The Chinese Super League is entering a new era of rational management, with small and medium-sized clubs such as Chengdu Rongcheng, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers and Zhejiang Team showing their strengths, although there is still a gap between their overall strength and that of the giants such as Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Seaport, they are still able to demonstrate their competitiveness which should not be underestimated. With the optimization of the operating costs of the Chinese Super League clubs, the low-level teams have ignited a strong desire to exceed the league, and all levels of the league is moving towards a benign development of the track.
Entering 2023, Shandong soccer is expected to usher in a bumper year. Shandong Taishan, Qingdao Hainiu and Qingdao West Coast are the three teams that will be in the spotlight. Shandong Taishan and Qingdao Hainiu are firmly in the ranks of the Chinese Super League, and despite a poor start, Shandong Taishan are on the back foot, second only to Seaport in the standings after 24 rounds of matches, while Qingdao Hainiu, despite relegation pressures and currently ranked 13th in the Chinese Super League, have stabilized the relegation situation with three consecutive wins in a row, and are more than likely to make it into the quarterfinals of the F.A.C.A. Cup.
Qingdao West Coast's performance in the Central League has been equally dazzling, climbing all the way up the ladder with 13 wins, 7 draws and 2 losses in 22 matches, placing them firmly at the top of the table in the Central League and in contention for the title. Shandong soccer team is expected to create double happiness in the new season, not only Shandong Taishan will participate in the grand event of the Chinese Super League, Qingdao will also usher in two Chinese Super League teams, Qingdao West Coast's outstanding performance is unique in the Middle League.
Qingdao West Coast has been undefeated in 7 consecutive matches since round 16, with 6 wins and 1 draw, and overall stable performance. There are still 8 rounds to go in the China League A. Qingdao West Coast is leading the competition with 46 points, 1 point ahead of second-place Sichuan Hainiu and 4 points ahead of third-place Shijiazhuang Kung Fu. According to the rules, the top two teams in Division 1 will be directly promoted to the Chinese Super League.
Analysis by Soccer Daily points out that Qingdao West Coast is gaining momentum thanks to strong support from the local government, with Qingdao supporting CSL teams with up to 20 million yuan, benefiting Qingdao Hainiu, and 10 million for Chinese First Division teams. All districts in Qingdao have introduced policies to support professional teams, with the West Coast New District providing equal support to Qingdao. If Qingdao West Coast succeeds in the Super League, the prize money will be at least 40 million yuan, which is a considerable amount of financial support for the current lower operating costs of the Chinese Super League.
