The management of naturalized players has always been a great test for managers. After all, these players have no blood ties with the country they are naturalized in. Talking about a sense of identity or patriotic enthusiasm is simply nonsense.
For most naturalized players, the big stage of the World Cup is their primary need. Their market value and appearance fees are what really matter.
It is rumored that some naturalized players on the Chinese national team have lost their temper.
In fact, except for Jiang Guangtai, the performance of other naturalized players has been quite average. Luo Guofu, Ai Kesen, Alan, and Fernandinho - it doesn't make much difference whether they are there or not. So why bother naturalizing them?
What saddens Chinese football the most is Li Ke.
In January 2024, Ivan invited Li Ke to join the national team roster. However, this person directly rejected the call of the national team. If Li Ke were a native-born Chinese, would he dare to do so?
The reason Li Ke rejected the call of the national team is said to be because of a grudge. In an interview with reporters, he justified himself, "After returning from winter training, I fully prepared for the national team. Throughout the Asian Cup period, the then head coach of the Chinese Football Association, Yangkovic, benched me. This experience was very unpleasant!"
Is it just because of the decision made by the former head coach that this person holds a deep grudge against the Chinese national team? Even though the head coach has changed, he still harbors resentment towards the Chinese national team?
"I hold a grudge!" A naturalized player sneers at the call of the Chinese national team?