“I had the feeling, sometimes, being nominated for Hong Kong was more special for local players than passport players. I have nothing against [naturalised] players, when they were with me, they gave everything. Sometimes, though, I felt players were not as professional as I was used to in Europe.”
Andersen’s exit for the Chinese second tier led some observers to suggest he must have been straining to escape the HKFA’s employment.
He insisted that “was not the case”, and acknowledged the association “worked very hard” to tie him to a new three-year deal.
“It was financially better, and they promised some things I wanted, so we could be more professional,” Andersen said. “I would only have left for the perfect offer. I had chances with interesting clubs and national teams, before and after the Asian Cup, but there was always something disturbing me.
“Yunnan’s offer was very good, not only financially. The club is very professional. We have eight training fields, a hotel where the players live, and a big gym.
“It’s a big risk [taking over league leaders], but I studied the team, it has big possibilities.”
Andersen moulded an aggressive, fearless Hong Kong from a limited player pool, largely drawn from the local league, and lower divisions overseas.
He wants the HKFA to provide incentives for eligible “quality players from higher leagues”, such as the 20-year-old pair of Kian Fitz-jim, from Ajax, and Aaron Keller, who plays in Germany, to declare for Hong Kong.
In the meantime, he was “happy and proud” that a succession of Hong Kong talents who thrived under his leadership have secured mainland transfers.
Andersen added: “Those players will train at a higher level every day, so Hong Kong will benefit.”
https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3268578/hong-kong-football-chiefs-asked-ex-coach-andersen-help-solve-match-fixing