Lianmei: Zhou Yuande to Replace Robertson as Dalian Yingbo Aims for Fifth Straight Win

According to Dalian media “Bandao Chenbao,” on the evening of the 25th, Dalian Yingbo will face Foshan Nan Shi at home in the 20th round of the China League One. At the beginning of the season, Yingbo dominated with four consecutive wins, and it was a draw against Foshan Nan Shi in the fifth round that halted their winning streak. In the second half of the season, Yingbo achieved another four-game winning streak, firmly securing their position in the promotion zone. Overcoming Foshan Nan Shi is key to breaking their own record and achieving a fifth straight win.

The report states that during the away match against Foshan Nan Shi, Yingbo failed to maintain their winning momentum. On the surface, this seemed due to an unexpected water-soaked pitch which they were ill-prepared for; however, more reflection is needed on whether there was an element of underestimating the opponent. Although the Yingbo team fought back from two goals down to eventually equalize, overall, they did not create as many opportunities as their opponents. The draw in the final stages with numerical superiority had a certain element of luck. The never-say-die spirit is commendable, but the match also served as a wake-up call. If preparations are inadequate or if the opponent is not taken seriously enough, anything can happen in a league like China League One.

The media writes that now, the Yingbo team has weathered the darkest period of the season and returned to the right track. After four straight wins, morale is high, and they sit comfortably in the promotion zone with 40 points, six points ahead of third place. Facing Foshan Nan Shi, who only have 18 points and are in the third-last position, at home should logically result in a crushing victory. However, the experience of the away game reminds the team that complacency must be avoided at all times. Head coach Li Guoxu also said that Foshan is a team with distinct characteristics, especially considering the memorable encounter in the first phase of the competition.

Moreover, the media mentions that just as after a four-game winning streak, facing Foshan Nan Shi again, this time with home advantage and possibly a record-breaking attendance, the chances of winning are significantly increased. What the team needs to do now is stay calm and respond composedly. As long as they perform up to their usual standards, the opponent won’t have many opportunities. The only technical issue is whether other players can adequately fill the defensive gap left by Robertson’s suspension.

On the 24th, Zhou Yuande attended the pre-match press conference with Li Guoxu and has been confirmed as the replacement. Li Guoxu stated, “Robertson has performed excellently this season, but our team has many other outstanding players. I have one sitting next to me right now. We are a team, and even without Robertson, we will continue to play the football we always have.”