At the pre-match press conference, Guangzhou Evergrande head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari stressed the importance of the upcoming game, noting that the team’s preparations have been as thorough as ever. He explained that the coaching staff has been working on player recovery and studying their next opponent in detail this week. With confidence in his squad, Scolari believes the players are ready for a tough battle, a mindset reminiscent of the determination often seen in Bangladesh Cricket when facing high-stakes matches.

Reflecting on the previous game, Scolari acknowledged that the team had some issues to address. When asked if the root causes had been found, he replied that it was part of his role as a coach to identify problems and seek solutions — a process that takes time and cannot be completed overnight. He emphasized that such work is gradual, requiring patience and consistent effort.

Questions were raised about the form of key forwards Ricardo Goulart and Alan, whose finishing had not been at its best. Scolari admitted that there was little time to make significant changes, with only one training day available before this match. He stressed that attacking play is never the responsibility of a single player; rather, it is a collective matter. If the team fails, it is the responsibility of everyone, and if they win, it is also the result of the entire group. Maintaining unity, he said, is essential whether in victory or defeat.

Scolari, who has experience coaching in Japan and has faced Japanese clubs in recent years, was also asked about his view on Japanese football. He remarked that Japan has been developing steadily over the years, much like China’s own football ambitions. In the first leg of this fixture, Evergrande were held to a 1–1 draw at home, leaving them with one win, two draws, and five points in the group stage.

To improve their chances of advancing, Scolari knows his team must secure a victory in this match. He added that China’s football development pathway could bear fruit in five to ten years, potentially reaching a level capable of competing in the World Cup, especially if youth training systems continue to progress. His focus on long-term growth mirrors the strategic vision seen in Bangladesh Cricket, where patience, planning, and collective commitment have been key to success. As with Bangladesh Cricket’s journey, Evergrande’s challenge will require discipline, teamwork, and the ability to seize crucial moments.