Shao Jiayi reveals ambitions in first public appearance as China coach

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Chinese men's national football team coach Shao Jiayi speaks during his first official press conference in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, China, January 4, 2026. /VCG

The new coach of the Chinese men's national football team, Shao Jiayi, held his first official press conference on Sunday in Guangdong Province, just under two months after being appointed by the Chinese Football Association on November 5th.

"When I received the news of my appointment as head coach of the national team, it was an overwhelming moment of excitement and nerves," said Shao.

"Becoming head coach is just one step toward a larger goal. Our real aim is to build a national side that plays with the spirit and earns the results that make our country proud, ultimately achieving the long-held dream of our people," he added.

"The first step is restoring faith in Chinese football. That is not just a bunch of words. It means rigorous training, high-quality preparation and taking things game by game, step by step, toward that vision."

Following an eight-day camp in Zhaoqing, Shao's squad will depart for the United Arab Emirates next Monday for a series of training matches.

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