The Chinese team is pumped up for the Asian Cup, in what coach Zhu Guanghu sees as a new-found determination to prove their critics wrong.
BEIJING: The Chinese team is pumped up and going "crazy" in training for the Asian Cup, in what coach Zhu Guanghu sees as a new-found determination to prove their critics wrong.
China, and Zhu in particular, have been under intense pressure after a string of poor results, but the coach said they were in an upbeat mood at their training camp in Hebei province.
"They are going crazy during training. They are shouting and screaming at each other and trying to encourage each other. It's amazing," Zhu said.
"This is what I have been expecting for a long time. Compared to European players, Chinese players tend not to reveal their inner feelings. We lack mutual encouragement and support.
"Soccer is a team sport. I am so glad to see everybody pulling closer together.
"I told them as long as we keep this kind of form and determination, we will be able to fight with every team in Asia."
China, coached by Zhu since March 2005, are in Group C at the Asian Cup with Malaysia, Iran and Uzbekistan. They play their opening match against co-hosts Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on July 10.
Zhu said the team was determined to rise to the challenge after making the final of the last tournament in 2003 in Beijing, where they were beaten by Japan.
"I see the motivation in everyone. They are pushing me and boosting my confidence," he said.
"We will keep our eyes on the semi-finals. There is nothing to prevent us from achieving the goal."
China's squad includes most of its Europe-based stars like Manchester United forward Dong Fangzhuo, former Charlton midfielder Zheng Zhi, Sheffield United's Li Tie, and Manchester City's Sun Jihai.
Zhu said it was the first time he had had all of his best players together and available.
Sun Jihai, one of the team's most experienced players, echoed Zhu's determination.
"The whole team is preparing very well. We have the best players here. I hope we will make it into the semi-final and more importantly win back the passion and trust of Chinese fans," he said.
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