There are few more powerful scenes in the history of China's national football team than this recent one: against Hong Kong, the national football team ended in a humiliating result with three red cards. This is not only a defeat in one game, but also a concentrated outbreak of deep problems in the national team. I have to ask, what is wrong with this team that has made hundreds of millions of people have high hopes?
First, let's look at the technical and tactical aspects. Jankovic's tactical deployment is undoubtedly a product of modern football, but it seems to be out of place with the players in terms of execution. To make matters worse, the players' enthusiasm for representing the national team seems to be dissipating. It's not a lack of technology, it's absent-mindedness. In such a situation, even the most elaborate tactical layout is nothing more than a castle in the air.
Immediately after that, we have to mention the fatigue of the players. The long training camp that began in March, and the double burden of the national team and the club, left the players in an almost endless state of operation. Jankovic's high-intensity training and strict management, although theoretically a means to improve the strength of the team, in reality can lead to physical and mental exhaustion and even rebellion of the players.
When discussing management styles, Jankovic's "iron fist" policy is also worth reflecting on. Strict requirements for tardiness, body fat, etc., although they may seem to be a sign of professionalism, can be too harsh for players to trigger their resistance. When players feel overly constrained, their performance tends to be negatively impacted.
This series of problems is not the first time in the history of Chinese football. Since the Zhu Guanghu period, the enthusiasm of the international players to represent the national team has declined significantly. This attitude reached its peak during the Camacho period, and even the sarcasm of "going to the national team to gild and ending up in mud" was circulated. All this seems to indicate that the problems of the national football team are far more than technical tactics and management.
During Lippi's years in charge, the national football team seemed to see a glimmer of hope. But even under the world-class coach, the team has not been able to get out of the situation completely. Although Lippi's management and tactics have had some effect in the short term, the loyalty and enthusiasm of the players to the national team remains a mystery.
The development of modern football is not only about the progress of technology and tactics, but also about the transformation of players' psychology and management methods. The Chinese national team's exploration in this regard seems to be far from mature. In a long-term high-pressure environment, the players gradually lost their love for football and the pursuit of national honor. This is not only a technical or tactical issue, but also a deep-seated cultural and managerial issue.
Then talking about the period when Li Tie was coaching, the national football team made some experimental changes under his leadership, but it was still difficult to solve the mentality of the players. Even in the absence of official matches and relatively lax management, the players' sense of belonging to the national team still pales. This reflects not only the problems at the management level, but also the lack of professionalism and national honor of the players themselves.
Delving deeper into the root cause of this mentality problem, it is not difficult to find that this phenomenon is closely related to the overall environment of Chinese football. For a long time, Chinese football has lacked an effective talent training system, and players lack correct value guidance and professional quality training in the process of growth. When they step onto the higher stage of the national team, it is often difficult for them to take on the corresponding responsibilities and pressures.
In the context of international football, these problems in Chinese football do not exist in isolation. Soccer teams in many countries have experienced similar challenges, but the key lies in how they overcome these difficulties through institutional reform, cultural cultivation and management innovation. Chinese football needs to start from an international perspective, learn from Xi and learn from the successful experience of football in other countries.
In addition, the lack of football culture in China is also a problem that cannot be ignored. In many developed countries, football is not only a sport, but also a symbol of culture and spirituality. Chinese football still has a long way to go in this regard. This football culture needs to be cultivated and strengthened through education, the media and various social activities.
In the face of these problems, the future of Chinese football seems to be full of challenges. Reform needs to be carried out not only at the technical and tactical levels, but also in multiple dimensions such as culture, management and education. This is a systematic project that requires the joint efforts of the government, the Football Association, the club and even the whole society.
For Chinese football, the challenge is not only to improve tactically or technically, but also to build a healthy and sustainable football ecosystem. This includes investment in youth football training, the optimization of the structure of domestic leagues, and a comprehensive reform of the football talent development system. These deep-seated changes, although the results may not be immediate, are the key to truly promoting the long-term development of Chinese football.
The rise of any football power is inseparable from the emphasis on youth football training. The future of Chinese football needs to start with children and teenagers, providing them with more competition opportunities, better training conditions and more scientific guidance. At the same time, it also requires the correct understanding and support of parents, schools and even the whole society for football.
Reform of the domestic league system is also crucial. At present, there are still many deficiencies in the operation model, club management, and player circulation of the Chinese Football League. Reform needs to start by making the league more competitive and enjoyable, while ensuring fair play and preventing over-concentration and irrational use of funds.
In addition to technical and tactical training, the development of the mentality and professionalism of the players is also crucial. This is not only a task for coaches and management, but also a long-term, systematic educational process. As the representative of the national image, the professional attitude, the spirit of the game and the attitude towards honor of the national team players directly affect the healthy development of the entire national football environment.
The rise of Chinese football also requires a healthier and more positive social and cultural environment. This includes the public's understanding and support for football, the positive media coverage of football, and the recognition and encouragement of football by society as a whole. A supportive and understanding social environment has an immeasurable positive impact on the mental state of the players and their performance.
In the end, the future of the national football team depends not only on the players and coaches, but also on the support and investment of the entire country and society in football. Although there are many challenges and problems at present, as long as we can unremittingly promote reform and continuously optimize the football ecology, I believe that in the near future, Chinese football will show a new style on the international stage and make hundreds of millions of people proud. After all, football is not just a sport, it also carries the dreams and hopes of a country.