This is something new for the foreign stars to cope with.

Ricardo Goulart, on loan at Hebei Chi－na Fortune from Guangzhou Evergrande, said: "This is a special year and we've nev－er played under such a format. The Chi－nese Football Association has made great preparations for the season and taken good care of us. All the details are great."

The players face another challenge in how to spend their time away from the pitch in the lockdown areas for some two months. The CFA has provided a host of recreational facilities in these areas, including pool tables, basketball courts, reading rooms, video games and even karaoke areas.

Former Dutch star Giovanni van Bronckhorst, now coaching Guangzhou R&F, said: "For everyone it's quite diffi－cult. We are ready, but we have to be fresh all the time. Not only myself as the coach, but also my staff and players. It's very important to maintain our energy and competitive levels."