Guoan Head Coach Confirms Several Injured Players Could Return Soon, But Team Will Not Take Risks Amid Tight Schedule

On September 5-6 Beijing time, the 26th round of the 2026 Chinese Super League season is set to begin. The most-watched match of this round will be Chengdu Rongcheng's away game against Henan FC. A win would allow Chengdu to secure the title four rounds before the end of the season, while a draw would also likely be enough for them to become champions. In addition, the Shanghai-Beijing clash between Shanghai Port and Guoan has attracted significant attention, as both teams have a chance to compete for second place in the league.

At today's pre-match press conference, Guoan head coach Montgomery attended with player Zhang Yuning.

Speaking about tomorrow's match, Zhang Yuning said: "There has been a short period of time since the last game ended, and the team has not had much training. The most important thing has been recovering physically. Facing such a strong opponent away from home, the team is ready."

Montgomery: "This time we are facing a strong opponent. Looking back to the start of the league season, many teams entered the season with points deductions, which was an unfavorable factor, but as the season progressed, everyone overcame it. Shanghai Port have a strong squad and a good coach. Tomorrow we hope to deliver our best performance. Both teams are playing two matches a week, and the recovery period is very short. After this match, we will start the AFC Champions League, followed by a long break. We have many players sidelined with injuries, and at the same time this has given other players good opportunities."

Question: With the recent packed schedule, you have still contributed three goals and one assist in the last four matches. How have you maintained good form under such a demanding schedule?

Zhang Yuning: "A packed schedule is something every player has to experience. Whether it is us or our opponents, as players we can only do our best and show all our abilities. Whether we are tired or in good form, we have to overcome it ourselves."

Question: Similarly, during this recent busy period, we can see that many domestic players are in good form. What work has the head coach done in this regard?

Montgomery: "Looking back at the injuries we have faced this season, the important thing is that everyone must be prepared. As for Yuning, he is an excellent player. He has a lot of experience and is in very good form. It is like horse racing: the most important thing is not to overload the body. For Yuning to maintain a good performance, it is crucial to provide him with proper recovery and rest. We have many experienced senior players in the squad, and we need them to stay in good condition. Sometimes we cannot give them too much rest. For younger players, we need to provide good training and instill tactical ideas. Therefore, we must tailor our approach according to each player's situation. This is also the experience I have gained over the years."

Question: How are Conte, Spajic, and Fabio, who was substituted due to injury in the previous match, doing?

Montgomery: "In the coming weeks, Spajic, Lin Liangming, Chi Zhongguo and Conte may all return. We could force them to play tomorrow's match, but in the final two months of the season we have a very intense schedule: the AFC Champions League and cup competitions. We need to be fully prepared, so taking short-term risks could affect our long-term plans. The players mentioned just now need to recover well, and other players will also have good opportunities to play."