Despite Shandong Taishan's emergency introduction of Kazaishvili to strengthen their attacking line after the departure of Fellaini and Moises, it has to be admitted that the team's ability to attack in the penalty area is still weakened. Especially in the crucial moments of fighting for set-pieces, the team now has to rely more on Jadson, who is temporarily playing as a striker. It's worth noting that Shandong Taishan's overall offense was much richer against Kawasaki Striker, which is certainly an encouraging turnaround. However, Coach Choi Kang-hee still needs to analyze how to effectively contain the Yokohama Mariners' offense, especially the defense against the duo of Elbe and Lopez.
Not to be overlooked is the fact that the intensive schedule of matches is a huge challenge to the players' physical fitness. With the Chinese Super League kicking off on March 1st, Shandong Taishan's first match is scheduled for March 3rd against Changchun Yatai. After the first day of the match, the team will then face Yokohama Marinos at home, followed by Beijing Guoan on March 9, with only two days of rest and recuperation, after which the team will have to rush to Japan for the second round of the duel. Four consecutive matches within 11 days is undoubtedly a severe test for the players' physical fitness.
It is particularly worth mentioning that the schedule arrangement of the new season of the Chinese Super League fully reflects the heart of the Football Association. The first five rounds of matches, Shandong Taishan team will be consecutive home games. Obviously, the Association has foreseen the possibility that the team may advance to the last eight of the AFC Champions League, and therefore reserved space in the schedule in advance to avoid the team from being caught in the predicament of continuous round-trip home and away matches. We can't help but praise the FA for such a thoughtful arrangement.
