Wuhan Three Towns have met the quality standards for the first phase of winter training, with four new foreign players set to join the team in Thailand.

Reporter Lu Mi reporting from Kunming. As the team’s training at Kunming’s Hongta Base progresses steadily, Wuhan Three Towns has reached significant milestones in the first phase of their 2026 winter training. Compared to last season’s rushed preparation, this season benefits from stable support and under the guidance of new head coach Benjamin Mora, the team is steadily strengthening its foundation through a scientific and systematic training plan, showing positive progress in physical conditioning, team cohesion, and youth player development.

At the start of winter training, the club established a phased and focused scientific preparation approach, with the core goal of the first phase being physical recovery and basic conditioning. Unlike previous seasons, this winter training began earlier and was more meticulously planned, with a complete plan finalized by mid-December 2025. Both the first team and B team gathered simultaneously for training, aiding Mora’s player assessment. After arriving, head coach Mora quickly tailored a progressive training plan based on high-altitude conditions and players’ current states. “We start with basic fitness and gradually increase training intensity to ensure players build endurance solidly while avoiding injuries,” Mora emphasized in an interview, noting that this steady progression is the key principle in professional football preparation.

Regarding training outcomes, the step-by-step strategy has proven effective. Initial recovery sessions focused on jogging and core strength exercises helped returning players quickly regain their physical condition. As fitness improved, training incorporated more competitive drills and tactical rehearsals, steadily enhancing players’ match readiness. Although only one foreign player, Shaoer, is currently with the team, by the time of this report, they have completed three friendly matches against Shanghai Port B, Qingdao Hainiu, and Yunnan Yukun.

During this process, as opponents became stronger, the difficulty of matches increased. Mora has gradually integrated tactical demands while becoming familiar with the players, steadily refining the team. After each game, while players rest, he and his staff immediately analyze performance during breaks. Insiders reveal that although training volume is substantial, players are adapting well. “With a solid foundation laid now, the team can quickly find form once the league starts, avoiding last season’s slow beginning.” Early training for young players has fostered healthy competition, with the U20 National Games champion’s energy not only pressuring veterans but also intensifying the competitive atmosphere within the squad.

“The team atmosphere is excellent; everyone is actively adapting to the new tactical requirements,” Mora said. He pursues a tactical style that “flexibly adjusts based on the opponent but always aims to win.” Currently, players have a deep understanding of this philosophy. This smooth integration results from the coaching staff’s professional preparation and the club’s stable environment, which fosters cohesion. With steady management and solid operational support, coaches and players can fully focus on training. The club will uphold the core goal of “stability as the foundation, striving for breakthroughs” in the new season, overcoming past fluctuations and building a sustainable and healthy ecosystem.

In terms of squad building, carefully selecting foreign players and activating local youth training are clear strategies. The new era of Three Towns will abandon blind spending on foreign signings, focusing instead on cost-effectiveness and suitability to address key positional weaknesses. At the same time, the club will vigorously promote generational transition, allowing more outstanding youth players to enter the first team’s view. Mora also pledged, “Here, performance matters more than age or experience.” This approach of blending youth and experience in a positive cycle is the club’s cornerstone for stable development.

Strengthening the youth training system remains a top priority for Three Towns’ long-term growth. In this winter training, the B team trained alongside the first team, with over ten youth players given the opportunity to train with senior players, creating a seamless transition from youth squads to the first team. The club will leverage achievements like the runner-up in the China Youth League and the National Games championship to further improve the youth system, aiming to cultivate local young players as the team’s future core strength. This “focus on local talent and deep youth development” strategy aligns with the broader trends in Chinese football and builds a unique competitive advantage for the club.

It is reported that after completing the first phase of winter training in Kunming, the team will move to Bangkok, Thailand for the second phase of preparation. Through three high-quality friendly matches, they will refine tactics and finalize the main lineup. The four new foreign players will also join the team in Thailand. Mora is confident, stating, “We are steadily moving toward our goals. As long as the players maintain their focus and commitment, working together, we can help the team return to its peak.”

The phased achievements of this Kunming winter training are impressive. From a clearly planned training scheme to solid logistical support, from professional coaching leadership to positive interaction between new and veteran players, Wuhan Three Towns is overcoming past inconsistencies and embarking on the new season with greater maturity and stability. Looking ahead, with continuous tactical refinement, ongoing squad optimization, and the gradual rise of youth talent, this once-glorious team is set to regain glory on a stable development path, contributing more to Wuhan football and Chinese football overall.