Beijing, April 20, dusk.
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The soccer team kicked off its preparation for the new season with the first day of training in Suzhou, warming up for the upcoming first round of the 2021 Chinese Super League (CSL) season against Shanghai Shenhua.
"The league is not a sprint, but winning a few key games can help a team get a head start on a long season."
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So said head coach Bilic.After the team arrived in Suzhou on the evening of the 19th, the players, after completing strict epidemic prevention measures, settled into Building 8 of the Taimei Xiangguli Hotel, which was decorated with a green theme to create a cozy sense of homecoming.
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An advance team was dispatched as early as last Wednesday to deliver a large amount of supplies and equipment. The team's dining area, meeting room and physiotherapy room are all decorated with bilingual banners, with highlights from last season and enthusiastic cheers from the fans on the walls. Bilic's room also has a digital photo frame that scrolls real-time information about the tournament.
On the afternoon of the 20th, 29 players, including Kim Min-Ja, who suffered a toe injury, and Park Sung, who had surgery last year, gathered at the training ground. Kim Min-jae is recovering well from his toe injury and is expected to return for the third and fourth rounds of the league.
Upon arriving in Suzhou, Bilic said the team chose to arrive at the tournament four days before the game, partly because the players were familiar with the environment of the venue and did not need to adapt in advance; on the other hand, it was also because they wanted the players to spend more time with their families.
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The first five rounds of the new season are against strong opponents, and Bilic admits that the players are excited and a little nervous about the league after a long absence. He is confident about the goals of the competition and hopes that by playing well in the opening rounds, a good foundation will be laid for the whole season.
