SIPG well prepared to kick-start new season
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Shanghai SIPG's Portuguese manager Andre Villas-Boas wants his players to take the Thai team seriously when they take on Sukhothai FC in the AFC Champions League qualifier at the Shanghai Stadium today.
"It will be a one-match elimination tomorrow. We have the advantage of playing at home," the Portuguese said during his first pre-match press conference yesterday. "We have to treat it very seriously from the first minute. We can't allow things like red cards."
It will be the Chinese Super League side's first match of the season. A victory will send it through to Group F that includes South Korean side FC Seoul, Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds and Australia's Western Sydney Wanderers.
Asia's premier club competition kicks off on February 22.
SIPG started preparations as early as December that included a two-week training in Doha.
"We sent people to observe our opponent last week. So we have some ideas," Villas-Boas said. "We have very good fitness and mental preparation for the forthcoming season. Our opponent has showed their quality in previous matches. We have to respect all opponents, and we hope to make it through to the group stage."
Villas-Boas also confirmed that SIPG had signed Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho as its fifth foreigner player, and the third foreign signing this season after Oscar and Odil Ahmedov. But the 38-year-old former Chelsea player has been left out of the team's squad for Asian Champions League as the AFC allows teams to register only four foreign players (one from Asia). SIPG has registered Oscar, Ahmedov, Hulk and Elkeson this year.
"We signed him (Carvalho) after the Qatar training camp for his experience. He is a good addition to the squad," Villas-Boas told reporters.
Carvalho's playing time in the Chinese Super League will also be limited after the Chinese Football Association restricted the number of foreigners who can start in a league match to three foreign players of any nationality. The new CSL season kicks off in a month's time.
"Unfortunately, the change of rules dictated something different in our usage of him — less time. It is a pity for Chinese football that we won't see such an experienced player play more often, but the change of rules dictated that and we have to comply with them," said Villas-Boas. "We signed him because we need depth in the squad. And he was a good signing for us on a free transfer."
SIPG defender Wang Shenchao said the team was getting used to the former Chelsea head coach's style of play.
"The team is getting familiar with the manager's tactics. We have a strong desire to win this season," Wang said.
Meanwhile, AP reported that the Thais have been promised a sizable bonus if they beat Shanghai but chairman Somsak Thepsuthin said they already have enough motivation.
"Shanghai is a strong team and have great players with World Cup experience," Somsak said. "We are a club from Thailand but to play this level of opponent is a great chance for us, regardless of what happens. We have to give everything and perhaps there will be a surprise. It is about the chance to create history and bring glory to Thai soccer and the country."
SIPG's city rival Shanghai Greenland Shenhua will play Australian side Brisbane Roar in its AFC Champions League qualifier tomorrow evening.
Uruguay manger Gus Poyet had to leave Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarin out of the Asian tournament, registering newly signed Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, captain Giovanni Moreno, Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins and South Korean defender Kim Kee-hee.
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