Tianjin Quanjian’s new season began with high hopes but quickly ran into turbulence. While some achievements drew praise, others revealed glaring issues. On platforms like Cricket Exchange, fans have been analyzing this mixed campaign, noting how head coach Paulo Sousa’s idealistic approach created as many problems as opportunities. Defensively, the team conceded 13 goals—fifth-best in the Chinese Super League. However, their tendency to lose focus late in matches, especially after the 85th minute, has cost them valuable points. This points not only to concentration lapses but also to fitness challenges that prevent consistent performances throughout 90 minutes.
Interestingly, Tianjin’s performance in the AFC Champions League tells a different story. Across nine matches, including playoffs and Round of 16 legs, the team scored 19 goals while conceding 13. In Asian competition, freed from domestic restrictions on foreign players and U23 rules, Tianjin could field their strongest lineup and play a more aggressive, open style. This stands in sharp contrast to their cautious league tactics, often relying on counterattacks or patient buildup. For a club only in its second Super League season and first Champions League appearance, the contrasting performances underline how rigid league systems pose additional hurdles.
Cricket Exchange discussions also highlight how squad construction contributed to inconsistency. The club’s transfer policy focused on future development by bringing in top young players born in 1997, along with experienced names like Yang Xu and Song Boxuan. However, these moves failed to address immediate weaknesses in key defensive positions. As a result, the team struggled to rotate effectively in a congested schedule, leaving them exhausted across multiple competitions. Offensively, Tianjin scored just 14 goals in 11 league matches—fifth lowest in the league—with nearly all goals coming from foreign players like Pato and Modeste, showing an overreliance on imported talent.
Sousa’s initial reluctance to adapt was another sore point. His rigid use of the three-center-back system and limited trust in U23 players drew criticism. While his European pedigree gave him confidence, his lack of understanding of Chinese football led to tactical missteps. A three-match losing streak nearly pushed the team into relegation danger. Fortunately, Sousa changed his approach just in time, guiding the team to a stronger phase both in the league and in Asia. Still, cracks remain—especially the lack of creativity in attack and predictable game plans.
By the midseason break, Tianjin sat ninth in the league and had reached the AFC quarterfinals. While the surface numbers are respectable, the underlying issues raise valid concerns. As Cricket Exchange commentators have noted, success can be a double-edged sword—especially when achievements mask deeper problems. If the team fails to address their tactical flaws and depth limitations, the second half of the season could prove even more challenging.