Shanghai Shenhua is facing the challenge of "summer syndrome".
According to the established arrangement, the second phase of the 2022 Chinese Super League season will kick off in early August. In order to restart the home-and-away system, 11 clubs have already confirmed that they will return to their home grounds. However, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Seaport, which are of great concern to Shanghai fans, are constrained by the epidemic, and their home matches are likely to be held in a third-party area - Haikou, which hosted the first phase of the Chinese Super League. Thinking of the heat and humidity in Haikou, one can't help but sweat for Shenhua, who often suffer from "summer syndrome".
As of July 25, there are 11 clubs have been qualified to resume home field, namely Shandong Taishan, Wuhan Sanzhen, Wuhan Changjiang, Guangzhou team, Guangzhou City, Chengdu Rongcheng, Meizhou Hakka, Henan Songshan Longmen, Zhejiang team, Dalian people and Changchun Yatai. The Shanghai seaport, Shanghai Shenhua, Beijing Guoan, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, Cangzhou Lions, Hebei team and Shenzhen team and other seven clubs are temporarily unable to play at home, of which the Shenzhen team is still actively pursuing.
It is reported that Shenhua Club has made a lot of efforts to resume the home field. Due to the need to meet a number of conditions to resume the home and away system, especially in the context of the epidemic, the need to obtain the consent of the local government. Industry sources revealed that Shenhua and seaport recently visited Jinshan, Kunshan, Suzhou, Yancheng and even Dalian, but due to multiple factors such as epidemic prevention and control, they have not been realized.
In the selection of third-party tournament areas, the organizers had considered Dalian and Haikou. These two zones meet the requirements of the Chinese Super League in terms of epidemic prevention work, transportation, venue conditions and reception capacity. Prior to the adjustment of the competition system, the two regions also planned to jointly organize the remaining three stages of the Chinese Super League with the Meizhou Region.
However, the Dalian and Meizhou divisions each have a Chinese Super League team. If the third-party zone were to be located in one of these two places and involve matches between teams from both places, the participating teams would actually have additional away matches.
In addition to ensuring fair competition, epidemic prevention measures are also a key consideration for organizers in selecting third-party venues. Due to the differences in epidemic prevention policies across the country, the selection of the race area also takes into account the convenience of intercity travel for each team. This is also the reason why Haikou became a third-party venue.
Despite the recent outbreak in Haikou, it has been effectively controlled. As of July 25, there have been nine consecutive days without any new local cases. However, Haikou's changeable weather, with high temperatures and scorching heat at times and wind and rain at others, has been a challenge for the northern team.
For Shenhua, not being able to play at Hongkou Football Stadium is a huge loss for both the team and the fans. The team lost its home field advantage and the fans were unable to watch the Chinese Super League matches at their doorstep. The last lively night at Hongkou Football Stadium was also the night Shenhua won the 2019 AFC Cup.
Shenhua team has assembled at Kangqiao training base last week. It is the third day of the year, and the team's heat-resistant training is preparing for the Haikou tournament. But the high humidity in Haikou will make the athletes feel even hotter. Soccer matches are physically demanding, and higher body temperatures can affect muscle mobility, so the team will also need to focus on adapting to the climate as they prepare for the match.
Attachment: information on the 11 clubs that have been approved for home stadiums
Shandong Taishan: Jinan Olympic Sports Center
Guangzhou team: Guangzhou University Town Sports Center Stadium
Changchun Yatai: Changchun Sports Center
Guangzhou City: Yuexiushan Stadium
Henan Songshan Dragon Gate: Zhengzhou Navigation Stadium
Wuhan Yangtze River: Wuhan Wuhuan Sports Center
Wuhan Three Towns: Wuhan Sports Center
Meizhou Hakka: Wuhua County Huitang Stadium
Zhejiang: Huzhou Olympic Sports Center
Chengdu Rongcheng: Dedicated soccer field at Phoenix Hill Sports Park
Dalian: Puwan Stadium
