Tianjin Jinmen Tigers, through thick and thin, struggled on the brink of relegation for a long time, and the plight of salary arrears once made it face the fate of dissolution. However, after the rebirth, the team not only changed its name, but also continued the "tradition" of defaulting on salary payments. However, in the 2022 Chinese Super League, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers unexpectedly finished eighth.
Stepping into the new season, the Tianjin Jinmen Tigers' lineup strength has steadily improved, and whether they can once again retain their top eight position has become the focus of attention.
Tianjin Jinmen Tigers, the veteran team, has been resurrected after trials and tribulations. Since the founding of Tianjin Football Club in 1993, the team made its debut in the First Division in 1994 and fell into a slump due to relegation in 1997. However, with the acquisition of TEDA Group, the team returned to the First Division in 1998 with an undefeated record.
TEDA Group, a subsidiary of the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area, has been the parent company of the Tianjin team. Although the team's name changed frequently before 2020, such as Kangshi and Yili, the branding of TEDA remained consistent. The team's sponsors also changed frequently during those years, making it a major feature.
Despite fighting relegation all year, Tianjin never dropped out of the First Division, and in 2010, Tianjin TEDA finished second in the Chinese Super League, the best league finish in the team's history, and in 2020, 26 years after the professionalization of soccer in China, Tianjin managed to survive relegation after winning only one game due to the "exciting" system. At the end of the season, TEDA Holdings withdrew due to salary issues, and the Tianjin Football Association (TFA) urgently searched for investment to take over the team, renamed it Tianjin Jinmen Tigers, and successfully passed the Chinese Super League (CSL).
This event is regarded as a "special matter" for the CFA, which was unimaginable in the past. Either through the formal process of transfer or Tianjin TEDA settlement, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers could not participate in it. The new club can only start at the lowest level and gradually move up.
Current coach Yu Genwei, a famous Tianjin soccer player, succeeded Wang Baoshan in March 2021 as the head coach and general manager of Tianjin Jinmen Tigers. As things stand, he seems to be the best fit for this team.
In the new season, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers have brought in a number of strong players, such as Gao Huaze, Chang Feiya, and tomorrow, which has improved their strength. However, veterans such as Zhou Tong and Qiu Tianyi have left the team, and Tan Wangsong retired to become an assistant coach of the coaching team. Overall, compared to last season, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers' strength has slightly improved.
Looking ahead to the new season, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers coach Yu Genwei said that home and away is the real soccer. Although the team's strength is limited, the Jinmen Tigers are expected to be at least in the top ten in the top 16.
