SHANGHAI (AFP) - Fabio Cannavaro's first task as China coach may be to win over a sceptical public after his appointment was met with criticism and even anger.
Former players and state media questioned the credentials of the 2006 World Cup winner and world player of the year, who is yet to claim a major trophy as a coach.
The Chinese Football Association has not made it clear if it was a permanent or temporary role for Cannavaro, who will remain in charge of Chinese Super League giants Guangzhou Evergrande.
"In his time as a player, Cannavaro was great, but as a coach, he still has achieved nothing," the Youth Daily commented, saying his appointment had "caused public uproar".
"Cannavaro's achievements as a player are undisputed," former international Li Yan told the newspaper.
"However, his decisions during games and performance as a head coach are not convincing enough."
The 45-year-old Italian's ascension to the post - with mentor and predecessor Marcello Lippi remaining as an adviser - was widely predicted in Chinese media.
Â
But sceptics said the former Juventus and Real Madrid centre-back has done little to prove he deserves the job after it was confirmed in a low-key announcement late last week.
In Cannavaro's first full season with Evergrande last year, the southern team relinquished their seven-year grip on the Chinese league trophy.
Previously, Cannavaro had a seven-month spell with Evergrande before being sacked in 2014, and won promotion with Tianjin Quanjian in 2016, steering them to third in the CSL table the following year.
"(His) familiarity and understanding of Chinese football may be his greatest advantage," the Youth Daily said, echoing the words of the CFA when they named Cannavaro.
He also has a good record bringing through youth players, the newspaper said.
Some media speculated that the hosts' two games in this week's China Cup will be an audition for the former defender to get the job permanently.
Eight Evergrande players were named in the squad ahead of Thursday's clash with Thailand and Monday's game against Uzbekistan or Uruguay.
But Li warned that the overwhelming Evergrande presence in the squad might cause problems with players from other clubs.
China and Cannavaro - if he lasts beyond the next two matches - are building towards the qualifiers for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, which begin in September.
China have reached the World Cup only once, in 2002, when they failed to win a point or even score a goal.
The Guangzhou Daily noted that Cannavaro's appointment came just days after Evergrande were humbled 3-1 by South Korean newcomers Daegu in Asia's Champions League.
"Is he good enough to take up the responsibility of Evergrande and the national football team?" it asked. "These are still question marks."
Shanghai-based Oriental Sports Daily was scathing about Cannavaro's dual role.
"If this part-time job becomes the norm for a long time in the future it is absolutely not the norm - and nor should it be," it said.
Greatest comebacks in Champions League history! Top 10 Greatest comebacks in Champions League history? UEFA Champions league comebacks? Seeing your side complete a successful comeback, after it seemed all hope was lost - is one of the best feelings in the world as a football fan.
PHOTOS: 5 greatest comebacks in UEFA Champions League history
Qatari goal machine Ali targets Europe move before 2022 World Cup the 2019 AFC Asian Cup final football match between Japan and Qatar at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on February
Qatari Goal Machine Ali Targets Europe Move Before 2022 World Cup
AMSTERDAM • Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has urged managers to trust in the video assistant referee after his team benefited from a controversial VAR decision at Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday..
Real Madrid News: Santiago Solari 'trusts' VAR after Ajax win
Football: Hougang find inspiration in skipper Zulfahmi Arifin
Book now for a comfortable and affordable journey from Derby to London. With services running throughout the day and fares starting from £7.70 one-way* on National Express coaches you can be sure to find the perfect journey to discover London, its history, culture and nightlife.
Goals - Decisions in London, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester
ABU DHABI (REUTERS) - Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu was naturally disappointed that his side missed out on a winning a fifth Asian Cup title on Friday (Feb 1) but believes the improvement of the
SOCCER/ Japan coach disappointed but pleased with progress at
LEICESTER: Newcastle took a huge step towards securing their Premier League survival as Ayoze Perez sealed a 1-0 win against Leicester on Friday. Rafael Benitez's side moved 10 points clear of
Ayoze Perez Heads Newcastle United Closer To Premier League
(Reuters) - Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has said Eden Hazard is free to leave the club if he wants to but the Italian hopes the forward stays at Stamford Bridge. Hazard has been linked with a
Chelsea News: Eden Hazard is free to leave if he wants, says
What Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and new coaching team will change at Manchester United. Man Utd have appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their new interim manager and MEN Sport caught up with key figures
Jose Mourinho: In defence of the Chelsea manager, who should
England eased to a 5-1 victory at Montenegro on Monday evening and two Chelsea players in Ross Barkley and Callum Hudson-Odoi were at the heart of it.. Barkley assisted the first goal with a delightful cross for Michael Keane to head home, while he turned Hudson-Odoi's shot into the net for the second.
The one thing that could bring Sarri's downfall with both
Jürgen Klopp has set Liverpool a mammoth points target and hailed the Anfield atmosphere, report the Liverpool Echo. The Reds performed when the pressure was on once again, beating Chelsea 2-0 thanks to early second half goals from Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.
Jurgen Klopp hails Liverpool's f ighting spirit as he sets
Liverpool crushed Arsenal 5-1 to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday but manager Juergen Klopp still would not get involved in any talk of winning the title.
Liverpool`s Klopp Avoids Title Talk despite Arsenal Rout
Alas, Poor Villain: Goro earns some sympathy from the party during his final battle, and they're even willing to bury the hatchet and join forces with him against his Arch Nemesis Dad. Okumura's brutal death also inspires some pity from the thieves, especially since he was their newest member's father.
A Gift for Dying by M.J. Arlidge - goodreads.com
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refuses to give up on the Top Four after dropping points to Chelsea Sky Sports Football Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke after his Manchester United side were held to a 1-1 draw
Manchester United Players 'Need to Fear' Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Home » News » Sports » Messi's motivation spurs on Barcelona, says Rakitic. Messi's motivation spurs on Barcelona, says Rakitic. On April 30, 2019 11:59 pm In Sports by adekunle Comments.
Messi's motivation spurs on Barcelona, says Rakitic | Aaj News
0 comments:
Post a Comment