In the hustle and bustle of soccer, on July 31st, an explosive news shook the football world - former international footballer Sun Jihai expressed controversial views on the future direction of Chinese soccer. He bluntly said that Chinese soccer should not rush to chase the World Cup tickets, but should focus on strengthening the foundation. This statement was like a heavy bomb, which triggered an uproar.
Looking back, not only did the national soccer team falter in the last World Cup, the first match of the New Year against Vietnam, the chaos of the Chinese Super League and the problem of salary arrears are also endless, many big-name foreign aiders left one after another. Chinese soccer seemed to have hit rock bottom. However, with Jankovic at the helm of the national football team, the return of naturalized players such as Eickson and Fernando, and the increase in the number of World Cup spots in Asia, a ticket to the 2026 World Cup seemed within reach. But Sun Jihai offered a different perspective.
Sun Jihai emphasized: "Football, first rooted in youth training, down-to-earth, solid foundation. Youth training is not firm, how to become a talent? The team is not organized, how to win? If you want to return to the ranks of Asian soccer powerhouses, you must pay attention to youth training, never rush. This is a long journey." His words reveal a deep insight into the current situation of Chinese soccer.
Sun Jihai's comments sparked heated debate among fans. Some agreed with him, "If you only focus on the immediate benefits and ignore the roots, you will end up with nothing. Soccer is like planting, first turn the soil, fertilizer, sowing seeds, in order to harvest the fruit." There are also people who think: "Sun Jihai has been through a hundred battles, and his understanding of the national football team is far better than ordinary people. He saw through the predicament of the national football team before making such a suggestion. Instead of pursuing short-term results, it is better to invest energy in youth training."
However, there are also different voices: "Retired players devote themselves to youth training, but they are out of touch with modern soccer, and instead of improving themselves, they have a negative impact on the next generation. Li Tie is proof of this." Another fan called, "Why rush to pursue the World Cup? Only through unremitting efforts can we promote the development of Chinese soccer, so that more children can see hope and love soccer!"
