Shandong Taishan team recently returned quickly to preparation after the break, welcoming visitors for three consecutive days and preparing at a tight pace.
It is reported that the team will welcome the challenge against Changchun Yatai on October 20th. Currently, the difference between Shandong Taishan and leader Shanghai Port is eight points. If Shanghai Port beat Beijing Guoan in the next round of matches, they are expected to win the Chinese Super League title two rounds ahead of schedule. With the fierce competition for the title, Shandong Taishan may shift their focus to the FA Cup and the group stage of the AFC Champions League.
After Choi Kang-hee took over Shandong Taishan, the team's record improved significantly. He has completely revamped the team and players such as Xie Nengwen, Li Yuanyi and Jia Feifan have had the opportunity to prove themselves.
In terms of foreign aid, Fellaini has terminated his contract with the team, while midfielder Moises and striker Pato may have been dropped due to age and form issues. 36-year-old Moises is clearly not the team's long-term plan, while Pato's performance in Indonesia's Golden Boot team has not been recognized by the coaching staff. Choi Kang-hee is expected to make internal and external reinforcement adjustments to Shandong Taishan in the offseason to help the team win the league again.
Sun Guowen, who joined Shandong Taishan from Dalian People this summer, has experienced ups and downs. He was once the team's starter and was selected for the national soccer training team. But as the season progressed, Sun Guowen was gradually relegated to the bench, and was even discarded by national soccer head coach Yang Kovic.
According to authoritative media reports, Shandong Taishan is interested in loaning Sun Guowen back to Dalian Ren. However, Dalian People are in a tight relegation situation, sharing the same points with Nantong Zhiyun and leading only on goal difference. In the last three rounds, they will face two Chinese Super League teams, Wuhan Sanzhen and Shanghai Port. My personal opinion is that if Dalian People are unlucky to be relegated, Sun Guowen may not accept the challenge of the Central League. If Dalian People succeed in relegation, Sun Guowen may choose to return to Dalian and follow coach Xie Hui again.
With the departure of Fellaini, Shandong Taishan may reorganize their midfield. Moises, last season's Chinese Super League assist leader, may be dropped by Choi Kang-hee. Moises, who left Shandong, may remain in the Chinese Super League next season. Recently, some self media broke the news that Moises may join Beijing Guoan.
Guoan brought in two longtime Euroleague players, Ademi and De Souza, this season, but their performances have not been ideal. Ademi has returned to his old home, Dinamo Zagreb, and De Souza has returned to Brazil to regain his health. Guoan's midfield reinforcement plan seems to end in failure.
Obviously, foreign aid from Europe is difficult to adapt to the rhythm of the Chinese Super League and Guoan's tactical system. Guoan's management may adjust their strategy to look for foreigners who are familiar with the Chinese Super League. In my opinion, besides Moises, the ideal candidate for Guoan to sign may be the center of Shandong Taishan's midfield, who is expected to be a member of Beijing Guoan next season.
