Chinese football is currently at a critical juncture where it needs to build up its strength, requiring continuous improvement and sustained focus, Chinese men's soccer head coach Shao Jiayi said at a jersey exhibition on Thursday in Shanghai.

To prepare for two FIFA series matches in Australia this month, the Chinese men's football team will reconvene in Shanghai after the first phase of the new Chinese Super League (CSL) season concludes on March 22, and then fly to Sydney.

The national team coaching staff, led by Shao, has selected approximately 26 players for this training camp and the upcoming international matches based on their performances in the CSL and their physical condition.

The match against Cura?ao on March 27 will mark Shao's official debut match as the team’s head coach.

Since Shao was announced to take over the position in November, he has been committed to rejuvenating the squad through bringing in younger players.

Shao said that he closely monitors all matches and players who meet the national team selection criteria, adding, "The more young players emerge, the better it will be for us."

"Today's young players face many temptations and distractions that we didn't have during our playing days," he pointed out.

Offering advice to the younger generation, he said football is like a marathon — perhaps they are only at the first five kilometers now, but there are still dozens more ahead. If they want to go far in their professional careers, dedication and focus both on and off the pitch are essential.

In recent years, Chinese football has seen a new wave of vitality. At the start of the 2026 CSL season, impressive performances of several young players have drawn widespread attention. Meanwhile, grassroots enthusiasm for football has surged, beginning with the wildly popular Jiangsu Football City League and Hunan Football League, followed by an increase in the number of local city leagues.

The foundation nurturing Chinese football's development is gradually changing.

Shao believes that this transformation stems first from top-level design, with increased national emphasis on youth training and greater investment, which has made the football atmosphere increasingly vibrant.

In his view, whether in amateur or professional leagues, the growing participation of people is a highly positive signal.

"In China, so many people love football and are actively involved in it,” he said. “This will undoubtedly have a very positive impact on the future of Chinese football."