In this Chinese restaurant in Doha, Mr. Rossi was instantly recognizable to the Liaoning fans. His trademark white goatee, cowboy hat, slim figure and determined gaze make this unique Rossi another symbol of Chinese soccer.
Photo: Rossi at the Qatar viewing site
Over the past 70 years, Rossi has witnessed the development of soccer in China and can be called "the first generation of Chinese soccer fans". Although there is no Chinese team in the Qatar World Cup, Rossi is still willing to share his insights on Chinese soccer.
Rossi has his own unique insights about the development of Chinese soccer.
"The once golden dollar soccer, which seems to be prosperous, is actually against the law of the market. In the big five leagues, huge investment in exchange for rich returns, big investment brings big output. And our country? High-priced imported foreign aid, in fact, the cost is far lower than expected." Rossi said, "We once regarded Chinese soccer as a piece of fat meat, but it eventually became barren due to overconsumption. The environment of Chinese soccer needs to be improved urgently."
Photo: Rossi interacts with Qatari fans
Domestic clubs are blindly burning money but are unsustainable. Rossi said bluntly, "A real professional club should pursue benefits, while our clubs pursue fame and earn revenue from other ways. As a result, many teams are in trouble!"
Development of young players is key
Since August 1986, Rossi has witnessed all the official matches of our men's soccer team, missing only six. He knows the history of our World Cup like the back of his hand.
Why did the Chinese team perform poorly? Rossi pointed out, "Our young players lack opportunities. The average age of the last national team was as high as 29.6 years old, and they were able to cope in the early stages of the game, but were out of their depth in the later stages. This is in stark contrast to stars like Messi and Crow."
Photo: Rossi believes our national soccer team lacks young players
Rossi recalls, "In the past, our soccer team was rapidly renewed. after returning to FIFA in 1980, the players were rapidly renewed; after losing to Thailand in 1990, the team was again greatly changed. The Fan Zhiyi period, the Jianlibao period, and the Milu period were all glorious moments for our soccer."
However, the national team lineup has remained largely unchanged since Milo's dismissal. Rossi sighed, "The players' adaptation to the coach's tactical thinking is interrupted by frequent coaching changes. This is not conducive to the team's style."
Photo: Current National Football League Head Coach Li Xiaopeng
Frequent coaching changes are a disadvantage
Rossi believes that frequent coaching changes are a major problem for the National Football League.
"Prior to 2004, our national team head coaches were relatively stable, with only a handful of coaches making transitions. And since 2004, the national team has changed 14 head coaches in five World Cups! How can such a team develop a style?" Rossi lamented, "The players have just adapted to the coach's tactical thinking, and then they are interrupted by the coach's departure. Isn't that self-defeating?"
Photo: Rossi interacts with Qatari fans
Ten years of hard work and the first glimmer of hope
With Asian teams performing well at the World Cup in Qatar, will the future of our soccer be even more challenging? Rossi is optimistic.
"It has only been 40 years since Chinese soccer has been in line with international soccer. Although we don't yet understand the development of soccer in these 40 years, I firmly believe that if we create a good environment and find the right methods, the Chinese will succeed."
Photo: Rossi watching the game in Qatar
At 70 years old, Rossi, despite his advanced age, is convinced that in the next decade, Chinese soccer will see a huge change.
This old man has dedicated his life to Chinese soccer just to witness its moment of glory. Will he be able to wait for this day? Let's wait and see. (Special correspondent Guan Yin of Xinmin Evening News, Doha today)
