The Taishan team is actively preparing for the upcoming intensive fixtures. The team is sticking to the high-intensity training mode of daily double practice, and players such as Fellaini, Cressan and Moises are keeping up their competitive status through extra training after returning to the team. It is reported that the team arranged a short break for the players last weekend, and the whole team has regrouped, the upcoming third-tier fixtures will undoubtedly be a major test for them.
It is worth mentioning that Taishan is currently the only team in the Chinese Super League to realize a three-line battle. Facing such an intensive schedule, they have to make strategic choices. Currently, Taishan is in the second place in the league, 9 points away from the leader Shanghai Port. Even with the help of the FA and the referees, catching up with Shanghai Port in the remaining 6 rounds of matches will be difficult. As a result, either staying second or fighting for third means not advancing to the AFC Champions League. In contrast, the FA Cup title seems to be closer at hand. As long as they can beat Dalian, Taishan should put their main focus on the FA Cup. As for the AFC Champions League, with their current staffing, as long as there are no surprises, their goal is to make it out of the group.
Next Tuesday, Taishan will depart for the Philippines to start a new journey with Kaya. Yesterday, the relevant personnel of the club have arrived in Beijing to apply for visas for the players. In addition to adapting to the climate of the Philippines, the team will also face new challenges. It is reported that Kaya's home field uses artificial turf, which is undoubtedly a big test for the players who are used to real grass.
We know that the artificial turf will speed up the ball, and it will be crucial for the players to quickly adapt to the coaching team's requirements and be fully prepared. In fact, the first match of the AFC Champions League is crucial for the Taishan team. Prior to that, the Hong Kong team lost to the Thai Premier League and the national soccer team only drew with Malaysia. Among the Southeast Asian teams, Taishan deserves to be a team that can do justice to Chinese soccer. However, facing these unfavorable factors, even the experienced coach Choi Kang-hee felt tricky!
