Li Tie still good coach despite resignation from China team, says Chinese football pundit

2021-12-06 07:35:43 GMT2021-12-06 15:35:43(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese football pundit Zhan Jun said he never disputed the coaching ability of Li Tie, who resigned as China head coach last week.

A statement issued by the Chinese Football Association last Friday said that Li had stepped down but did not give the exact reasons for his resignation.

It is believed that the 44-year-old bowed to public pressure after being found to have erased the logo of the Chinese side's sponsor and plugged several products in the pictures he posted on his social media account following poor results in the current World Cup qualifying campaign.

Zhan suggested that Li had proved himself as a capable football coach.

"Though I had disagreement on Li Tie's team selections and performances on the touchline, I never disputed his credentials and coaching abilities," he said.

"He is still one of the best local coaches of his generation," he added.

Li Xiaopeng has been chosen to fill the vacancy left by Li, and he is expected to join up with the Chinese side in Shanghai on Tuesday.

Li Xiaopeng's first game in charge will be the away tie against Japan on January 27, 2022.

China, with only five points from six games in their World Cup qualification campaign, faces an arduous task of clawing their way back. Enditem

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