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Branko Ivankovic speaks to reporters during a press conference on March 8, 2024. Photo: VCG

 

Newly appointed Branko Ivankovic will start his inaugural training session as the head coach of the Chinese national men's soccer team with the players on Monday afternoon, as he is bidding for a berth for China at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Approaching his role with unwavering resolve and calculated precision, Ivankovic is aware of the immense expectations weighing upon him. 

"The position of national team coach presents an immense challenge and a profound responsibility," he told a press conference on Friday. 

"But with the unwavering support of my coaching staff, I am confident that we can rise to meet and exceed these lofty expectations."

The Chinese national soccer team experienced historical lows in recent years, after a disappointing run at the recent Asian Cup where they failed to score a goal that led to an early elimination at the group stage.

Entrusted with the monumental task of rejuvenating the national team by the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Ivankovic's appointment has ignited a spectrum of emotions ranging from anticipation to skepticism among fervent fans and astute pundits alike. 

"Ivankovic might not be the best coach to lead the national team, but he is a practical choice for now," Mao Jiale, a Chengdu-based sports commentator, told the Global Times, noting Ivankovic's several stints in Asia, including being the man at the helm of 2010 Chinese Super League champions Shandong Taishan. 

Ivankovic led the Oman national team in the Asian Cup earlier in 2024. However, the team failed to manage a win in three group matches.

"It's not all his fault for Omen's performance at the Asian Cup, as nearly all of the Asian teams are progressing these years," Mao said. "The result is, for sure, not convincing, but he has the knowledge of the development of Asian soccer throughout the years." 

Challenges ahead

The most urgent task for the Croatian coach in his new role is the two World Cup Asian qualifiers against Singapore in March, as the national contingent congregates for the training sessions in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province.

The team will take on Singapore on the away pitch on March 21 before hosting the opponents on March 26 in North China's Tianjin Municipality.

The CFA has revealed that there is a phasal goal in Ivankovic's contract with the CFA, though the details were not unveiled. 

"Our primary goal is to advance through this stage of the qualifiers and secure a spot in the next round of the World Cup qualifiers," he said. "Ultimately, we aim to assemble a formidable Chinese team and strive for qualification to the World Cup."

Analysts believe that if the 70-year-old fails to deliver the result of qualifying for the next round of Asian qualifiers, he is likely to step into the shoes of his predecessor Aleksandar Jankovic of Serbia.

"Aside from the games against Singapore, the home game against Thailand is a win-or-fold game qualifying into the last 18 (the third round) of the Asian qualifiers," said Zhao Yu, a Beijing-based soccer commentator. 

With a mere fortnight to acquaint himself with the squad, Ivankovic is faced with a daunting race against time to institute his strategic frameworks and foster a harmonious team dynamic. 

At the core of Ivankovic's blueprint lies a decisive shift toward an assertive attacking ethos, aimed at unleashing the Chinese team's latent goal-scoring prowess. 

Elaborating on his tactical philosophy, Ivankovic emphasizes the need for a proactive and attacking approach. 
"From my coaching experience and football philosophy, China needs to play with greater attacking intent," he said. 
"To achieve this, we must improve our passing accuracy, increase efficiency, and exhibit a more proactive attitude on the field. Through innovative training methods and effective communication, we aim to instill a winning mentality within the team."

Seeking emerging talent 

In Ivankovic's latest 31-man squad for the training session, the conspicuous absence of seasoned campaigners such as midfielder Wu Xi and forward Tan Long underscores the imperative need for a concerted focus on nurturing emerging talents. 

"Ultimately, it's about instilling a winner's mentality within the team. As a coach, my philosophy is to employ passionate and adventurous tactics on the field. Outcomes are unpredictable, but my football philosophy and principles remain steadfast."

The coach, along with his backroom staff, has been closely watching domestic matches for new talent. 

Through the monitoring of domestic league encounters and the introductions of fresh faces into training camps, Ivankovic endeavors to sculpt a squad capable of scaling the loftiest of summits. 

"China boasts an abundance of untapped talent, and it is incumbent upon us to harness this reservoir of potential," he said. "Through scrutiny and refinement of our squad, we shall ensure the deployment of a quality lineup."

Three naturalized players, Brazilian-born forwards Fei Nanduo and Ai Kesen and England-born defender Li Ke are included in the list. 

Ivankovic expresses delight in the overall improvement in player quality though he was not on the frontline of Chinese soccer for a decade. 

"I am particularly pleased with the discipline and execution capabilities of Chinese players," he said. 

"They demonstrate a strong willingness to adhere to the coach's instructions. However, adapting to new tactics within a short timeframe requires significant effort from the players."

Ivankovic's ambition will be sternly tested, as his methodologies are subjected to rigorous scrutiny, and his indomitable vision for Chinese soccer is sternly assessed. 

"Though we are reluctant to accept this, ambitions often clash with the stark realities in Chinese soccer," Mao noted. "But as Ivakovic has quickly pointed out that Chinese players lack confidence, maybe he has found a way to improve the situation."