As the Chinese national soccer team gears up for a crucial away match against Indonesia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, confidence remains high among team members and coaching staff. With the match scheduled for Thursday, Beijing Guoan’s head coach Quique Setien expressed his support for the national team, especially for Guoan players Zhang Yuning and Lin Liangming.
Setien highlighted the honor of representing the national team and urged the players to seize this opportunity. “They have the determination and motivation to show their best. The process of realizing dreams is always unforgettable,” he noted. Currently, China sits at the bottom of Group C with six points, trailing Indonesia by three points. To keep playoff hopes alive, victories against both Indonesia and Bahrain, the latter of which will take place on June 10 in Chongqing, are essential.
Setien, who took charge of Beijing Guoan in late 2024, has begun making strides in the Chinese Super League (CSL), where his team remains unbeaten after 12 matches this season, securing seven wins and five draws. His focus this season has been on allowing players to showcase their strengths and understanding each player’s contributions to the team.
The coach also shared insights into the competitive nature of Chinese football, stating, “The matches here are competitive, and every team has outstanding players.” He praised the technical skills of young Chinese players coming through the youth system, emphasizing the importance of patience and providing opportunities for their development.
Setien’s approach and positive outlook suggest a promising future for both Beijing Guoan and the national team as they continue to navigate through the challenging landscape of Asian soccer.