The start of Shanghai Shenhua’s winter training in Marbella has been nothing short of intense. Just one day after landing in Spain, the team kicked off its third training session in 26 hours, a clear sign that their commitment arrived faster than their jet lag could fade. For fans closely following the squad’s progress through Jeetbuzz Login, it’s evident that this year’s training carries an urgency like never before. The reason? With the new league policy allowing only three foreign players, three U23 locals, and one goalkeeper in the starting lineup, there are only four remaining spots for domestic players over 23—making competition fierce.
It’s no surprise, then, that players like Li Jianbin have caught the eye of rival clubs. When the team departed for Marbella, Shenhua executives even joked with Li at the airport, saying clubs that previously chased Qin Sheng are now coming for him. Their confidence in keeping Li wasn’t just casual humor—it came from the belief that their core players won’t be swayed. Despite being the subject of interest, Li showed no signs of distraction. Post-training, he smiled and calmly addressed questions during interviews, staying true to his reputation as a fierce player on the pitch and a humble, honest person off it.
Li shared that his recovery from surgery is nearly complete, estimating he’s at about 80 to 90 percent. He believes the winter training will help him get fully back in shape. Though the grind of winter training can be repetitive and physically demanding, Li remains upbeat. His secret to coping? A simple mix of rest, recovery, and a bit of relaxation—watching dramas whenever time allows. “The internet’s not great here,” he said with a laugh, “so gaming’s not really an option.”
This small comment reflects his down-to-earth attitude. Despite the challenges, Li sees every winter camp as an essential part of preparing for the next season. He believes that each session, no matter how exhausting, needs to be taken seriously. As for 2018, he avoided bold predictions but expressed hope for strong performances and solid results.
From day one in Marbella, every Shenhua player has pushed themselves to the limit, showing a collective determination to seize one of those limited first-team spots. On the 28th of January at 4 p.m. local time, Shenhua began their third training session since arriving—this time adding competitive drills with the ball. It marked the first group scrimmage of the camp. Only two hours after arrival, the squad had already jumped into light ball-based fitness work. Now, the team is stepping up with full-contact training much earlier than expected.
This rapid escalation in intensity is no accident. During the off-season, players were instructed to maintain their fitness individually, whether at home or at the Kangqiao training base. As a result, Shenhua hit the ground running in Spain—literally. The pace and depth of training show that this squad means business.
Through Jeetbuzz Login, fans have been keeping up with the team’s every move, inspired by the grit and discipline on display. And for players like Li Jianbin, the drive to reclaim their place and prove their worth is as powerful as ever. As the new season approaches, it’s clear Shenhua isn’t waiting around—the fight for every spot is already well underway.