On May 20, 2021, Zhu Jiong, a popular figure in Shanghai soccer, gave an in-depth analysis of fellow city rivals Shenhua and Seaport in a live microblogging interaction with renowned journalist Ji Yuyang.
Zhu Jiong did not hide his appreciation for the stability of the seaport in the conversation: "Shenhua team has a deep heritage, but in recent years the seaport is better in terms of stability. Thinking back to the 94, 95, 96 years of Shenhua, the team to local players, the kind of tacit understanding is still difficult to surpass. And now Shenhua players from all directions, each other's understanding and integration is far less than in the past."
Zhu Jiong's eyes showed a hint of nostalgia, as if recalling the golden years.
However, he did not lose confidence in Shenhua: "Shenhua has its own advantages, as long as the team can continue to strengthen internal unity, improve tacit understanding, I believe that the future will be able to return to the peak."
This dialog triggered a heated debate among netizens, who expressed their support or refutation of Zhu Jiong's views. And Zhu Jiong also patiently answered the netizens' questions, showing the professionalism as a senior coach.
