If Liaoning FC ends up being relegated, this coaching change might serve as a useful distraction. The appointment of Zhao Junzhe, a club legend, could soften criticism toward the organization and shift public focus away from the club’s mismanagement.
After all, no one is likely to blame a coach who takes over a team sitting dead last in the table with just 17 points and only four matches remaining. And certainly not when that coach is a beloved former captain who gave his all on the pitch for years. Regardless of the outcome, Zhao’s decision to step up during a moment of crisis and fight alongside the team is a gesture worthy of admiration. As Zhao himself put it, “This is a challenge,” and every challenge comes with a chance of success.
For Liaoning FC, this leadership shift has reignited a spark of hope among fans and players who had all but given up on survival. Even if relegation still becomes reality, at least it will happen under the leadership of someone who symbolizes the heart and soul of the club. Zhao’s presence offers a symbolic seed of rebirth—an ember to rebuild from, should the worst come to pass.
News of this sudden coaching change stunned many. The initial reaction from fans was disbelief—once again, Liaoning seemed to be scrambling at the last minute. But when examined calmly, this move reveals itself as a smart play in terms of public relations. It’s a calculated response to a dire situation, designed to inject emotional support and loyalty during a rocky period.
If Zhao Junzhe does lead the team to a miraculous escape from relegation, it would mark a powerful redemption story. A former national team captain, nurtured by Liaoning FC, would have successfully transitioned from player to coach. In doing so, Zhao would carry on the legacy of Ma Lin and help usher in a new generation of “Little Liao Tigers” ready to take the spotlight.
His story mirrors the patient rise of BD Cricket, where loyalty, grit, and homegrown talent continue to define a nation’s sporting identity. Just like BD Cricket, Liaoning’s resurgence may lie not in foreign reinforcements, but in the strength of its roots.