U16s set new bar for the national program

China's under-16 soccer team head coach Kenichi Uemura has identified physique, running and stamina as key areas for significant improvement for his team, which has secured its spot at next year's AFC U17 Asian Cup finals.

China has received rave reviews for its impressive performances in the qualifiers, where it managed three victories and one draw to punch its ticket to the final stage as one of the five best group runners-up.

China could have topped the group, as it led 2-1 in its final match against South Korea, but conceded an 87th-minute penalty and had to settle for a second-place finish.

However, the Chinese side still impressed fans with its high pressing, quick transitions and fighting spirit. This was in stark contrast to when Uemura was appointed head coach in February, with the team initially suffering a losing streak during its training sessions abroad.

When asked about the secret to his team's chemistry, the 50-year-old Japanese coach explained, "I'm very grateful to the players. They all know I'm very strict, but still met my requirements. Only through the joint efforts of the players and coaching staff could we make such drastic changes over these eight months."

"During this period, I have focused on their physical fitness, running ability and stamina.

"In our game against South Korea, we maintained a high press and counterattack, both of which were supported by our physical conditioning.

"None of my players suffered cramps throughout the game, and the whole team maintained a fast tempo on both sides of the ball, with everyone putting in excellent performances," he said.

"All physical training is done with the ball at their feet, and I hope the players can run while thinking about the timing, direction and pace of every move, so they can improve their decision-making along with their physical condition," he added.

"Also, I often use question and answer sessions, asking about certain situations on the pitch, and my players are now able to answer more quickly compared to February."

The team's morale-boosting performances in the qualifiers indicate that China does have the ability to play a modern brand of soccer.

"I can't take that for granted, but I expect the players to set their own goals and stay on the right path. Under these circumstances, they will understand what kind of football they really want to play and move closer to their goals."

Uemura revealed that he often arranges extra training sessions for the players after they return to their clubs, and will continue to do so.

"The performance against South Korea is the result of our eight months of effort. I have warned my players not to relax if they aim to progress further.

"I told them that the Asian Cup final stage is not the end. Our next goal is to secure a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup and aim even higher.

"They must keep progressing," he stressed.

After spending eight months in China, Uemura has formed his own views on the abilities of Chinese junior players.

"As I have said before, Chinese juniors always fulfill the coach's requirements with passion. I hope they can use these characteristics when executing the high press.

"If they continue like this, Chinese football can develop a style with its own unique characteristics," he concluded.

Xinhua