national soccer team
A new cycle is in the offing!
August 1, AFC announced the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers and other events in the next four years plan, which includes the national team level, for the Chinese men's football, challenges and opportunities.
In the East Asian Cup, the Chinese men's soccer team has not met expectations, but has made some progress. In the face of the new cycle, how the Chinese men's soccer team should develop a strategy has become the focus of attention.
Challenge #1: Tight schedule, lots of races
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers will begin in October 2023, with China advancing directly to the second stage. However, before that, the Chinese men's soccer team still need to participate in the Asian Cup, Olympic qualifiers and the Asian Games, the time is tight and the task is heavy.
The Asian Cup, in particular, if played in January 2024, will likely coincide with the 36-team World Cup, which will undoubtedly be a test for the Chinese men's soccer team.
Challenge 2: Retention of the head coach, to be determined
At present, there is no clear news about Li Xiaopeng's retention. If Li Xiaopeng stays, the construction of the national team needs to be put on the agenda; if he leaves, he needs to find a new head coach.
And it remains to be seen whether Jankovic, as a potential candidate, will be able to take on the role of head coach of the national team.
Challenge 3: The advantages and disadvantages of having two shoulders to cry on
If Jankovic takes over the national team, he will face the pressure of having to do double duty. Although he can coordinate multiple teams, the history of "double duty" has often led to "chicken and egg" situations.
Challenge 4: Not folding is the best way forward
Chinese men's football in the past is the problem of "blind toss", the future should remain stable, to avoid human intervention, so that soccer returns to the essence.
In the new cycle, the Chinese men's soccer team needs to formulate long-term planning, down-to-earth, in order to get out of the predicament and meet new challenges.
