Slutsky: Shenhua to Field a Single Foreign Player in the FA Cup

On July 17 at 20:00, in the round of 16 for the Chinese FA Cup, Shanghai Shenhua will be the away team against Shenzhen New Pengcheng. Prior to the match, Shenhua’s head coach, Leonid Slutsky, and player Zou Junchen attended the pre-match press conference.

Slutsky: Our teams have met before in the league, and Shenzhen is a capable side. Although the weather conditions at Shenzhen’s home ground are relatively tough, we’ve made thorough preparations nonetheless, and we’ll face this match tomorrow with our best attitude.

Zou Junchen: The schedule has been very tight lately, and the weather is also extremely hot, but whether it’s the cup or the league, our entire squad will follow the tactical arrangements of the head coach and give our all in every game. We hope to advance to the next round.

With Shenzhen bringing in several new signings during the summer transfer window, it will undoubtedly add difficulty to tomorrow’s match. Has the team made the necessary preparations?

Slutsky: It’s difficult to predict what lineup Shenzhen will use against us tomorrow. Shenzhen currently has crucial targets in the league as well, and for us, regardless of how our opponents play, our focus remains on ourselves.

It’s reported that the team only brought Malé Lélé, a single foreign player, to the away game. Could you please update us on the situation of the other players?

Slutsky: Indeed, as you said, only Malé Lélé, a single foreign player, came to the away game this time. Luis is injured, and Teixeira, having just returned from a long-term injury, we still want him to have more time for recovery and adjustment. Regardless, all our other players are well-prepared. In the first leg of the league against Shenzhen, we had only two foreign players then, and I believe my players are ready for the match.