Shen Xiangfu: I'm not quitting
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-03-23 08:45

Chinese under-23 head coach Shen Xiangfu Monday denied the rumor that he had resigned after Saturday's 1-1 tie against Malaysia in an Asian zone Group A Olympic soccer qualifier.

Yan Shiduo (L), vice chairman of Chinese Football Association, and Shen Xiangfu, head coach of China's under-23 squad for Athen Olympics, receive interviews from media and fans in Wuhan, central China, March 22, 2004. [photocom]

The Chinese Olympic team was under bombardment following its lackluster 1-1 draw with the Southeast Asian visitors, which puts South Korea in the driving seat to qualify for the Athens Olympics.

Reports circulated that Shen had given the Chinese Football Association a notice to be relieved of his duty, but Shen rejected it.

"I've never handed in my resignation," said the former national assistant coach who was leading the Olympic squad to train for Saturday's clash against Iran.

"Now I am thinking of the ways to improve the competitive abilities of our players, I mean, the ability to let them play to their normal level during big games.

"From now on, we'll not think about whether we could go to Athens or not," added Shen.

China collects only one point from past two games, five adrift of Group A leader South Korea with four games remaining. Only group winner will get the ticket for Athens 2004.

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