National Football Team members- We will try our best to score 3 points against Indonesia at home

On October 13, at the China National Men’s Football Team’s training session in Qindao, Shandong, players Li Yuanyi and Jiang Shenglong spoke with reporters as the team prepared for their crucial match against Indonesia on October 15 in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers. Both players emphasized their unified mindset and determination to secure a home victory for three vital points.

Li Yuanyi mentioned that after arriving in Qindao from Australia on the 12th, the team focused on basic recovery and tactical drills. He noted, “In the second half of our last match, we lacked some protection and movement during transitions and when our stamina dropped.” The squad reviewed their previous game with head coach Ivanovic, who highlighted the need for improved communication among players, especially towards the end of each half.

When it comes to Indonesia’s style of play, the team has tailored their preparations accordingly. Li commented, “Indonesia primarily plays with a five-defender formation, and we’ll adjust based on what our coach advises us to do regarding their setup.”

Currently, China ranks 38 spots higher than Indonesia in the world standings; however, due to three consecutive losses, the Chinese team finds itself at the bottom of the group with no points so far. Li added, “Despite their lower rank, Indonesia has integrated several European players in recent years, and the pace of play in European leagues is much faster. Our mindset for this match is to fight for all three points at home, as there is no room for retreat.”

Jiang Shenglong also remarked on Indonesia’s impressive resilience, stating that their overall team cohesion matches that of China’s previous three opponents. He underscored the importance of the players’ mental state, on-field performance, and ability to capitalize on opportunities. “Missing one or two chances can significantly change the outcome of the game,” he said.

Additionally, Jiang noted that the coaching staff has implemented specific strategies during training to address the defensive weaknesses exposed in set pieces during the first three group matches.