Multiple Players Absent for Super Cup, Shanghai Port Focuses on Own Preparations

Written by Cheng Shan The Chinese Football Association Super Cup is scheduled for 3:30 PM on March 1st at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center, where CSL title holders Shanghai Port will face CFA Cup holders Beijing Guoan. On February 27th, following their new season launch ceremony in Shanghai, the Shanghai Port squad promptly traveled by high-speed rail to Nanjing. The objective is to acclimatize to the conditions sooner and obtain more sufficient recovery time, conducting last-minute preparations for the inaugural domestic match of the 2026 season.

As the season's first match, the Super Cup carries the significance of both teams embarking on a new journey. Shanghai Port's early arrival at the host city demonstrates their emphasis on this fixture. Before the match, head coach Kevin Muscat attended the press conference alongside goalkeeper Yan Junling, discussing preparation progress, squad status, and addressing public concerns. Muscat began by extending Lunar New Year greetings. He stated that the team's Super Cup preparations are nearing completion, and participating in this tournament is an honor. Despite facing multiple challenges during preparation, the process has been orderly and effective. During the winter training period, the team systematically refined their tactical system. New signings have integrated well, and squad cohesion continues to deepen. The whole team hopes to perform at their expected level and deliver a high-quality contest for the fans.

Shanghai Port signed a total of eight new players during the winter transfer window, completing the renewal of their foreign player roster. Amperm has been officially registered, while last season's foreign player Melendo is unavailable for this match. Addressing the topic of foreign player changes that has drawn public attention, Muscat responded directly. He acknowledged Melendo's contributions to the team last season while emphasizing, "In football, continuous decisions need to be made. This adjustment is based on a comprehensive consideration of the current squad structure and players' technical characteristics. As the head coach, I take full responsibility for the decision. Out of respect for all parties involved, specific details will not be disclosed extensively. The coaching staff will firmly implement the established plan to create conditions for the team to achieve desirable results."

Regarding the recent increase of Australian coaches in the Chinese Super League, Muscat believes the team's achievements over the past two years objectively demonstrate the coaching staff's work. This also reflects that Australia possesses a considerable number of excellent coaches. More professionals will showcase their abilities on different platforms in the future, which is a positive trend for the industry. Concerning changes in the assistant coaching team, he revealed that relevant additions and adjustments were completed after last season concluded. The new coaching staff structure is confirmed and operating smoothly, with preparation work unaffected.

Currently, Shanghai Port faces notable injury issues, with key players in both the defensive line and the forward line unable to participate fully in team training. Muscat admitted frankly, "Injuries are an unavoidable reality in professional football. The coaching staff is fully committed to aiding the recovery of injured players. The current focus, however, is on the available players, helping them quickly understand tactical requirements, improve on-field execution, and maximize the team's overall combat effectiveness."

In the team's announced Super Cup squad list, Wu Lei, Amperm, Jiang Guangtai, Zhang Linpeng, and Leonardo are all included, while Melendo is not. However, it is understood that defender Jiang Guangtai did not travel to Nanjing with the team due to injury and is still undergoing recovery. Player Leonardo arrived in Nanjing with the team and participated in pre-match training, but his injury has not recovered to an ideal state, making his availability uncertain. In earlier training, Zhang Linpeng suffered an injury during a confrontation, diagnosed with a nasal bone fracture. Although equipped with protective gear, his chances of playing in this match are low. Veteran Wang Shenchao is in a recovery period for a rib injury.

At the press conference, Yan Junling stated that the Super Cup is the team's first official match of the new season, and the players are full of anticipation and motivation. New signings are actively integrating into the group, and he believes they will bring improvements. The whole team hopes to repay the fans and all those who follow Chinese football with an outstanding performance.

Opponents Beijing Guoan have made adjustments in both their head coach and squad this season, with little information disclosed about their winter break preparations. Compared to Shanghai Port, who have already participated in the AFC Champions League Elite, this match presents a somewhat unpredictable challenge for Port. Muscat expressed that the team respects Beijing Guoan as opponents, but during the preparation phase, their attention has consistently been focused on themselves, concentrating on refining tactics and form without making baseless predictions. Muscat's statement echoes that of Shanghai Port's General Manager Sha Liangchang. At the club's new season departure ceremony on February 27th, Sha Liangchang clearly stated: "The goal remains unchanged: to turn the situation around, focus on ourselves, and achieve extraordinary results."

From travel arrangements to preparation details, Shanghai Port currently can only prioritize stability and face difficulties directly. Against the backdrop of injury impacts and squad transition between old and new players, they strive to commence their 2026 season journey with complete tactical execution and a positive competitive attitude.