As the 2023 season came to an end, Shandong Taishan ended the season with the glory of being the runner-up in the league and the second place in the FA Cup, a result that made both the music department and the fans happy, and the outside world was never expected.
Looking back at the beginning of the season, key players such as Jin Jingdao, Hao Wei, Guo Tianyu and Sun Junhao were caught up in legal turmoil, and the Taishan team was in turmoil. In addition, Taishan assistant coach Fabio's ability to command the field was limited, and Taishan's ranking in the league once fell to the bottom two. Despite the strength of the team, it was widely believed that Taishan was lucky to be relegated.
However, the arrival of Choi Kang-hee was like a timely rain, not only stabilized the team's foundation, but also helped Taishan team eventually among the top three in the league. Now, the Taishan AFC Champions League group stage is approaching, Cui Kangxi's coaching career in the Chinese Super League also ushered in the climax.
As the Chinese Super League enters its break, it is time for teams to prepare for the war. According to reporter Li Pingkang, some teams, inspired by Choi Kanghee's success at Taishan, have begun to consider hiring Korean coaches. Among them, a veteran Chinese Super League team has basically finalized the Korean coach.
Li Pingkang did not specify which team, but in response to a question from a fan, he revealed that the South Korean coach is not Lee Jang-ju or Zhang Wailong, but Choi Yong-ju. The coach, who has coached at Jiangsu Suning, may be opening a new chapter in the Chinese Super League.
So, which Chinese Super League team will be Cui Longzhu's next stop? At the moment, Shanghai Port, who are in desperate need of a managerial change, is a popular candidate. Javier was sacked due to poor results and has been rumored to be with Australian manager Muscat. According to Japanese media, the former Yokohama Marinos coach's next target is English Champions League side Sunderland.
As a result, Shanghai Port may turn to Choi Yong-ju. After all, Choi knows Asian soccer like the back of his hand, having led Seoul FC to the K-League title and the AFC Champions League final. Even if they missed out on the title, their rivals Guangzhou Evergrande were at their peak, and the defeat made sense. Shanghai Port is facing a multi-front war next season, and the addition of Choi is undoubtedly a big help.
Meanwhile, Henan could be a potential home for Choi Long-ju. After Sarko joined the team, Henan has had a lot of problems with personnel adjustments and mediocre results. Henan, which has successfully completed its shareholding reform, may consider Cui Longzhu in order to turn the situation around. As for Shanghai Shenhua, Beijing Guoan, Changchun Yatai and even Tianjin Jinmen Tigers, the possibility of a change of manager is almost zero.
