Interview with Kiles: Jinmen Tiger feels like home Now used to most Chinese food

Reporter Lu Mi reports When he first arrived in China, Keles would never have imagined that he would experience a "thrilling" and "amazing" double day of ice and fire in the first round of the 2025 Chinese Super League. From missing a penalty to scoring a brace and a two-time equalizer, the Spaniard perfectly demonstrated the "never say die" of the Jinmen Tigers. From playing in an unfamiliar league overseas for the first time to being the MVP of the first round of the Chinese Super League, it only took one round for Kiles to gain recognition from fans and teammates.

In addition to the challenges on the pitch, Chinese food and cultural differences are also topics that Kiles has had to adapt to. In the face of an exclusive interview with this newspaper, Kiles said: "The team will never give up, and we must repay everyone's recognition with more victories." ”

◆Football: The team has a week off after two league rounds, how did you spend your first long vacation after coming to the Chinese Super League?

Kiles: I went to Shanghai with my girlfriend for a few days and went on a short trip. Then I went back to Tianjin and walked around the city. Although I came to Tianjin early, I didn't have time to see the city because I had been preparing for the league. The holiday was enjoyable, the two cities had different experiences and it felt very good.

◆In the first two rounds, Jinmen Tigers and you left a lot of topics in the league, have you reviewed your performance in the first two rounds?

In the first game against Meizhou, I scored two goals and gained confidence, but it was a pity that I didn't get three points at home. The second game was away from home, the opponents were very good, they had a big advantage at home, we played very hard, and it was not easy to get our first win of the season away. Overall, the team's performance in both games has been satisfactory and we have gained confidence.

◆The first home game of the new season against Meizhou is your first appearance in the Chinese Super League, what is it like to be in the players' tunnel before the game?

As a Tianjin player making his home debut, I was both nervous and looking forward to it, after all, it was my first game in the Chinese Super League, and it was at home. I heard the fans loud and I could feel the number of fans coming to the stadium from the volume, and the cheers and encouragement were very helpful to me and the team. It's just a shame we didn't win, but I'm really impressed with the atmosphere at home.

◆It was a bit of an unexpected game, when you were two goals down, you had a chance to take a penalty, did you stand on the spot with confidence?

Before the penalty I had confidence in myself and I thought it would definitely go in. But after the shot, I saw that the goalkeeper made the right judgment and saved the ball. At that moment, I was a little angry with myself, but after a few seconds I regained my composure and I thought I had to try to equalise. In the end, we did.

◆What did your team-mates say to you after you missed the penalty?

My teammates gave me a cheering gesture at the time, which meant it was okay, we still had time. Luckily, I scored two goals in the following time to equalise.

◆Two goals in a row in the final moments, apart from the equaliser, what more meaning did these two goals reveal?

That's what our manager has always emphasised, to show the fighting spirit in the game. In a difficult situation of 2-0, we fought hard to the end, and even a draw was very valuable. In the process of equalising, we gained confidence. This process has taught us that as long as we have confidence, this team can face any opponent with team spirit and hard work, and we will never give up.

◆Football: How does it feel to be the official single-round MVP in the first round of the league?

Keales: Being voted the best player in the first round of the Chinese Super League means a lot to me. This is not only the recognition of all the fans, but also the recognition and support of the media and even the Chinese Super League, I am very encouraged, which has given me a good start in the Chinese Super League. In the future, I will make more efforts and strive for more honors.

◆Two rounds of the Chinese Super League: What kind of understanding do you have about the Chinese Super League?

It's still a bit early to evaluate the overall price of the Super League, and there are still many teams that have not played each other. Judging from the first two rounds, I think Meizhou's defense is very good, and the tactical strategy is also very good. Rongcheng is a very strong opponent with excellent players and field conditions, and the home advantage is obvious. Playing against them allowed me to see the characteristics of different teams in the Chinese Super League and I think the process of the two games is still very important.

◆The team has had a bit of a bumpy start, how do you improve during this break?

I think we need to focus more on defending and conceding fewer goals. We've conceded three goals in the first two games, which is a bit much. That's something that needs to be improved in the intervals and we want to try to keep as few goals as possible in future games. With a solid defense, we can do more on the offensive end and win more games.

◆This season, the team has a new five-player structure, how are you running in?

From the Spanish league to the Chinese league, I feel that there are a lot of differences. After two months of winter training, there has been a lot of tacit understanding and in-depth cooperation between several foreign aids, including teammates. I found the process very enjoyable.

◆How do you fit into the team's current tactical system? How did the team's tactics help and challenge their performance?

The manager had seen a lot of my game footage before I came here and he knew a lot about my style of play, my ability and the value I could bring to the tactical system. It made our communication smooth and I was able to understand his tactical intentions very well. I especially want to help the team win by playing on the pitch and as a way to give back to the coach for recognising me.

◆You are at the top of the current Super League player's shooting list with 13 shots, which shows your decisiveness in the face of opportunities, have you set any goals for yourself?

I'm a striker, so I try to shoot as much as I can in the game. What I ask of myself is to score as many goals as possible on the pitch. My goal has always been there, whether it's creating chances for my team-mates or shooting on goal myself, winning is my goal.

◆Football: Joining the Tigers is your first time playing abroad, will the decision to play in a foreign country be difficult?

Keles: It was a very difficult decision to make, I knew very little about the Chinese Super League. Coming to play in the Chinese Super League not only means trying a whole new league, but also going to a country with a completely different language and culture. However, I felt that I needed to take this step to meet the new challenges of my career. When I arrived in Tianjin, I saw a very beautiful city, a very good team, and I was determined to succeed in Tianjin, and I wanted to play in China for a longer time.

◆In the match against Rongcheng, Yu Genwei's on-the-spot scheduling was very effective, he was the first Chinese head coach you came into contact with, what is your impression of him?

He made a very positive impression on me. He is very dedicated to football and has a great professionalism, not only in the training but also in the preparation of the game. I know his special place in the history of Chinese football and I know that he is a legend in Tianjin and even in China, and I am very happy to have such a manager. I believe that as long as every player can follow his guidance and play according to his technical and tactical requirements, we will definitely achieve good results.

◆Does he have any special requirements for you?

The most important thing he asked of me was to outflank me in front of the door. As a striker, goal efficiency is important.

◆How do you adapt to cultural differences, lifestyle differences, and football environments?

It was difficult at first, because China and Spain have a lot of cultural differences and different eating habits. Since the winter training, I have been slowly trying to adapt. The language problem will be solved, and the food will have to be adapted slowly. In Haikou before, I ate braised mutton the most, but after eating various delicacies, I gradually got used to it, and now I can get used to most Chinese food.

◆What is your relationship with Salvador and Juan Rose from Spain?

Juan and I were teammates before, and El Salvador was our opponent and played against us. I know their characteristics well, and it doesn't take much time to get used to each other. We became teammates and better friends in China, and this is a new fate. I'm having a lot of fun in China, with my new Chinese team-mates, as well as Salvador and Juan, and I think everything will be a little bit easier.

◆Barton gave you great affirmation in an interview, what impression did the team atmosphere of the Jinmen Tigers leave on you?

I feel like a big family and the Chinese players are very active in helping us integrate into the team. When I first arrived, the captain Wang Qiuming and Shi Yan helped me a lot, and we could feel the friendliness of the Chinese players, and I really thank them.

◆You've never been exposed to Asian football or Chinese football, so what would you most like to explore during your journey to China?

About China, it must be related to culture. China has beautiful scenery and profound cultural heritage, and I want to know more about it in the future. By playing in Tianjin, I was able to see how Chinese football is developing. The Chinese Super League is very different from other leagues, it is competitive and very difficult to play, and the strength of the teams is relatively balanced. I also want to see what I can do in the new league. Of course, what I want most is to help our team achieve more victories and meaningful results.