Amidst the cheers of success in winning this season's Chinese Super League local league title, Shanghai Port's players were in a state of euphoria. The players, who have grown up under the cultivation of Genbao's base, have returned to the land that made them who they are to pay their respects to their mentor Xu Genbao. In an interview, Zhang Linpeng, a stalwart of the team and a center back for the national team, talked about how even though the goal of winning this season has been achieved, the journey has just begun for the players. Rest is not yet on the agenda, as the upcoming national team tournaments, especially the World Cup qualifiers, will be the real test.
Zhang Linpeng said they are determined to do everything they can to help the national team move to a higher level, with the goal of having the team stand on the stage of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It's a vision that coincides with the wishes of many international players. After years of question marks, the expansion of the 2026 tournament has brought new hope to the national team. Under the leadership of new coach Jankovic, the national team is gradually and steadily moving forward, although the results are not yet satisfactory, but the timely tactical adjustments are dealing with all kinds of strong enemies.
Zhang Linpeng emphasized that only by approaching each game with a solid footing will one have a chance to touch the dream. Compared to the 4.5 places in the past, the current 8.5 places and up to four rounds of the qualifying system provide more opportunities for the national soccer team to advance. He and his teammate, Wang Shenchao, remain determined to fight hard despite their advanced age. However, fans have mixed expectations of the two veterans, with some hoping they can pass on their experience, while others look forward to the vigor of the younger players.
Zhang Linpeng had been under immense pressure after his mistakes in the last World Cup qualifier had cost his team a chance to qualify. Similarly, Wang Shenchao had been in a similar predicament. The outcome of this tournament was full of uncertainty, adding to the anxiety.
The industry has debated whether to rely on the experience of veterans or to develop young players.
However, Coach Xu Genbao has full confidence in his disciples. In public, he not only gave praise, but also emphasized the need to win for the country so that he can also share the glory of his disciples. Such expectations are light and humorous, but the coach's expectations and trust are undoubtedly the players' motivation to move forward.
I fear that even the players themselves will be skeptical of the outcome if they ultimately fail to grab one of the 8.5 promotion spots.
