Former Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios (right), who was recently signed by Guangzhou Evergrande, joins coach Marcello Lippi at a press conference on Monday. Both were brought in amid the team's push to become dominant on the international stage. Provided to China Daily

There are plenty of reasons to be nervous.

Lucas Barrios isn't.

Though fellow star import Nicolas Anelka has struggled to satisfy Chinese fans since joining Shanghai Shenhua prior to the season, Barrios thinks his own time at Guangzhou Evergrande will be just fine.

"No one can decide a game," Barrios said. "Only through working hard with your teammates can you win. I can help the team win in the games ahead, and I believe I will be successful in China."

The Paraguay international made the remarks at a press conference on Monday marking his arrival with the club, which also introduced World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi in May.

Barrios, 27, has became the latest top player from a leading European clubs to play in the Chinese Super League, following Anelka, who moved from the Premier League's Chelsea at the beginning of the season.

"I paid attention to soccer leagues in Asian countries, especially the CSL, when I played in Europe," he said. "The Chinese league and the entire soccer industry in China have improved a lot in recent years, which helped me make the decision to move here.

"Through conversations with the club's managers and some of my friends, I knew Guangzhou Evergrande was a team that was run with an international approach, so I decided I would have a try in China."

One of the major attractions for the former Dortmund striker was the contribution Guangzhou Evergrande chairman Xu Jiayin has made to Chinese soccer.

"(Xu) is a very charming boss who has invested a lot to improve China's soccer development," Barrios said. "It is a big challenge, and a rare chance to play for the club and help improve soccer's development in China."

Before making his decision, Barrios talked to star midfielder Dario Conca, who signed with the club last July.

"Conca talked a lot about the club with me," Barrios said. "The contact with him also played a big role in my coming here. I am eager to see him and the rest of the team on the training field."

After spending three seasons in the Bundesliga with 39 goals in 82 appearances, Barrios signed a four-year deal worth $10.69 million with the Guangzhou club.

Barrios was a first-team regular his first two seasons with Borussia Dortmund, but lost his place to Robert Lewandowski this year.

He scored 16 goals during the 2010-11 season to help Dortmund to the Bundesliga title.

The club will have to adjust its roster of foreign players, who are all from South America. Chinese Football Association rules restrict the number of foreign players to five per team, including a slot for players from AFC countries. It will have to jettison one of its star overseas imports, which include Argentine midfielder Dario Conca, Brazilian strikers Cleo and Muriqui and their compatriot defender Paulo.

"It is not the right time to discuss (which foreign player) will leave the squad," said coach Marcello Lippi. "We are now concentrating more on our training. I will decide who will stay with the club after spending more time with the players on the training field."

Lippi said Barrios' debut won't come until he is in shape.

"He needs to be prepared for his first game in the CSL, physically and psychologically, to avoid any potential for injuries," Lippi said. "It is not a matter that can be solved in just half a month."

Guangzhou Evergrande will play Jiangsu Sainty on Sunday when the league resumes after its mid-season break.

CFA rules dictate Barrios will not play in CSL competition until the end of July.

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/12/2012 page24)