Witsel invites critics: ‘it’s not as bad as people say’

Alex Witsel raised some eyebrows this season when he decided to move from Zenit St Petersburg to Tianjin Quanjin in the Chinese Super League, but the Belgian midfield player still supports his decision. Witsel has played two matches in the Super League by now and says the standard of the Super League has surprised him.

“I think the critics should come to China themselves and watch a couple of matches here to see the standard. It’s not as bad as most people say, and I was even surprised by the physical level of most players.” The 28-year old claims in a conversation with several Belgian news outlets.

“from a tactical point of view there is definitely work the be done. Most of the focus is on the defensive and attacking areas, leaving the midfield wide open at times.”

Witsel reported for the Belgium squad ‘as usual’ this week, in order to prepare for their World Cup qualification game against Greece and the friendly match against Russia. The playmaker says he was never worried about his place in coach Roberto Martínez his squad: “I did not worry too much about that. I see a lot of players already playing for years in the Super League and still be selected for their countries.”