Chinese Super League Opening Round Preview: Taishan vs. Ironmen – Teammates Two Decades Ago, Now Rivals

Reporter Chen Yong reports The 2026 season opener for Shandong Taishan is a "battle of old friends."

Two decades ago, Li Jinyu and Han Peng together launched Shandong Taishan's most glorious season. In that season, Li Jinyu scored 26 goals to become the CSL top scorer, while the 23-year-old Han Peng also contributed 10 goals, placing fifth in the scoring charts. Shandong Taishan ultimately won the double and clinched the league title six rounds early. Twenty years later, these two old friends meet again, but this time they face off from the managerial sidelines.

Han Peng took over as interim manager for the final 14 rounds last season, making this year his first full season in charge. Although Li Jinyu has coached in the CSL twice before—first as an interim at Shijiazhuang Ever Bright and then at Wuhan—he now leads Liaoning Ironmen after their promotion, marking his first complete season as a top-flight manager, granting him greater control over the team.

Li Jinyu's management style focuses on allowing players to develop independently, likely influenced by his experience with senior teams. He does not micromanage players' activities outside training and matches, as long as they maintain their form and perform on the pitch.

In contrast, Han Peng, who has extensive experience coaching youth teams, expects the same level of discipline from his players. During his youth team tenure, Han kept a tight schedule with morning training, evening meetings, and dedicated study of football tactics. Last season, applying these methods to the senior team, he instilled strong discipline, leading to a noticeable improvement in Taishan's performance.

On February 27, Shandong Taishan played a preseason friendly against Shanghai Shenhua, intended as the final warm-up after three training phases. Fans hoped this match would help the team find its rhythm, but were shocked by a heavy defeat. The match consisted of three 45-minute periods: Taishan conceded five goals in the first, struggled in the second, and trailed 0–7 at one point. After two periods, they were down 1–8, and despite each side scoring in the third, Taishan lost 2–9.

The scale of the loss surprised all fans and raised doubts about Taishan's prospects. Reports indicate tactical issues, particularly in the defensive midfield: key foreign midfielder Madelug was recently injured and only just recovered, so for safety he did not play. Delgado filled in alongside Li Yuanyi, but his lack of defensive midfield skills, especially in defense, led to a breakdown.

While Delgado's poor performance was a direct factor, falling behind 0–7 cannot be blamed solely on him. The team's overall mentality and tactical preparation likely also contributed.

Taishan's biggest challenge remains defense. Center-back Alvaro arrived in Jinan before the Spring Festival but had been injured and missed several Greek league matches. Currently, it seems unlikely he will start and play the full match against Liaoning Ironmen. Defensive midfielder Madelug, also recently injured, may not be at full fitness without sufficient preseason matches.

Facing Liaoning Ironmen in their CSL debut, Li Jinyu is well aware of Taishan's strength and is expected to adopt a cautious approach.

Liaoning Ironmen have made significant signings this season, adding strong domestic players like Yan Dinghao, Li Tixiang, Yuan Mincheng, and Han Rongze to bolster their midfield and defense. Offensive reinforcements include Chen Binbin and Tian Yuda, enhancing the squad's depth.

In terms of foreign players, while retaining key promotion contributors Mbenza, Felipe, and Kunimoto, they have loaned Brazilian winger Refinio, valued at €4.5 million, who scored 2 goals and provided 4 assists in 17 Brazilian Serie A appearances last season. They also signed Swedish center-back Vajic, significantly upgrading both defense and attack.

Preseason friendlies suggest Liaoning Ironmen will continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation, employing high pressing and wing attacks.