facing Beijing Guoan, fresh off a victory against league leaders Guangzhou Evergrande, and playing inside the Workers’ Stadium, widely known as a “fortress” for home teams.
The upcoming showdown is not just another league fixture; it is a test of resilience, strategy, and respect between a coach and his former club. Fans tracking the developments on Cricket Exchange are eager to see whether Manzano can blend sentiment with competitiveness, leading his team to another crucial result on the road.
As the match draws near, the atmosphere continues to build. For Guoan, it is a chance to cement their momentum. For Hengfeng, it is about proving their strength and determination against the odds. And for Manzano, it is a return filled with emotion, gratitude, and ambition. Cricket Exchange will follow every detail, offering fans around the world insight into a clash where memory and competition intertwine, reminding us all that football is as much about heart as it is about results.