China's players are put through their paces during a training session in Male, Maldives, Sept. 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)
China's national football team has begun a 11-day training period in Wuhan in preparation for December's EAFF E-1 Football Championship.
WUHAN, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's national football team is training in the central Chinese city of Wuhan from November 3 to 14 in preparation for the upcoming EAFF E-1 Football Championship this December.
After an open training session here on Wednesday, Team Dragon's interim head coach Li Tie said he was searching for players who are willing to serve on the national team.
The Chinese Football Association had previously announced that 42-year-old Li would lead China at the East Asian tournament in place of regular head coach Marcello Lippi, whose focus will be on the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Wei Shihao (C) of China celebrates scoring against South Korea at the EAFF E-1 Football Championship in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 9, 2017. The match ended 2-2. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
"All 27 players in this team have been doing a brilliant job in the Chinese Super League, and it is difficult for them to perform well at the end of a long, hard season," Li said. "That is why I am saying we need players who are mentally strong."
Li is also head coach of CSL side Wuhan Zall, and says taking on two roles at once is both challenging and exciting.
"We are enjoying this moment. I hope I can do well with both the club and the national team," Li added.
Li Tie participates in the 7th CISM Military World Games Torch Relay in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 16, 2019. (Photo by Yin Di/Xinhua)
Li and his squad are scheduled to play warm-up games against the Chinese national youth team, Wuhan Zall and fellow CSL side Tianjin Tianhai during their November training period. They will play their opening match of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship on December 10, taking on Japan. ■
