At 4:30pm on August 15, the pre-match media briefing for the 13th round of the Chinese Super League match between Shanghai Seaport and Shenzhen was held at the Dalian Sports Center. Harbor head coach Leco said, "Our priority is to prepare for the game and try to present the best training results." And Shenzhen head coach Li Zhangsu revealed, "The team's injury situation has improved significantly, and members of the national team have returned, the team lineup is getting stronger."
Speaking about the preparations, Leko added, "We are working on building a team that is in top form. We are facing an opponent with a strong coaching team and individual players who are capable of influencing the direction of the game. The Shenzhen team is well organized in both offense and defense, and we have respect for them. To win this matchup, we need to be at the top of our game physically, mentally and tactically."
Player Ndiaye also said, "This game is crucial for both of us and we are striving to get all three points. We are confident and ready for anything."
Commenting on Shenzhen's preparations, Li Zhangsu said, "After the Meizhou tournament, our team suffered some injuries and illnesses, while some players were called up by the national team. Now that the injury situation has been eased and members of the national team are returning to the team, the team lineup is gradually improving."
Referring to the return of four players from the national soccer selection team, Dai Weijun, Xu Haofeng, Ye Lijiang and Xu Yue, Li Zhangsu said, "They arrived in Dalian yesterday, and tonight is the first training session after their return. We will keep an eye on their physical condition and discuss their training in the meeting so that we can arrange accordingly. Due to their limited playing time in the East Asian Cup, their match feeling may have slipped."
For his part, "Restoring the home and away system will have a positive effect on the players' emotions and psychology, and will help improve their form. As time goes by, our performance will get better and better, which is a valuable boost for us."
