Why is Chinese football developing so slowly? AC Milan academy coach gives 1 reason

China’s failure to impose itself on the football stage is an issue that continues to baffle many in the game.

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Despite its vast size and population, it has failed to qualify for a men’s World Cup since 2002 and will once again miss out on the 2026 edition after finishing behind Indonesia in qualifying.

Andrea Galbiati is a coach at AC Milan’s academy in Hong Kong, having recently been transferred from his post in Beijing – and he highlighted some of the issues he felt have been holding the country’s youth development back.

“When you’re dealing with young children, the relationship with the parents is vital,” Galbiati told the Post. “You need to earn their trust; they need to see that their child is happy.

“So not being able to communicate with parents in Beijing because of the language barrier, it made things much more difficult.

Andrea Galbiati (right) with Alexandre Pato at AC Milan’s academy in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

“Those 45 or older: let’s say 95 per cent don’t speak English, which was an issue. It’s the same where I’m from in Italy.

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