Tokyo 2020: Guus Hiddink to lead China U-21

World
Europe

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) officially announced that Guus Hiddink will coach the team China U-21 on Monday morning.

The respected Dutch coach has a glorious track record in coaching national teams, leading both Netherlands and South Korea to the top four in 1998 World Cup and 2002 World Cup respectively.

Moreover, Guus Hiddink gains good results in European clubs such as Eindhoven, Real Madrid and Chelsea. The strict coaching style made him well-received in several youth teams.

The 72-year-old Hiddink's main task is to lead China to 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As CGTN reported earlier, Hiddink has confirmed that "China would like to qualify for the Olympic Games. The goal is to participate in Tokyo 2020. The last time China qualified, was in 2008, so the desire is high."

Screenshot from the Chinese Football Association (CFA) official website

To better understand his new proteges, Hiddink closely watched the U-21's game in the recently concluded 4-nation football tournament in Qujing in south China's Yunnan Province.

Hiddink has to quickly get to know the team and prepare for the qualification matches for Tokyo Olympics starting from March, 2019.

The Dutchman will be paid just less than four million euros (4.7 million US dollars) a year after tax.

Shen Xiangfu of China, who led the team U-21 during the four-nation championship, will continue to stay in the team and assist Hiddink.

(Top image via VCG: Guus Hiddink watching China vs. Uzbekistan match at the 2018 Four-nation Championship, Yunnan Province, China)