45-year-old Shao Jiayi appointed as new head coach of China’s national football team; Football Association unable to find foreign coach, follows basketball’s example by choosing a young local coach

On the afternoon of November 5th, the Chinese Football Association officially announced: 45-year-old Chinese Super League Qingdao West Coast head coachShao Jiayihas been appointed as the new head coach of China’s men’s national football team.

The national team missed two international windows without a coach, resulting in no training or matches. As the November international break nears, the FA has finally chosen a new head coach—this time not a foreigner, but the young local coach Shao Jiayi.

According to an analysis by Football News, the main reason the new coach is not a foreigner is that the FA failed to find a suitable foreign candidate: the well-known ones are too expensive, while lesser-known coaches lack the necessary experience. Therefore, they followed the example of the Chinese men’s basketball team by selecting a young local coach.

Fans have commented: Since world-class coaches like Lippi and Camacho couldn’t lead the national team successfully, it’s better to save money and give a motivated young local coach a chance. Shao Jiayi has played in both the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga, so he has international experience and has also coached a CSL team, demonstrating solid tactical skills. Hopefully, the FA will grant him authority and allow him to lead for four years aiming for the 2030 World Cup. Even if it doesn’t work out, it’s better than wasting money on foreign coaches. What’s your opinion on this?

Personal view: The foreign coach of Henan in the CSLDaniel Ramos (54 years old, Portuguese)He’s genuinely impressive, having transformed Henan from one of the weakest teams in the CSL into a strong side that opponents dread facing. Such a foreign coach would be quite suitable for an Asian underdog like China’s national team, provided he is given authority and patience.

The national team is our only men’s football team—let’s send our best wishes! Good luck, Shao Jiayi!