China coach Chen Zhonghe remains unworried by his team's recent performances, saying he expects an improved display in the Hong Kong leg of the women's FIVB World Grand Prix, starting at the Hong Kong Coliseum tonight. China finished third in the first leg of the money-spinning series in Rzeszow, Poland last week, which doesn't augur well for the team with less than one year to go before they defend their Olympic title in Beijing.
The team's inadequacies were exposed in Rzeszow as they finished behind table-toppers Russia and the US, with the Athens champions only narrowly defeating minnows Poland 3-2 to avoid the wooden spoon.
'We are a new side with new faces and we are only just beginning to gel. I admit our performances recently have not been steady,' said the coach. 'But I believe with more training and more matches under our belts, we will return to our usual status. Things should get better.'
Critics argue China are no way near the strength and depth which saw them snatch gold in Athens, with several players retiring. The team have an average age of just 23.6 years with an average height of 1.86 metres.
China are also missing influential captain Feng Kun, who is struggling with injury, presenting Chen (pictured)with a major blow to his aspirations of performing well as hosts in the Ningbo (China) World Grand Prix finals, beginning in 12 days.
'Feng will come back stronger than ever. I am confident about this,' said Chen of his captain who has sought treatment in the United States. I'm very optimistic about her recovery.'