Ante Milicic is set to lead China's women's national team, the "Steel Roses," in their title defense at the Women's Asian Cup, overcoming a period of burnout that saw him step away from coaching. The tournament, hosted by Australia, will take place from March 1-21 across Sydney, Perth, and the Gold Coast. China enters the competition as the defending champions, having secured a record-extending ninth title in 2022 with a 3-2 victory over South Korea.

Milicic, 51, took over the reins in 2024, replacing Shui Qingxia after the team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics. This new chapter follows a challenging period for Milicic, who left his position with Macarthur FC in 2022 due to burnout after 15 years of coaching. The demanding environment, coupled with personal difficulties including the passing of his father and COVID-related disruptions, led him to take a break from the sport. He spent time with his family in Croatia, his parents' homeland, before returning to coaching with the Chinese national team.

Now primarily based in Beijing, Milicic has immersed himself in the task of revitalizing China's reputation in the face of strong competition from European teams. Despite an 8-0 loss to England, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has affirmed its support for Milicic, and he is set to continue leading the team. Milicic has expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating that he has loved every minute of it, even during difficult times.

China finds itself in Group B for the Asian Cup, alongside DPR Korea, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh. Milicic, along with a staff of Australian assistants, is focused on helping China achieve back-to-back victories in the quadrennial tournament. Football Australia is planning increased engagement with China in 2026, highlighting the significance of the Asian Cup and other upcoming events in strengthening the relationship between the two countries. In late March, the Young Socceroos from Australia will travel to China for two matches against China's national under-20 team as part of the Australia-China Friendship Series. These matches will be held on March 28 and 31 at the Yiwu Meihu Sports Center Stadium in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province.