The Chinese Super League (CSL) has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many clubs struggling to stay afloat financially and facing relegation to lower divisions. However, one club that has managed to weather the storm is Henan Jianye.
Henan Jianye was originally relegated to the second tier of Chinese football last season after finishing bottom of the CSL. However, they have since won back-to-back league titles and finished third this season, just three points behind champions Beijing Guoan.
The team's success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, they have had strong performances on both ends of the pitch. Their attacking play has been effective, while their defensive structure has been solid.
Secondly, they have had a strong squad, with key players such as striker Wu Lei and midfielder Zhang Wenhao contributing to their success. Additionally, they have also benefited from some good luck, such as winning penalty shootouts against teams like Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua.
Finally, their manager, Jang Tae-sung, has done a great job managing the team and keeping them focused throughout the season. He has made strategic changes to the team's tactics and personnel, which have helped them turn things around.
Overall, Henan Jianye's successful campaign in the CSL demonstrates the resilience of Chinese football clubs in the face of adversity. It shows that even small clubs can compete at the highest level if they have the right strategy and support from their fans. And it also highlights the importance of having a strong squad and coaching staff, as well as a solid defensive structure, for any team to succeed.