Shanghai Shenhua chose to strategically forfeit their opening AFC Champions League clash, a dilemma that has troubled several Chinese Super League (CSL) clubs. Balancing continental competition with domestic league performance remains a challenge: focus on the AFC campaign, and the CSL suffers; prioritize the league, and Asia takes a back seat.
For Beijing Guoan, however, the situation looks more favorable. Competing in the AFC’s second-tier tournament, their group—featuring Vietnam’s Hanoi FC, Australia’s Macarthur FC, and Hong Kong’s Tai Po—presents manageable opposition. On paper, progression should not be difficult, even with squad rotations. The key? Head coach Quique Setién must resist overcomplicating tactics. Avoiding his ill-fated three-at-the-back system could be decisive.
On September 18 at 20:15, Guoan hosts Hanoi FC in their group opener. Yet enthusiasm has been muted. After back-to-back heavy defeats, conceding eight goals, fans are disheartened. Tickets that once sold out instantly at the Workers’ Stadium are now widely available, with projections suggesting only 20,000–30,000 supporters in attendance. A victory is essential—not just for points, but to reignite confidence and fill the stands again, especially with Shanghai Port looming just days later.
Injury Concerns but No Excuses
Guoan’s form has been poor and injuries have piled up, but underestimating themselves would be a mistake. Hanoi may boast six foreign players—most notably Brazilian defender Gomes and towering striker Grafite (1.89m, seven goals in five matches this season)—but Guoan still has the tools to cope. The return of central defender Ngadeu is critical, especially to counter Grafite’s aerial threat. Partnered with Wu Shaocong, Guoan should have enough defensive stability.
Why Four at the Back Works
Setién’s three-centre-back experiment has only added to Guoan’s struggles. With the squad available, a traditional back four makes more sense. Veteran Li Lei can slot into left-back, where his fitness remains reliable, while the right flank can rotate between Feng Boxuan and He Yupeng. This system eases the defensive burden on wingers Lin Liangming and Cao Yongjing, allowing them to focus on attacking transitions.
The schedule is brutal: two high-stakes matches within four days, both at home. These games will directly shape Setién’s future. Consecutive wins could save his job, but failure will likely trigger Guoan’s contingency plan to change managers.
Smart Rotation Is Key
Against Hanoi, Guoan cannot afford arrogance—but neither should they risk overexertion. Forward Zhang Yuning’s dominance against weaker sides is well documented, and he can lead the line with confidence. A direct, high-ball approach is often most effective against Southeast Asian opponents. The strategy should be simple: attack down the flanks, score early, and secure a narrow win before rotating key players to conserve energy for the CSL showdown with Shanghai Port.
Even if Setién’s tenure is nearing its end, professionalism demands that he sees the job through. Half-measures would only waste another season.
The Bigger Picture
Guoan currently trail the CSL leaders by five points. Victory over Shanghai Port is non-negotiable if they are to maintain realistic title hopes. Should the league crown slip away, the FA Cup final remains their ultimate fallback. The recent defeat to Henan was partly explained by Ngadeu’s absence, but with a full-strength squad in the Cup, Guoan still has silverware within reach.
For Setién, the next two matches are critical. His contract renewal appears unlikely, and dismissal within weeks is possible. Still, by reverting to a four-man defense and guiding Guoan to stability, he can leave with dignity—and perhaps with the club’s ambitions still alive.
