Chinese Head Coach Shocks Fans with Leaked Call to Wife

A rare incident during an online press conference unexpectedly made the newly appointed Chinese national team coach Shao Jiayi the center of attention.

The online press conference held by the Chinese Football Association on January 5 was expected to be the professional debut of Coach Shao Jiayi, who has been in the position for less than two months. However, the event took a completely different turn when an unexpected situation occurred, causing a stir among the Chinese public.

According to China’s 163 news outlet, while explaining his new tactical system, Shao suddenly received a call from his wife. Forgetting to mute his microphone, the entire private conversation was broadcast live to the attendees of the press conference. The incident lasted several minutes until his assistants quickly told him to mute the mic.

The most noteworthy phrase, which caused a "storm" on social media, was: "Don’t worry, my love, I will definitely lead them to the World Cup." This statement quickly went viral, becoming a subject of both mockery and debate within the Chinese football fan community right after the press conference.

Besides that phrase, most of the phone call was about everyday family matters. Shao recalled a past memory: "When I was at Munich 1860, the doctor there told me I could become a coach someday, but I didn’t believe it then. Now look, I’ve become the national team coach."

Even small details like plans to return to Germany to visit his wife and children or the simple promise: "I will bring you a box of Daoxiangcun pastries" were also revealed. It’s this ordinary aspect that made the story spread quickly, turning the new Chinese head coach into a topic of discussion with varying opinions.

Some fans believe the World Cup comment shows the determination and ambition needed from a national team leader. On the other hand, many think Shao is overly confident, especially given China’s recent disappointing performances in major tournaments.

Shao Jiayi, 45 years old, has represented China 40 times and played four years for Munich 1860. After retiring, he began coaching in 2022 as an assistant for the U19 team before surprisingly being appointed head coach of the national team last November.

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