The Chinese U23 national team coach spoke candidly after sweating to come back and draw with Thailand in the opening match of the CFA Team China International Youth Tournament in Xi'an.
Following the 2-2 draw between Thailand U23 and China U23 in the opening match of the CFA Team China International Youth Tournament in Xi'an last Wednesday, Thailand initially led 2-0 with goals from Jehanafi Mama and Chawalwit Saelao before China equalized with goals from Xiang Yuwang and Li Xinxian, sharing one point each.
China made several changes from the squad that drew 0-0 with Thailand in the Asian Championship in January, as some key players were called up to the senior China national team. Antonio Puche, the Spanish coach of China U23, said he was not focusing heavily on the result because the team had many new players who were not yet well-coordinated, especially in the first half when they conceded two goals.
“In the first half, we couldn’t find our rhythm and lacked attacking energy, but we played much better in the second half.”
“We’re not focusing too much on the result because we have many new players. I need to observe them closely throughout this tournament. We must build a strong team to represent China in the upcoming Asian Games,” Puche said.
In their next match, China will face North Korea, who drew 1-1 with Vietnam in their opening game.