Ma Xiaoxu: Whether as a player or a coach, I enjoy taking on challenges.

Reported by Wang Wei. Recently, the China U17 women's football team started their training camp in Shenzhen, marking Ma Xiaoxu’s debut as a national team head coach. On January 7th, she spoke about her first impressions in an interview.

Regarding her appointment as head coach of the U17 women's team, Ma Xiaoxu said it was an opportunity. “Coaching a national team is not something I can decide on my own. I’m especially grateful to the association’s leaders for giving young coaches, especially young female coaches, this chance, since female coaches tend to develop more slowly.”

“Our generation is driven by passion first and foremost; secondly, we were all nurtured by the country as players and coaches, so we want to give back—to return our love and dedication to football,” Ma Xiaoxu expressed. Now that the opportunity is mine, I must seize it. “As for results, I can’t promise, but I guarantee that my team and I will do our utmost to help the team progress positively.”

Everyone knows Ma Xiaoxu as a player, but her coaching role is still unfamiliar to many. Previously, she served as an assistant coach or trainer. As she said, this is a chance for her to let the public get to know her as a head coach.

The U17 Women's Asian Cup will be held in Suzhou from April 30 to May 17. During this training period, Ma Xiaoxu aims to familiarize herself with the players, adapt to her role, and begin instilling her philosophy. At the end of last December, she conducted preliminary assessments and selections of players in Shenzhen. Her goal is to give her all: “Perform well in the Asian qualifiers, strive to advance, and if we make it to the World Youth Championship, aim for the best possible results.”

When asked about pressure, Ma Xiaoxu acknowledged its presence. “Wearing the national team jersey comes with responsibility and the duty to uphold its honor. Whether as a player or coach, I enjoy challenges.” She hopes to make up for some unfinished goals or regrets from her playing days, such as winning the World Youth Championship. In the 2006 Russia tournament final, she and her teammates lost 0-5 to North Korea in heavy rain. Although she won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, she prefers standing on the top podium.

Coaching U17 players, Ma Xiaoxu hopes they can improve their ability to make independent decisions on the field. How does she do that? “When I first started coaching, I was more dominant and imposed my ideas. Now, I want the girls to take charge themselves and give them more space. I don’t want my players to be remote-controlled robots,” she explained.

Talking about her relationship with the players, Ma Xiaoxu revealed that she can separate life and football. “I tell the players that during training and matches, I’m their coach; but in life, I can be their friend.” She added that some players can play well, but being a coach doesn’t automatically mean knowing how to teach. It’s important to consider the players’ feelings and empathize with them. “This team will always center on the players, and everyone must unconditionally help, support, and encourage them.”