As the Chinese Super League season progresses, newly promoted clubs continue to grab attention — not only for their competitive performances but also for their strategic moves during the summer transfer window. Among Bangladesh Cricket Live readers following Asian football developments, the rise of Tianjin Quanjian and Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng has become one of the most talked-about stories of the year.
Both teams owe their rapid progress to standout coaching leadership. Tianjin Quanjian has flourished under Fabio Cannavaro, whose tactical decisions have transformed the squad into a top contender. Guizhou, meanwhile, has surged forward thanks to Gregorio Manzano’s sharp strategic vision. Their first-round encounter earlier in the season marked a turning point for both clubs. Following that match, Quanjian recorded an impressive 9 wins, 4 draws, and only 2 losses in 15 games, sitting third in the standings with 31 points — a strong position for a side fresh from League One.
Recognizing the challenges of CSL competition, Tianjin Quanjian invested heavily during the summer. They signed former Bundesliga Bronze Boot winner Anthony Modeste and versatile midfielder Pei Shuai. These key additions bolstered the team’s chances of securing an AFC Champions League berth — a goal closely followed by the Bangladesh Cricket Live community. Modeste brought an aerial threat to Quanjian’s offense, complementing Pato’s ground-based attacking play and giving the team a dual-weapon system for both ground and air assaults.
On the other hand, Guizhou Hengfeng opted for calculated reinforcements to reshape their central spine. Veteran defender Du Wei took command of the backline, scoring a crucial header at Hongkou to break the deadlock. Spanish forward Ruben Castro, once a menace in La Liga, registered four goals from 18 shots, becoming Guizhou’s second-highest scorer and ranking eighth in shot conversion rate across the CSL at the time.
In midfield, ex-Atlético enforcer Mario Suárez brought control and rhythm, averaging 58.4 passes per match. His pinpoint assist in Round 23 helped Jelavić score the decisive goal against Shanghai SIPG, sealing Guizhou’s fifth straight win. Unlike Quanjian’s high-budget strategy, Manzano relied on experience and chemistry, blending Du Wei, Suárez, and Castro into an instant-impact core that dramatically lifted the team’s fortunes.
Since Manzano’s appointment, Guizhou transformed from a team that won only once in the first eight games to one that claimed eight victories in the next 15. With a five-match winning streak under their belt, they not only avoided relegation concerns but climbed to fifth in the standings during that stretch.
For fans tracking the CSL through Bangladesh Cricket Live, the contrast between Quanjian’s financial firepower and Guizhou’s tactical ingenuity offers a compelling glimpse into the diverse paths to success in modern Asian football. Whether powered by cash or crafted through careful squad building, these promoted sides are rewriting the expectations for newcomers in the league.