Mitrić's "dependency syndrome" unresolved, Mitrić's "aftermath" has arrived.

Written by Zuo Rui. 0-3, the "red card incident" involving Mitrić continues to exert influence, Zhejiang Greentown suffers two consecutive defeats. If the home loss to Tongliang Long was considered an upset, then the away defeat to Yingbo should prompt the team to face the upcoming 25 rounds of the Chinese Super League more calmly.

Playing away in Dalian, Zhejiang's starting lineup changed due to Mitrić's absence: firstly, technical midfielder Cheng Jin started for the second time this season, partnering Park Jin-sub as central midfielders; secondly, Fang Hao made his first start, Wang Yudong returned to the left wing, Guiralapa continued as center forward, with Tolich behind them acting as the playmaker.

In the previous away match at Suoyu Bay, under Lu Zhuoyi's marking and Mamadu's defensive support, Mitrić was severely restricted, leading to Zhejiang's defeat. In this match, within the first 20 minutes, the away team's possession exceeded 60%, with more aggressive pressing, but the home team's quick counterattacks were effective. In the 27th minute, Liao Jintao initiated a counterattack and scored himself with a follow-up shot.

In the second half, the home team's intent for defensive counterattacks became firmer and more evident. In the 55th minute, the away team substituted Tong Lei, Bao Shengxin, and Tao Qianglong for Xu Junchi, Cheng Jin, and Fang Hao respectively. In the 62nd minute, Wang Yudong broke into the penalty area from the left and shot, but was saved; four minutes later, Achimpon and Mao Weijie scored two consecutive goals, resulting in a 0-3 defeat for Zhejiang.

Overall, Zhejiang committed more personnel to offense, with Park Jin-sub also frequently participating in positional attacks, threatening the opponent with headers and long-range shots. During the first-half stoppage time, Wang Yudong delivered a clever pass from the left, and Sun Guowen's angled shot was saved. In the final moments of the second half, Wang Yudong and Tolich also had opportunities to change the score.

Although Zhejiang maintained a desire for victory throughout, the issue of offensive core Mitrić not being on the field or not in form remains unresolved in the short term. Coach Ross Aloisi stated after the match that he bears direct responsibility for the loss and emphasized the need to "enhance offensive capability" while controlling opponent counterattacks.

Mitrić's "dependency syndrome" began last season and was dramatically exposed in an extreme manner until the previous round. Before the 6th round home match against Guoan, Mitrić's "aftermath" warrants deeper reflection and vigilance from the coaching staff.

After the home loss on the 5th, Mitrić was deeply remorseful and sincerely apologized to teammates and coaches. He already understood that his impulsive action not only dashed hopes for three points but would also incur further penalties, costing himself and the team more. The next morning, he publicly apologized via social media, admitting his excessive behavior contradicted his usual conduct and violated sportsmanship.

It is understood that during the team meeting on the morning of the 8th, Ross reviewed the first defeat, urging the team to learn lessons and focus on matches, and analyzed the challenges of the away match in Dalian. Before attending the online hearing with a lawyer and translator in the afternoon, Mitrić was in low spirits, still filled with self-blame. Legal and psychological experts counseled him, but he still felt he shouldn't have caused so much trouble for the club.

On the evening of the 8th, the Chinese Football Association's disciplinary results were announced: Mitrić suspended for 4 matches and fined 40,000 RMB. Combined with the one-match suspension for the red card, he will miss 5 rounds. Zhejiang club subsequently announced a fine of 60,000 euros and a warning for Mitrić. This internal disciplinary action was logical, based on player contract terms and aimed at strengthening team management. The club also reassured Mitrić, encouraging him to regain his spirits and return to the field.

On the morning of the 9th, Mitrić participated in training. On the evening of the 10th, Zhejiang suffered a heavy defeat without him. For the player himself, the 5-round suspension and recovery period are quite lengthy; for Ross, the time to solve the problem is limited. New issues have emerged in defense, while the longstanding problem in offense—how to reorganize the attacking line and improve efficiency—is urgent, followed by how to prepare for Mitrić's return.