The absence of veteran Wu Xi in the national football team will test the wisdom of coach Ivankovic
The Chinese national football team is heading into a new era under the leadership of coach Ivankovic, who recently took over the reins from former coach Jankovic. However, the absence of veteran player Wu Xi from the team’s first training squad has raised questions about who will step up as the new captain and lead the team in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
With Wu Xi out of the picture, the spotlight has turned to defender Zhang Linpeng, who has been dubbed as the “first captain” candidate for the national team. Zhang, who has played 104 games for the country, is one of the most experienced players in the current squad and is expected to take on a leadership role on the field. Alongside Zhang, forward Wu Lei is also being considered as a potential team captain.
Despite the emphasis on promoting young talents, coach Ivankovic understands the importance of having experienced players guide the team in crucial competitions. This is evident in the selection of players over 30 years old in the current training lineup, including Zhang Linpeng. The veteran defender and Wu Lei have represented the national team in several major events and are well-equipped to lead the team in the upcoming qualifiers.
However, the Chinese team faces a challenge in integrating new players and transitioning from old to new generation players. With only a handful of players having more than 20 international appearances, there is a need for the team to groom and develop younger talents to ensure a smooth transition in the future.
In related news, Li Shuai of the Shanghai Harbor Club has announced his retirement from the national team due to injury. The defender sustained a leg injury during a Chinese Super League match and has been ruled out of future competitions. Another player, Exon, is also facing injury concerns and his availability for the national team is yet to be determined.
As the national team prepares for the World Cup qualifiers, all eyes will be on coach Ivankovic and his selection of team captains to lead China’s campaign for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The absence of Wu Xi has opened up opportunities for new leaders to emerge and test the team’s resilience in the face of challenges on the field.