The last two seasons of the Chinese Super League have been full of ups and downs, with many teams fighting on the road throughout the season. Especially last year, due to the fans can not enter the game, without their cheering sound, the players' fighting spirit seems to be reduced, many teams in the end of the season have no choice but to "close the army". This year's Super League is gradually back on track, yesterday's women's soccer game has allowed fans to enter, April 20, the opening ceremony of the Super League will also usher in more than 20,000 fans.
This year's team has a new mission, and the Football Association has asked teams to protect their international players to ensure that they will be able to participate in the upcoming World Qualifiers. While the international players are under contract with the team and are paid by the team, it is difficult for the team to fully guarantee their safety and health on the field. What the team can do, perhaps, is to reduce the playing time of the international players to prevent them from being physically exhausted.
Most of the international players come from the strongest teams in the Chinese Super League (CSL), and these strongest teams themselves have higher goals - each team aspires to win the CSL, such as Guoan, who have made the championship their primary goal every year, and in addition to the CSL, they also have to fight for a good result in the AFC Champions League. These "Chinese Super League teams" are already strapped for manpower and have a shortage of players to play on multiple fronts, but now they have to take on the special task of protecting their international players, which is undoubtedly a huge challenge for them!
If you have to prioritize, the WC is undoubtedly the top priority, followed by the CSL, with the AFC Champions League coming in last. As a result, many teams do not put their main focus on the AFC Champions League. Now the strength of the Chinese Super League team to win the Asian Championship is limited, even the Guangzhou team, the strength is not as strong as before, for the "Super Four", the significance of the Asian Championship seems to be only "heavy participation". Therefore, give up the AFC Champions League, Shandong Taishan team, may be a wise choice!
Shandong Taishan, who were stripped of their AFC Champions League qualification due to a dispute over a foreign coach's contract, quickly appealed to the AFC. on April 14th, the official website of the AFC released a message rejecting Shandong Taishan's appeal request! They will not be eligible for this year's AFC Champions League. This may seem like a shame for Shandong Taishan, but in reality, it gives them a chance to avoid a multi-front war and help them fulfill the difficult task of "protecting international players" set by the FA!
Shandong Taishan team has brought in a lot of players this year, which shows their ambition. And although Guangzhou is playing at home this year, the team's strength has declined due to head coach Carlo Cannavaro's desire to return to Italy; Beijing Guoan lacks the temperament of a champion; and Jiangsu exited early, making this year's Chinese Super League a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Shandong Taishan to win the title!
