'Unsuitable' Li lashes out at China coach
Out-of-favour striker Li Jinyu says he is shocked by national coach Zhu Guanghu's reasons for dumping him from China's Asian Cup squad.
And the Shandong Luneng marksman, who became the first player to pass the 100-goal milestone in the China Super League this week, also said that the team are incapable of reaching their target of a last-four place at next month's tournament.
Li reached his century milestone by scoring twice against Zhejiang Lucheng on Wednesday, adding lustre to a prolific 14-year career. But the feat still failed to convince Zhu.
'Li Jinyu is a talented striker,' Zhu said after leaving him off the 23-man roster for the tournament which will be co-hosted by Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. 'But he does not suit the current team.'
Li said: 'I am shocked by his words after spending the past 21/2 years on the national team. I don't think I still have a point to prove. I believe I have already proven myself the best striker in China.'
Li, 30, went on to mock Zhu's claim that he is confident of reaching the Asian Cup semi-finals, adding: 'It's unrealistic to aim for the semi-finals. Aiming to win the group stage would be more realistic.'
