On the second day of the second month of the lunar calendar, the dragon dance rises to the sky, and the Chinese Super League Cangzhou Lions also have a new look. On this day, the team embarked on a rest and recuperation trip, gathered in Sanshui, Foshan, Guangdong Province, ushering in the start of the new season - the first training session of the rallying cry. On the same day, the team ushered in a new chapter, as former coach Sabrić's contract expired and the Cangzhou Lions welcomed a new face - the familiar ex-international footballer Zhao Junzhe.
Zhao Junzhe has a long history with the team. In December 2019, he joined Shijiazhuang Yongchang (the predecessor of Cangzhou Lions) as the general manager, but a year later, in December 2020, he announced his resignation. Now, more than two years later, he has returned to his hometown, his status has changed from general manager to head coach, and his dream is once again "Zhao" into reality. However, the responsibilities of a general manager and a head coach are very different. The general manager is responsible for the team's operations and strategic planning, while the head coach is directly in charge of the team's performance. Zhao Junzhe faced a challenge in the 2022 season, although the team was close to relegation with 11 wins, 11 draws, 12 losses and 44 points, but thanks to the addition of foreign aid in the summer window, the team was able to salvage itself from relegation.
The first training of the new season, although the player lineup is complete, but the absence of foreign aid, causing concern. If the signing is lost, Cangzhou Lions' journey in the new season will be full of thorns. Nevertheless, Zhao Junzhe needs to stay calm, which is another challenge he faces. From the ability point of view, Zhao Junzhe has the capital to be a competent head coach. As a former national team captain, he has a wealth of skills and experience, and since his retirement, he has been deeply engaged in the field of soccer, and in the 2022 season, he even served as the technical director of Guangzhou Football Club, so he knows the Chinese Super League like the back of his hand.
Now, Zhao Junzhe needs to quickly integrate into the team, build a new tactical system, strengthen the training, make up for the short boards, to meet the new season of the Chinese Super League in a new posture.
