Choi Kang-hee's coaching path always seems to be in pursuit of the dual extremes of money and performance.
When he took over the baton of Shandong Taishan in 2023, the team once made a comeback from the predicament and blossomed in the AFC Champions League. But as time changed, the rigidity of Cui Kangxi's tactics and the failure of his reinforcement strategy, like a domino effect, led to the team's performance plummeted, and the fans' trust in Cui Kangxi also scattered with the wind. His incompatibility with the club's goals eventually led to irreconcilable conflicts. Under the difficult financial situation, the club had to face difficult choices.
In the new season, Shandong Taishan will face the challenges and opportunities of the younger generation.
The team has withdrawn Choi Kang-hee's signing rights, Pato and Marcel, the two big players may be sent away, and Choi Kang-hee's recommended foreign aid candidates have also been rejected one by one. Now, Shandong Taishan seems to have locked in a new manager. In the face of the reality of not being able to introduce the desired players, Taishan chose to tap into the potential of local youth training, this strategic transition means that from the dependence on foreign aid to the local cultivation of the magnificent turn. However, this road is not straight. Although young players are full of potential, their lack of experience makes them face serious challenges in adapting to the top league. Taishan, it seems, is on the verge of becoming uncompetitive.
concluding remarks
Shandong Taishan is on the cusp of change. The addition of Cebu and Guogin, Cui Kangxi's entanglement with the team, and the dual pressures of economy and performance have cast a layer of uncertainty over Taishan's future. However, it is in the midst of such adversity that Taishan may be able to find a new direction. Although the strategy of utilizing young players is challenging, it is a must for the team's long-term development. We are eagerly waiting for Taishan to emerge from the cocoon of change to meet new challenges and write a new legend.
