Shandong Taishan's failure to successfully defend their Chinese Super League title last season, despite three consecutive FA Cup glories, seems rather surprising to some extent.
Considering the poor operation of most clubs in the Chinese Super League (CSL), Taishan should have been able to securely defend their title against rivals Shanghai Port, who repeatedly missed the mark at crucial moments. However, Chinese Super League newcomers Wuhan Sanzhen surged to the top of the table ahead of Taishan. Taishan closed the gap in the second half of the league, but the withdrawal of Tian Jin Men Hu and Beijing Guoan in the final round resulted in Taishan finishing second on goal difference.
There are numerous reasons why Taishan lost their title defense. Coach Hao Wei's mismanagement of the team, coupled with negative press at the beginning of the season and player mistakes at the end of the season, exposed the disorganization of the team's internal management.
As a result, many Shandong fans and media called for Hao Wei's dismissal. Nowadays, the news about Taishan's coach replacement for the new season is endless. It is reported that Hao Wei's predecessor, Li Xiaopeng, may return in the new season to take over the coaching whip.
Li Xiaopeng had left Taishan for Wuhan in early 2021 and replaced Li Tie as interim head coach of the Chinese men's soccer team at the end of the year. Li Xiaopeng left his post at the end of the National Football League World Qualifiers due to poor performance. Now that the FA has announced that Kovic is coaching the national soccer team, Li Xiaopeng is expected to return to Taishan.
Although Li Xiaopeng did not win the championship during his tenure at Taishan, he won the team's high respect by virtue of his years of loyalty and high emotional intelligence. Taishan is a strong team, and if they can strengthen their management, they are expected to hit the Super League double again in the new season.
Meanwhile, the two main rivals, Shanghai Harbor and Wuhan Sanzhen, have both declined in strength this year. Chen Xuyuan's departure has limited Harbour's investment, while Wuhan Sanzhen's top scorer Malcolm Malcolm's departure has led to damage to the team's attacking power.
In the winter transfer window to introduce a number of strong aid Taishan team, if you can maintain stability under the leadership of Li Xiaopeng, once again to win the Super League double title will no longer be a distant dream!
