Fighting to avoid relegation! Shenzhen New Pengcheng head coach Chen Tao: Everyone must give their all to carve out a path.

Reporter Wang Wei reports On September 30, Shenzhen New Pengcheng Club declared that assistant coach Chen Tao would serve as interim head coach, leading the team for the rest of the 2025 season.

Chen Tao’s coaching journey started in Shenzhen, where he acted as head coach of Shenzhen FC. After departing in 2023, he took on an assistant coaching role with the national team and learned a great deal during that period.

With only four rounds left in the Chinese Super League, New Pengcheng faces intense relegation pressure. Chen Tao demands unity throughout the club, preparing for a do-or-die battle with no turning back.

◆“Football”: With just four rounds remaining in the CSL, you stepped in as interim head coach under urgent circumstances. How do you view this challenge?

Chen Tao: Honestly, the responsibility at this stage is quite heavy. We all understand the difficult situation the team is facing. When I first joined, I spoke with the players and felt that, given this team and the current squad’s abilities, they shouldn’t be ranked this low. I wondered if we could unlock all the players’ potential within the limited time. Now, I have great trust in the players, the coaching staff, and the club.

◆Looking at the schedule, the team will next face Guoan in Zhaoqing, then travel to play against San Zhen and Shenhua, before finishing at home against Rongcheng. All opponents are strong; what’s your take?

Frankly, everyone knows how tough our schedule is. To put it lightly, it’s almost hellish. So, I believe there’s no way back now. Every person—players, coaches, staff, and the entire club—must unite and face this together. We have no margin for error. We must cherish every training session and every minute of each match. Only then can we avoid regrets.

◆Have you discussed with the players how to approach the remaining matches?

As I said, there’s no retreat. We clearly understand the four opponents and that there’s no room for error. From day one of my leadership, we must adopt a do-or-die, all-in mindset for every training and match. We can’t wait for future chances or rely on others; only by preparing ourselves fully can opportunities arise.

◆What has been the most difficult aspect for you?

The team has already had two head coaches this year, and the players have formed their tactical system. With limited time, it’s hard to rebuild a new system. For us, the biggest challenge and priority is finding a balance between the existing tactics and the system we want to establish. I’ll do my best to adjust everyone’s physical and mental state, help them understand our tactics, and make suitable tactical choices.

◆Based on the team’s condition, do you see confidence and hope?

Since I took over, the biggest support has come from the club, coaching staff, team personnel, and players. Everyone is positive and determined to avoid relegation; no one is negative. I think that’s very important. If we don’t believe we can improve and create miracles, then miracles won’t happen. It’s crucial that everyone shares the same mindset and pulls together.

◆“Football”: After 26 rounds in the CSL, New Pengcheng is among the teams conceding the most goals. Defense is a major issue, and attacking options are limited. How do you plan to improve these two areas?

Chen Tao: The data shows defensive problems; otherwise, we wouldn’t have conceded so many goals. My approach is to first solidify the defense, which requires everyone’s execution. This execution must be done without emotion. When the team needs you in a certain position, you must be there regardless of personal understanding. If we can’t change even the basic execution, and everyone defends individually without forming a collective defense, it will be very difficult. I have set clear demands on both overall defense and player execution.

On offense, our scoring efficiency is possibly low. We need to improve mutual understanding among the players, such as how to better utilize Wesley’s strengths and create better support for him. From previous games, I think the support for Wesley in attack hasn’t been sufficient. Expecting one player to solve all problems is unrealistic; now, other attacking players must step up to assist.

◆During this break, what specific preparation requirements have you set?

My demand to the players was to increase intensity during the first week, especially in training and physical confrontations. From past matches, it’s clear that the players’ intensity in duels and pressing at 100% is lacking. So, I raised training intensity in the first week of the break. The following week will focus more on tactics tailored to our first opponent Guoan’s style and characteristics.

◆In the last 10 matches, the team lost 8 and won only 2, which has affected confidence. How do you help boost morale?

I believe confidence is closely linked to results. It’s impossible that players’ confidence wasn’t affected by previous results, but now more than ever, we must unite. The problems and the desire to change can’t rely on one person alone; it requires everyone—not just players or coaches, but every club member—to come together like a family, sharing responsibilities and facing this tough situation collectively. I’ve told the players I won’t tolerate anything that damages team unity. Only by everyone giving their all can we possibly find a way through this difficult time. This is something I constantly emphasize.

◆There is a saying in Shenzhen: Once you come, you are a Shenzhen person; once here, you fight for the dream!

From day one, I told the players there is no distinction between “foreign” and “local” players here; we are all New Pengcheng players. From the players’ perspective, it’s simple: we must tolerate each other and take more responsibility for one another. If we can’t unite now, the outcome is predictable. Individuals cannot defeat a team.

◆“Football”: New Pengcheng has many outstanding players like Dugalić, Jiang Zhipeng, Liao Lisheng, all with rich league experience; foreign players like Garcia are excellent, and Wesley has scored 9 goals since joining. At this critical relegation moment, how will the players’ and coaches’ sense of responsibility impact the team?

Chen Tao: Indeed, these players are undoubtedly leaders of the team. But at this stage, we can’t place all pressure and responsibility on them. I want everyone to step up! I keep encouraging the players that everyone must do their part well, not just rely on our leaders, because football is a team sport.

Leaders will certainly contribute more, which I never deny, but others must also show sacrifice and dedication. It’s unrealistic to leave it all to a few players. From my perspective, I’ve made it clear to the players that if everyone gives their all, they can have a clear conscience. Even if results are poor, I alone will bear the responsibility. But throughout, I want everyone united and giving their full effort.

Don’t worry about bad results. Good outcomes will be shared by all, including players and staff; bad outcomes, I will take full responsibility for alone.

◆You have a deep connection with Shenzhen, having previously coached Shenzhen FC...

Yes, I have a strong bond. Except for my time with the national team, I have always been in Shenzhen throughout my coaching career. I have great affection for this city and its football, including the former Shenzhen FC, which has many legacies here. Unfortunately, the results were disappointing, and we don’t want to see that repeated.

I have always believed that Shenzhen’s rapid and impressive development should be matched by a top-tier club and team. So far, we may not have contributed much to this city in other ways, so I hope we football people, including our current team, can make some contributions in football to give back to this city.

◆The team’s next home game is moved to Zhaoqing New District Sports Center. Support from Shenzhen fans and Greater Bay Area supporters is very important. This match will be your coaching debut. Do you have any special message?

First, I want to sincerely thank the fans for their unwavering support. Honestly, fans who love and support this team do so without expecting anything in return, and we must be grateful.

Second, I hope we reflect more and contribute more ourselves. We must give everything to bring back the fans who love this team. It’s unrealistic to demand too much from fans; it’s illogical. We must ask ourselves if we have truly given our all and fought to exhaustion. When we do that, fans will notice. Therefore, through everyone’s effort, we must regain fans’ support.