Interview: Manuel Bleda of Eastern (Hong Kong)
Interview by Christopher KL Lau
For the past few seasons, Eastern's Spanish striker, Manuel Bleda, has lead the line for this club with lethal effect. The forward has plundered goals across Hong Kong and Eastern are currently battling it out for the league title and remain in the hunt for the top prize. Bleda also has the honour of scoring the first ever goal for a Hong Kong club in the Asian Champions League group stages when he coolly slotted home against Kawasaki Frontale of the J-League.
In an exclusive interview, the Spanish hotshot shared this views on his favourite goal in Hong Kong and why La Liga and Spanish football is so popular.
Bleda has wrecked havoc against many defences in the Hong Kong Premier League yet his most memorable and best executed goal was scored in a training session for Eastern. Bleda's back heel scorpion kick was perfectly timed and captured on video for all to see.
"It was probably the bicycle kick in the friendly game. It didn't hurt as I went down with my hands!"
Bleda was then asked who was the best player he had faced in Hong Kong, though he did not name an individual, as the overall standard of Hong Kong football has improved.
"The best player I have faced in Hong Kong? That is difficult as the level of players has improved here in Hong Kong. Kitchee, Southern and Tai Po all have great defences and they all have good tactics and are difficult to play against."
Hailing from his native Spain, Bleda was happy to give his views on La Liga and why it is so popular around the world.
"The football in Spain is very beautiful as all the teams try and pass and pass like the Spanish national team. In La Liga, the standard is very similar in the first ten teams and everyone can beat other teams so it is competitive."
Hong Kong has seen the popularity of La Liga increase and while English football remains popular, La Liga is rapidly catching up in terms of number of fans in the city.
"In Hong Kong, the fans seem to like English football more as the game style is more attack and attack while in Spain, it is more tactical and involves controlling the game and controlling everything and seeing what happens in each section. Spanish football is stronger in this sense. I like Liverpool in the English Premier League."
Bleda was then asked who he considered the greatest ever Spanish player and he answered without hesitation.
"It is Raul (Real Madrid) as he was courageous and always working hard for the team and I follow him always. David villa was also a great striker and one of the best in the history of Spain."
Thank you!
