Eriksson eyes derby victory
Print Edition
SVEN-GORAN Eriksson is looking forward to another derby victory when Shanghai SIPG takes on city rival Greenland Shenhua this evening in the second round of the 2016 Chinese Super League.
“There is no injury and our preparation is good,” the Swede told a pre-match press conference at Shanghai Stadium yesterday. “You never know what’s going to happen in a derby match, but it will be great fun. The team is in good shape and we are ready (for a victory).”
However, Eriksson was evasive when asked whether Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan would appear in his line-up. “I could answer, but I choose not to. It’s a question I want (Greenland Shenhua manager Gregario) Manzano to think about.”
SIPG beat Greenland Shenhua in both local derbies last season — SIPG whitewashing its opponent 5-0 at home and claiming a 2-1 victory at Hongkou Football Stadium. The 2015 CSL runner-up, however, lost its opening league match this season to Henan Jianye last week.
“We didn’t show our full ability against Henan,” Eriksson said. “I know they (Shenhua) bought a lot of players this year. They are a stronger team now. I also strongly believe that we are a better team than last season.”
In their first derby last season — held at SIPG’s home ground Shanghai Stadium on May 9 — Shenhua had three players sent off, which led to a heated debate in the media and among fans.
“I watched the match on TV, and it was a strange game,” Shenhua head coach Manzano said. “Before the first sending off (Lv Zheng in the 17th minute) Shenhua was in control.”
Manzano said the team’s preparation has not been any different in the past week, though all the players know how special a derby is.
“Our opponents are strong. They lost their first league match, which would make them more eager for a victory. All derby matches have one thing in common — the passion that the fans bring.”
Talking about Eriksson’s answer regarding Gyan, Manzano said it should not be his concern. “I’m not a fortune teller,” said the Spaniard. “I don’t need to spend time on thinking whether Gyan will be playing. I’ll concentrate on preparing my own team.”
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