Milutinović: Young players need more match experience

Bora Milutinović speaks during an interview with Shenzhen Daily in Shenzhen yesterday. Photos by Lai Li

Legendary soccer coach Bora Milutinović highlighted the need for young players to gain experience through competitive matches, both domestically and internationally, during an interview with Shenzhen Daily yesterday.

“China is a huge country, so players need to travel and compete. If they can go abroad, they will be better positioned to compete with other countries and achieve better results." he said.

Milutinović — a revered figure in Chinese soccer for leading the Chinese national team to their first and only World Cup appearance in 2002 — is in Shenzhen for the first time serving as an advisor for Qatar during the ongoing AFC U20 Asian Cup.

Impressed by Shenzhen, Milutinović described the city as "extraordinary" and "modern." He also noted the happiness of the people he encountered on the streets, who were enjoying the beauty of the city. “It’s something you don’t see elsewhere in the world,” he remarked.

So far, Milutinović has attended AFC U20 Asian Cup matches, including the game between China and Qatar at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base. He praised the facilities, emphasizing the importance of having modern stadiums where young players can learn and grow.

However, he also stressed the importance of passion for young players, saying, "For young people, the most important thing is to have passion so that they can enjoy playing football."

Bora Milutinović gives an interview to reporters in Shenzhen yesterday. 

When asked about the current U20 national team and how it compares to the squad he led in 2002, Milutinović cautioned against making direct comparisons. "There’s a 20-year difference between these two periods," he said. After recalling the success of the 2002 team, which included players like Qu Bo, Du Wei, and An Qi, he said, “There is potential in China, but people must work hard — that's what's important."

Milutinović stated that confidence is key for China’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. "One must have confidence that they can qualify. They must dream of making it to the World Cup and know what to do at every moment," he said. Milutinović also highlighted the crucial role of the fans in supporting the national team, which he said was instrumental during his tenure. 

When asked about potential reforms for China’s youth football system, Milutinović refrained from offering specific advice, noting that everyone has their own way of seeing football. However, he emphasized the importance of having a clear vision and working hard to achieve it. “In life, one must know where they want to go and what they need to do to get there," he said. He hopes that Chinese football will find the right path to success and bring joy to the people.