参考消息

China coach Branko Ivankovic has said he is confronted with challenges as his team is facing a rough ride in the FIFA World Cup qualification

The Chinese team started the third round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Zone qualifying tournament on the wrong foot in early September, losing to Japan in an away game 7-0, before succumbing to Saudi Arabia and Australia.

Head coach of China Branko Ivakovic attends a press conference after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Group C match between China and Indonesia in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

The Chinese side's run of three defeats left Ivankovic in the firing line, with some of his critics calling for his dismissal.

"I can't read Chinese but I could clearly feel that atmosphere. But I have to keep focused," he told Chinese media in a recent interview.

"There are two kinds to football coaches -- those who have stood down and those who are ready to stand down," he said.

"Criticism always exists in football world, which is also its beautiful side."

"I don't refuse criticism and am always willing to listen to it no matter whether I agree to it or not," he added.

The croat said he was aware of what he would be in for after taking charge of the Chinese side.

"I have been facing challenges since I came to China as Chinese football failed to achieve any decent result over some years," he said.

Talking about China's 2-1 home win over Indonesia last Tuesday, Ivankovic said, "I spent several sleepless nights before that game."

"The three defeats in a row before the Indonesia game left my team in a difficult situation."

"You couldn't say we stood a good chance to play against Indonesia. They have many Europe-based players, but my players were keener and more aggressive in that game," he added.

China will play their next game against Bahrain on November 14, a crucial one that they cannot afford to lose in order to realize their pre-tournament aim of finishing among the top four of their group.

"Unfortunately, my team was drawn into a group of death which includes three of the best Asian teams (Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia). They are the hot favorites," Ivankovic added.