گزارش: زودی مربی برانکو با چالش‌های بزرگ در چین روبه‌رو خواهد شد

“Varzesh3” reports that the Chinese Football Federation announced today that we have decided to appoint Branko Ivankovic as the head coach of the national team to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ivankovic has coached various teams including Hanover (Germany), Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), the Iranian national team, and the Omani national team, and also experienced winning the Super League title in China with Shandong Luneng in 2010.

China had a very poor performance in the three Asian Cup games and was eliminated in the group stage with a major failure. Aleksander Jankovic, who had moved up from coaching youth teams to the senior national team, bid farewell to the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup with no points and a mere failure.

After the group stage, Jankovic said: “There are generally two types of coaches: those who have been dismissed or those who are fired. I don’t focus on personal details. I’ve been in China for almost six years and I’m ready to continue. I have prepared a generation and the next generation for the national team, I am doing this, I have made all efforts. I have tested every combination and tried not to regret my actions.”

This tournament was more disappointing than I expected. During the three games we played here, we missed many opportunities. There is no progress without scoring goals. We will continue to move forward and never retreat. However, Jankovic was soon fired from the coaching position in China. The decision had been made long ago, and while all media outlets were reporting his dismissal, it was only a matter of the official announcement from the Chinese Football Federation.

China quickly began its work to replace the head coach. Sina Sports China wrote: “The Federation has started the process of appointing a new coach. Choosing a Chinese head coach is still a viable option. Choi Kang-hee, the Shandong coach, and Su Jungwon, the Chengdu coach, were among the main Chinese options for the national team bench. There are also reports that foreign coaches who have had a good performance in the league in the past are on the list.”

At this time, Ivankovic was mentioned, Sina Sports wrote: “The process of appointing a coach has begun, Ivankovic has a good knowledge of Asian football, has coached various clubs and national teams in Asia and also experienced coaching Shandong. He is currently the most suitable candidate.”

However, fans were opposed to this choice. An article by Sina Sports that announced Ivankovic’s appointment was full of insulting comments such as: “This coach will soon be dismissed,” “You found a new victim,” and “What is the use of this choice?”

Will dual-nationality players increase? Sina Sports wrote: “China has suffered a major setback and is looking for Chinese players abroad to improve its lineup.

Ryan Linton (Chinese mother), Ryan Liu (Chinese grandmother), and Ryan Raposo (Chinese mother named Wu Xiaohai) are players said to be under the supervision of the Chinese Football Federation.

Among these three players, Wu Xiaohai is expected to deliver more. The media have pointed out that Wu Xiaohai is closer to Chinese football. He plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps and is a quality player. Although he lacks physical strength, he is always brave in challenges.

Xiaohai has played his first professional match as a winger. He can also play as a full-back on either side and showcase his offensive abilities. Theoretically, he is very suitable for the combination chosen by the previous national team coach of China.

China has had a policy of attracting dual-nationality players in the past but has rarely been successful. Naturally, fans’ reactions to this policy have been cold. An article in Sina Sports stated: “Let’s first remove Ivankovic, the unworthy coach, and then talk about other things.”

China is now entering the era of Ivankovic coaching, but public opinion is hardly improving. They are currently preparing themselves to play in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and hope to have a successful period with Branko.