It has been stated that the reason for Cho Kang-hee's (66) separation from Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League is not solely due to 'poor performance.'
On the 9th (Korea time), according to the Chinese media outlet Zhibo8, Chinese football commentator Yuan Jia stated that after learning of the news that Shandong Taishan was essentially going to part ways with Cho Kang-hee, he commented on his social media account, 'The conflict started when Cho lost the power to recruit players this season,' adding, 'The situation is identical to that of former coach Nam Gi-il. Most Chinese coaches part ways cleanly, but foreign coaches, especially Korean coaches, end up leaving without maintaining any real affection.'
Shandong Taishan officially announced the day before (the 8th), saying, 'Cho Kang-hee is returning to Korea for treatment due to a recurrence of his knee injury. The club plans to operate under an interim coaching system for training and matches.'
Furthermore, it was noted, 'We have paid attention several times to Cho Kang-hee's injury. We contacted several reputable hospitals in China to provide medical support. We hope he recovers as soon as possible,' explaining the reasoning behind choosing the interim system while adding, 'Currently, as the Chinese Super League enters a crucial stage in the second half, Cho Kang-hee will find it difficult to command, train, or participate in matches during his treatment period.'
Lastly, Shandong Taishan expressed, 'We thank all individuals from various sectors of society who have shown interest and support for the club. We will do our best to ensure that all team operations can be carried out smoothly. We will respond to all expectations and trust with tangible actions.'
Cho Kang-hee, who took charge of Shandong Taishan in May 2023, managed to reorganize the team during a chaotic situation where key players were expelled due to match-fixing and bribery allegations. He established a stable defensive organization and effective counterattack tactics, setting the team on the right track. He led the 2023 season Shandong to finish as the second team in the Chinese Super League and also secured the runner-up position in the FA Cup.
However, the team’s ranking dropped in the 2024 season. Shandong Taishan finished the league in 5th place, also becoming the runner-up in the FA Cup again. This season, they are also lingering in mid-table.
However, there is consensus that Cho Kang-hee still receives positive evaluations for turning around the fragmented team, affected by match-fixing allegations, into a team that can aim for the upper ranks within two years.
Nevertheless, due to the poor performance this season, he ultimately lost his official position as head coach.
Shandong Taishan exited early in the FA Cup, losing 1-3 against Chengdu Rongcheng in the Round of 16 on the 20th of last month. Additionally, they finished the first half of the Chinese Super League with a record of 7 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses (6th place). Fans of Shandong Taishan shouted, 'Cho Kang-hee out.'
In a pre-match press conference ahead of the first game of the 2025 Chinese Super League second half against Henan FC on the 29th of last month, Cho stated, 'Internally, the team is not being significantly shaken,' but after leading 2-0, they lost their concentration towards the end, ultimately drawing 2-2 with Henan.
After this match, with Cho Kang-hee being in Korea due to injury issues, the official announcement of the coaching change at Shandong Taishan was made.
[Photo] Cho Kang-hee ©Gettyimages (no reproduction or redistribution without permission)
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