After a tumultuous season, Shandong Taishan team has both the pain of losing the championship and Cui Kangxi's feat of saving the day, an experience that undoubtedly left them with a lot of emotions. Overall, the team won the praise and affirmation of the fans, both happy and sad, for the new season's journey buried expectations.
However, the prospect of the new season is clouded with a layer of uncertainty, especially the departure of Fellaini and Moises, which almost dismantled the attacking framework of Taishan's front court. How Choi Kang-hee reconstructs the attacking strategy is not only related to the team's performance, but also the fate of the team. With the recent transfer rumors surrounding the Taishan team, fans' nerves are on edge as they look forward to the final official announcement.
First of all, the configuration of the foreign aid is basically finalized and is full of surprises.
With the departure of Fellaini and Moises, and Pato's intention already decided, the team only retains two foreigners, Cressan and Jadson. In other words, the introduction of new foreign aid has become the team's top priority!
Zeca, the heart of POSCO's offense and a recognized powerhouse in the K-League, has decided to join Shandong Taishan. Although Taishan has not yet made an official announcement, Zeca himself and the head coach of POSCO have already revealed the news to the media. Currently, everything is waiting for Zeca to arrive and undergo a medical examination and other follow-up processes. Only if everything goes well, Taishan will make an official announcement, which is in line with the club's usual style.
Judging by his performances in the K-League, Zeca is highly anticipated as Fellaini's successor.
Zakaishvili is also in the final stages of negotiations. The forward attacker, who has outstanding foot skills, was instrumental in Ulsan Hyundai's title win. Undoubtedly, Taesan hope that he can fill the vacancy left by Moises and continue to improve the team's attacking system.
Baek Seung-ho, the popular foreigner in Korean soccer, is also the mainstay of Hyundai North's midfield. This player is the most variable foreigner for Taesan at the moment, and it won't be easy to sign him. In order for Taesan to achieve good results, they need a tough guy like Son Junho, and Baek Seung-ho is undoubtedly the ideal candidate.
Shandong Taishan has shown enough sincerity to pay the salary at all costs. The biggest dilemma now is that Baek Seung-ho wants to go to Europe. Jeonbuk Hyundai won't release him easily if they don't have enough transfer fee. And Bundesliga Darmstadt and Mainz both extended an olive branch to him, but it was limited to a trial and the salary was not high. Baek Seung-ho faces the choice of going to Europe or the Chinese Super League with a high salary, at this time Choi Kang-hee needs to communicate in depth. Perhaps Baek Seung-ho's problem is not complicated.
Cressan and Jadson, together with the three foreigners mentioned above, the team already has five foreigners, which is enough according to the usual practice. However, according to the club's internal news, the team will not stop signing, they will continue to look for foreign aid, and the return of Leonardo, the golden boot of the Chinese Super League, is also on the agenda.
Previously, the media reported that Leonardo would not return to Taishan because the team's tactics did not suit him. Instead of wasting this good player, it would be better to sell him directly to Zhejiang team in exchange for the transfer fee and then use it to bring in other good players. But now it seems that Taishan team doesn't want to do that. Leonardo's outstanding performance has completely caught the club's attention and Choi Kang-hee hasn't denied him outright, so it's not surprising to bring him in further.
In this way, including Asian foreign aid Baek Seung-ho, Shandong Taishan team will have six foreign aiders. It's been a long time since the Taishan team has been so rich. There are two reasons why they are so confident. First, Cui Kangxi is confident that the team will improve its performance again, but he needs the full support of the club, which means that the club should not skimp on the introduction of players.
Secondly, the club's shareholding reform has made new progress. Previously, the Taishan team was controlled by Culture Tourism, Power and Luneng. However, Culture Tourism, as the major shareholder, has been inactive, bringing many troubles to the team. In the new season, the club will introduce more new investors and the composition of shareholders will be more diversified. At least for now, the team will not lack of funds.
Secondly, tactics will see a whole new change.
With a rich player base and a season of integration, Cui Kangxi has a comprehensive understanding of Shandong Taishan. Cui Kangxi will fully upgrade the team's tactical system in the new season.
The overall tactical pattern remains the same, with the high center still at the core. However, in the future, Taishan's offense will be based on the combination of open space and three-dimensional attack, which will no longer be limited to simple personnel positions, but flexible penetration and side transmission. The overall offensive tactics will bring a brand new feeling.
The biggest change will be Kressan. He is no longer just a purely offensive striker, but a well-rounded free agent up front. In other words, Crezan has the best hope of replacing Moises as the tactical centerpiece up front. The reason is not hard to understand. Cressan can control the ball, can break through, and has excellent long-range shooting ability. He has the ability to change the game at critical moments. In addition, Cressan has played for Taishan for many years and knows the Chinese Super League like the back of his hand, familiarizing himself with every player in the team.
Newcomer Zakayishvili will be the first choice to assist Kressan. Zakayishvili is best at attacking on the wings and also performs well in the middle and up front. It can be said that he is also a versatile player up front. In the attacking system of the front field, Kressan is the leading factor and Zakayishvili is the supporting factor. Taishan's frontcourt is equivalent to two engines. The only uncertainty is how Choi Kang-hee will pinch the two together and develop their understanding during the winter break.
Up front, Zeca will be the starting candidate. If Leonardo returns, Choi Kang-hee will definitely give him a chance. The ideal choice would be Leonardo and Zeca starting at the same time, forming a high and fast super combination. Considering the limitations on the number of foreigners in the Chinese Super League, Leonardo and Zakaishvili will be competing for a chance to start, while Zeca, Kressan, Baek Seung-ho and Jadson will have relatively stable positions.
It is foreseeable that these foreigners will play at the same time in the AFC Champions League, but in the domestic league, Choi Kang-hee will make his choice based on the player's form and the opponent's situation. But don't worry, Cressan, Zakayishvili and Baek Seung-ho are all-round warriors in the midfield and won't be limited by tactics and positions. (PS: The foreign aid policy of the Football Association, should be synchronized with the AFC Champions League)
Third, domestic players will also see a new upgrade.
While bringing in foreign aid, Taishan team is also paying close attention to the domestic transfer market. Currently there are two positions that need to be strengthened, a right back and a center back.
Although there were multiple defenders on the right side, their age structure and strengths and weaknesses did not match Choi Kang-hee's requirements. Director Choi needs a physical, gritty player who can play both offense and defense. The center back position is the team's focus. After all, the team suffered too many losses in the center back position last season. Jadason and Zheng Zheng are the main players, but they are older. Facing intensive matches, the center back position will be a big hidden danger for the team once they are injured or suspended. Therefore, it is imperative to bring in one or two good center backs.
In addition, some players who are on loan from Taishan will return during the winter break, such as Duan Liuyu, Yi Xianlong, and Baiheilamu, all of whom are on the team's recall list. Guo Tianyu is reportedly in further communication with the club and is expected to return to the team to continue his career.
To summarize, the Taishan team will have an unprecedented lineup this winter break. Since there are players joining, there are bound to be players leaving. After all, everyone's performance in this winter break will affect their future and fate. If they don't seize the opportunity, they will probably be traded by the club.
put at the end
Now, the Taishan team is training in South Korea, so to speak, to prepare for the group stage of the AFC Champions League, but more than that, it is the opening of the winter break.
Cui Kangxi and the club on the preparation and planning of the new season for the initial communication, got the management of its overall ideas. According to the preliminary idea, the new season Shandong Taishan will be fully upgraded, the fighting force will be greatly improved, and the results of all fronts are expected to break through. According to last season's record, Cui Kangxi in the new season set the goal to win at least one championship to return the trust of the club and fans.
It is foreseeable that if these plans can be successfully implemented, the newborn Shandong Taishan will once again impress the Chinese Super League.
