National team coach eyes World Cup

As coach of China's national soccer team, 58-year-old Frenchman Alain Perrin not only has the support of the world's most populous country - he also has the backing of its top leader.

President Xi Jinping, an avid soccer fan, has made no secret of his determination to improve the game's image as he leads reform initiatives.

"The top man in the country likes soccer and wants to improve its level in China," Perrin said in an exclusive interview with China Daily. "So soccer has a high level of support.