In the social media on September 20, Liu Jianhong, a well-known soccer commentator, expressed his sharp views on Evergrande soccer, which in turn triggered an in-depth discussion of the entire Chinese soccer system. Liu Jianhong frankly said that Chinese soccer is caught in a vicious circle that is difficult to reverse, and the future is worrying in the next twenty years.
Liu Jianhong pointed out that the overall predicament of Evergrande Group makes Evergrande soccer also face an unprecedented crisis. In the past, Evergrande soccer once became the unique highlight of Chinese soccer, and even the symbol of the country. However, this model known as "gold dollar soccer", although once brought a huge publicity effect to Evergrande Group, but now it is exposed its shortcomings.
"The crisis of Evergrande soccer actually exposes the deep-seated problems of Chinese soccer. I have opposed Evergrande's investment of over 100 million dollars in soccer schools and advocated building more soccer schools in Guangdong Province to lay the foundation for soccer development. However, Evergrande chose a commercial path, which reflects their commercial considerations." Liu Jianhong elaborated further.
"Today, the crisis of Evergrande soccer has exacerbated the plight of Chinese soccer. Without Suning Football, and then without Evergrande Football, Chinese soccer will fall into a vicious circle. On the one hand, the level of the professional league has declined and the commercial value has decreased; on the other hand, the lack of talent cultivation has led to a vicious circle that is becoming more and more serious. In the past thirty years, we have not established a perfect youth training system, which is not only a problem of soccer, but also a problem of the whole sports and education system."
Liu Jianhong pessimistically stated, "Chinese soccer is hopeless in the next twenty years. Lacking a mature youth training system, we are unable to deliver excellent talents for the league and the national soccer team. Therefore, for a long period of time, we will have to endure the failure of Chinese soccer at all levels."
"Some people may ask, why not pay attention to youth training? Although the FA has repeatedly emphasized the importance of youth training, in practice, successive leaders have failed to really devote their energy to youth training. The authority of the FA is limited, and the Chinese Football Association (CFA) is also facing the problem of not being able to do enough. The current Chinese soccer is like a scar in the sports field of our country, which is not only extremely injurious, but also extremely insulting!"
