I never thought that the once seemingly unattainable vision could come true today. South Korea was eliminated by Jordan in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup, and then the Korean Football Association (KFA) quickly terminated Klinsmann's contract, a move that undoubtedly boosted Klinsmann's chances of taking charge of the Chinese men's soccer team.
Although the 60-year-old Klinsmann is a full ten years younger than the 70-year-old Ivankovic, he is undoubtedly richer and better in coaching experience. Klinsmann has coached the German national team, and in Bayern, Hertha Berlin and other Bundesliga teams as a manager, the understanding of modern soccer and tactical use of international first-class level. More importantly, Klinsmann's annual salary requirements are not high, only 2.1 million euros, which for the CFA is completely within the affordable range.
Despite Ivankovic's lower annual salary demands, Klinsmann undoubtedly had the edge in terms of value for money, drive for change in the team, and transformation of technical style. Klinsmann's dismissal also gives the CFA the initiative in selecting a coach and negotiating. Even if the CFA fails to select him in the end, he can still start bargaining with Ivankovic and become a card in the negotiation of the FA.
As we all know, the selection of coaches by the FA is not only about the future of the team, but also maps out the development philosophy and determination of Chinese soccer. Both Ivankovic and Klinsmann have world-class coaching ability, rich coaching experience and unique tactical concepts. Whichever coach takes over the national soccer team, they are more reliable than Jankovic.
For the FA, they should make wise decisions based on the actual needs and long-term development plans of the national soccer team, rather than just focusing on short-term results. At the same time, the selection of the national soccer team's coach is only one part of improving the team's strength, and it is more important to establish a scientific training system, a perfect talent cultivation mechanism, as well as to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with international soccer. Only in this way, the Chinese men's football team is expected to show more outstanding performance in the international arena and realize a real breakthrough in terms of performance.
