Zheng Zhi, a name that resonates loudly in the Chinese soccer world, is not only a legend in the hearts of fans, but also an outstanding representative recognized in the football world. In the 26 years of brilliant career, Zheng Zhi repeatedly won the league title, and more Evergrande twice asked the top of Asia, which is inseparable from his outstanding contribution. He was also honored as the Asian Footballer of the Year, becoming the pride of Chinese soccer. After his retirement, Zheng Zhi turned to coaching, and his rigorous attitude and excellent coaching ability can be seen. Looking at his photos, one can feel that even though he is not in his peak years, he still maintains his physical condition quite well. Compared to some players in the national team, Zheng Zhi's dedication is particularly outstanding.
As a coach, Zheng Zhi has an equally impressive record, having saved a team on the verge of disbanding. Since 2020, he has served as assistant coach and general manager of Guangzhou, before being promoted to head coach the following year.In 2022, he was appointed assistant coach of the national soccer team, marking a new peak in his coaching career.
During his tenure as head coach, Zheng Zhi brought the team into the stable area of the Chinese Super League for the first time. Facing the crisis of Guangzhou's disbandment, he brought the team back to order with his excellent management skills, and the performance soared, creating a brilliant six rounds of undefeated. However, Zheng Zhi's story with the Guangzhou team did not continue. He believed that the team needed to invest more in order to go to the next level, but disagreed with the team's management. In March of this year, Guangzhou announced that they had terminated Zheng Zhi's contract.
After leaving the Guangzhou team, Zheng Zhi seemed to be more focused on the national soccer team, but he still seemed to harbor higher pursuits in his heart. As a result, he has developed the idea of coaching in Europe and America. According to media reports, Zheng Zhi is preparing to finish his work with the national team and looking for an opportunity to join a club in Europe and America. This cross-footed international attempt will undoubtedly be beneficial to his personal growth, as foreign soccer environments are indeed more competitive.
For the national football team and Zheng Zhi himself, it is undoubtedly a win-win situation for him to go abroad to learn advanced soccer concepts and then return to coach. Therefore, fans have sent him their blessings. According to the schedule of the national soccer team, after the Asian Games, the team will usher in a period of rest and recuperation, Zheng Zhi may take this opportunity to make field trips in Europe and the United States. It is reported that he has already received favors from several clubs. Nevertheless, Zheng Zhi needs to choose those clubs that can provide authoritative guidance so that he can really improve his coaching level. The clubs that have offered him the olive branch are generally smaller, in lower league levels and with less than stellar records. Netizens suggest that Zheng Zhi should choose to coach abroad if he wants to make a difference, but if he just wants to muddle through, it's safer to stay at home. Everyone hopes to see Zheng Zhi's coaching level continue to improve, if the future coaching team and the national football team compared to the gap is too large, then he tried to cross the ocean may lose its meaning, for the country to play for the country is his mission should be adhered to.
