Combination punch rescue! Despite seven winless matches, Shenzhen Youth remain committed to their promotion goal.

Reported by Wang Wei. As a top contender for promotion this season, Shenzhen Youth have hit an unprecedented low in their history. Following a 0-3 loss away to Shaanxi United on July 25, the team has been winless in seven consecutive matches, signaling a red alert for their promotion campaign. Under various pressures, Shenzhen Youth remain determined to pursue promotion, aiming to quickly seize back the initiative by overhauling the coaching team and reinforcing the foreign forward line.

As early as July 12, after the 14th round of the China League One where Shenzhen Youth drew 3-3 at home with Dingnan Ganlian, the club immediately took action by announcing the departure of head coach Ramiro and appointing Ren Peng as interim head coach, in an attempt to reverse the team's five-match winless streak.

Just as the club was adjusting the coaching staff, the team suffered another blow. On July 17, in the 15th round of the China League One away against Suzhou Dongwu, in the 61st minute, foreign striker Garita struck opponent Jin Qiang on the back of the head in a non-playing situation and was shown a straight red card. The Chinese Football Association deemed it violent conduct and imposed an additional four-match suspension and a fine of 40,000 RMB. Combined with the red card suspension, Garita was effectively suspended for five matches.

The five-match ban on the main striker directly deprived the team of forward support, finishing ability in the box, and physical presence in duels. Amid the difficulties, Shenzhen Youth did not abandon their promotion goal. During the summer transfer window, the club urgently signed former player Joel Noble to replace the suspended Garita and strengthen the frontline. The 30-year-old Joel Noble previously played for Shenzhen Youth, recording 10 goals and 2 assists in 19 appearances last season. He is familiar with the team's tactical system, adapted to the intensity of China League One, and ready to contribute immediately. This move shows that Shenzhen Youth remain steadfast in their determination to pursue promotion this season.

However, what made Shenzhen Youth even more embarrassed was that their away match against Shaanxi United was plagued by off-field incidents, disrupting the team's preparation. Before the match, as Shenzhen Youth were about to head to the stadium, the local immigration authorities visited them for a discussion, informing that new foreign forward Joel Noble could not play due to incomplete work visa procedures, otherwise it would involve illegal employment. After the team arrived at the stadium, Joel Noble was listed in the starting lineup and the team warmed up normally, but they were again summoned for a talk inside the stadium. Ultimately, Shenzhen Youth had to make an emergency substitution, replacing him with Chen Yajun. As a result of this incident, the match was delayed by 67 minutes before it could start.

In this away match against Shaanxi United, new foreign player Noble could not play, and both main central defenders Dugalic and Liang Nuoheng were suspended. Facing the opponent's strong attacks, Shenzhen Youth could not put up effective resistance and eventually suffered a 0-3 defeat. Moreover, the team's continued winless run has damaged morale. With multiple problems piling up, Shenzhen Youth have only managed five draws and two losses in the last seven league matches. Although their league ranking has not dropped significantly, they have gone from leading Guangzhou Leopards by 2 points to now trailing by 10 points.

After the match against Shaanxi United, Shenzhen Youth Football Club General Manager Li Chunhao stated that the team is currently under interim head coach Ren Peng, and three high-level foreign coaches have been brought in to form a new coaching team with Chinese and foreign cooperation, to safeguard the season's goals.

As early as July 24, Shenzhen Youth officially announced David Almazán as the first assistant coach to strengthen the coaching staff. The Spanish coach holds a UEFA Pro license. As a player, he came through the Barcelona youth academy and won honors such as La Liga and the Copa del Rey. His coaching career is rich, having led the Chinese U16 national team. He is skilled in fine tactical crafting, youth player development, and in-game adjustments, and will inject advanced European football concepts into the team. At the same time, Brazilian goalkeeper coach Iago Rocha and Spanish data-driven fitness coach Javier also joined.

Having experienced the trough of seven winless matches, Shenzhen Youth now have a clear understanding of their own shortcomings. Li Chunhao said that the club and the team will make every effort to adjust and stabilize the overall state. Although the team is currently in a deep slump and the promotion situation is grim, the team has never given up. With the addition of new foreign coaches and the integration of new foreign players, the team strives to emerge from the trough as soon as possible and return to the right track for promotion.