‘Humiliation for a legend-turned-manager’: Shocking three-game losing streak sparks fierce criticism in China, “No strategy, no tactics, no passion”... Fans also demand, “Get out now”

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

A head coach who is a former legend in Chinese football is under intense pressure to resign. Local media and fans alike have poured harsh criticism on Manager Xiao Zai.

China lost 0-1 to Tajikistan in an international friendly match held at the Chongqing Longxing Football Stadium in China on the 6th. Following consecutive heavy defeats of 0-3 against New Zealand and 0-5 against Palestine, China fell to Tajikistan as well, dropping into a three-game losing streak.

The results in the last three matches are dismal. Without scoring a single goal, they conceded a staggering nine goals. In particular, this marked the first time in the history of the Chinese national team that it lost to Palestine and Tajikistan.

Local criticism has also intensified. China’s Shangguan News fired a direct shot at Manager Xiao Zai, calling him a “‘Three-No’ manager with no strategy, no tactics, and no passion.”

The outlet harshly criticized, stating, “The content of the four matches China played in this Chongqing tournament was like a ‘mixed stew’ with all kinds of ingredients thrown together,” adding, “In that process, the weakness in leadership—lacking strategy, tactics, and passion—was clearly exposed in Manager Xiao Zai.”

China is preparing for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia next January. These recent friendly matches were scheduled specifically to prepare for the Asian Cup. However, it has been pointed out that they gained virtually nothing from either the results or the process.

Shangguan News noted, “Although China beat Maldives 3-0 in their first match, the opponent was essentially at an amateur level,” and added, “After playing all four matches, what China actually gained was almost nothing.”

Harsh criticism has continued regarding Manager Xiao Zai’s tactics as well. It was analyzed that attempting excessively aggressive high pressing against New Zealand and Palestine actually led to heavy defeats. He received failing grades in both attack and defense.

The timing of substitutions was also cited as a problem. The outlet pointed out, “Substitutions and tactical adjustments were one step behind the game situation,” adding, “Most changes were passive attempts to fix problems after conceding goals, while proactive responses to change the flow of the game first were lacking.”

The players’ lack of fighting spirit also came under scrutiny. In particular, in the match against Palestine, it was evaluated that it was difficult to see players encouraging each other or actively lifting the atmosphere even after conceding goals.

Shangguan News compared the two sides, stating, “The overall atmosphere was downcast, and it felt as if they were playing a match out of obligation,” adding, “On the other hand, Palestine actively engaged in every duel and showed strong energy even in their goal celebrations.”

It further emphasized, “Passion in a match is not created solely by individual players’ attitudes. The manager also bears responsibility.”

Manager Xiao Zai’s interview also further fueled the critical public opinion.

Following the loss to Tajikistan, Manager Xiao Zai said, “We lost the match, but I believe the process is acceptable to our coaching staff,” adding, “To develop, we need a process and trial and error.”

Chinese fans reacted even more strongly. According to Sina.com, one Chinese fan criticized, “He still says he won’t resign. With what face can he keep holding on?”

Another fan raised their voice, saying, “It makes no sense to use a 5-4-1 defensive formation against Tajikistan at home while claiming we are going to the World Cup. Get off quickly.”

Other reactions included, “If you can’t even play friendly matches properly and seriously, how can you suddenly say you will do well in official tournaments?”

The last time the Chinese national team suffered a three-game losing streak in friendlies was during the tenure of manager Jose Antonio Camacho in 2013. Sina.com reported, “At that time, Manager Camacho stepped down following a loss to Thailand.” Xiao Zai, also a former legend in Chinese football, can no longer escape the pressure from this three-game losing streak.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original