On September 4, Soccer Daily disclosed that national soccer coach Jankovic is known for his rigorous style. However, observing the recent situation of our soccer, the gradual decline of the team's strength in the next decade seems to be inevitable.
Although reaching the 2026 World Cup finals is not a mandatory requirement, for Jankovic and his team, finishing in the top 18 is a must - a "big test" - and the four warm-up matches in September and October will be their "practice run". The four warm-up matches in September and October will be their "practical exercises".
Jankovic is a deeply practical coach. Not only is he involved in the day-to-day management and team warm-ups that the head coach theoretically doesn't need to be involved in, but he is also hands-on in technical and tactical training, from specific offensive and defensive drills to detailed technical and tactical routines, and even the running routes of each player.
In fact, this coaching style is more in line with the reality of Chinese soccer. Our players lack creativity and prefer clear tactical requirements and responsibilities. However, Jankovic's model also means he needs time to gradually integrate.
In two games in September, Jankovic has coached the team for six months and has been through four tests. In theory, his technique and tactics will be more mature. While the second game in October may be a small node, the two games in September will give the outside world a clearer view of Jankovic's ideas and performance.
Three of the opponents in these four warm-up matches are ranked above Thailand (113) - Vietnam, Syria and Uzbekistan. The difference between Malaysia and Thailand is negligible. Such a choice of opponents aims to ensure the technical, tactical and mental state of the players for the Thailand match.
Not much has changed in this 24-man roster compared to June's training. Outsiders have expressed dissatisfaction that Wei Zhen and Sun Guowen are only club substitutes, while Zhang Xizhe and other players who have performed well at their clubs have not been selected.
It is worth noting that despite the fact that national coaches often scout players on site, the fact is that coaching teams are formed. On the other hand, as national coaches, we should give more opportunities to players who work hard. In addition, candidates do not necessarily have to be starters. Some suitable players may have the task of "changing positions", which is especially obvious in the case of Zhang Xizhe. After Suarez coached the national security team, he disagreed with Zhang Xizhe, but later found that there was a lack of midfield control and used him to great effect.
Currently, by October, the national team roster will change. First, Zhu Chenjie is expected to return. Secondly, when Dai Weijun is in good shape, he may be selected. Even if Jiang Shenglong is normal, he should be selected. Zhu Chenjie and Jiang Shenglong are Yankovic's veteran players.
However, looking at the roster, there are fewer and fewer players to choose from for the national team - five 34-year-olds (Wang Dalei, Zhang Linlian, Wang Shenchao, Wu Xi, and Ackerson), and four veterans over the age of 32 (Yan Junling, Liu Dengzui, Li Lei, and Wu Lei). At the moment, it is difficult to stop the trend of a gradually weakening national team squad over the next decade.
