China football coach plays down quit calls
(Agencies)Updated: 2007-03-25 16:31
Chinese national football coach Zhu Guanghu is optimistic despite growing calls to quit after the team's defeat to Australia which raised early doubts about their Asian Cup chances.
 Chinese footballer Sun Jihai (L) challenges Australia's Nick Carle for the ball during a friendly match in Guangzhou. Australia defeated China 2-0.[AFP] |
The crowd demanded Zhu renounce his helm as the home side lost 2-0 against a visiting Australian team.
The match was played days after the coach's car was attacked by dozens of angry fans as he left a match in the southeastern city of Xiamen.
"The fans didn't want China to lose this match, that's why they said those things," Zhu said, acording to a report by the AFP.
"In the second half some players played very well, but they just weren't strong enough, so the crowd reacted.
"My job is to try my best, to fight for my country and make our football team much better in Asia."
China made an abominable start as Australia threatened to humiliate Zhu's men in front of their home fans.
But Dong, 22, made an instant impact when he came on late in the first half and proved a constant threat down the right flank.
"Dong was very useful in this match and I'll use him much more in the future," Zhu said, also praising Energie Cottbus midfielder Shao Jiayi and Charlton's Zheng Zhi.
"Blending our overseas and home-based players in one team is the key to making our team much better," he said.
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