伊万留任几成定局 郑智或将无缘国足

18th September - According to Oriental Sports Daily, it is highly likely that Zheng Zhi, a member of the Chinese coaching staff, will no longer be involved with the national team following Marcello Lippi's confirmation of his continuation as head coach.

After the national team's 1-2 loss to Saudi Arabia, there were reports that Zheng Zhi had suggested a substitution when a player was visibly fatigued. However, Lippi questioned Zheng Zhi's suggestion with a "why?" which left Zheng frustrated and pounding the walls. Oriental Sports Daily suggests that given Lippi's reluctance to retain the Chinese coaching staff, it is highly likely that Zheng Zhi will no longer be part of the national team.

Lippi's reluctance to retain the Chinese coaching staff has been apparent, and his response towards Zheng Zhi during the match further emphasized his discontent. When Shao Jiayi was summoned by Qingdao Jonoon to rescue their team, Lippi readily agreed, but when Zheng Zhi requested an additional assistant coach, he refused without hesitation.

Oriental Sports Daily further analyzed that an assistant coach has the right to provide suggestions, and the head coach has the right to decide whether to follow them or not. However, the prerequisite is that the head coach is capable of making better judgments. In regards to the substitution issue during the match against Saudi Arabia, it is believed that the majority of fans would have made the same judgment, implying that Lippi's failure to make timely substitutions was a dereliction of duty. If Zheng Zhi is indeed absent from the upcoming matches, then Lippi's actions and mentality will be exposed.

For Lippi, instilling confidence in the national team players may take precedence over tactical improvements. After the reverse against Saudi Arabia, all the players lost confidence, doubted themselves, their teammates, and their coach. How to rebuild their confidence and trust in themselves is the urgent challenge that Lippi needs to address after his continuation as head coach.