"What's the coach's fault?"
Recently, rumors rapidly spread on Chinese internet that Ivanovich publicly criticized the Chinese Football Association and its players. Regarding this rumor, the coach himself strongly denied it, stating, "It is completely untrue."
Ivanovich clarified his position in an interview with Beijing Youth Daily on the 9th (Korea time) shortly after the rumor surfaced. He said, "The rumor that I criticized the Chinese Football Association and its players is completely false. I have not given any interviews to the media since the match against Bahrain."
The earlier rumor suggested that Ivanovich strongly criticized the structural problems of Chinese football following the Chinese national team's 0-3 defeat to South Korea in the East Asian Cup.
According to the rumor, Ivanovich noted, "My tactics have already been validated in other leagues, but Chinese players lack the technical ability to implement them properly," pointing out the players' lack of skill. He also criticized the mindset of Chinese football, saying, "The Chinese football community repeats past mistakes and does not embrace new ideas," highlighting an anachronistic way of thinking.
In the rumor, Ivanovich particularly criticized the Chinese Football Association for fixating on short-term results and failing to instill patience in young players. He pointed out, "They always pursue quick success and cling to results over processes."
Ivanovich emphasized that simply changing the coach or players would not change anything, stressing the need for comprehensive system reform, including youth development, professional leagues, and coaching training. The rumor also claimed he advised that Chinese players should experience modern football through overseas advancement.
However, none of it was true. Ivanovich denied the rumor, stating, "It was an honor to coach the Chinese national team. It was a short period, but I maintained a good collaborative relationship with the coach and players. I appreciate their professionalism and hard work."
He further stated, "It is very regrettable that the fabricated reports put negative pressure on the Chinese football community and its players," adding, "Since leaving the Chinese national team, I have not done anything. I want to take a break for a while now that the grueling schedule is over."
Ultimately, it appears that the rumors were spread to criticize the problems in the domestic football community through a coach who was dismissed in China. In fact, after he left, the national team faced a 0-3 defeat against South Korea's second team in the East Asian Cup, leading to a late emergence of public sentiment that "the coach was not the problem."
Despite Ivanovich's denial of the rumors, Chinese fans continued their self-deprecating criticism. One Chinese football fan said, "Ivan (Ivanovich) is not at fault at all. He attempted reforms that ten domestic coaches were unable to achieve," and others commented, "It's difficult to make a delicious meal with rotten vegetables and smelly meat," highlighting the limitations of the system rather than blaming the coach.
In fact, fans cynically pointed out the incompetence of the administration, which repeatedly changes coaches, and the lack of player skills. Regarding Ivanovich's denial of the rumors, one commented, "After all, he has received all his money. So why would he have any complaints?" Another added, "The Chinese team is a natural loser; it doesn't matter who comes in, there is no hope."
In reality, even changing the coach does not change the fact that Chinese football continues to lose. One Chinese fan sighed, saying, "It doesn’t matter who you use when it comes to results."
[OSEN]