Mbenza's hat-trick and a 5-0 thrashing of Zhejiang: Xu Zhengyuan masterfully reshapes the "Iron Army"

Special contributed by Shen Jun The biggest upset of the 14th CSL round was Liaoning Tieren, who had narrowly ended their multi-game winless run last week, demolishing Zhejiang Greentown 5-0 on the road. Since his appointment, South Korean tactician Xu Zhengyuan has turned around the team's six-game losing streak in only four rounds. Decisive formation shifts, accurate player selection, and a well-developed tactical approach have revitalized the same squad, highlighting his coaching prowess. The rejuvenated Mbenza netted a hat-trick in this match, scoring five goals in his last two games, proving that the Golden Boot winner from the China League One can shine just as brightly in the CSL.

In this match, Xu's adjustments started with the defense, boldly dropping the 2.5-million-euro Swedish international center-back Vagic. Previously, Vagic had been a weak point in several games, failing to meet the team's defensive needs. In the backline, Brazilian defensive midfielder Felipe dropped back to center-back, while Chen Binbin and Pan Ximing—two substitutes who rarely played under Li Jinyu—took up the full-back positions. These three, together with Yuan Mincheng, formed a new defensive unit.

This adjustment proved highly effective. Felipe, with excellent ball-distribution skills and interception awareness, dropped into center-back, using his strong physique to contain opposing forwards while also accurately launching passes from the back. This solved the team's previous problem of slow buildup and easy dispossession. Throughout the game, Felipe made numerous clearances and defused key attacks, delivering a solid and reliable defensive performance. Meanwhile, Pan Ximing's tough tackling, Chen Binbin's flank coverage, and Tian Yinong's midfield shield collectively formed a sturdy defensive line.

The 37-year-old veteran Li Tixiang, facing his former club, earned a starting spot and played the full 90 minutes. Xu showed complete trust in the experienced midfielder, and Li repaid that faith with a steady display. Anchoring the midfield, he orchestrated the tempo with precise passing, made several crucial interceptions and tackles, and served as the hub for the team's transition between defense and attack.

Xu Zhengyuan's core tactic is the counter-attacking style that made his name. After taking over the Iron Army, he quickly implanted this proven system, abandoning the previous possession-heavy yet inefficient approach, simplifying attacking patterns, and emphasizing swift and direct transitions. In this match, Liaoning Tieren executed the counter-attack to perfection. They had only 31% possession, but with solid defense at the back, they quickly moved the ball through midfield after turnovers, using Mbenza's speed and power to charge at the opponent's backline. The counters were sharp and efficient. The team registered 14 shots with 9 on target, converting them into five goals.

The same group of players had previously struggled with ineffective offense and leaky defense. But after Xu took charge, the team's morale was rejuvenated, tactical execution improved dramatically, and both ends of the pitch were transformed. This change stemmed from Xu's precise diagnosis of the team, bold personnel adjustments, and the introduction of a mature tactical system. He not only reshaped the tactical framework but also reignited the players' confidence and fighting spirit, helping a team on the brink find its winning touch again—a testament to his coaching mastery in a short period.

If Xu's tactical overhaul was the foundation for the big win, then the full activation of the players' form was the direct driving force behind the rout. Last season's China League One top scorer Mbenza, winger An Yien, dribbler Refinio, and even domestic substitutes all erupted under Xu's guidance. In particular, the previously underperforming foreign forward line shook off their slump to become the core force in breaking down opponents.

At the start of this season, Mbenza's performances were disastrous. As last season's League One Golden Boot winner with 28 goals—breaking the league record—he was in poor form at the beginning of the CSL, managing only two goals in 12 rounds and missing several clear chances, drawing heavy criticism from fans. But after Xu took over, he gave Mbenza full confidence, not only backing him as the starting striker but also helping him rediscover his best form through targeted training and tactical adjustments. The effect was immediate: in the last two games, Mbenza has scored five goals, becoming the hottest forward in the CSL. In this match against Zhejiang Greentown, he netted two headers—an area where he was previously not strong—and scored a world-class long-range shot, showcasing his elite striker quality. Notably, heading goals are not Mbenza's specialty; both headers were precise near-post runs, demonstrating sharp positioning and indicating he has returned to peak form. The top scorer from the second division is indeed no flash in the pan and can shine in the top flight. After scoring, Mbenza specifically ran to hug Xu, showing his approval of the new coach's tactics.

Mbenza's explosion was supported by strong wing play, and An Yien was another key player activated by Xu. Previously, An often came off the bench with limited opportunities and inconsistent form. After Xu arrived, he decisively changed the personnel approach, starting An in every game, fixing him on the right wing, and giving him plenty of tactical freedom. Of Mbenza's three goals, two came from An's assists.

Besides Mbenza and An, the progress of foreign forward Refinio was also impressive. After joining the team, Xu gave Refinio more playing time and tactical guidance, encouraging him to take on defenders boldly and shoot decisively, helping him build confidence. His goal in this match not only rewarded his efforts but will further unlock his potential, providing more firepower for the team's attack.

Today, Liaoning Tieren has a completely new spirit, greatly improved tactical execution, and sky-high player confidence. For Xu Zhengyuan, this big win is just the beginning. His ambitions go far beyond this, as he said after his first training session with the Iron Army: building a CSL powerhouse is the real goal.