In the U23 Asian Cup semifinals, China’s U23 national team stunned Vietnam to reach the final, creating a historic “dark horse” story. Behind this success is Spanish coach Antonio, whose strict management has been widely praised.
According to Chinese media, Antonio implemented rigorous rules: no takeout orders and strict control over diet and schedules, ensuring players maintain peak physical condition. During the Zhaoqing training camp in Guangdong, he led by example, closely monitoring everything from meals to daily routines. For players aged 19–22, temptations like high-fat, high-carb foods are common, and there’s even a risk of inadvertently consuming banned substances. Antonio’s measures were both prudent and forward-thinking.
In addition, the coach enforced a complete social media blackout. Players are not allowed to browse social platforms, helping them avoid distractions and maintain focus. These two strategies demonstrate Antonio’s iron-fisted approach: even young players fond of food and the internet follow his rules faithfully.
Interestingly, Antonio’s methods echo some philosophies of Shao Jiayi, head coach of the senior national team, who also limited players’ social media use and led by example. Perhaps Antonio drew inspiration from Shao? Either way, this unified approach to team management is a positive sign for the future of Chinese football.
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