China’s national football team, still reeling from its World Cup qualification failure, has once again ushered in a coaching shakeup. Ivan, the 71-year-old head coach, departed China early this morning following the Chinese Football Association’s (CFA) decision to terminate their partnership. His tenure lasted a short 14 matches, with a winning percentage failing to reach 30%.
This marks the 14th coaching change in the national team over the past 23 years, painting a bleak picture of instability. The average tenure for these coaches has been less than a year and a half. From Arie Haan, who took the helm in 2002, to the recently departing Ivan, at the time of this writing, the head coaching position has become a revolving door. The longest-serving coach, Camacho, managed less than 20 months, while Fu Bo only took charge for six friendly matches – a stark illustration of the team’s struggles.
The disappointing 0-1 loss to Indonesia, which effectively dashed China’s hopes of World Cup qualification, has ignited public outcry. Surprisingly, the suggestion to field the “Nantong team” – a local team competing in the Jiangsu City Football League, also known as “Super League”– has gained considerable traction online. Chinese football legend Fan Zhiyi, visibly agitated during a live stream, confronted the suggestion with a pointed question: “Do you really think the Nantong team can play?”
The “Nantong team” referred to by online commenters has achieved an impressive record, currently sitting atop the standings with three wins, eight goals scored, and only one conceded. This performance has led some fans to playfully suggest that they could represent the nation and even “beat the national team.”
Fan Zhiyi’s strong reaction likely stems from a deeply entrenched sense of professional pride and a concern for the integrity of the sport within the nation.
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