The Chinese Football Association (CFA) last Saturday named Ante Milicic the new head coach of China's women's national team. The former Australia international is expected to revive the glory of the Steel Roses. Milicic previously served as head coach of Australia's women's national team, leading the squad to the round of 16 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France. The 50-year-old has also served as an assistant coach for Australia's men's team under both Ange Postecoglou and Bert van Marwijk. In 2015, he was a member of the coaching staff that helped the Socceroos win the AFC Asian Cup. The CFA told Xinhua that selecting Milicic as the new head coach involved a month-long evaluation process. After China had failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics, then-head coach Shui Qingxia left her position. On March 19, the CFA announced a search for a new head coach, and by the deadline of April 3, a total of 43 coaches were shortlisted, including 42 international coaches and one domestic. On April 10, the CFA's Technical Committee recommended 12 candidates to the National Team Construction Advisory Group for consideration based on coaching performance, professional background, and knowledge of Chinese football. The next day, the group, consisting of seven experts, selected nine candidates for interviews. The first round of interviews took place from April 15 to 22, during which candidates elaborated on their coaching philosophies and training plans within 90 minutes, and answered questions from the National Team Construction Advisory Group. Based on the votes, the top five entered the second round. From April 22 to 24, five coaches selected two of the team's recent matches and analyzed the problems and proposed solutions within 45 minutes. Finally, two coaches stood out, and after speaking with them about job responsibilities, appointment periods, salary, and living conditions, the CFA concluded that Milicic was the best fit for China's women's team. According to the CFA, Milicic's coaching philosophy is advanced, and his experience as an assistant coach for high-level men's teams will also benefit the development of Chinese women's football. After missing out on the Paris Olympics, China will face a period without high-level matches. Milicic's main goal is to prepare for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
