On December 8, the Peninsula Morning Post revealed that Dalian Kuncheng FC head coach Li Jundou was full of confidence, revealing that he was preparing to challenge for Super League supremacy within two to three years. This marks the first time that the club has publicly unveiled its ambitious blueprint for the Super League.
Looking back at last season, Kuncheng finished seventh in the Chinese Championship in the Second Division. At the beginning of the season, the team set a clear goal to reach the first division. After a hard-fought campaign, they won six games in a row at the end of the season to climb up the table and achieve the feat of reaching the first division. However, it is inevitable that a newly promoted first division team will encounter a lot of challenges in their first season. From roster adjustments to adapting to the fast pace of the top league, it takes time to get used to it all. It is worth noting that the team has started its winter training on the 6th, which is an early start in the third tier league.
In a video released by the club, Chairman Lee Joon Doo bluntly stated that the 2025 season is a big responsibility for Kun Cheng. He plans to develop more young talent while ensuring the team stays in the relegation race, aiming to mount a strong challenge to the Chinese Super League in two to three years. At the beginning of the year, Ma also vowed to surpass others in three years. While it is a miracle that the goal was reached in just one season, the plan reflects the three-year cycle generally recognized in the industry. With stable investment and scientific management, through continuous accumulation and construction, Kuncheng is expected to be promoted to a higher level of the league.
