Chinese Super League interregnum seeks changes: winter transfer window teams to build up strength, coaching change the wind clouds surging
As the Chinese Super League break kicks off, many teams have not stopped moving forward and have shifted to an intense winter training mode. Especially important is that the upcoming winter transfer window will be a key period for teams to replenish their strength and optimize their lineups.
However, many clubs have already made adjustments to their coaching teams before signing new recruits. In the case of this season's Chinese Super League champions Shanghai Harbour, for example, the news of head coach Javier's departure has already been finalized. Although Javier had led the team to beat Baton Rouge, they failed to achieve their goal of reaching the AFC Champions League. Now, it seems that Shanghai Seaport's managerial change has just begun.
Qingdao Hainiu FC is also on the verge of a coaching change, according to Tianjin media outlet Tonight. Antonio's position as head coach is in jeopardy, as his coaching ability has not been recognized by the club. The report noted, "Although Antonio led the team to relegation and to the semifinals of the AFC Cup, the club has been more demanding."
According to Tonight News, Antonio may leave Qingdao Hainiu. In order to pursue higher results, Qingdao Hainiu is actively searching for a more powerful coach. This indicates that the goal of Qingdao Sea Bulls in the new season is no longer to avoid relegation, but rather to make a name for themselves in the Chinese Super League.
Looking back at Qingdao Hainiu's performance this season, they only scored 28 points and ranked 13th in the table, making the relegation situation worrying. Antonio's coaching career is also quite twisted. He served as assistant coach to Javier and took over the Henan team after Javier left in the middle of the season, but his performance at Qingdao Hainiu did not meet expectations. Therefore, Antonio's dismissal seems to be a foregone conclusion.
Regarding Antonio's successor, former national soccer coach Li Xiaopeng has become the favorite. As the best coach in the Chinese Super League (CSL) for two years, Li Xiaopeng has coached strong CSL teams such as Shandong Taishan, and is the only domestic coach who has coached both the Chinese men's soccer team and the Chinese women's soccer team. Li Xiaopeng's coaching ability is obvious to all.
It is worth mentioning that, as a Qingdao native, Li Xiaopeng has a very high influence in Shandong soccer and even Chinese football. If he takes charge of the coaching whip of Qingdao Hainiu, he will not only bring convenience to the team, but also attract more fans with his influence. The other candidate, Shandong's soccer flagship Cebu Maozhen, is also a good choice. As the head of Qingdao Manatee's Chinese coaching staff, Su Maozhen knows the team well and has a lot of coaching experience.
Who do you think is better suited to be the new coach of Qingdao Manatees? Feel free to leave a message in the comment section and discuss with us!
