In the realm of Chinese football, Shandong Taishan has always been a team with a rich historical legacy. With a solid fan base, the dynamics of Shandong Taishan during each season's break have always been a focal point for fans. Now, there are reports that Su Maozhen and Guo Zuojin will join the coaching staff of Shandong Taishan, as well as the conflicts between Choi Kang-hee and the team. Taishan is facing unprecedented changes and challenges. It will be very difficult for the team to use young players extensively next season, especially since foreign coaches in the CSL still prioritize results and earnings.
Su Maozhen and Guo Zuojin's Joining
Su Maozhen, a legendary figure of Shandong Taishan, is a symbol of Shandong football. With his outstanding performance during his playing days, he has made remarkable achievements for the team. There have been several opportunities for him to return in the past, but none have materialized. It remains to be seen if this time will be successful. His return undoubtedly injects a strong dose of energy into Taishan. It is reported that Su Maozhen may enter the club's management, which is undoubtedly a good thing for Taishan's future development. Guo Zuojin, as the vice-chairman of the Qingdao Football Association and the first national team coach from Qingdao, his joining is also seen as an important addition to the management and coaching staff structure of Taishan.
Choi Kang-hee's Conflict with the Team
As the head coach of Taishan, Choi Kang-hee's rigid tactics and recruitment strategy have been widely questioned. It is reported that there are obvious differences between Choi Kang-hee and the management in terms of recruitment. The internal and external aid he recommended was rejected by Taishan, which undoubtedly made him feel that his professional opinions were not given due respect. In addition, Choi Kang-hee's agent hopes to introduce foreign aid independently, while the management prefers to introduce foreign aid from Luneng's Brazilian base, further exacerbating the conflict between the two sides.
Choi Kang-hee Prioritizes Earnings and Results
After taking over Shandong Taishan in the 2023 season, Choi Kang-hee once led the team out of the trough and rejuvenated it on the AFC Champions League stage. However, with the rigidity of Choi Kang-hee's tactics and the disastrous recruitment, the team's performance declined, and fans lost trust in Choi Kang-hee. Choi Kang-hee's coaching philosophy is at odds with the club's goals, and ultimately faces contradictions. Under financial constraints, the club must bravely make choices.
The Challenge of Using Young Players Next Season
Taishan has already taken back Choi Kang-hee's recruitment power and is expected to send away the Pato and Marcel he introduced, and rejected several foreign aid candidates recommended by Choi Kang-hee. Moreover, it now appears that Shandong Taishan has also found a successor to Choi Kang-hee. The players Taishan wants cannot come, and those who can come are not suitable in terms of ability and age. It is better to cultivate local youth training players. This decision marks a major shift in the club's development strategy, from relying on foreign aid and veterans to cultivating local young players. However, such a transformation is not easy. Although young players have potential, they lack experience and need time to grow and adapt to the competitive level of the top league. This is undoubtedly a huge challenge for Taishan.
Conclusion
Shandong Taishan is at a critical turning point. The joining of Su Maozhen and Guo Zuojin, the conflict between Choi Kang-hee and the team, and the dual pressures of economy and results all make Taishan's future uncertain. However, it is precisely in these challenges that Taishan may find new development opportunities. The strategy of using only young players is challenging, but it is also a necessary path for the long-term development of the team. We look forward to Taishan finding its direction in the midst of change, embracing new challenges, and creating new glories.