Reporter Lu Mi reporting. Zhang Wailong’s debut match was a major test — on the 27th against this season’s “home dragon,” Yanbian Longding. His first task was to shore up the defense, but defensive problems persisted under the opponent’s pressing. Additionally, the players’ mindset broke down rapidly when trailing, conceding three goals in under eight minutes, ending in a 0-3 loss. The coaching change at Chongqing Tongliang Long did not bring an instant turnaround, but there is no time for regrets as only six rounds remain, leaving little margin for error for the team.

0-3: The bitter consequence of a rushed debut.

Officially appointed on September 23rd and leading the team to Yanbian on the 27th, Zhang Wailong had less than a week to address Chongqing Tongliang Long’s defensive problems. In the match against Yanbian, Zhang made minimal changes to the starting lineup, reinstating Huang Xiyang with hopes he could link defense and attack and facilitate transitions. The first half ended 0-0; Tongliang Long had slightly less possession but created more attacks and shots, especially managing to hold off the opponent’s pressure without conceding first.

However, in such crucial matches, attacking efficiency often determines the game's flow and outcome. Zhang’s “seven-second attack” theory was not realized in this game. Data showed Tongliang Long made 78 attacks but only managed 2 shots on target and no goals, mainly due to broken counterattack chains. Yanbian’s coach Li Jiheng set up a low defensive block with a double midfield screen to counter Huang Xiyang’s lone defensive midfield role, completing 8 interceptions in the first half and cutting off Tongliang Long’s passing routes from defense to attack. Zhang’s attempts at fast wing attacks were tightly controlled, preventing effective breakthroughs.

Declining finishing ability is Chongqing Tongliang Long’s most obvious issue in the second half of the season. At the 7th minute, Xiang Yuwang missed an open goal by hitting the post, symbolizing the team’s offensive struggles. This local core player, who has gone seven matches without scoring, was expected to fit Zhang’s “quick finishing” tactic but failed to break his drought. Foreign player Leonardo, previously coached by Zhang, missed 7 shots and often acted alone, wasting many chances. When Zhang brought on striker Carrillo in the second half, coinciding with the third conceded goal, the usual “one tall, one fast” combination also failed to make an impact.

Compared to the inefficient offense, Tongliang Long’s defensive problems were even more critical. Possession was roughly equal for the first 55 minutes, but the defense collapsed in a short period, exposing a lack of coordination in the midfield and backline: the first goal came after Yanbian midfielder Domingos played a through ball, with Tongliang’s midfield failing to close down, and defensive miscommunication after the ball reached Forbes; two minutes later, foreign center-back Sadauskas slipped while carrying the ball, leading to another goal, reflecting defensive lapses in concentration. These two errors caused two quick goals and shattered the players’ psychological defense. Chaos followed in Tongliang Long’s attack and defense system, and at the 66th minute, Ukachukwu’s nutmeg shot was compounded by a miscommunication between goalkeeper Wu Zitong and defenders.

Zhang Wailong took charge only four days ago and was thrown into action hastily. It’s clear the Korean coach wants to implement immediate changes, but the current player roster and characteristics present significant challenges. Zhang needs more time to understand the players and for them to adapt to his style and tactics.

Challenge: How to promptly activate the striker.

Yanbian Longding has only lost at home to league leaders Liaoning Ironmen this season. Tongliang Long expected a tough away game but did not anticipate such a swift collapse. This defeat marks Tongliang Long’s third consecutive loss, shrinking their lead over third place from 9 points to just 2. From the pitch to the locker room and team bus, the squad remained silent, the atmosphere tense and frozen.

Although the team was already in a slump when Zhang took over, this debut loss should not completely undermine his capabilities. His tactical system proved effective during his time at Chongqing Lifan, and the team still holds second place, maintaining control over promotion hopes. However, the 66-year-old coach must quickly address two main issues: improving cohesion with existing players and restoring confidence to prevent further mental instability in upcoming matches.

After this round, Chongqing Tongliang Long sits second with 46 points, 4 points ahead of fourth-placed Yanbian Longding. Fortunately, third-placed Guangzhou Baobao drew against Jiading Huilong, or the points gap would be zero, with Tongliang Long only narrowly ahead on head-to-head records. With six rounds remaining, the promotion race between Tongliang Long and Guangzhou Baobao will intensify.

Schedule-wise, Tongliang Long faces their toughest match next. On October 5th, they will play away against second-to-last Guangxi Pingguo. Despite a big points gap—one fighting for promotion, the other battling relegation—the three previous league encounters all ended in draws, so Tongliang Long cannot take this lightly. Playing away, the challenge is significant, and they cannot afford to drop points. If they secure 3 points here, upcoming home matches against Foshan Nanshi, Shijiazhuang Kungfu, and Suzhou Dongwu, plus away games at Dalian Kunchen and Shanghai Jiading Huilong, all become favorable opportunities to earn full points.

For Tongliang Long, there is no longer any room for retreat. Their points advantage is slim, and another loss in a crucial match could see them fall out of the promotion zone. Every remaining game is a do-or-die battle; no one wants a year’s hard work and dedication to be wasted.

The time for Zhang Wailong to solve problems is running out: first, the speed of player and tactical adaptation must accelerate. How to quickly integrate Leonardo and Carrillo’s “one tall, one fast” partnership into the new system is critical, especially for Leonardo, who scored 17 goals and made 11 assists last season but has yet to score this season. Activating this top striker promptly would greatly improve offensive efficiency. Second, defensive issues must be addressed immediately, particularly in central defense. Although Sadauskas’s mistake this round was somewhat accidental, it highlights problems in fixed defensive pairings and coordination.

The 0-3 defeat is undoubtedly a disappointing start for Zhang Wailong. For Tongliang Long, this heavy loss may serve as a necessary wake-up call. It is hoped that at this critical stage of the promotion fight, Zhang’s experience and the team’s resilience will translate into next year’s Chinese Super League qualification — but the Korean coach only has six rounds left to achieve this.