The official release of the Chinese Super League (CSL) bye rounds 19 to 20 and rounds 23 to 25 fixtures featured a remarkable double challenge for Henan. They first had to face two Chinese Super League (CSL) duels, followed by away matches against powerhouses such as Guoan, Hakka and Sanzhen. However, a sudden change in the epidemic situation forced the two home matches to be moved to Haikou, and the five consecutive road trips brought unprecedented pressure on the team.
After beating Hebei 1-0 at home, Henan had a short break before regrouping at their base. However, the results of the past two months have put heavy pressure on the team. Since the second stage, the team has only won 3 and lost 4 out of 7 home matches, with some of the matches even failing to satisfy manager Javier and the team.
During this break, the team has summarized its playing style, sticking to the pass-and-control strategy while strengthening the collaboration between the midfield and the front. Javier did not put too much pressure on the players in training and arranged short breaks every two days.
However, the players were unable to reunite with their families or even return to the base for training during the recent three-day vacation. The latest official schedule of the Chinese Super League shows that the team will host Cangzhou and Shenzhen Football on the 24th and 29th, but the possibility of keeping the home field is extremely low. The club urgently contacted the two clubs in the hope of a home and away match swap, allowing Henan to play the away match first.
SZF has expressed its understanding and agreed to swap the home and away venues, so the 20th round of the tournament will be played in SZF's "home" Haikou. As for the 19th round match with Cangzhou, because the opponent did not agree to home and away transfer, Henan team can only temporarily home in Haikou. 18 October afternoon, Henan team has arrived in Haikou, and three days of isolation, the whole in the "bubble area" activities.
The change of home field undoubtedly had an impact on Henan's program, originally two consecutive home games now become three consecutive away games. In contrast, the last three rounds of the three consecutive opponents are much stronger. The previously defeated Guoan has gradually recovered, Hakka continues to be strong, and the first-ranked Sanzhen is not to be underestimated.
Originally the two home fixtures were a cushion before a three-game road trip, but now it's become a five-game road trip, meaning the team will be drifting on the road for nearly a month, with a significant increase in both physical and mental stress.
Nevertheless, the club believes that in such a situation, the team has to show even more tenacious fighting spirit. For the team, the goal of retaining the sixth and fighting for the fourth is still arduous. Currently ranked sixth, they are only one step away from the minimum target, and behind them, Hakka, Guoan and Rongcheng are only two points away from them at most. Therefore, facing the lower ranked teams, Henan will need to show enough courage and ability to fight for the points they deserve.
