Zhejiang Team: New Coach Brings Aggressiveness, Mitritzi Dominates First Win, Shanghai Shenhua is the Real Test

Written by Zuo Rui Mitritzi scored one goal and provided one assist, with multiple sharp breakthroughs and exquisite passes dominating the entire match. Zhejiang Greentown ultimately won 2-0 in the first victory of the new season, improving their points from -5 to -2. This weekend, Zhejiang Team will continue playing at home against the stronger opponent Shanghai Shenhua. Can new head coach Ross Aloisi lead Zhejiang Team to continue winning?

This match coincided with March 8th, International Women's Day. On this beautiful day honoring women, Zhejiang Team's community stand invited outstanding female representatives from various industries. Before the match, fans sang Hangzhou's city song "Dream Paradise" together to welcome the first battle of the new season. The starting lineup for Zhejiang Team, which had been "long-awaited," was announced and differed little from most fans' expectations: goalkeeper Zhao Bo; defenders Sun Guowen, Liu Haofan, Lucas, Tong Lei; midfielders Cheng Jin, Park Jin-seop, Toric; forwards Mitritzi, Guarrapa, Wang Yudong.

Compared to last season, the most obvious change was switching from three center-backs to four defenders. Korean national team player Park Jin-seop became a reliable shield in front of the two center-backs, demonstrating comprehensive abilities in aerial duels, physical contests, ball protection, and distribution. In the single forward setup, Venezuelan forward Guarrapa positioned furthest forward, while Mitritzi and Wang Yudong played as wingers on both sides. During the match, when shifting to a 442 formation, Guarrapa and Wang Yudong became the two forwards.

Changes in the home team's jersey numbers are also intriguing and even well-received. After No. 28 Yue Xin left the team, the bald and shining Mitritzi wore the jersey he most desired. Born on February 8th, at age 28, his daughter was born on August 2nd. The successor to veteran captain Frank, Croatian junior Toric did not inherit the No. 11 jersey but wore No. 10—traditionally the number for players who decide matches and influence goals as core players. Changing from No. 39 to No. 11 for Wang Yudong better suits his characteristics as a wing attacker and key player on the field; this number also matches his total goals scored in the Chinese Super League last season.

Based on the performances of these three players, Toric, whose feints are convincing but turning speed is slow, has not yet demonstrated the value of a No. 10 player. Wang Yudong contributed one assist, and his role in restraining the opponent's defense was more evident.

The changes brought by new head coach Ross are significant: Zhejiang Team not only dominated possession but also had nearly double the fouls of their opponent, indicating improved aggressiveness and toughness.

After kickoff, the home team firmly controlled possession, with the battle mainly spreading in the opponent's half. In the 17th minute, Mitritzi delivered a brilliant pass from the left wing, and Guarrapa scored his first Chinese Super League goal with a solo effort. In the 39th minute, Toric initiated an attack from the right wing, Tong Lei crossed into the penalty area, Wang Yudong received the ball and passed it back, Mitritzi quickly evaded defenders outside the penalty area and swiftly shot, sending the ball rapidly into the far corner.

Although the score didn't change in the second half, the process was dramatic. In the 47th minute, Mitritzi took a free kick, Park Jin-seop controlled the ball at the back post and swept a shot; after Li Hao rushed out, the ball hit Liu Haofan's arm and went into the net. The referee ruled it a handball, disallowing the goal. Four minutes later, Liu Haofan fouled Aziz in his own penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick, but goalkeeper Zhao Bo's heroic save thwarted Aziz's penalty shot.

This penalty was West Coast's most likely scoring opportunity in the entire match; other attacks mostly ended with long-range shots and corner kicks, with the quality of long-range shots generally not high. When they attacked from corners, the home team had three tall new foreign reinforcements assisting in defense, not suffering any disadvantage. Throughout the match, as defensive toughness increased for both sides, the opponent's passes often lacked precision in placement, while the home team's passes lacked accuracy in timing. This issue can be resolved through磨合 and improvement over time.

After the match, Qingdao West Coast captain Davidson stated that Zhejiang is a strong team capable of creating opportunities and seizing them, which made the match very difficult and also exposed problems in their team's timing and positioning choices under pressure that need improvement. Man of the match Mitritzi thanked the many fans present for their support, expressing his happiness "to repay them with a victory."

In the next round against Shenhua, Zhejiang Greentown's two full-backs will directly face opponents Chen Jinyi and Manafa. Sun Guowen and Tong Lei are diligent, but each lacks creativity and accuracy in crossing. With Lucas and Liu Haofan stabilizing the center-back positions, besides Xu Junchi returning from loan, Wang Shiqin and Zhang Aihui might supplement the wing's offensive and defensive strength, and the home team's talent reserves could also be further utilized.

Facing the forward line led by Gay and Latang, Zhejiang Team's center-back combination of Lucas and Liu Haofan, plus the full support of the most outstanding new foreign reinforcement Park Jin-seop in協防, should create mutual restraint. There should be an intense battle this weekend. In terms of offense, Mitritzi's performance was too outstanding and will inevitably face tight marking from Shenhua's defensive line.

After the match, Ross stated that the high-pressure pressing effect was good and hopes the team continues to persist. "We created many opportunities today but still need improvement in seizing them." Regarding the next round opponent Shenhua, he mentioned having worked at Shanghai Port and being familiar with them, will conduct detailed analysis and prepare corresponding plans. "Shenhua's forward players are quite capable; we need targeted arrangements on defense."