In Chinese football, every game is not only a contest between players, but also a contest of tactical wisdom and teamwork. Recently, the Luhu battle between Shanghai Shenhua and Taishan has once again become the focus, not only because it is a classic matchup in the Chinese Super League, but also because both teams have their own tactical changes and new ideas for team configuration.
The Shenhua team, under the leadership of Slutsky, showed a tactical style that was significantly different from that of his predecessor Wu Jingui. Shenhua during the Wu Jingui period was known for their solid defence and precise counter-attacks, while Slutsky brought a more aggressive approach to attacking football. However, as the 6-0 defeat to Zenit in the Equality Cup revealed, Shenhua's defense became a big problem for the team to solve. This game was not only a defeat, but also a severe test for the Shenhua backline, especially in the fast confrontation and high-intensity competition, the team's physical fitness and defensive awareness were insufficient.
However, as Shenhua fans said, such an international warm-up match has a non-negligible effect on the team's improvement. Through playing against European powerhouses, Shenhua has seen the true essence of modern football – solid fundamentals, fluid passing and quick transitions. Although Malele and Teixeira's shortcomings on the international stage have been magnified, and Slutsky's defensive system has also fallen short of Wu Jingui's level richness, this is exactly the direction in which Shenhua has improved and adjusted.
The situation of the Tarzan team is different. As one of the strong teams in the Chinese Super League, the Taishan team is extremely cautious in the preparation for the AFC Champions League knockout round, especially after Zeka's injury, and is even more cautious about the health of the players. Compared with Shenhua, the Taishan team also showed its professionalism and pragmatism in the tactical layout and player recruitment, especially in the introduction of new strikers and midfielders, as well as the counter-attacking speed emphasized by head coach Muscat.
Entering the new season, the performance of the two teams in the Chinese Super League will be a direct test of their respective tactical adjustments and team building effectiveness. Especially in a strong dialogue such as the Luhu battle, Zeka's comeback may be the key to the victory of the Taishan team. For Shenhua, how to solve the problem of weak defense under Slutsky's offensive football concept will be directly related to their results in the Chinese Super League.
In this context, the Luhu battle is not only a game, but also a comprehensive contest of tactical concepts, player ability and teamwork. Whether it's from the team's strategy, the performance of the players, or from the details of the game, we can see the fierce competition in the Super League and the differences between teams. For fans, this is not only a visual feast, but also a profound football cultural experience.
After analysing the tactical layout, player configuration and challenges of Shanghai Shenhua and Taishan in the new season, we look forward to the two teams showing more exciting performances in the next games, especially in the highlight moments such as the Luhu game, how they will conquer their opponents with strength and wisdom will become the focus of attention of all football fans.