Remember that Big 12 game.
Li Tie (1977-), footballer
The decision to take the job on the brink of danger was criticized for failing to feature naturalized players such as Lok Kwok Fu, especially after Lok Kwok Fu gave that stunning goal, which seemed to be the spark that led to his dismissal.
After his successor Li Xiaopeng took office, he faced the sensitive issue of naturalized players and gave them a chance to start in the first two games. However, due to the lack of systematic training for a long time, the physical condition of the naturalized players is worrying, but in the face of pressure, they still had to play the first. As a result, the national football team suffered a disastrous defeat in the two key matches, which also aroused the dissatisfaction of the local players to a certain extent.
It is reported that the recent internal meeting of the national football team re-emphasized the principle of "employing only state", aimed at unifying ideas and enhancing team cohesion.
In the past, over-reliance on naturalized players has sparked strong resentment within the team from local players. A national football insider said bluntly, "For the national team, the interests of the team always come first. In a game like the World Qualifier, if a player's physical fitness and fighting spirit don't meet the national team's standards, he shouldn't play, regardless of his level. Because of this, it is unfair to those players who give their best."
Going forward, naturalized players will no longer enjoy privileges and face the same risk of being sent down for poor form. Frankly speaking, apart from Jiang Guangtai, most of the other naturalized players have not lived up to expectations. If Luo Guofu and others want to play for their country, they must train hard, maintain good form and play to their strengths in order to contribute more to the national team.
In hindsight, perhaps Li Tie did the right thing at the time. A good head coach not only has to have solid business skills, but also has to be responsible, able to withstand public pressure and firm in his beliefs. After all, as a manager, you have a deeper understanding of the state of the players, rather than letting the fans guide your decisions.
