In his book, veteran journalist Chen Hua provides an in-depth analysis of the merits and demerits of Guangzhou Evergrande (now renamed Guangzhou) and its chairman Xu Jiayin in relation to national soccer. He points out that while Evergrande's achievements at the competitive level of soccer are indisputable, certain initiatives, such as paying Lippi's salary and promoting a policy of non-blood naturalized players, have sparked controversy and had adverse effects.
Chen Hua in the article bluntly: in fact, in the field of soccer competition, I am full of respect for Guangzhou Evergrande, especially Liu Yongzhuo in charge of the period of Evergrande, and I can even say that my admiration has reached 120%. Liu Yongzhuo can be called the Super League era only really have professional manager style of the best.
However, Guangzhou Evergrande has won 2 AFC Champions League trophies and 8 Chinese Super League titles thanks to the team's high morale and efficient management. Regardless of the way Evergrande raises soccer funds, its athletic achievements are undoubtedly worthy of recognition.
However, I am strongly opposed to some of the speculative behaviors adopted by Guangzhou Evergrande after their unprecedented success. For example, they have taken over the affairs of the national team at a later stage, paying the salary of national football team manager Lippi, allowing Cannavaro to take charge of the coaching staff and actively promoting the introduction of non-blooded naturalized players.
In essence, these behaviors, compared to the club's success at the competitive level, are undoubtedly a move to cross the line, attempting to tie local interests to national interests. As a real estate company, Evergrande tries to kidnap the interests of the national team through the means of soccer, which has national influence, but fails to solve its own problems. After all, the national team, especially the Chinese national team, belongs to all the Chinese people and fans, not to Xu Jiayin or Evergrande.
Imagine the consequences that would have been triggered if Evergrande's leadership of non-blood naturalized players had actually helped the national football team to succeed in the last World Cup. Perhaps, the industry consolidation will not happen, in the real estate market facing multiple pressures, Evergrande may also be able to tide over the difficulties. After all, the national team was able to qualify for the World Cup, Xu boss behind the wisdom and investment is not to blame.
Unfortunately, this vision has not become a reality. Destiny is sometimes predetermined, and human calculation is not as good as heaven's calculation. Nevertheless, the brilliant achievements of Evergrande in the field of athletics are beyond doubt. The long-term impact of the Evergrande model on Chinese soccer, whether positive or negative, has become a question worthy of academic discussion. This is a kind of contradiction within the people.
