Henan Team Sets Sail, Building a Squad Skilled in Tough Battles

Reporter Lu Mi, Kunming — Winter training sharpens the team, readying them for action. After gathering in Zhengzhou on January 13 and a four-day short training session at the Zhongmu base starting January 14, the Henan team has now entered the Kunming training phase (January 19 to February 2). This marks the first full winter training cycle under head coach Ramos, carrying hopes to make up for last season’s FA Cup final loss and to hone the team’s strength in tough matches for the new season.

From transfer targets and squad optimization to physical conditioning, tactical refinement, youth development, and standardized operations, this renewed Henan team is embracing the new season’s challenges with faith and ambition, steadily advancing toward goals of a top league finish and strong FA Cup performance.

After last season’s FA Cup final, Henan’s head coach Ramos was named the official Chinese Super League Best Coach. For a coach who has yet to win a title, this recognition was a tremendous affirmation and encouragement. Despite the disappointment of losing the cup final, this honor did not fully ease Ramos’s feelings, as he went through a period of self-reflection.

“Overall, the past seven months of work have been quite good. We achieved and even exceeded the club’s set goals, reaching the FA Cup final,” Ramos summarized. However, the contrast between being widely favored before the match and the early loss of suspense during the game lingered in his mind. Ramos admitted that for several days after the final, sadness remained; it was a rare opportunity for Henan that unfortunately slipped away: “Looking back, we truly gave our all with no obvious mistakes; everyone did their best and can be proud. Thinking this way helped me gradually let go.”

This experience also provided valuable lessons for the team. In Ramos’s view, it significantly boosted Henan’s confidence. Since taking over mid-season, Ramos’s style has gradually earned fans’ approval and delivered results, which is the right path Henan must continue. With this belief, Ramos began his first full winter training cycle as Henan’s coach.

Despite encountering difficulties en route to Kunming, Ramos did not alter the training plan, seamlessly continuing from the Zhengzhou sessions in the first training class. Throughout the preparation period, the coaching staff made detailed arrangements, leveraging their experience to precisely control training volume and minimize injuries. During the Kunming phase, the team is expected to play three friendly matches, followed by four more against overseas teams during the early February training camp in Thailand.

Addressing issues revealed last season, Ramos plans to focus on improvements during winter training. “Offensively, we aim to produce pleasing combinations, and defensively, we must tighten up as well.” Last season, Henan conceded the most goals after the 80th minute in the league, and the twin foreign center-back pairing did not perform optimally. Clearly, Ramos will emphasize physical conditioning and defensive details more in this training cycle. “This winter, we hope to reach an ideal state in fitness, tactical refinement, and team atmosphere to greet the 2026 season at our best. I want the team to become tougher and more competitive, especially in crucial matches.”

Ramos plans to rebuild the team framework for the new season: retaining three foreign players while adjusting only the striker and winger positions; domestically, rotation options remain flexible. He noted that after discussions with club management, the team decided on a “lean and competitive” approach, slightly reducing the budget while giving more competitive players chances through internal competition, which will benefit the team’s overall strength in the long run.

During the Kunming training, reporter interviewed Henan Football Club technical director Hao Qi about the 2026 season’s team development and first-team building strategy. Hao provided detailed explanations, confirming season goals to compete for a top league position and strong FA Cup results, finalizing a transfer strategy focused on strengthening the midfield and attack, and proposing a long-term development plan based on standardized operations and local youth training, outlining a clear path for the team’s progress next season.

Transfers are central to team building for the new season. Hao revealed that the defense is relatively stable with two foreign center-backs already training with the team, continuing the dual foreign center-back setup. With sufficient domestic center-back reserves, defense is not a transfer priority. The midfield and attack are the focus: winger position urgently needs reinforcement after Achimpeng’s departure; midfield roles 6, 8, and 10 are being filled, with Abrhan from Shanghai Port joining to compensate for Lu Yongtao’s exit. Players like He Chao, Wang Shangyuan, and Nazario remain competitive in the CSL. Hao explained: “The current CSL transfer market has low mobility among quality players, as clubs lock in strong players long-term, making transfers more difficult for us. However, the team has signed a domestic player to bolster midfield and attack, with trials ongoing for some positions awaiting the head coach’s assessment.”

Regarding team management and operations, Hao clarified his core role as technical director: supporting the head coach in technical matters, team management, and cost control. Transfers follow a clear division where the head coach proposes ideas, and Hao and Bella handle player screening, target selection, and final negotiations, efficiently advancing team building. Stability is key to development; Hao stated: “Since the second half of the 2025 season, team cohesion has gradually improved. Next season, with support from all sectors and club financial backing, we will continue fostering a united team atmosphere and push for more standardized club operations, building a solid platform for upward progress.”

As a native coach of Henan, Hao values local talent and has proposed a long-term plan to deepen local youth training. The club’s U20 squad is currently training in Kunming and will integrate personnel with the first team in the future. “At the recent U23 Asian Cup, four Henan-born players stood out in China’s squad but had no connection with the club, which is regrettable.” Henan Football Club has been established for over 30 years; next season, the team will focus more on recruiting local youth talents, hoping more Henan players will represent their hometown club and even become core members. The club will also promote retired veterans to engage in youth training, such as Yin Hongbo, leveraging his professional influence and experience to set an example for young players, aiming to cultivate a batch of outstanding local talents and strengthen Henan football’s long-term foundation.

To ensure the season’s goals are met, Henan has fully prepared on the technical front. Hao stated that training quality underpins competitive performance; next season will emphasize increasing training intensity, competitiveness, and tactical work. Medical support will be enhanced to prevent injuries and aid recovery. For living conditions, the club will do its utmost to provide players with a favorable work and life environment, removing any worries off the field.

By building a balanced lineup, managing operations efficiently and professionally, and deeply investing in local youth development, Henan Football Club is steadily advancing toward its goals for the new season and laying a solid foundation for the team’s long-term growth.