Sept. 9: Shandong Taishan may target Henan coach Daniel Ramos, with Zhejiang also interested

On Sept. 1, the scoreboard at Jinan Olympic Sports Center showed Shandong Taishan losing 0-3.

Taishan suffered a home defeat against Shanghai Port, conceding twice within 30 minutes and lacking effective combinations.

At the press conference, interim coach Tang Tian said the main responsibility was his.

After the cup exit, Taishan have gone four straight years without a title, last winning in 2022.

From Choi Kang-hee to Han Peng and Tang Tian, Taishan's coaching changes followed a similar pattern.

After taking charge, Tang recorded four wins in five league games, including victories over Port and Shenhua.

However, the team relied mainly on counterattacks and individual ability rather than a system.

After a 1-1 draw with Shenzhen Peng City, the coaching change became a topic.

Media figure Sun Dexin said Taishan were contacting Henan coach Ramos.

Previously, Miao Yuan said a Chinese Super League team had listed Ramos as a candidate.

The target attracting attention is Portuguese coach Daniel Ramos.

Taishan fans are familiar with Ramos.

On April 29, 2025, Henan announced the departure of Nankichi and appointed Ramos.

When he arrived, Henan had two wins from eight matches and ranked 13th.

Seven months later, Henan reached the cup final, the best result in its top-level history.

Henan eliminated Chongqing Tongliang Dragon, Zhejiang, Shenhua and Chengdu Rongcheng.

Ramos led Henan to 12 wins, six draws and nine losses in 27 matches, reaching 10th place.

Henan scored 62 goals in his 27 matches, showing improved attacking efficiency.

Ramos won the 2025 CSL Coach of the Year award.

Although the trophy was collected by club staff, the honor was widely recognized.

Ramos is viewed as a practical choice because he knows the league and costs less than top foreign coaches.

His style features a 4-2-3-1 system, high pressing and fast vertical attacks.

Henan recorded a 4-0 win over Dalian Yingbo and a comeback victory against Chengdu.

However, Ramos' record also contains concerns.

He has a 38.9 percent win rate in 54 matches with Henan.

After 26 rounds in 2026, Henan had 26 points and ranked 12th.

The team was affected by a points deduction and departures of key players.

The decline cannot be attributed only to the coach.

Taishan worry that Ramos' tactical options may be limited.

Practical football suits relegation battles, but title contenders need more systems.

Taishan lack a mature approach for major clashes.

Ramos is not currently a free agent.

Henan renewed Ramos' contract until 2027, reportedly including a release clause.

Taishan would need negotiations to sign him.

Ramos' relationship with Cressan is also being discussed.

They worked together at Portuguese club Santa Clara.

Cressan had limited opportunities then and later joined Taishan.

Cressan's value rose from 850,000 euros to 4.5 million euros and he became Taishan's key player.

Media figure Li Pingkang said Cressan previously recommended Ramos to Taishan.

If true, support from a key player could help adaptation.

A new coach gaining approval from core players is important.

Taishan still need to communicate with Cressan beforehand.

The relationship may help integration but cannot replace recruitment.

Zhejiang are also monitoring Ramos.

Zhejiang invested heavily in transfers and once aimed for the title.

But Aloisi's results have fallen short and the team remains low in the table.

After losing to Chengdu at home, Zhejiang fans called for a coaching change.

Media reports said Aloisi would struggle to earn a contract extension.

Zhejiang's investment makes them a serious option for Ramos.

A contest between Taishan and Zhejiang for Ramos has emerged.

Ramos' choice depends on his own goals.

Zhejiang's involvement increases Taishan's negotiation challenge.

Tang said he understood the team's situation but offered no specific plan.

His calm remarks disappointed fans further.

The Ramos rumors still come only from media reports.

The three clubs have not issued official announcements.

The final outcome still awaits official confirmation.