Entering the 2023 season, the Shanghai Seaports were the only team in the Chinese Super League (CSL), and after 22 rounds of fixtures, Shanghai Shenhua had an 11-point advantage over the rest of the league, as if they were in sole possession of the top spot. However, in the 22nd round of the competition, the Zhejiang team actually reversed the victory by 4-3. As a matter of fact, Zhejiang's happiness was one of the reasons for Shanghai Seaport's loss. And Shanghai Seaport was able to sign Coach Javier, which is undoubtedly a valuable asset!
In the new season, Shanghai Seaport has a full lineup, and the team is in solid shape after the former head coach of Henan Songshan Longmen, Javier, joined the team. With Os in the midfield and Wu Lei in the front line, the strength of the team is not inferior to foreign aid. In the Chinese Super League, Shanghai Seaport's performance is invincible. Before the 22nd round, Shanghai Seaport is 14 points ahead of the second place team, and the championship seems to be within reach.
In the 22nd round, Shanghai Seaport faced Zhejiang, a team aspiring for next year's AFC Championship. Despite the strength of the Zhejiang team, it seems that it is not easy to shake the dominance of Shanghai Seaport. Shanghai Seaport was leading 2-1 in the first half, and then scored a goal shortly after the second half, making the score 3-1 and seemingly sealing the victory. However, only two minutes later, Frank's goal gave Zhejiang hope for an equalizer. In the 64th minute, Frank scored twice, and Zhejiang rekindled their hopes of winning the game, and the prospects for the AFC Champions League seemed brighter. In extra time, Zhejiang beat Erlangk without a penalty kick, but another goal was scored shortly after the start of the second half.
With a victory, Zhejiang jumped to fifth in the table, only three points away from Shandong Taishan, and the chance to participate in the AFC Champions League playoffs became especially precious. Of course, the Zhejiang team is happy for the victory, Shanghai seaport is still honored despite the defeat. But the loss of Shanghai Seaport may be another reason.
Shanghai Seaport has been receiving mixed reviews in the Chinese Super League. In the new season, many voices questioned Shanghai Seaport's reliance on referees for profit. Looking at the table, Shanghai Seaport is 14 points ahead of the second place. If the title is secure, a loss doesn't seem to hurt. So why was Shanghai Seaport reversed by Zhejiang after leading 3-1?
In that game, Shanghai Harbour's backline looked incredibly vulnerable. And manager Javier made changes to the lineup, with many players not in familiar positions. Why did Javier do that? There is only one reason, and that is for the AFC Champions League. Shanghai Harbour's future is bright as they participate in the AFC Championship next year. They are preparing for the upcoming AFC Championship this season.
Javier is testing out the AFC Champions League lineup in this match, hoping to help Shanghai Harbour achieve success in the AFC Champions League and surpass the achievements of his former coach. For this goal, he is willing to lose one or two games in the Chinese Super League. After all, Javier's goal is to make gains in both the Chinese Super League and the AFC Champions League. Needless to say, he is truly an outstanding coach.
