As we enter the month of February, the atmosphere of preparation for the Chinese Super League teams is becoming more and more intense. After completing the initial physical reserves, teams focus on the adjustment of the lineup. To this end, many teams have chosen to hold warm-up matches, especially in the winter training base, warm-up matches have become the norm in winter training. At the same time, some of the teams have also traveled to neighboring cities in order to enhance the warm-up effect, especially against teams of the same level, which is a comprehensive test of the strength of the squad. 2023 Super League champions Seaport, under the leadership of their new coach Muscat, have completed three warm-up matches and have shown excellent form.
Seaport's three warm-up matches were highly successful, defeating Xu Genbao-coached Shanghai 2005-2006 National Games Team 4-0, thrashing Shenzhen Youth Team 7-1, and beating Qingdao West Coast 8-3. Although the third game was played over four 120-minute periods with a wide disparity in scores, it was a sideways reflection of the disparity in strength between the Chinese Super League newcomers and the champions, as well as exposing the absence of international players. Entering the beginning of February, Harbour's current international players are returning to the team, and new foreign aiders are in place, the lineup tends to be complete, and the overall strength is significantly enhanced.
It is worth mentioning that in these three warm-up matches, the core of Seaport, Oscar, had an impressive performance, which is one of the important guarantees for the team to defend the title in the new season. After the winter training in Guangzhou, Seaport rolled over to Haikou and started the second phase of preparation. The coaching team arranged for Seaport and Haikou Yatai to play a Chinese Super League match on February 4th. Both sides agreed to play 3 sessions of 45 minutes each, totaling 135 minutes, with increased intensity. Both sides rotated between starters and substitutes to provide more training opportunities for young players.
At the beginning of the match, Seaport took control of midfield possession, putting pressure on the Ateneo defense. After the return of international players, Muscat continued to try to switch between 433 and 4231 formations, with a clear strength advantage. In the first quarter, Harbor took a one-goal lead. In the second period, both sides adjusted their lineups and substitutes came on the field, and the game became more and more stalemate. Seaport extended their lead to two goals with their powerful offense.
In the third period, young players took the majority and both sides fought fiercely, but neither side scored. In the end, Seaport beat Yatai 2-0 and achieved good results in 4 consecutive warm-up games, showing strong attacking power. Yatai had 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses in 6 warm-up matches. Coach Chen Yang needs to summarize the experience and adjust the tactics.
