Jankovic admitted that the team is facing a tough test with strong opponents, which is a great challenge for us. However, in order to keep improving, we have to play against strong teams, so we are passionate about the game.
The Serbian coach said firmly: "From the very beginning of the team's existence, we have held fast to our values and basic principles. We aspire to show focus in our matches and respect for every opponent, but even more so for the jersey we wear and the honor of the country we represent."
Observing the preparations of Japan and South Korea, South Korea sent the strongest domestic squad to compete, while Japan's goal is similar to China's, aiming to prepare for the Paris Olympics, with the team being dominated by players born in 2001.
On an age level, Japan's average age is two years younger than China's, while South Korea's players are generally more experienced.
The men's soccer selection team will have a three-day training in Qingdao and fly to Japan on the 17th to participate in the East Asian Cup. We will not focus too much on our opponents and always focus on ourselves, no matter who our opponents are. We will stick to our own style of play and try to show our unique style and characteristics.
Talking about the arrangement of Qingdao training, Jankovic emphasized, "We will prepare for the game very precisely and each player will take the responsibility of both offense and defense. No matter what kind of lineup South Korea or Japan sends, we don't care, we only care about ourselves." The U23 national soccer team is about to face a major challenge.
Communicate with injured overage players
The original plan was for the selectors to choose five overage players to compete, and the selection has long been confirmed - Zhang Yuning, Wu Xi, Zhang Linpeng, Jiang Guangtai and Tan Long, who trained with the team during the isolation period in Haikou in February.
However, on the eve of the announcement of the list, Zhang Yuning, Wu Xi and Zhang Linpeng suffered injuries in the Chinese Super League, the affiliated clubs immediately contacted the CFA to submit a report on the players' injuries, and eventually the CFA expressed understanding.
Yankovic then selected three players of age to replace the overage players, and on the 14th, the CFA drafted Guoan player Liang Shaowen to participate in this training.
In the training on the 14th, Tan Long, Jiang Guangtai, Zhu Chenjie and Dai Weijun, four players who have represented the national football team in international A-level tournaments, did not show up, and they were allowed to rest for a few days, and will be in the team on the 15th.
Faced with the injury absence of overage players, Jankovic said that this is a common situation, we have encountered it before. We don't call up players when they are not in top physical condition. It's not a problem, we will choose players in good physical condition to play.
He also emphasized, "The most important thing is that we have communicated with each of the players and they are all very willing to play for their country."
Regarding the final lineup selection, Jankovic said the team system and tactical play has been polished for four years, saying, "I only think about how the team plays, and then choose the most suitable players based on tactical needs."
