Two years later, though, Xu's charges hit the jackpot, winning promotion to the CSL before being bought by the Shanghai International Port (Group) Co. As a result, the team was renamed Shanghai SIPG.

To this day, many SIPG players come from Xu's acclaimed academy, including Team China star Wu-who has lit up this month's Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates-and club captain Wang Shenchao.

"Winning the CSL has been our greatest achievement of the past 18 years," said the 30-year-old Wang at the forum.

"When we won the title, what first came to mind were the happiness and tears that the players shared while training together at the academy. Our struggles had finally paid off."

Xu admitted that there were plenty of tough times back then, recalling how Lyu Wenjun, who now plays as a winger for SIPG, was once so upset that he attempted to escape the island. Lyu's bid for freedom failed because the mainland was only accessible by ferry.

"It was not easy for those kids to stay on a desolate island for such a long time," Xu said. "They thoroughly deserve the success they have achieved today."

SIPG centerback Cai Huikang, who was also at the forum, admitted Xu was a stern taskmaster, who demanded the highest standards.

"I did not understand director Xu's criticisms about how my training was not to his expectations. But after growing up, I realized that the skills he taught me were very beneficial," said Cai.

Despite the progress made, Xu is under no illusions that China has a lot more work to do to close the gap to the world's elite.

"Youth training should still be the main focus. We need to bring in more professionals and talents to the academy to raise the standard of Chinese soccer," he said.

"Our academy now has some talented players, but our country's level of soccer still needs to improve. I believe our players can break out of Asia one day."