Decisive Round: Tarzan's new tactics and key player activations
In order to welcome the second leg of the AFC Champions League, Shandong Taishan team made a series of starting adjustments. The activation of the center's foreign aid became a key one, and the Taishan team pulled back half of the suspense of the knockout round when they only lost one goal at home. In this high-profile game, how the Taishan team will deal with the pressure of Kawasaki Frontale has become the focus of concern for the majority of fans.
Kawasaki Frontale rested in the first leg of the game, showing the importance they attach to the Shandong Taishan team. However, the excellent performance of the Tarzan team made the opponent feel some pressure as well. For the second round, the duel between the two head coaches, Oni Mu Da and Choi Kang-hee, inspired the expectations of fans. Choi Kang-hee decisively dropped Delgado due to injury problems, opting for only two goalkeepers in the 23-man squad, showing his determination for this game.
In the first round, Choi Kang-hee was criticized for taking people for granted. His trust in players such as Wu Xinghan and Zheng Zheng was not reciprocated in the match, forcing him to make adjustments in the second round. This time, he took a more decisive approach and gave it a go. In the 23-man squad, both veterans and young players must be ready to play. This kind of drastic decision may be exactly what the Taishan team needs in this crucial game.
Choi Kang-hee's lineup adjustments are mainly focused on the defensive line and the center forward position. With three goals conceded in the first leg, the defence will inevitably have to be adjusted, and Shi Ke's return will bring more stability to the Taishan backline. Kawasaki Frontale's two wings have a strong impact, and in this regard, the Taishan team needs to do a good job of targeted defense. The impact of foreign players Erisson and Marchisinho has caused a lot of trouble for the Taishan team's defense, so the adjustment of the midfield is particularly crucial.
In midfield, Choi Kang-hee faced the dilemma of being unavailable, and Peng Xinli became a player who had to play again. Facing Kawasaki Frontale's powerful midfield, the Tarzan team needs to make drastic adjustments. However, Choi Kang-hee has more players available on the offensive end, and the combination of Fernando and Xie Wenneng will be the bright spot for the Taishan team. Xie Wenneng's non-stage fright, no matter what the opponent is, dares to make moves on the offensive end, and his defensive performance is equally convincing.
The key move is the activation of the center's foreign aid Pato. With Cressan and Kazaishvili forming a trident of foreign players, Pato will play the role of a "blue-collar" center forward, mainly responsible for attrition of opponents. Choi Kang-hee decided in this game not to be a horse race, but to let Pato start, liberate Cressan, and use Kaza as a wingman. Such a division of tasks is expected to achieve better results on the offensive end.
For the Taishan team to reach the quarterfinals, the key lies in the performance of the defensive line and the two wings. It is not a shameful choice to not easily play the ball and fight back in an iron bucket formation, as long as you can win. With the opponent's two flanks impactful, the Tarzan team needs to make adjustments in terms of high balls and defense. The lesson of conceding in the first leg forced Choi Kang-hee to reassess the configuration of the backline, and Shi Ke's return will bring a stronger defensive force to the Taishan team.
On the basis of winning the double runner-up last year, Choi Kang-hee has consumed half of his reputation in the case of unfavorable recruitment. In the upcoming Chinese Super League, playing as the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League will be an important opportunity for Cui Kangxi. He will desperately need to prove his command and tactical competitiveness in the new season, and this match will be a great platform.
The Tarzans face many challenges in this decisive round, but they also have plenty of opportunities. Squad adjustments, center activation, and player play will all determine the direction of the game. With the whole team working together, the Taishan team is expected to usher in a victory at home and advance to the quarterfinals. Whether Choi Kang-hee can make the right decisions at crucial moments and whether the players can play well on the pitch will all be revealed in the game. May the Taishan team write new brilliance with strength and hard work. *