Beijing Guoan, one of China's most successful football clubs, has a rich history and is known for its strong midfield organization. One key figure in this organization was Chi Zhongguo, who passed away on March 28th, 2019.
Chi Zhongguo was born in Beijing in 1946 and began his career as a player with the Chinese Football Association (CFA) team. He quickly became a key player for the CFA team, helping them win several championships and reaching the semi-finals of the Asian Cup in 1975.
After retiring from playing, Chi Zhongguo took on the role of coach for the CFA team. Under his leadership, the team won several more championships and reached the final of the Asian Cup again in 1990.
However, Chi Zhongguo's legacy at Beijing Guoan goes beyond just his coaching work. He was also a key figure in the development of the club's midfield organization. He believed that a strong midfield was essential for any successful football team, and he worked hard to develop young players and improve the skills of existing ones.
One of the most famous examples of Chi Zhongguo's influence on Beijing Guoan's midfield organization was the signing of midfielder Zhang Jikun. Zhang Jikun was a talented player who had previously played for the German club Bayern Munich. However, he struggled to adapt to life in China and eventually left Beijing Guoan in 2011. Despite this setback, Chi Zhongguo continued to believe in Zhang Jikun and helped him find success elsewhere.
Chi Zhongguo's passing away has been mourned by many fans of Beijing Guoan. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers and coaches in China and around the world.