Chengdu Rongcheng: The biggest challenge in September is three consecutive away games!

Reporter Lu Mi reports In August, Chengdu Rongcheng competed on three fronts, playing 7 matches with 5 wins and 2 draws in regular time. Apart from being knocked out on penalties in the FA Cup, all other results were ideal, and they also reached the top of the Chinese Super League.

In September, Chengdu Rongcheng will play 5 matches, facing Ulsan Hyundai and Gangwon FC in the AFC Champions League, and Yatai, Shenhua, and Zhejiang in the league. With 5 matches in 18 days, competing on two fronts, they face multiple challenges including a congested schedule, injury waves, and strong opponents. Xu Zhengyuan needs to prepare thoroughly.

On September 12th, they host Changchun Yatai; on the 21st, they visit Shanghai Shenhua; and on the 26th, they play away against Zhejiang. Among these league matches, the direct title battle against Shenhua is the most crucial. The AFC Champions League schedule includes an away game against Ulsan Hyundai on September 17th and a home match versus Gangwon FC on the 30th. The arrangement of 2 home and 3 away games within 18 days is tougher compared to the mostly home fixtures in August, presenting a greater challenge.

Currently, Rongcheng sits at the top of the Chinese Super League. The league is the main battlefield for the team’s title pursuit, while the AFC Champions League is a key step toward the Asian stage, impacting not only honor but also enhancing the club’s brand value. Xu Zhengyuan emphasized in a previous interview: “The opponents in the AFC Champions League Elite Tournament are the strongest teams from each country. No match is easy, so we must prepare with a more serious attitude and a humble mindset.”

Competing in both the league and AFC Champions League for the first time requires addressing three core issues. First is fitness management, especially since only four days separate the away match at Ulsan Hyundai on September 17th and the league away game against Shenhua, meaning consecutive tough away games that test player stamina. Second is squad rotation; with some key players carrying minor injuries, Delgado suspended for 5 matches, foreign player Caron out for the season, and no reinforcements in the summer window, the roster depth is limited. Xu Zhengyuan has tried rotation in the league but with unsatisfactory results, so balancing team strength and resting fatigued players is a challenge. Lastly, tactical adaptation is needed because Chinese Super League and AFC opponents play differently. In September, Rongcheng faces two Korean teams known for intense pressing and quick transitions, so the team must prepare appropriate strategies.

In August, Xu Zhengyuan rotated players against relegation-threatened Qingdao Hainiu but only managed a dull draw, which bothered him. Had they won that match, Rongcheng’s lead in the league would be more evident now. Xu does not want to add more regrets in September.

This is Chengdu Rongcheng’s first AFC Champions League campaign. Their two September opponents, Ulsan Hyundai and Gangwon FC, are both Korean teams. The coaching staff features many Korean members, including head coach Xu Zhengyuan and assistants Zheng Renhuan, He Dacheng, and Kim Hyung-ik, forming a “think tank” to study Korean AFC opponents.

Xu Zhengyuan played for K League clubs such as Seoul FC and Suwon Samsung during his playing days. From 2012 to 2018, he coached Suwon Samsung, gaining extensive experience and a deep understanding of Korean teams’ tactical concepts and styles. During his tenure, he often faced Ulsan Hyundai and other teams, providing valuable reference for current preparations.

On September 17th, Rongcheng will visit Ulsan Hyundai, a traditional powerhouse in Korean football currently ranked eighth in the K League. Their recent form is not strong, with only 1 win, 1 draw, and 4 losses in the last 6 matches, so Rongcheng has a chance to gain points. Ulsan’s tactics emphasize wing and center combination, using wingers to break through and cross to create chances for forwards. Several players, including Kim Young-gwon, Kang Sang-woo, Jung Woo-young, and foreign player Marcon, are familiar faces from the Chinese Super League, having played there for many years.

On September 30th, Rongcheng faces Gangwon FC, currently seventh in the K League, with 2 draws, 2 wins, and 1 loss in their last 5 matches. Gangwon FC will play Shanghai Shenhua on September 16th, and Rongcheng will closely analyze that match as an important reference.

The September 12th home match against Changchun Yatai marks the start of Rongcheng’s campaign for the month, with the team aiming to secure 3 points. Yatai has recently shown signs of recovery, but their defensive issues remain significant.

In August, Rongcheng played a similar match against relegation-threatened Qingdao Hainiu with an all-Chinese starting lineup but failed to secure 3 points. For the September opener against the weaker Changchun Yatai, Xu Zhengyuan will likely avoid rotation and stick with the regular starters to ensure victory.

The September 21st away match against Shanghai Shenhua is a direct clash with a title rival. Rongcheng has shown resilience against strong teams in recent seasons. However, this match follows closely after the AFC away game against Ulsan Hyundai, meaning Rongcheng will face physical fatigue and long-distance travel. Immediately after playing Shenhua, they must travel again to face Zhejiang away. The combination of competing on two fronts and three consecutive away games makes this the toughest period for Rongcheng.

As Xu Zhengyuan said, football is like climbing a mountain: after conquering one small peak, even higher and more difficult mountains await. Regardless of the outcome, this challenging September will be an important part of Chengdu Rongcheng’s growth journey.