In the world of football, every gathering of the national team carries the hopes and dreams of countless fans. However, recently, the Chinese national football team has been embroiled in an unexpected storm. After Ivan took over as the head coach of the national team, he intended to lead the team on a new journey. However, a series of events where players withdrew from the national team were like boulders causing waves on what was once a calm lake.
The day after the announcement of the national team training roster, news spread rapidly through the football circle like a bombshell: another player had announced his withdrawal from the national team. This news immediately sparked high attention from the media and fans, with everyone speculating about which player had made such a decision. Since Ivan took office, such incidents have occurred multiple times, undoubtedly leaving him both angry and helpless. Ivan, this experienced coach, has always harbored the dream of leading Chinese football to new heights, but now faces the embarrassing situation of players continuously fleeing training sessions. In interviews with the media, Ivan's tone revealed obvious dissatisfaction and disappointment. He firmly stated that he would never again call up players who do not want to play for China, with a determined gaze and serious expression showing his emphasis and determination on this matter.
Ivan later confirmed that naturalized forward Fernandinho would miss the latest national team training due to personal matters. "He will not return to the national team because of some personal issues." Ivan's words were concise and clear, yet caused a sensation in the football world. Following this, a journalist exposed a demand from Fernandinho that was beyond belief: unless the Chinese Football Association could help him find a club to play for, he did not want to return to China to play football. This demand was utterly unreasonable, and the Football Association naturally would not easily agree. Fernandinho's behavior angered and disgusted many. When he accepted the high naturalization fee, he solemnly declared his intention to contribute to Chinese football, but now he is unwilling to even fulfill the basic obligation of participating in national team training, which is truly disappointing. Compared with other naturalized players such as Elkeson, Luo Guofu, and Alan, who are still contributing to the national team in various capacities and demonstrating their sense of responsibility and dedication to the country through their actions, Fernandinho openly "slacks off," making the contrast even more difficult for fans to accept.
In fact, this is not the first time Ivan has encountered players refusing to be called up. When Ivan first took over the national team, the initial training roster included the name of veteran Wu Xi, but to Ivan's surprise, Wu Xi declined the call-up. Wu Xi stated that after careful consideration, he felt that his abilities no longer met the needs of the national team and could not continue to serve the national team. This news sparked extensive discussions among fans, with some understanding Wu Xi's decision, believing it was based on an objective assessment of his own condition; however, others expressed regret, considering Wu Xi's past outstanding performances in national team matches.
Following this, Zhang Linpeng announced his withdrawal from the national team on social media without any communication with the national team. This sudden move caught everyone off guard, leaving the national team coaching staff and fans shocked. Zhang Linpeng, once a cornerstone of the national team's defense, his abrupt departure undoubtedly had a significant impact on the national team's defensive layout. Fans left messages on social media expressing their confusion and bewilderment, all wanting to know the real reason behind Zhang Linpeng's decision.
Subsequently, naturalized player Li Ke also declined Ivan's call-up citing family matters. Li Ke's absence reduced the national team's options in midfield. By this point, including Fernandinho's withdrawal, this was the fourth occurrence of a similar situation, no wonder Ivan was so furious. For a coach, player non-cooperation is undoubtedly one of the most troublesome problems, and Ivan faced such situations repeatedly in a short period, the pressure in his heart can be imagined.
With Fernandinho's withdrawal, the once highly anticipated first phase of the five Brazilian naturalizations (Elkeson, Alan, Luo Guofu, Fernandinho, Goulart) officially came to an end, gradually fading from the national team's view. At the same time, former national team member Li Ke is no longer on the national team roster. Carefully analyzing these players who refused Ivan's call-up, they can roughly be divided into two categories. One category is veterans like Wu Xi and Zhang Linpeng, who have accumulated wealth and honors throughout their long careers. Perhaps they have lost their passion for national team matches and do not wish to get involved in the complexities of the national team anymore. They have already expended a lot of energy in club matches and may feel unable to fully commit to the national team's call-ups. The other category is naturalized players, who, after receiving generous rewards, have cast aside their original promises to contribute to Chinese football. Moreover, in their view, the overall level of Chinese football players still has a considerable gap compared to international strong teams, and it is difficult to achieve ideal results in national team matches, thus their enthusiasm for the national team gradually wanes.
Faced with such a situation, Ivan made a bold decision in this national team training session: to continue using young players and promote young talents like Wumiti Jiang and Shandong's young player Maiwulong. Ivan's arrangement is undoubtedly an attempt to seek breakthroughs in difficulties. Judging from his decision, promoting these two young players is not necessarily expecting them to immediately take on major responsibilities in the national team, but more to let them experience the atmosphere of the national team and inspire more young players to strive upward. At the same time, this is also to exert certain pressure on older players, making them realize that the position in the national team is not immutable, young players are constantly rising, and are ready to take over the baton from their predecessors at any time.
Wumiti Jiang, this 20-year-old young player, quickly gained Ivan's favor within a short period. His football journey is full of legendary color; previously, he had no experience with the national youth team, and was still fighting for his dreams in the China League Two last year. On the China League Two stage, Wumiti Jiang attracted the attention of many clubs with his outstanding performance. Last year, he returned to Wuhan Three Towns and embarked on his Super League journey. Surprisingly, he became the main force of the team as soon as he stepped onto the field, displaying maturity and confidence beyond his age on the pitch. His skills are comprehensive, playing an important role in both offense and defense. However, fate played a cruel joke on him after more than half a season; he suffered a skull fracture in a fierce match. It was a fierce game where Wumiti Jiang unfortunately collided fiercely with an opponent during a scramble and fell to the ground in pain. The team doctor quickly entered the field and found his injuries to be severe after an emergency examination. This news made everyone who cared about him worried, and everyone was praying for his recovery. Not long after surgery and rehabilitation, before he could participate in official matches, both the national youth coach and Ivan were vying for him, which sufficiently proves that his strength and potential have been widely recognized.
Maiwulong also comes from Shandong and has always been a young player备受关注 in the Shandong team. He possesses excellent physical qualities and football talent, with remarkable speed and explosive power on the field. His dribbling skills are proficient, often finding breakthroughs in the tight defense of opponents and creating excellent offensive opportunities for the team. Ivan saw his potential and hoped that through the training of the national team, he could receive better training and growth.
In this series of player withdrawal turmoil, the national team is facing an unprecedented dilemma. However, from Ivan's decisions, we also see a glimmer of hope. If the national team wants to make real progress, it ultimately relies on the hard work of domestic players on the field. Only by continuously improving their own strength, enhancing team cohesion, and working together can the national team have the possibility of reviving its glory. In the future, we look forward to young players growing rapidly in the national team, bringing new vitality and hope to Chinese football. We also hope that those former national team members can re-examine their responsibilities and missions and contribute their strength to the development of Chinese football. Ivan, this coach shouldering heavy responsibilities, will continue to lead the national team to forge ahead in difficulties and strive to find a bright future for Chinese football.