Shandong Taishan's training resumes, and even though the foreigners have yet to assemble, the play of the domestic players will be crucial to winning the remaining games of the season. While foreign aid is certainly a part of the team's strength, overall improvement is the key to success. With the departure of Fellaini and the potential departure of Moises, a restructuring of the team's foreign squad is imperative. Let's not forget that we also have players out on loan, whose optimization should not be overlooked as well. Replacing Leonardo with Pato might be a miracle move.
Shandong Taishan, the team that conceded the fewest goals in the Chinese Super League, seems to have a solid backline, but in fact, the age of the main players is on the high side, and there is a lack of qualified substitutes, and the gap between the strength of the substitutes and that of the main players is obvious, especially in the center back position. Zheng Zheng, Shi Ke and Jia Desong can attack and defend well, but age is already their hidden worry. Such a defense may be okay in the Chinese Super League, but in the Asian Champions League, there are many holes.
In the match against Yokohama Marinos, Shandong Taishan's backline was exposed. Had it not been for Wang Dalei's outstanding performance, the team would have conceded far more than one goal. The team desperately needs to bring in an experienced and strong international center back, and Gao Zhunyi is definitely the best candidate. Despite his dissatisfaction with Shandong Taishan, Choi Kang-hee values the player's ability and attitude, and as long as he can improve the team's strength, anything is possible.
Shandong Taishan are on course to win the FA Cup, but second place in the league standings is not secure. Cui Kangxi is aiming for the top three, but who wouldn't want to go further? Currently, only three points separate Shandong Taishan from Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang, and a win or a loss can determine the ranking. As the only team in the Chinese Super League to play on three fronts, Shandong Taishan are at a disadvantage in terms of schedule and fitness.
The uncertainty of second place in the league makes Shandong Taishan a team that must be careful. Anything can happen in three games. While Cui Kangxi's never-give-up spirit is admirable, the players and coach must be unified in their thinking. With the possible departures of Fellaini and Moises, the team's foreign aid adjustments for the upcoming season are imperative. Although Leonardo is the favorite, Pato's ability should not be underestimated.
There is news that Shandong Taishan team plans to exchange Leonardo with Pato, bring back Leonardo and loan Pato to Zhejiang to make room for the new foreigner. Perhaps Pato can regain his luster in the new environment.
