Media Figure: Changing the National Team Coach Is No Longer a Necessity; The Football Association Should Not Use Collective Decision-Making as a Shield

The chief editor of Soccer Weekly, Fu Yuyu, wrote that he just learned that the national team of Oman has changed its coach, while there’s little stir on the Chinese football side. After losing to Saudi Arabia, criticism towards the head coach Ivan reached its peak, and it seemed almost certain that a change in coaching was imminent, with the only question being who would take over.

However, within days, the situation shifted, becoming “changing the coach is no longer a necessity.” Observing this probing move! In my view, the poor performance of the national team, coupled with the coach’s lackluster display, and the high public outcry, where everyone seems to agree on the issues, speaks volumes. Of course, whether media figures or fans, we are outsiders, and we cannot fully grasp the internal situation. The Football Association certainly knows more than us; they have a higher perspective, consider things more comprehensively, profoundly, and long-term. They need to weigh pros and cons, consider immediate and long-term benefits when making decisions, which is all acceptable.

In essence, even if the national team loses ten consecutive games, apart from infuriating and saddening those who deeply love Chinese football, it wouldn’t affect us much more. However, for those working in football and for the managers, it should be different; this is their career, their livelihood. As for the final decision, outsiders can’t influence it much. I hope that, first, the leaders’ final decision is correct, and the national team can show better performance than the last two matches, without forcing the results. Second, if a wrong decision leads to an uncontrollable situation, someone must step up and take responsibility, resign. If it’s an individual decision, the individual resigns; if it’s a collective decision, the entire group resigns. Just don’t use collective decision-making as a shield.

Wish the Chinese national team good luck! The next round is not far away.