Wu Lei brings impressive change to Shanghai Port, says Dalian Pro coach Xie

BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Dalian Pro head coach Xie Hui said his side will face a stronger Shanghai Port team beefed up by Wu Lei's joining in their Friday's Chinese Super League tie.

Former Espanyol striker Wu Lei celebrates his goal during a La Liga match against Celta Vigo in Cornella, Spain, April 10, 2022. (Photo: Xinhua)

Xie urged his players, who drew 1-1 with Shanghai Port in their first encounter of this season in early August, to brace themselves for tougher opposition on Friday.

"Shanghai Port is a different team from the one we faced in our first encounter," he said.

"The return of Wu Lei and other new arrivals have transformed their team for better. So this could be a tough game for us," he added.

Wu scored six goals in five outings for Shanghai Port after he moved back from La Liga side Espanyol in summer.

The Shanghai side currently sit fifth in the Chinese Super League table, while Dalian Pro are 13th, three positions above the relegation zone.