Shanghai Shenhua embarked on their journey to Dalian this afternoon, marking the start of the second phase of their Chinese Super League campaign. Despite the strength of their opponents and the fact that core players such as Wu Xi and Liu Ruofan were unable to return in time, the team was able to return to Shanghai to recuperate from the return of the home-and-away system, which is undoubtedly a great encouragement to Shenhua.
"It means a lot to us to be able to come back to Shanghai and recuperate."
The second phase of the league resumed the home-and-away system and 11 clubs were able to return to play at home. Unfortunately, Shenhua was unable to enjoy this. Although the team tried to find a venue in Shanghai's neighboring cities, such as Yancheng, they were unable to do so. In the end, Shenhua chose Dalian as their "home ground" for the next phase of the tournament from a list provided by the FA. Dalian's Jinzhou Stadium is not unfamiliar to Shenhua, as the team has played many league games there and the first phase of the season was also played there. In addition, Dalian's summer climate is cool and pleasant.
Photo: Jinzhou Stadium, Dalian, photo by Li Mingshen (Xinmin Evening News reporter)
According to the FA's schedule, Shenhua will play two consecutive home matches at the Jinzhou Stadium in Dalian against Changchun Yatai and Shandong Taishan. The team will then travel west to Chengdu Rongcheng, south to Haikou to play against Tianjin Jinmen Tigers and Beijing Guoan, and finally return to Dalian to prepare for subsequent matches. As the away games are spread all over the country, Shenhua will fly more than 8,000 kilometers if they return to Shanghai to rest and recuperate before going to Dalian. In the second stage of the league, the Football Association will first advance the cost of neutral venues, and subsidize the team's epidemic prevention funds, but the cost of transportation to and from the away game still need to be borne by the club.
The physical exertion of the players is unavoidable during the long journey. However, for Shenhua, who are currently in a difficult situation, it is crucial for them to return to Shanghai to recuperate and prepare for the game. After all, the home-and-away league rhythm is a familiar one for the team, and the players don't need to endure the physical and mental stress of a four-month-long closed life. Returning to the Kangqiao base, training at their own ground and gym, and utilizing first-class equipment to restore their fitness, will undoubtedly be beneficial to the preparation effect.
Photo: Returning to Shanghai to recuperate and prepare for the game is crucial for the team.
Cong Zhen and Xu Yougang added to the second stage list
Shenhua's roster for the trip to Dalian has changed significantly compared to the first phase. Zhu Yue, He Longhai and Jiang Zhixin will travel to Croatia to play in the local league as they have been called up by the U21 national youth team, leaving three places to be filled by Cong Zhen, Xu Yougang and Yang Zexiang. Both Cong Zhen and Xu Yougang have represented Shenhua in the Chinese Super League, having been loaned out to Chongqing Liangjiang of the Chinese Super League and Zibo Cuju of the Chinese League One last season. Yang Zexiang, born in 1994, plays as a wingback and was signed by Shenhua from Dalian Ren and loaned to Chengdu Rongcheng last season. Right back Zhao Mingjian has been loaned to Kunshan FC in the Chinese League One, and his position will be filled by another player, who has yet to be confirmed.
Shenhua's performance in the first stage exceeded expectations and was temporarily ranked fourth in the table. However, the second stage, the team will face more powerful opponents, such as Shandong Taishan, Henan Songshan Longmen, Beijing Guoan, Changchun Yatai and so on. In addition, Shenhua players also suffered from injuries, Wu Xi rib fracture, Yu Hanchao meniscus surgery, Qian Jie to the left knee medial collateral ligament damage and ankle sprain. Nevertheless, the team will still go all out to meet the challenge.
Photo: Shenhua will face many challenges in the next phase
