Although Shandong Taishan already holds the initiative to advance in the AFC Champions League, the team will still need to go all out to secure at least a draw against Yokohama Mariners in order to secure the top spot in the group, which is crucial for the subsequent layout of the knockout rounds. While many teams in the Chinese Super League have been on vacation, Taishan has been practicing overseas for their upcoming match against Yokohama Mariners. They traveled to Jeju Island, South Korea, to train collectively for the finale of the AFC Champions League group stage and the new Chinese Super League season.
Head coach Choi Kang-hee is optimistic about the training environment on Jeju Island and wants to use the opportunity to find a new partner in Korea. On the eve of the FA Cup final, Choi decided to choose Jeju as his training base and planned his trip in advance. He left his base in Jinan in the early morning and flew straight to Jeju Island after a transfer from Shanghai, and was expected to arrive that afternoon. The trip to Jeju Island, warming up with the South Korean team is one of the major goals. Although the domestic league has come to an end, but the search for opponents has become difficult. Thanks to Choi Kang-hee's influence in Korean soccer, Taishan is expected to play friendly matches with local teams within a week.
After completing the intensive training in Korea, the team will head straight to Yokohama, a move aimed at reducing travel fatigue. Another purpose of the training in Korea is to scout potential transfer targets to facilitate negotiations. Pohang Tiezhong's Zeca is almost certain to join the club, and the players have been signaling their intention to join Shandong Taishan on social media. In addition to Zeca, Ulsan Hyundai's central midfielder Kazaishvili has also become a potential target for Taishan. The Georgian international, 30, specializes in attacking midfield with a style similar to Moises. Kazayishvili joined the K-League in 2021 and has made 130 appearances in four years, scoring 35 goals and assisting 10 times.
Both Zeca and Kazaishvili are among the top foreigners in the K-League, and the teams they play for are also among the best in the league, and their strength should not be underestimated. Zeca is even a strong contender for the best foreigner in the K-League this season. Ulsan Hyundai have a clear lead and have locked up the title early. Kazaishvili is also performing well and is expected to be the best foreigner of the season. Taesan is on the right track of development and showing strong momentum. Judging from the signings, the strength of the new season is expected to surpass this season, and the optimization of the age structure will also help the team. The knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League as well as the Chinese Super League of the new season will be highly anticipated. Let's expect Taishan to shine in the coming matches.
