Chinese men's national football team train for next warm-up game

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After getting a 4-1 victory over Shanghai SIPG on May 21, the Chinese men's national football team continues to train in Shanghai, as their next warm-up game with Shanghai Shenhua will be on May 26.

There are no official matches on the schedule but the players are eager to compete. Starting in January, the team has focused on physical training to prepare for the the resumption of the Chinese Super League, which was suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Aloisio Goncalves, whose Chinese name is Luo Guofu, joined his Guangzhou Evergrande teammate Ai Kesen and Beijing Guoan midfielder Li Ke to become the third naturalized player on the national team.

L-R: Li Ke, Luo Guofu and Ai Kesen work out with the Chinese men's national football team during the team's training session in Shanghai, China, May 11, 2020. /VCG

After communicating with the national team and Guangzhou Evergrande, Luo will continue to train with the national team, and stay and prepare for the warm-up game with Shanghai Shenhua on May 26. Meanwhile, he will need two to three weeks to recover from his thigh injury after undergoing tests.

China currently sits second of five teams in AFC qualifying Group A with seven points from four games, eight points behind group leader Syria. the PRC's next two World Cup qualifiers against the Maldives and Guam have been indefinitely postponed.

Striker Yu Dabao said the team's main line-up is not clear, and the coach will see the performance of each person through these training sessions. "We have a brand new national team with two or three excellent players at every position," he said.

Li Tie, head coach of the Chinese men's national football team looks on during the team's training session in Shanghai, China, May 11, 2020. /VCG

"The entire squad is working very hard, hoping to leave good impressions on our coach, and earn places in the starting line-up. Our coach also pushes us to try our best during training, which can lay a good foundation for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers."

The 32-year-old added that, "At this time, we also have three naturalized players wearing the national team's jersey. They work very hard in practices and games, making a good impression on everybody. They have been in China for many years as well, and don't have any trouble communicating, as they can speak simple Chinese phrases."

(Cover image: Players of the Chinese men's national football team jog during the team's training session in Shanghai, China, May 11, 2020. /VCG)