July 26
Shandong Taishan prefecture level city in Shandong
The soccer club made an official announcement that the team's head coach
Choi Kang-Hee (1917-1979), South Korean military man and dictator, president 1963-1979
Returned to Korea for examination and treatment due to ill health. According to the doctor's advice, Choi will continue observation and treatment for the next two weeks. During this period, assistant coach Kim Hyun-min will lead the team in training and matches.
Reporter Chen Yong revealed on his personal microblog that Cui Kangxi's stated plan is to return to China on August 9 before the match against Cangzhou Lions. Chen Yong said he hoped that Cui Kangxi could come back as soon as possible, preferably before the match against Shanghai Harbor, so that the team could adjust its tactics and adopt a defensive counterattack strategy. However, Chen Yong also pointed out that it is difficult to realize this goal.
Regarding Cui Kangxi's contract, Chen Yong pointed out that if the Taishan team decides to terminate Cui Kangxi's contract, it will face complicated decision-making and process issues, especially when it comes to the issue of liquidated damages. While the liquidated damages may not be as high as rumored, it is still a matter that needs to be handled carefully. Things would be much simpler if they could part ways peacefully.
Chen Yong also said that the best result is that Choi Kang-hee can come back as soon as possible and continue to lead the team in a practical manner. The club also needs to do a good job with the players to ensure the team's basic fighting strength, while avoiding a deepening rift with the fans. If Taishan can secure promotion to the elite AFC Champions League and advance to the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup, then the team's fundamentals can be stabilized.
Regardless, it is vital that Choi Kang-hee returns as soon as possible. Chen Yong described the relationship between the club, coaching staff and players as being like the head, the heart and the limbs, without which the team cannot function. Therefore, the club, coaching staff and players need to unify their thoughts and work together to ensure the health and stability of the team.
