Recently, the anti-corruption and anti-gambling turmoil in Chinese soccer has intensified, with many players and officials falling into the whirlpool of disciplinary and illegal activities. Former Football Association (FA) chairman Chen Xuyuan was not spared, and after his arrest, Du Zhaocai took over the reins of the association. Not long ago, Du Zhaocai made a personal appearance at the national soccer team to motivate the players who were about to go to New Zealand for a friendly match!
As soccer fans may know, Chen Xuyuan was once the main man at the helm of the Chinese national team. He personally led the team's westward journey during the Top 40 and Top 12 tournaments, taking full responsibility for the team's preparations and matches. However, as Chen Xuyuan was arrested on suspicion of illegality, the secretary of the FA, Du Zhao, had to step up to the plate and become the motivator of today's Chinese team. This is because the new FA president has yet to arrive.
Du Zhaocai recently traveled to Guangzhou to inspect the Chinese team training here and to inspire the players of the national team who are about to travel to New Zealand, according to a report by Soccer Daily, a leading domestic media outlet. This is also Du Zhaocai's first appearance at the national team since Chen Xuyuan's arrest. Currently, the affairs of the Football Association have been fully handed over to Du Zhaocai. However, Li Xuan, editor-in-chief of Football Daily, revealed that Du Zhaocai will retire at the end of March, and the future head of the FA is still unknown.
With the attention of the senior leadership, the international players are also determined to give their best. Not long ago, Wu Lei, the national team's number one player, said in an exclusive interview with CCTV Football Night: "We will show a new look in the game against New Zealand. The arrival of the new coach has given us a deeper understanding of the details. First of all, we have to strengthen our defense and try to win the game without conceding a goal. Because Jankovic has reminded us that there are no friendships in matches between national teams, we must go all out for the win!"
Regarding the ultimate goal of the Chinese team, Wu Lei said, "This is not only my dream, but also the dream of all Chinese soccer players. No matter veterans or new recruits, we will do our best to make our dream come true!"
With the expansion of the 2026 World Cup and the increase of Asian participation to 8.5, China's hope of returning to the World Cup is getting brighter and brighter. Let's look forward to this reborn national soccer team to bring a brand new viewing experience!
