Media Figure: Questioning Ivan’s Selection; Worried About National Team’s Future Preparations

On October 5, media figure Yuan Jia posted a video on social media. In the video, Yuan Jia questions Ivan’s selection and expresses serious concerns about the national team’s future preparations.

Yuan Jia said, “Wu Lei and Alan have left the national team due to injuries. I wonder what they were doing earlier? Regarding Wu Lei and Alan leaving the national team due to injuries, I have two questions. The first question is, how will we handle the forward line after these two got injured and left? After their departure, only Zhang Yuning and Bai Helamu are left who can play as forwards. We all know that Zhang Yuning was suspended in the league and couldn’t maintain his form; I still believe his suspension was unfair. As for Bai Helamu, my view has always been that he should be a key player for the future, but it’s not realistic to rely on him now. Looking at this national team roster, only Cheng Jin was added after Alan and Wu Lei left, and he isn’t a forward either. If we count the forwards, there’s only Xiao Motuo who can move up a bit. However, we all know that Ivan plays a 4-4-2 formation, and with two forwards, you only have two and a half cards. Is there really no backup plan?

We’re talking about the next two matches against Australia and Indonesia. When playing away against Australia, more defensive players might be fielded, but the home match against Indonesia must also be considered. Are you really not thinking about scoring? The second point is that both Wu Lei and Alan had recurring injuries. They didn’t get injured after joining the national team; they already had issues in the league. I want to know if there was any communication between the national team, clubs, and players before this roster call-up. If there was communication, these types of injuries clearly wouldn’t work, look at how Alan went straight back; even if it’s a minor fracture in Wu Lei’s rib area, it’s very troublesome and can only be treated by rest, which won’t heal quickly. Now Wu Lei definitely won’t play in the first match against Australia, and even if he can return for the Indonesia game, I don’t think he’ll be in good form. So I wonder what we were doing in terms of preparation? The national team roster shouldn’t be a joke; calling up injured players and then finding out they are indeed injured could have been avoided with early communication. I am truly worried about the national team’s preparations.”