On May 2, the Guangzhou team announced on its official microblogging site the 35-player list of the first-team squad for the new Chinese Super League season. Of interest is that the veteran captain, former interim skipper Zheng Zhi did not appear in this list. 3, surging news disclosed that Zheng Zhi has confirmed the return of the 41-year-old former captain of the national football team is about to announce his retirement and transition to become a coach.
According to Shanghai media reports, with the growth of age, Zheng Zhi's playing time is gradually reduced, he has begun to gradually consider retirement transition. During his time at Evergrande, he was appointed general manager and served as head coach. In December last year, Zheng Zhi led the team as the head coach to the second stage of the league's championship group.
It is worth noting that the reference to "fulfill the duties of the head coach" is because Zheng Zhi does not have the "qualifications" to coach the Chinese Super League for the time being. According to the regulations of the CFA, the head coach of the Chinese Super League needs to hold the AFC elite level coaching certificate or the equivalent level certificate, and Zheng Zhi has not yet obtained the high-level coaching certificate due to his long-term work as a player.
Currently, Zheng Zhi has just received his AFC B coaching certificate, and next he needs to work on obtaining his AFC A coaching certificate, which will qualify him to coach the Central League. However, there is no definite news yet about the timing of the A-level coaching course.
To become a Chinese Super League manager, Zheng Zhi will also need to obtain the AFC Professional Level Coaching Certificate. If things go well, it may take him about 2 years to gradually obtain the A-Level and Pro-Level coaching certificates.
Beijing Youth Daily noted that Zheng Zhi has returned to Guangzhou as an assistant coach after the national football team was disbanded on April 25th. He was dressed in the coach's special black training gear, rather than the player's red outfit, indicating that he will likely not represent his club or the national team as a player again. The news of his retirement is only awaiting an official announcement.
As of now, the official has not yet given a clear answer about whether Li Xiaopeng will continue to coach the national football team. However, Zheng Zhi joined the new national football coaching team, also by the national team teammate, good friend Li Xiaopeng's sincere invitation. As long as Li Xiaopeng can be confirmed to stay, Zheng Zhi is likely to continue to assist him. 2023 Asian Cup, for Li Xiaopeng and Zheng Zhi, is a valuable opportunity to show talent and accumulate coaching experience.
Guangzhou's first team list for the new season.
Goalkeepers: Ashan, Huo Shenping, Zhang Jianzhi, Liu Shibo
Forwards: Zeng Yaozhang, Efirdin Eskal, Ling Jie, Chen Long, Li Jiaheng, Fan Hengbo, Yang Liyu, Wei Shihao
Midfield: Li Xingxian, Yang Dejiang, Zhang Wenxuan, Wang Shijie, He Xinjie, Zhang Zili, Nguyen Xai, Hou Yu, Cai Minmin, Huang Guangliang, Zheng Shengxiong, Yan Dinghao
Defenders: Wei Shouwei, Wan Likai, Wei Miaunhe, Wang Shilong, Zhao Wenzhe, Chen Quanjiang, Wang Wenxuan, Chen Rijin, Li Yang, Wu Shaochong, Jiang Guangtai
