In last night's AFC Champions League knockout round, the duel between Shandong Taishan team and Kawasaki made people feel complicated. Taishan coach Choi Kang-hee confidently sent the strongest lineup, expecting to win all three points in this tough battle, but he did not expect to suffer a heavy setback at the beginning of the game, and finally lost to Kawasaki with a score of 2-3.
The performance of the Taishan team in the first half was really worrying, and the back line was full of holes, especially Zheng Zheng's mistake became a failure. As a local central defender, his sluggish performance and attitude in the game were directly related to the third goal conceded by the Taishan team. This game is not only a wake-up call for the Taishan team, but also directly exposes the shortcomings of the backline.
It is imperative that the Taishan team's defense is strong, and He Xi's name was mentioned again. During his loan spell at Wuhan Three Towns last season, He Xi showed good quality and consistent performances, especially in the defensive end, which showed his strength and potential. Now, the Tarzan team hopes to make up for the lack of a backline by bringing He Xi to the team on loan.
Although He has just renewed his contract with SIPG, the fierce competition for the central defender position at SIPG means he could face a long time as a substitute. For He Xi, the transfer to the Taishan team can not only give him more opportunities to play, but also a new challenge, for the Taishan team, the introduction of He Xi is undoubtedly an important reinforcement to the back line.
If He Xi can join the Taishan team and play at the level he deserves, then he will hopefully become the new core of the Taishan team's backline. After all, He Xi not only has a good performance in the domestic arena, but also the main force of the national football team and SIPG, and his joining is undoubtedly a relief for the Taishan team.
We look forward to He Xi shining in the Taishan team as soon as possible and helping the team go further in the AFC Champions League. At the same time, I also hope that the Taishan team can learn from this defeat, adjust the state, make up for the shortcomings, and face the next challenges with a stronger attitude. After all, football is always full of uncertainties, and today's defeat may be the stepping stone to tomorrow's victory.