As we move into the second half of the Chinese Super League (CSL) season, Guoan have seen their title hopes dip to fourth place. Despite this setback, the team has shown signs of weakness ahead of the final stretch of the campaign.
One of the key areas where Guoan have struggled is defensively. The team has conceded more goals than any other team in the league, and this has been a major concern for manager Zhang Jie. With the likes of Zhang Tiejun and Wang Shengyu struggling to keep clean sheets, it will be crucial for the team to find solutions in this area if they hope to challenge for the top spot.
Offensively, Guoan have also had some issues. The team has scored fewer goals than expected, with just one player scoring over ten goals so far in the season. This has put pressure on the rest of the squad to step up their game and provide support for the strikers.
Another area that has been a weakness for Guoan is their midfield. While the team has some talented players in this position, there have been times when they have struggled to create clear-cut chances or control games. This could be a problem as they look to challenge for the title, as opponents will need to break down their defense if they want to score against them.
Despite these weaknesses, Guoan have still managed to stay in the running for the title. They have played some impressive football at times this season, and with the right changes made to address their weaknesses, they could still push towards the top. However, it remains to be seen whether they can overcome the challenges they face and emerge victorious from the CSL season.