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New coach uses Lady Gaga’s hit for training

By Zheng Jinran (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-08-11 15:35

Li Xiaopeng, the newly appointed head coach of China’s national women football team, started the public training session for his players by playing Lady Gaga’s hit Poker Face, to create “a happy and inspiring environment,” Oriental Sports Daily reported on Wednesday.

The music, which became popular in China by being played during a well-known blind date program, surprised the football players and cheered them up at the training base in Xianghe, North China’s Hebei province.

“I hope every player can undertake the training with a happy mood. Players also need to concentrate on the training no matter what songs are played or how many handsome guys are around,” Li said.

The report said players responded positively to their new coach and his training method. “He is open-minded, can motivate our passion, and he is energetic and humorous,” player Bi Yan said.

Li Xiaopeng, 35, former professional soccer player in Shandong Luneng, was hired to coach the national women football team on Aug 7. He will guide this team to compete in the Asian Games to be held in South China's Guangzhou in November.