With the Asian Cup approaching, the preparation of the national football team entered the countdown stage. Yankovic coaching team immediately started a new round of assembly work. On the one hand, despite the fact that the results of November's World Preliminary Round 36 are quite good, there is still uncertainty as to whether or not we can successfully advance to the World Preliminary Round. We can't afford to be complacent, and we must do our best. On the other hand, Coach Jankovic is tasked with replacing the old with the new in the team, and there is an urgent need to select young players to fill out the team. The reserve of the third line is crucial. Looking ahead to 2026, the age of the players will increase by 3 years, and even if the existing veterans retire, it will be difficult for them to make significant contributions, so the coaching staff must plan ahead and do a good job of reserving players in advance.
Since Jankovic took over, the national soccer team has insisted on replacing the old with the new and bringing in fresh blood. in December, the team will have an overseas training session, which will be more physically demanding. Young players will emerge. According to people familiar with the matter, Yankovic plans to introduce a new 22-year-old defender from Chengdu Rongcheng, who made only 11 appearances in the 2023 Chinese Super League (CSL) season, all as a substitute. The selection to the national team was quite a surprise to the outside world and has become a pleasant surprise for Jankovic.
In the goalkeeper position, the national football team has Yan Junling, Liu Dianzuo and Wang Dalei. Yan Junling is about to turn 33 years old, Liu Dengzuo and Wang Dalei are 34 and 35 years old respectively. Although goalkeepers have long careers, their best age is between 28 and 33, and those who maintain good form can reach 35. Therefore, it is necessary for the national soccer team to reserve young goalkeepers in advance. This adjustment is crucial for the future development of the team.
Of course, due to the fierce competition for the goalkeeper position, it is still doubtful that Witao will be able to play. The coaching staff plans to schedule four warm-up matches to let more players feel the atmosphere of the game. Jankovic has long listed a roster of around 50 players, including many U-team players. Guangzhou's captain Eiffel is expected to be selected, and he will step into the national team sooner or later.
The December training roster is expected to be revealed next week. Jiang Guangtai, Wang Qiuming and Li Shuai are among the players who will return after missing the last period. The central core of the midfield, Zhang Yuning and Dai Weijun, will also be selected. The national soccer team lineup is becoming complete. Next, we will do our best to prepare for the Asian Cup.
