Shandong Taishan's AFC Champions League campaign came to an end on March 15, and turned their attention to challenging Shenhua at home on March 31 in the league. Soccer Daily says Taishan need to realize three major changes as the AFC Champions League comes to an end and the Chinese Super League begins.
The first task is to optimize the foreign aid lineup. With the end of the AFC Champions League, the smoke of the league has just filled the air. If Taishan team wants to dominate in the league, it can't just rely on a single foreign aid. The strengthening of the summer transfer window should not be delayed, the introduction of strong reinforcements is a priority, and the first task is to solve the financial difficulties.
Secondly, the defensive end of the summary can not be ignored. Taishan conceded twelve goals in six matches against Japan, which is enough to show that there are obvious loopholes in the team's defense when facing strong opponents. In the new season of the Chinese Super League, each team's midfield and forward foreign aid configuration is usually four, or even more, which puts a higher challenge on Taishan's defense, which conceded the fewest goals in the league last year.
Third, the coordination of substitute players needs to be strengthened. In the AFC Champions League Quarterfinals, Taishan's substitutes conceded many times after they took the field, reflecting the incongruity between the old and new players in terms of their mentality, rhythm, and status. Coach Cui may need to consider the adaptability of Chinese players in different positions. The front court players have more flexibility in positional adjustment, while the back court players need to be moved more cautiously.
However, there is still one "constant" about Taishan: firstly, they continue to show a strong demeanor, not belittling themselves, and dare to go head-to-head with their opponents, which is one of their major gains in the AFC Champions League; secondly, they insist on strong high-pressure robbery tactics. In the Chinese Super League, Taishan can seamlessly combine high-level robberies with quick counterattacks; thirdly, maintaining the pace of the game, including intensity. Only fast-paced confrontation can create more pressure on the opponent.
