Feature: Beijing Guoan's Dutch coach's passion for Chinese football

by sportswriters Li Chunyu, Yue Dongxing and Gong Bing

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Taking a football with him, Beijing Guoan's technical coach Jason Vermeer frequents the Chinese capital's bustling Sanlitun entertainment district and the historical parks along the Beijing Central Axis during his leisure time.

Vermeer randomly invited passers-by to practice passing and receiving the ball with him, during which he tried to communicate with more people and get to know their attitude towards football. The coach recorded his experiences and posted short videos on his social media.

"I want people to like football and to be open to like football. We need to support local football. Without support, football is nowhere," said the 31-year-old Dutchman.

"If people feel there is a future in football, more players will be motivated to have a good career. It's my goal to help China reach a higher level in football."

It has been nine years since Vermeer started his coaching career in China with the U-19 national team. He joined Beijing Guoan, one of the oldest clubs in the Chinese Super League (CSL), in 2017. Now the Dutchman is one of the few overseas coaches in the CSL who speaks fluent Chinese.

Besides his regular training sessions with Beijing Guoan, Vermeer also looks to provide guidance for children in his spare time. "Coaches have to protect the joy of football. Don't have too many instructions. Some players are special because they are more creative. Just leave those players creative," he said.

Vermeer added, "Chinese youths are on the right track in football, but there is still a long way to go. Pressure is good, but correct pressure is better. Players need to work efficiently. Hard-working players beat talented players when talented players don't work hard."

In his short videos, Vermeer found many people are optimistic about the future of football in China despite the national team's recent difficulties. He hopes to see more fans supporting Beijing Guoan at the Workers' Stadium and cheering for China's national team in World Cup qualifiers.

On June 5, China will visit Indonesia in a vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. In October 2024, China edged Indonesia 2-1 at home with goals from Behram Abduweli and Zhang Yuning.

Vermeer is facing divided loyalties ahead of that fixture. Born to a Dutch father and an Indonesian mother, Vermeer also takes Beijing as his second home and has helped many Guoan players in China's national team improve their skills, including Zhang and Lin Liangming.

"I watched a nice game between China and Indonesia in Qingdao. I cried with excitement when I saw Zhang score in the match. It was really emotional. We trained together a lot. I feel well-connected with China," said Vermeer.

As more Dutch players have become naturalized to join Indonesia's national team in recent years, Vermeer believes that Indonesia will become stronger with the arrival of new faces, but adds that Indonesia is still far from the Netherlands' second-tier.

Vermeer also offered some advice to China's players. "You need to relax, keep possession as long as possible, and be patient. Maybe now, there is still the opportunity for China to win against Indonesia."

Vermeer made a major step forward recently, as he received an offer from Suriname's football association to be assistant coach of the country's national team. He will reunite with former Beijing Guoan head coach Stanley Menzo, who was appointed Suriname head coach last year.

Suriname currently leads Group F of Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) World Cup qualifiers, and will likely secure a berth in the next stage with a win over Puerto Rico in June.

"The main goal is to qualify. We want to perform well," said Vermeer.

Guoan expressed support for Vermeer's coaching overseas, saying it would demonstrate the influence of CSL coaches on the international stage.

"For young coaches in China, the sky is the limit. You always need to be open for innovation. Then, you can develop well, and there will be chances," Vermeer noted. "It is also my goal to prove to China and to young coaches - there is a future for you." Enditem