By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-04-01 09:11

China's newly appointed women's soccer coach Shang Ruihua is looking for the best and quickest way to turn his struggling team back into a contender before the Beijing Olympic Games.

Shang Ruihua, newly-appointed head coach of the Chinese women's soccer team instructs his players during a training session in Xianghe of North China's Hebei Province March 30, 2008. [Xinhua]

"I know lots of people are talking about the awful mess and having doubts about the team's future," Shao said after the Chinese Football Association (CFA) appointed him to take over from Frenchwoman Elisabeth Loisel on Sunday.

"But I am not a picky coach and I will not complain about the mess. I am willing to accept the challenge and help our women's team out of the deep end."

The 63-year-old Shang coached the Chinese women's team between 1988 and 1991 and led the team to fifth place in the first FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991. He also led China's U-19 women's team to a runner-up finish at the FIFA Women's World Youth Championships in 2006.

The well-respected coach, who has stayed involved with both the women's and men's national teams, was somewhat of a surprise for the post, beating out other local candidates for the job.

"Shang has 35 years' coaching experience," said Nan Yong, vice president of the CFA. "We believe he can help the team get good results at the Beijing Olympics."

Shang also believes his experience will be useful.

"I am not as young and energetic as other coaches, but I am more experienced in coaching women's teams. I will try my best and will also find some younger coaches to assist me."

But Shang's first task will be to erase bad memories left in the wake of his controversial predecessor Loisel.

"Firstly, I will unite all the players as a team. I think all the problems in the past months are a result of a lack of unity. I will get them together and make them united either in competition or training."

Loisel's tenure was difficult for everyone involved. Her frequent rows with players and officials led to her early exit. Some star players reportedly isolated themselves from their younger teammates as a show of disrespect to them and their coaches.

Shang said soccer is a team game and everyone should take responsibility.

"The CFA, team officials, coaches and players should work together from now on and unite. I cannot allow the team to stay in this mess anymore as we have no time left before the Beijing Games."

With only four months before the Olympics, things do seem to be getting better for the team and its players.

"Although the team is still not at their best, the players showed signs of revival and lots of things are normalizing. I believe after the team's efforts, we will settle all the problems."

The golden era of China women's soccer began in the 1990s. China was the runner-up in the 1999 World Cup and also captured the silver medal at the 1996 Olympics.

But the team has been in a downward spiral over the past 10 years, dropping to 14th in the latest FIFA rankings, its lowest ranking ever. Meanwhile, neighboring Japan and DPR Korea are ranked 6th and 10th, respectively.