Croatian coach Ivan Kovačić drew a direct line regarding the 'defamatory rumors' that spread as he left the Chinese football scene.
Recently, rumors rapidly spread on Chinese internet platforms claiming that 'Kovačić publicly criticized the China Football Association and players.' The coach firmly denied these rumors himself, stating, 'This is absolutely not true.'
Immediately after the rumors spread, Kovačić clarified his stance in an interview with Beijing Youth Daily on the 9th (Korean time), stating three main points. He said, 'The rumor that I criticized the China Football Association and players is completely false. I have not interviewed with any media since the match against Bahrain.'
The rumors that had spread earlier suggested that Kovačić strongly criticized the structural problems of Chinese football after the national team's 0-3 defeat against South Korea in the East Asian Cup.
According to these rumors, Kovačić pointed out that 'my tactics have already been validated in other leagues, but Chinese players lack the technical ability to implement them properly,' highlighting the players' shortcomings. He also criticized the Chinese football community for 'repeating past mistakes and not embracing new ideas,' pointing out anachronistic thinking.
In the rumors, Kovačić particularly criticized the China Football Association for being overly obsessed with short-term results, which prevents instilling patience in young players. He pointed out, 'They always pursue quick success and are fixated on results rather than the process.'
Kovačić reportedly emphasized the need for overall system innovation, saying, 'Merely changing the coach or players will not bring about change,' and advised that Chinese players should experience modern football through overseas advancement.
However, all these claims were not true. Kovačić denied the rumors, stating, 'It was an honor to coach the national team. Although it was a short period, I maintained a good cooperative relationship with the coaches and players. I appreciate their professionalism and hard work.'
He added, 'It is very unfortunate that fabricated reports are placing negative pressure on the Chinese football community and players.' He said, 'Since leaving the national team, I have been doing nothing. Now that the grueling schedule is over, I want to rest for a while,' indicating a focus on休息.
Ultimately, it is interpreted that the rumors were spread to criticize the problems within the domestic football community through a dismissed coach. In fact, after he left and the national team lost 0-3 against South Korea’s second team in the East Asian Cup, public opinion has slowly emerged suggesting that 'the coach was not the problem.'
[OSEN]