On the evening of September 28th, at 21:00 in the Chinese soccer world, Shandong Taishan team head-on into the challenge of Wuhan Sanzhen team. In a pre-match press conference, Cui Kangxi went out of his way to reveal the team's fatigue from three consecutive fronts, hinting at player rotation, a strategy that immediately sparked heated debate among fans.
After the 26th round of the Chinese Super League, Shandong Taishan is in the second place of the table with 48 points, and with only 4 rounds of matches left, they are eager to overtake Shanghai Seaport, even though their theoretical chances are very slim. Facing the upcoming Wuhan Sanzhen, Shandong Taishan's morale is high, but the players' physical fitness is a concern as they just tried their best in the semi-final of the F.A.C.P.A. Cup. Moreover, comparing the recent performances of the two teams, it will not be easy to win against Wuhan Sanzhen.
Choi Kang-hee is confident about the upcoming showdown, admitting, "Wuhan Three Town's strength is not to be underestimated, we will rotate, but we will go all out for a good result no matter what." He also revealed that Taishan's players are exhausted after consecutive away games, and that every game is crucial, despite the FA Cup final, the uncertainty of the league standings, and the Asian Champions League, which cannot be ignored.
Choi Kang-hee's comments reveal that Taishan will rotate their squad in the Chinese Super League in preparation for the upcoming Asian Champions League. Despite the fact that the starting lineup won't be able to play all the way through, it opens up opportunities for Wuhan Sanzhen and puts pressure on Taishan players such as Fellaini, Zheng Zheng, Wang Dalei and others, which has been met with mixed feelings from fans.
Some fans said pessimistically, "It looks like the league is hopeless. The last round of the match with Dalian Ren we have no grain, the dream of the Super League title is dashed. It's better to focus on the AFC Champions League!" Other fans are optimistic: "Three Town's strength has slipped after the departure of Stancho and Wallace. With Fernando, Pato and the new stars, we have to fight for the AFC Champions League and host Yokohama Mariners, the exit is basically worry-free!"
Some other fans suggested: "Despite the hopelessness of competing for the Super League title, we still need to secure a top-three position, and with the unpredictable outcome of the AFC Cup, a two-front war is a must. If we don't make it to the AFC Championship next season, the loss will be incalculable!" Finally, all the fans have said, "No matter what, cheers! I believe that Taishan still have hope to get all three points, after all, the three towns of Wuhan now is not comparable to last year!"
