The results of the 2022 AFC Champions League group stage draw were confirmed, and last season's Chinese Super League champions Shandong Taishan drew the upper draw, with The Japanese team Urawa Red Diamonds, Singapore team Lion City Mariners and play-off team 4 (Buriram United vs Daegu FC). After returning to the top of the Chinese Super League, Shandong Taishan next is the first AFC Champions League champion in the history of the impact team, erasing the title of "AFC Champions League Tragedy Team" shouted by fans.
Shandong Taishan won the Chinese Super League and THE FA Cup last season, and was crowned the domestic double champion again after 15 years, in addition to the strong lineup, it is also related to the environment of the Chinese super league, especially the Guangzhou team, if there are naturalized players to participate, Shandong Taishan is difficult to crown the Chinese Super League champion three rounds in advance.
Next season's AFC Champions League group stage group is released, with the overall strength of the current Shandong Taishan, it cannot become a popular team for the AFC Champions League to win the championship, and it also needs to strengthen the lineup.
According to the news of reporter Xia Xiaosi, next season Shandong Taishan will fight on the third front, and the official news is that it will reasonably attract reinforcements and supplement the weak position forces.
After the grouping of the AFC Champions League group stage, it triggered a heated discussion among Shandong fans, "Taishan's domestic honor has been a grand slam, I hope to impact the AFC Champions League, even if the substitute plays in the Chinese Super League, don't relegate it", "The most important thing should be added is the front line", "Alan or Elkeson got it, and some of the AFC Champions League did it" and so on.
Shandong Taishan's current weakest position in the lineup is indeed a forward, local striker Guo Tianyu's ability is average, the potential is not much, much worse than Zhang Yuning's comprehensive ability, next season let Guo Tianyu continue to charge, Shandong Taishan has no hope of impacting the AFC Champions League championship.
Previously, there were media rumors that Shandong Taishan and other teams had the opportunity to naturalize the international players of Guangzhou, including Jiang Guangtai and Alan, who played as center-backs and forwards respectively, especially Jiang Guangtai, who had a Chinese identity, and was more favored.
Jiang Guangtai's participation in the AFC Champions League will not occupy the quota of foreign aid, and at present, coupled with blood, the sense of belonging is relatively strong, and Shandong Taishan signed him, which can greatly improve the defensive ability. Previously, a Portuguese reporter released an exclusive message, saying that Shandong Taishan bought out Jia Desong from the Portimão people and signed a 4-year contract, next season Jiang Guangtai and Jia Desong partnered at center-back, Zheng Zheng went to play left-back, and Wang Dalei town defended the goal, and the team defended stronger.
In addition, Alain has a contract with Guangzhou, the club also hopes to sell a good price, Shandong Taishan is willing to bear Alan's salary, and the two clubs trade easier. If Alan joins Shandong Taishan, the team's front line can also be strengthened, maintaining a balanced attack and defense, which is the key to whether Shandong Taishan can impact the AFC Champions League championship.