As the Chinese Super League (CSL) season takes a break, the latest training squad for the Chinese men's soccer team is generating a lot of buzz. Shanghai Harbour's eight players are included, but have been questioned for their recent consecutive losses and defeat in the AFC Champions League play-offs.
Yankovic's selections seem to lack novelty, with the national team squad still relying on old faces. Shanghai Seaport, in particular, has suffered back-to-back losses in the AFC Champions League and the league, with problems in the backline yet they are still selected by the national team.
Shanghai Seaport's main defensive players, such as Jiang Guangtai and Zhang Linjian, have been out of their depth in international matches. Facing a mid-tier team from Thailand, they even suffered an embarrassing situation where their seven-man defense was breached by their opponents.
Meanwhile, Chinese soccer is suffering from an anti-corruption storm, including a doubtful Top 12 tournament coached by Li Tie, and the shady business of gambling on football has yet to be clarified. The outcome of the case will determine the subsequent public information.
Jankovic's national team coaching record is mediocre, and he lacks the courage to use newcomers. The national team's recent training list is still dominated by veterans, and the prospect of qualifying for the 36-team tournament is not optimistic.