On March 13th at 18:00 Beijing time, the much-anticipated AFC Champions League knockout match will be played between Taishan and Yokohama Mariners. In the first round of the encounter, although Taishan team 1-2 defeated the opponent, but the promotion of the suspense is still there. However, on the evening of the 12th, the Taishan team announced the pre-match training content is a bright spot, as if a skit as relaxed. Choi Kang-hee activated the key figure is not him, perhaps not Cressan. Perhaps due to the inclement weather, the rain made it impossible to train outdoors, so Taishan switched to indoor training. But on the indoor training ground, only five players participated in the recovery training, a scene that puzzled not only the Japanese media, but also Taishan's local media. In fact, it is highly unlikely that these five players will play against Yokohama Marinos. No wonder the atmosphere at the training site was relaxed, with the players talking and laughing as if they were rehearsing a Spring Festival skit. Observed from another angle, Choi Kang-hee seems to still have doubts about the opponent's tactics, and Chuhi may be traveling with the team's reporters.
Nonetheless, the situation before the match was largely clear. Taishan would need to net at least two goals to advance. Cressan will either not be able to play, or if he does, he will face a tight defense. Therefore, Choi Kang-hee's strategy should be to win by surprise. If Pato does not perform well in the first round, Choi might consider starting Kaza. Kaza has played for Ulsan HD in the Korean League and has played as a center forward, contributing 3 great performances in 129 matches for Ulsan HD. So, who will fill the midfield void left by Kaza moving forward? I think we can try to utilize the attacking potential of the current lineup by utilizing the wing play of Xie Weneng and Fernando, complemented by the dispatching of midfielders such as Lee Won Il. Pato can serve as a substitute, or appear as a forward, or even shock the opponents in a double-high combination with Bijinho. In short, tactical adjustments are necessary. Offense is the best defense. The only way for Taishan to advance is to win. Everything is at stake. I expect Choi Kang-hee to lead Taishan to defend the glory of AFC Champions League.
