In the beginning of the new chapter of the season, Shanghai Harbor's record has been quite impressive despite occasional fluctuations. With an undefeated record of 4 wins and 2 draws in six rounds of play, they have accumulated 14 points and are still regarded as a strong contender for the title as they are in third place on the Chinese Super League table, right behind Shanghai Shenhua.
The new coach Muscat has shown a pragmatic side since he took charge of the coaching whip, and has been particularly shrewd in his use of foreign aid, no longer squandering the resources of foreign aid compared to his predecessor. He tends to be conservative in his strategy, favoring veterans such as Zhang Linpeng and Wang Shenchao, while young players such as Liu Zhuyun and Liu Xiaolong have struggled to get stable playing opportunities in Muscat's tactical system. Liu Zhu Run only got two chances to play in the first six rounds, and Liu Xiaolong even fewer, only once. However, what is even more saddening is the situation of former national soccer defender Wei Zhen. Wei Zhen should have been the center back that the team relied on after Zhang Linpeng's aging, but Muscat didn't seem to give him the trust he deserved. Surprisingly, Wei Zhen didn't play a single minute in seven matches, including the Super Cup final, and became an extra in Shanghai Port's lineup. Under the new coach's tactical system, the former national soccer defender seems to have been completely forgotten. Wei Zhen, the center back from Shanghai Lucky Star Youth Training Camp, has a height of 189cm and a weight of 80KG, with excellent physical quality. His outstanding talent and physical quality have made him a popular choice for the national team in all age groups, and he is regarded as a promising star of the future national football defense. Last year, when Jankovic was coaching the Chinese men's soccer team, Wei Zhen was selected for the national team several times and represented the national team in many matches. At Shanghai Port, Wei Zhen's performance has been highly praised. Statistics show that he has appeared in 133 games for the team over the past six seasons, making 101 starts, especially in 2021 and 2022, where he has had the opportunity to start almost every game. However, in a year where Wei Zhen has been a team ornament, who could have predicted his future? As his appearances dwindle, Wei Zhen may start to consider a move to another Chinese Super League team - after all, with his strengths, a new owner won't be hard to find.
