Taishan is in a very different situation as they are fighting a double-header this time. Faced with the predicament of consecutive defeats in the Chinese Super League, Taishan is under unprecedented pressure. If they lose to Bangkok United of the Thai Premier League in the AFC Champions League qualifying round, Taishan FC will have to face the surging public opinion.
In this situation, Choi Kang-hee's way back has been blocked. Taishan must win a glorious victory at home against Bangkok United. Only then can Choi Kang-hee resolve the crisis of confidence. If Choi fails to leave the club, the club is afraid that it will be difficult to explain to the fans.
Once Choi Kang-hee is dismissed, his Korean coaching team will also leave. Taishan club urgently need to find a fire-fighting coach in advance. According to domestic sports media reports, Taishan club may bring back the team's merit Han Peng, so that he can lead Shandong Taishan to finish the season's journey. When the season comes to an end, then hire a foreign coach to take charge of the next season's coaching whip.
Han Peng, 41, from Jinan New Century Soccer School, joined Taishan in 1999 under the tutelage of Zhang Haitao, and was officially promoted to the Taishan team in 2002, where he quickly made a name for himself in the professional league. Playing for Taishan for 14 years, Han Peng contributed 71 league goals and 13 assists to the team, becoming the top local center forward in the Chinese Super League that year.
After retiring from playing, Han Peng transitioned to coaching and is now coaching the Taishan B team, leading the team to compete in the China B team tournament. As a decorated member of the Taishan team, Han Peng has excellent locker room management and morale-boosting skills. Whether or not Han Peng accepts the call of Taishan will depend on whether or not Choi Kang-hee can be dismissed next week...
