SUZHOU (China): China began their second training camp on Thursday, as they look to maintain their sharpness ahead of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers Play-off.
China will face Korea Republic in the two-legged play-off, which was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and veteran head coach Jia Xiuquan believes the Steel Roses need regular training camps to improve physically and technically.
“(The training camp) is not only to prepare for the Olympic Qualifiers play-off matches against Korea Republic, but also to ensure that the players are ready, both physically and technically,” said Jia.
“We will organise three friendly matches during this training camp. Early preparation will lead to better results. The players self-confidence will also improve.”
The former Chinese international firmly believes the Steel Roses have grown by leaps and bounds in the past two years.
“I have been coaching this team for two years. I believe that everyone has witnessed the improvement of the Chinese women’s team. Facing strong opponents, we play bravely and always create many opportunities.”
“According to the match data analysis of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, our confrontation ability and physical level have improved. After a series of competitions such as the Asian Games, we are more confident to perform.
“They are the new generation of the Chinese women’s football team. In the environment of rapid development of women’s football, I hope that they can seize this opportunity to show the modern women’s football skills and tactics. More importantly, to show themselves.”
Australia joined Japan as the Continent’s representative in next year’s Tokyo Olympics after beating Vietnam 7-1 on aggregate in April, with China PR hoping to make a sixth appearance, while Korea Republic are seeking a debut entry.
Ace striker Wang Shuang is focused on making full use of the training camp to return to top condition, saying: “Being able to join the national team again is an opportunity for me.
“This gave me more time to recover and adjust my mentality and physical condition. 77 days of quarantine in Wuhan affected me, so the most important thing now is to recover and follow the pace of the team.” (Photo: Chinese Football Association)
