Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, March 22 (Xinhua) -- In the more than three years since he came to China, Serbian Aleksandr Jankovic rarely appeared in the spotlight. Affected by the epidemic, the Chinese U23 men's football team he coached has not participated in an international competition since 2020.
The upcoming "Dubai Cup" International Football Invitational Tournament, which will open on March 23, is the real debut of the U23 national football team after its establishment. In September this year, they will participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games. For Chinese football in the "cold winter", this team represents the future and carries hope.
A closer look at the U23 national football team can clearly feel Jankovic's distinctive personal imprint: emphasis on discipline, physical confrontation and sacrifice. In an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency, Jankovic did not shy away from his goal - his team to defend the home honor in Hangzhou.
Requirements: Start with a body fat percentage of less than 10%.
Anyone who comes into contact with Jankovic is impressed by his almost strict self-discipline: 10 kilometers a day, an extremely healthy diet... In his team, all players must eat breakfast before 8 o'clock, and players with a body fat rate of more than 10% cannot play.
"My request is simple, not for one person. This is the rule of the world of football, and if you want to win in a high-intensity confrontation, you must have a strong body. If the physical fitness and strength are not up to the mark, we will lose. "A player with a fat percentage of 15 percent is unlikely to play at a high level." ”
"I don't try to change Chinese eating habits, but players have to be clear about what unhealthy food is. You can eat a little, which also means you have to work harder to train tomorrow. "Jankovic said he hopes to urge young players to develop the habit of self-discipline, and good habits will infect the whole team." Correcting mistakes is not easy, but I am glad that all the players have complied with the requirements. ”
"For three years I have been studying Chinese culture, trying to understand the thoughts and habits of Chinese players, and I am also researching how to apply China's successful experience in other sports, such as the Beijing Winter Olympics, to my team. In this process, I and the players have grown a lot, and only when I really understand the environment I am in can I use my expertise to create a team that truly represents Chinese values, so that all players are willing to give everything for the team. Under the epidemic, football has encountered many difficulties and requires the sacrificial spirit of the players. ”
Team staff told reporters that Jankovic had not returned home to see his family for nearly a year and a half. Jankovich was very calm about this: "It's always easy to make sacrifices. I want to be a role model for the players and push them to give. Only if I do it myself first, I am qualified to ask them to do the same. ”
"When I wait for the Hangzhou Asian Games, my requirement is that the player's body fat rate should not exceed 9%." Jankovic added.
Selection: The selection technique is the selection attitude
In Jankovic's football philosophy, attitude is at the top of the list. "We look not only at the players' skills, but also at their personalities. Players must first have team spirit and be willing to suffer on the field. In my case, there is no distinction between training and competition, and I have to do my best at every moment. ”
"We are playing for China, wearing the national team shirt, and the players must have a strong sense of honor. We will choose such players, this team can fight non-stop on the field, will not be afraid of any opponent, show enough aggression, and maintain a high-intensity fight in the whole field. Jankovic said.
Jankovic's squad is currently incomplete. Dai Weijun and Zhu Chenjie, two players of the right age, are representing the national team in the World Preliminary Round of 12, and when the Hangzhou Asian Games, the U23 national football team will recruit three over-aged players.
"I have good communication with the national team coach Li Xiaopeng, and the coaching team has close contact with all the players. My message to every player is clear, whether you're 30 or 18, the team's requirements are the same. As an overage player, you must not only meet the technical and tactical needs of the team, but also be able to become a role model for young people in all aspects. ”
"We still have plenty of time to observe and make adjustments to the squad. No one's position in me is secure, and opportunity is equal. No one can talk about the past, they have to show me the ability and attitude. Jankovic said.
Goal: Hope to be a winner
Although he has not played an official tournament in two years, Jankovic is not bothered by this. "The cause of the problem has nothing to do with football and we have to adapt. I am very honored to have the opportunity to coach in China, and I am always ready to face all kinds of difficulties. There is no excuse for me, football is on its own to create opportunities. ”
"I like to look at football from the positive side. We lost some opportunities to play in high-level international competitions compared to other teams, but we used this time to organize several high-quality training camps, so I don't think my team is less competitive than other teams, I always tell the players to have confidence. ”
"Of course, I am also very happy to be able to participate in the 'Dubai Cup', only by playing with the masters can we know what our real level is, and then improve in a targeted manner." In the last six months of preparation, we have to play as many high-level games as possible. Jankovic said.
Jankovic said that after coming to China, he set himself a lot of goals: "I hope to cultivate a group of competitive players, hope to send more talents to the national team, and hope that more young players can play in the Chinese Super League." I keep telling these young players that they can only grow through games and encourage them to jump out of their comfort zone to find kicking opportunities instead of sitting on the bench in big clubs. I'm glad that some of my goals are being achieved, a lot of players have gained a foothold in the Chinese Super League, and they're growing fast. ”
"And all these small goals are ultimately for the big goals of the Hangzhou Asian Games." I'm not a hidden person, I always say to work toward the highest goal. There is only one team in the game that can be the winner, and I want the Chinese team to be the winner. I know chinese football has had a lot of disappointing moments in the past and we want to bring about some change. We hope to defend the home stadium in Hangzhou, just like the Chinese delegation did at the Beijing Winter Olympics, and make all Chinese fans proud of their performances. Jankovic said.
Editors: Liu Ning, Huang Xuguo, Zheng Daojin, Wu Yuqi (Intern)