Tianjin Jinmen Tigers, a team that has been through thick and thin, perennially battling the relegation line and the haze of unpaid wages never dissipated. However, after the blood change, they not only have a new name, but also finished a surprising eighth in the 2022 Chinese Super League.
With the new season approaching, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers' strength has steadily improved, and whether they can hold on to their top eight position once again has become the center of attention.
Tianjin Jinmen Tigers, a name that carries the glory of Tianjin soccer. Since the establishment of Tianjin Football Club in 1993, this team has experienced ups and downs from the First Division to the Second Division, and in 1998, with the help of TEDA Group, they returned to the First Division undefeated.
Although the club's name has changed a few times, such as Kangshi and Yili, the parent company has always been TEDA. The sponsor's name has also become part of the team over the years.
Despite fighting relegation all year round, Tianjin has never fallen out of the First Division, and in 2010, the team was runner-up in the Chinese Super League, the best record in the team's history. 2020, with the professionalization reform, Tianjin was relegated on its own, but its parent company, TEDA Holdings, withdrew.
Under the shadow of dissolution, the Tianjin Football Association found investors in time to take over the TEDA players, renamed Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, successfully passed the Chinese Super League entry standards, which is also regarded as a "special affairs" of the CFA.
Coach Yu Genwei, a Tianjin soccer legend and former international player, has had a turbulent coaching career. in March 2021, he took over from Wang Baoshan as head coach and general manager of the Tianjinmen Tigers. As things stand, he is undoubtedly the best option for this team.
In the new season, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers have also made some moves in terms of reinforcements, exempting a number of strong players, such as Gao Huaze, Chang Feiya, etc., and at the same time, renting Yang Fan from Beijing Guoan. Veteran players such as Zhou Tong and Qiu Tianyi have left the team, while Tan Wangsong retired to become an assistant coach of the coaching staff.
Overall, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers have improved in the new season. Facing the home and away match system and the end of the golden dollar era, coach Yu Genwei said that real soccer can only be reflected in home and away matches.
Can Tianjin Jinmen Tigers finish eighth again in the new season? It will be difficult, but at least they are confident that they will be in the top ten in the Top 16.
