This season's Chinese Super League (CSL) campaign has seen Shanghai and Shandong shake hands with each other, but they have already won and lost. Thanks to the heroics of Wu Lei and Oscar, Shanghai has once again won the Chinese Super League trophy, shining a bright light on the Bund and earning praise for its business strategy. For an up-and-coming team, winning two Chinese Super League trophies in the past seven years is a remarkable achievement, especially in the midst of the turmoil of the green world, where maintaining strength is not affected by the environment is even more valuable.
The runner-up, Shandong Taishan, also deserves respect. After Korean coach Cui Kangxi took over, the team's spirit was renewed, and the overall performance was significantly improved, compared with the beginning of the season, a qualitative change has been realized. This is the crystallization of the joint efforts of all players. Even though the runner-up position is unfortunate, not being able to win the trophy again, but for the team, this is already a satisfactory start. Shandong fans have also expressed their understanding and praise.
Coach Choi Kang-hee admitted that Taishan's journey has not stopped this season. In the last round of the Chinese Super League, the team will go all out. As the season comes to an end, the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup are also up for grabs. In the AFC Champions League, Shandong's strong team is expected to go farther, which is exactly what the team is pursuing. Shandong fans long for the "championship" dream, will undoubtedly become the goal of the players. Even if the road is bumpy.
The FA Cup is a field in which the Shantung team excels. They have already reached the final this season and are expected to win the title again. If they can make a difference in the AFC Championship and win the FA Cup, then this season will undoubtedly be a success for them. This is also the recognition of Shandong fans to Cui Kangxi and the whole team.
However, in peace, Shandong faces challenges next season. After all, the number one player, Fellaini, announced his departure from the team, and the team's offensive line is facing a rebuild. The coaching staff and players need to think deeply about who is the future core of the team. This is not only the departure of star players, but also a complete overhaul at the strategic level. Supported by taller players, Shandong has created opportunities, but what will be the new way to win?
Is it a continuation of the current model, looking for a new Fellaini to fill the void? Or do we find another way to completely upend the current layout?
