BERLIN, Feb. 20 -- Former Guangzhou Evergrande youth coach Marco Pezzaiuoli said China need to be patient for success at a major tournament such as the World Cup.
"We talk about one to two generations until China can reach a level to compete successfully at a World Cup," the 2009 European champion (German under 17 juniors) commented in an interview with the Nuremberg-based sports-magazine kicker.
The Mannheim-born coach praised China for their efforts to develop youth football, but said football success in China is a "long-term project".
Chinese players should play in foreign leagues as many as possible and the domestic league will benefit from their experience. Know-how in football gained abroad is essential for a rapidly developing China, he added.
China's effort in football as education is already starting in primary schools as government programs lead to countrywide progress. But China's football is still young and deserves to be given the needed time to catch up and develop, he emphasized.
"Don't forget that it took decades to develop European football to today's level," he said.
China should continue to develop their infrastructure and "allow more street football," Pezzaiuoli stressed. A further problem is the lack of grass-root competitions. "Eight games in a two day-rhythm is a challenge for coaches and players," he said.
Pezzaiuoli said association, clubs and cities or provinces should seek further improvement regarding collaboration. The goal of all must be to allow a continuous development of the players in the clubs.
He mentioned the effort of his former club and 2017 AFC Champions League winner Guangzhou Evergrande intending to set up an international youth tournament shortly. Eintracht Frankfurt will most likely participate he promised.
Pezzaiuoli said he is amazed by widespread passion and enthusiasm in China when it comes to sportive activities. "Young people, old people, everyone is involved in sports," the 49-year-old said.
"You take a look out of the window at five in the morning, and you will be surprised," Pezzaiuoli stressed.