China coach says future bright after first football medal in 28 years
NAGOYA: Chinese football has “a fantastic future” after winning their first Asian Games medal in nearly three decades on Saturday, their men’s under-23 coach said.
Nagoya, Japan - Chinese football is poised for a bright future following their team's first Asian Games medal in nearly three decades, according to their men's under-23 coach. Under-23 football's Chinese underachievers have only previously qualified for the World Cup in 2002, and the senior side suffered a devastating 5-0 loss to Palestine in a home match on Friday.
However, China has recently enjoyed relative success at the youth level, following up their second-place finish at the Under-23 Asian Cup in February with a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan. Coach Antonio Puche expressed confidence in the new generation, stating, "These players for me have a fantastic future." He emphasized the importance of hard work, pushing the players, and their exceptional quality and heart in Chinese football.
The Asian Games sees squads consisting of under-23 players, with three overage players allowed. Puche's team included several regulars from the full national side. The senior team has struggled in their absence, losing 3-0 to New Zealand in a recent friendly. Puche acknowledged that the result of that match was not good, but praised the head coach for his capability and resilience, believing he will use this setback to improve the team.
Notably, China has never won a men's Asian Games football gold, having only secured a bronze in 1998 in Bangkok.
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