The Taishan team has implemented an intense training program of one day and two practices in order to prepare for the upcoming busy schedule. Key players such as Fellaini, Cressan and Moises are back in the squad and are being kept in shape through intensive training. It is reported that the team arranged a short break for the players last weekend and now they are ready to face a tough test in the upcoming three fixtures.
As the only team playing on three fronts in the Chinese Super League, Taishan must make reasonable choices for the intensive schedule. Currently, Taishan is in the second place in the league, 9 points away from the leader Shanghai Port. In the remaining 6 rounds of matches, even with the full support of the FA and the referees, it will be difficult to catch up with their rivals. As a result, neither the second nor the third place could secure a place in the AFC Champions League. In contrast, the FA Cup title seems to be closer at hand. As long as they can successfully beat Dalian Ren, Taishan should put their main energy into the FA Cup competition. As for the AFC Champions League, with the current staffing, as long as there are no surprises, the goal of getting out of the group is already set.
Next Tuesday, Taishan will embark on a journey to the Philippines for a match against Kaya. Relevant personnel of the club have arrived in Beijing yesterday to apply for visas for the players. In addition to adapting to the local climate, the team will also face new challenges. It is understood that Kaya's home field uses artificial turf, which is undoubtedly a brand new test for the players who are used to real grass.
Artificial turf will accelerate the speed of the ball, whether the players can quickly adapt to the coach's tactical arrangements and be well-prepared is a problem that Taishan must face. In fact, the first match of the AFC Champions League is crucial for Taishan. As the Hong Kong team was defeated by the Thai Premier League and the national soccer team was drawn by Malaysia, Taishan needed to show their skills in the Southeast Asian teams to revitalize the reputation of Chinese soccer. However, even in the face of these unfavorable conditions, even the experienced coach Choi Kang-hee looked somewhat helpless.
