wu Jingui Embraces Digital Revolution after Decades of Coaching
SHANGHAI—After nearly 30 years on the sidelines, veteran coach Wu Jingui has embraced the digital age, focusing on data analysis and youth development in his post-申花 career.
From Champion to Consultant: Wu Jingui’s New Chapter
Following two Chinese FA Cup titles with Shanghai Shenhua within six years, Wu Jingui has transitioned from head coach to a more analytical role, establishing a professional football studio bearing his name.
Data-Driven Football: A Focus on Youth Development
Unlike many coaches who focus solely on on-field training, Wu Jingui’s studio emphasizes the importance of data analysis in youth development. The studio houses a collection of football literature, data, and video editing equipment.
A Career dedicated to Football
Wu Jingui’s dedication to football is unwavering. His studio is equipped to archive and analyses materials collected over decades. The veteran coach remains committed to advancing the sport through detailed research and innovative training methods.
Long-Term Vision in a “fast-Paced Era”
Though past sixty, Wu Jingui remains energetic and forward-thinking, dedicating his time to various projects, including research and youth training. He advocates for a long-term approach to football development amid what he sees as a “fast-paced era.”
Chinese Coach Mines Deep into Football History for Future Success
SHANGHAI (AP) — At a time when many seek fast fixes from foreign coaches,one Chinese football coach is meticulously studying the past to avoid repeating mistakes and cultivate a unique Chinese football identity. This coach has amassed a vast collection ranging from aging books to vintage recordings and digital media, reminiscent of a dedicated football museum or a professor’s research hub.
Decades-old Textbook Highlights Persistent Issues
One well-worn book, a 1986 football theory textbook from the Beijing Sport University, holds particular significance. The coach, a student at the time, attended lectures by German professor, and uses this material as a reference point and a way to study the history of the sport.
Learning From The Past and avoiding Repetition of Errors
The coach argues that Chinese football frequently enough repeats it’s mistakes. He laments that the nation doesn’t take time to study the sport. In contrast, Japanese football meticulously analyzes every aspect of the game, including dissecting a 14-second goal conceded to create an insightful documentary. He is taking a different approach by piecing together the forgotten elements of Chinese football history.
Pioneering Football Theory
Years ago,the coach published a book on football theory on the 4-4-2 formation and training methods. He now continues to research while working in his private studio.
Coach Criticizes Lack of High-Level Instructors in China
As of 2023, China has few ’A’ level coaching instructors, according to the Chinese Football Association. The country also lacks professional-level coach instructors, so the association hired someone from abroad. There are approximately fifty professional-level coach instructors in Japan, and more than two thousand in Germany between all levels.
Wu Jingui Calls for Better Coaching Education to Bolster Chinese Football
SHANGHAI (AP) — veteran football coach Wu Jingui is advocating for a revamped and more robust coaching education system in China to elevate the nation’s football standards. Drawing from his extensive experience both domestically and internationally, Wu emphasizes the critical role of qualified instructors in shaping prosperous coaches who, in turn, can develop talented players.
Systematic Coaching Development Lacking
Wu believes that China lags behind developed football nations in the systematic cultivation of coaching instructors.He asserts that a strong foundation of well-trained lecturers is essential for producing quality coaches, which directly impacts player development. “Good instructors can train good coaches, and good coaches can train good players,” Wu stated, highlighting the interconnectedness of the training pipeline.
Theoretical Study and Practical Request
Currently a professor at Tongji University’s International Football Academy, Wu mentors nearly 20 graduate students, many of whom go on to hold football management positions in sports bureaus and clubs. Some specialize in video analysis,reflecting the evolving demands of the sport. He also continues to guide three dedicated students, focusing on developing new research topics related to Chinese football challenges.
Extensive International experience
Wu’s career is underpinned by international exposure, including studies in Germany and mentorship under renowned coach Xu Genbao. He has closely studied leading figures in football management, from Franz Beckenbauer and Sir Alex Ferguson to Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, and Pep guardiola. His goal is integrating the most advanced strategies and tactics into his coaching ideology.
youth Development initiatives
Wu is actively involved in youth training,with his team working within the Hongqiao Town school football program for nearly a decade,promoting interest and skill development through professional coaching. His involvement in youth football underscores his commitment to grassroots development as vital for Chinese football’s long-term success.
Aspiring to Contribute
Despite his age, Wu jingui, who has a special connection to China, is keen to contribute his vast experience as a lecturer or consultant within the Chinese football system, further bolstering the quality and depth of coaching expertise.
Chinese Soccer Needs More Than Just Tradition, Says Coach Wu
chinese football coaches often rely too heavily on tradition and outdated methods like “scolding education,” hindering the development of young players, according to veteran coach Wu Jingui. He advocates for a more extensive,modern approach,drawing inspiration from Germany’s well-structured coach training system.
Learning from the Best: Germany’s Coaching Model
wu emphasizes the need to move beyond simply replicating what past coaches have taught.He believes Chinese soccer can benefit substantially from adopting elements for the proven coach development strategies used in Germany, which Wu considers the most comprehensive he’s seen, even compared to England, Spain, and Italy. “German soccer’s coaching development system is the most complete,” Wu stated, highlighting it as the core of their success.
Modern Coaching: A Multifaceted Role
Modern football demands a holistic approach to coaching, Wu argues. Coaches must possess expertise in tactics, psychology, nutrition, rehabilitation, and even club management and infrastructure. He noted the complexity of the job,pointing out that management approaches of successful soccer coaches are now being taught in MBA programs.
Breaking the Cycle of “Scolding Education”
Wu criticizes the prevalent “scolding education” method frequently enough seen in China, where coaches and even parents demand harsh treatment of young players. He believes this approach is counterproductive. Once, Wu stopped a coach who was yelling at a young player during training, reminding him that children are there to learn and mistakes are part of the process. His stance reflects a departure from the conventional master-apprentice model that can perpetuate negative coaching practices.
Wu Jingui: A coach Who Leads by Exmaple
Known for his calm demeanor, Wu, a former defensive midfielder, is not afraid to challenge established norms. He once confronted a foreign coach over tactical differences, but always avoids conflict with his players. This approach underscores his commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for player development.
China’s Football Struggles: Overcoming Mental Barriers and Rethinking Youth Training
SHANGHAI – A leading Chinese football expert argues that the nation’s football woes stem primarily from psychological immaturity and flawed youth training methods, rather than technical shortcomings. Decades of coaching experience lead to a call for a fundamental shift in how young players are developed, emphasizing encouragement, freedom to make mistakes, and the importance of fostering a love for the game.
The Flaw: Treating Children as Machines
The expert suggests reforms, stating, “The biggest problem with Chinese youth training is treating children like machines. Football is the best education. First, let them fall in love with running; then, teach them to think. Let them make mistakes.” This philosophy underscores the need for coaches to prioritize encouragement over constant criticism, blame, and even abuse.
Systemic Issues in Chinese Football
In discussions with Shanghai Sports University, the coach identified several key areas needing improvement. These include incomplete competition structures, a lack of systematic organization within competitive leagues, outdated youth training systems, and inadequate coach education.
The Psychological Deficit
Drawing on nearly 30 years of coaching experience, the expert emphasizes the critical role of mental conditioning in football.According to him, a major impediment to Chinese football’s progress lies in the players’ psychological immaturity. Shortcomings in training and competition environments contribute to psychological deficiencies among players and coaches, resulting in a disconnect between training performance and actual game performance. “Sometimes training is very good, but it doesn’t work in competitions,” he noted, suggesting the mental and intellectual aspects of the game outweigh technical skills in importance for China’s current situation.
three Stages to Football Revival
The source predicts that the resurgence of Chinese football will require three stages of awakening. These awakenings involve various factors that he believes are essential for comprehensive reform of football in China.
Wu Jingui Reflects on Chinese Soccer’s Development, Emphasizes Local Talent
SHANGHAI – Veteran soccer coach wu Jingui is advocating for a paradigm shift in Chinese soccer, prioritizing local talent development and long-term strategic thinking over quick fixes. Wu emphasizes the need to move away from over-reliance on foreign coaches and embrace a patient approach to nurturing domestic players. he stresses that lasting growth requires accepting soccer as a “slow endeavor,” one that necessitates a decade-long commitment to planting seeds and allowing talent to blossom.
Focus on Homegrown Coaching
Wu highlights the importance of giving opportunities to young, capable local coaches, recalling his own early career experiences alongside figures like Cheng Yaodong. he questions the logic of replacing successful young coaches, arguing that continuous opportunities are crucial for their growth. This approach aims to foster a new generation of Chinese coaches capable of leading the nation’s soccer development.
Shifting from Youth Training Fads to Educational Foundations
Wu also critiques the past emphasis on superficial ”golden production line” approaches in youth training, advocating for a return to the fundamental principles of education. This involves a deep rethinking of training methodologies and a focus on building a strong foundation for young players.
Commitment to In-Depth Analysis and Research
Driven by a desire to address the ancient lack of thorough analysis and summarization in Chinese soccer, wu has established a personal studio. This initiative allows him to dedicate time to theoretical and data-driven research, contributing insights and recommendations for the advancement of both Shanghai and Chinese soccer as a whole.
A Call for Strategic Thinking
Wu’s efforts reflect a broader call for strategic thinking and long-term planning within the Chinese soccer system. By focusing on local talent,educational foundations,and in-depth research,Wu Jingui hopes to contribute to a more sustainable and successful future for Chinese soccer.
How can chinese football organizations implement Wu Jingui’s recommendations for revamping coaching education to cultivate higher-quality local coaches?
Wu Jingui: Championing Chinese Football’s Digital & Holistic Transformation
Here’s a Q&A delving deeper into teh insights of veteran coach Wu Jingui and the challenges facing Chinese football:
Q&A: Unpacking Wu jingui’s Vision for Chinese football
Q: What is Wu jingui’s primary focus in his post-coaching career?
A: Wu has embraced the digital revolution, focusing on data analysis, youth growth, and theoretical research. He established a professional football studio to archive and analyze materials, emphasizing a long-term approach.
Q: What are Wu Jingui’s views on youth development?
A: He advocates for a shift away from treating children like machines, emphasizing encouragement, allowing mistakes, and fostering a love for the game. He highlights “scolding education” as counterproductive, advocating for a more supportive habitat.
Q: how does Wu Jingui view the existing coaching education system in China?
A: He believes China lags in systematic coaching instructor cultivation.Wu stresses that good instructors are key for producing quality coaches and players. he advocates for a revamped and robust coaching education to elevate the nation’s football standards.
Q: What is Wu Jingui’s opinion on the role of foreign coaches?
A: Wu is shifting the reliance from foreign trainers and prioritizing the development of local talent and homegrown coaching. he suggests giving more opportunities to young, capable local coaches.
Q: What key areas are Wu Jingui’s looking to improve in the long run?
A: He emphasizes the need for strategic thinking, long-term planning, and a move away from speedy fixes. He also stresses the need for a strong foundation for young players with educational training methodologies.
Q: How does Wu Jingui incorporate his experience?
A: His career is underpinned by international exposure, including studies in Germany and mentorship under renowned coaches. He continues to guide aspiring students in the field and aspires to contribute his experience as a lecturer or consultant.
Q: What is the biggest hurdle facing Chinese football, according to Wu Jingui?
A: Psychological immaturity in players and flawed youth training methods. He believes that the mental and intellectual aspects of the game are more significant than technical skills for China’s current situation.
Q: What can we learn from the German coaching model, according to Wu Jingui?
A: That the German coaching development system is the most complete. He believes that China can benefit substantially from adopting elements of their proven strategies, moving beyond simply replicating what past coaches have taught.
Q: What are the three stages to football revival, according to the expert referenced in the article?
A: Various factors that he believes are essential for a extensive reform of football in china.
Q: What are Wu Jingui’s main contributions to the advancement of Chinese soccer?
A: Wu is contributing to a paradigm shift in Chinese soccer by prioritizing local talent development, long-term strategic thinking, and in-depth research.
Wu Jingui’s insights offer a blueprint for a more lasting and successful future for Chinese football. By embracing a holistic approach to player development and long-term strategic vision,Chinese football can strive for lasting growth.