Sources say the CFA is faced with a difficult decision: how to deal with Ivankovic's unyielding stance after weighing the pros and cons. On one end of the spectrum is the expectation that the foreign coach will help China's national soccer team make a breakthrough and reach the final round of the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico; on the other end of the spectrum, the local coaching team, especially the one led by Zheng Zhi, has a pivotal role to play in the national team, and once the coordination is not right, the friction within the team will be unavoidable. How to skillfully balance the relationship between Chinese and foreign coaches has become a thorny issue that the FA must deal with carefully.
Although the differences between Ivankovic and the Chinese coaching staff of the national football team seem difficult to bridge, the two sides can still seek common ground through dialog and negotiation in the best interest of the national team. The FA may need to adjust or reposition the coaching lineup to meet Ivankovic's expectations. At the same time, Ivankovic will need to show respect to the members of the Chinese coaching team and work together to help the team out of its difficulties.
If this news is true, the internal structure of the national football team will usher in a major change. This has also prompted the CFA to take a deep look at the management model of Chinese soccer.
The conflict between Ivankovic and the Chinese coaching staff of the national soccer team mirrors a microcosm of China's soccer development path. In the critical period, the national football team needs not blame and whining, but mutual understanding, effective communication and close cooperation. Only in this way can the FA and Ivankovic work together to lead Chinese soccer back on track, and strive to win the World Cup qualifying matches, and once again to the World Cup finals.
