In the 19th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL), Guangzhou captain and executive coach Zheng Zhi made his debut in a crucial match against Beijing Guoan, and cleverly assisted Deng Hanwen to score the only goal of the match, which has led to increased calls for Zheng to return to the national team in recent days. However, as tempting as this sounds, it seems difficult for Zheng Zhi to represent the national team again.
In the match between the capital and Guangzhou, Zheng Zhi took the starting role as captain and was replaced after playing 60 minutes due to the high number of injuries to midfielders. This was the first time Zheng Zhi had taken the field himself since taking over as Guangzhou's head coach. Nevertheless, his performance on the field was still outstanding, showing excellent vision and anticipation, controlling Guangzhou's midfield in a well-organized manner. Zheng Zhi's passing skills are among the best in the team, and the only goal of the match was scored thanks to his precise passing. As a result, the internet was abuzz with calls for him to return to the national team after that game. But in the 20th round, Zheng Zhi did not play again, but sat on the coach's seat to direct the whole situation.
Zheng Zhi has not been able to train systematically for a long time due to Guangzhou Football Club's salary arrears and his role as the team's executive coach, making it difficult for him to support a 90-minute high-intensity match physically. Despite this, at 41 years old, Zheng Zhi still maintains an excellent sense of soccer and a keen sense of the game. Some people believe that in the case of several naturalized players may be difficult to return to the team, the national team is in urgent need of Zheng Zhi to stabilize the heart of the army.
The new national team head coach Li Xiaopeng recently appeared frequently in Guangzhou, in-depth observation of the game, to understand the state of the players. It is reported that Li Xiaopeng has had exchanges with Zheng Zhi, but the main topic of conversation focused on the Guangzhou team players, did not propose to invite Zheng Zhi to return to the national team.
In fact, although Zheng Zhi still has the desire to play for his country, but from the perspective of the long-term development of the national team, he is not the first choice for the future of the national team. For the upcoming four rounds of the 12-team tournament, Li Xiaopeng and his national football team should focus on the long term, remodeling the technical and tactical system, digging new people.
Li Xiaopeng's national team coaching team has not yet been announced, which also triggered people's unlimited imagination. Unlike his predecessor Li Tie, Li Xiaopeng has a very close relationship with Zheng Zhi. 2005, Zheng Zhi from Shenzhen Jianlibao transferred to Shandong Luneng, Li Xiaopeng personally drove him to Jinan, to help him quickly integrate into the team. During his time at Shandong Luneng, Li Xiaopeng has always taken care of Zheng Zhi, becoming his mentor and friend. Now, both have embarked on the coaching position, Zheng Zhi still has a lot to learn from Li Xiaopeng. If Zheng Zhi can join the national team coaching team, not only will it be beneficial to his personal growth in his coaching career, but it will also help him to manage the Guangzhou players in the national team, as well as communicate with the naturalized players.
The new phase of the national team will be assembled in early January next year to prepare for the January 27th against Japan, February 1st against Vietnam in two 12 games. The new list of the national football training will be revealed soon, Zheng Zhi whether to join Li Xiaopeng's coaching team, let us wait and see.
