On May 2, Guangzhou's official microblogging site unveiled the 35-man list for the new season's Chinese Super League (CSL) first-team squad, but surprisingly, veteran captain and former interim head coach Zheng Zhi did not appear on the list.On May 3, a Surfing News report pointed out that Zheng Zhi has confirmed his return, and that the 41-year-old former captain of the national soccer team is about to announce his retirement and plans to transition into a coach.
Shanghai media revealed that Zheng Zhi's playing time has gradually decreased in recent years as he grows older, and he is also preparing for retirement and transition. In the period of Evergrande, he has been appointed as general manager and perform the duties of the head coach, last December, the second stage of the league championship group game, Zheng Zhi is the team's head coach.
It is worth noting that the word "fulfillment" is placed before head coach because Zheng Zhi is not yet qualified to coach in the Chinese Super League. According to CFA regulations, a manager who coaches in the Chinese Super League needs to hold an AFC Elite or equivalent certificate, but Zheng Zhi has not yet obtained a high-level manager's certificate due to his longtime role as a player.
Currently, Zheng Zhi has just obtained the AFC B-level coaching certificate, and the next thing he needs to get is the A-level coaching certificate, which will enable him to be qualified to coach in the Central League. However, the exact start date of this year's A-level coaching course is not yet clear.
To become a Chinese Super League manager, Zheng Zhi will also need to obtain the AFC Professional Level Coaching Certificate. If it goes well, it usually takes about 2 years to go from B to Pro level.
Beijing Youth Daily reported that Zheng Zhi has returned to Guangzhou as an assistant coach after the national football team was disbanded on April 25 in Haikou. Like Zheng Zhi, another veteran, Huang Bowen, is not part of Guangzhou's 35-man squad for the new season and is currently coaching the national youth team. Zheng Zhi is wearing a black coaching training kit for the national team, rather than the player's red outfit, indicating that he will likely no longer represent his club or the national team as a player.
At present, about Li Xiaopeng team whether to continue to coach the national football has not yet official clear statement. However, the reason why Zheng Zhi joined the new national football coaching team, also by the national team teammate, good friend Li Xiaopeng's sincere invitation. As long as Li Xiaopeng confirms that he will continue to lead the team, Zheng Zhi will likely continue to assist him. 2023 Asian Cup for Li Xiaopeng and Zheng Zhi, is an important stage to show talent and accumulate coaching experience.
Guangzhou's first team list for the new season.
Goalkeepers: Ashan, Huo Shenping, Zhang Jianzhi, Liu Shibo
Forwards: Zeng Yaozhang, Efirdin Eskal, Ling Jie, Chen Long, Li Jiaheng, Fan Hengbo, Yang Liyu, Wei Shihao
Midfield: Li Xingxian, Yang Dejiang, Zhang Wenxuan, Wang Shijie, He Xinjie, Zhang Zili, Nguyen Xai, Hou Yu, Cai Minmin, Huang Guangliang, Zheng Shengxiong, Yan Dinghao
Defenders: Wei Shouwei, Wan Likai, Wei Miaunhe, Wang Shilong, Zhao Wenzhe, Chen Quanjiang, Wang Wenxuan, Chen Rijin, Li Yang, Wu Shaocong, Jiang Guangtai
