Australian coach John Aloisi has propelled Chengdu Rongcheng to the summit of the Chinese Super League (CSL), drawing comparisons to compatriot Ange Postecoglou. In just a few months, Aloisi has transformed the Sichuan capital club into title contenders, captivating fans with an attacking style of play.
Rapid Rise to the Top
After eight matches, Chengdu Rongcheng sit atop the CSL table, having dropped only two points and scored 23 goals. The club, founded only eight years ago, now dreams of its first league title. Fan Li Chen expressed the growing belief: "We know it is early, but we have never played like this. We believe we can win every game. What Postecoglou did in Japan and Kevin Muscat did in Shanghai, Aloisi can do here."
Brotherly Derby Dominance
Aloisi's most emphatic statement came in a 4-0 victory over Zhejiang, coached by his older brother Ross. The win, watched by 41,428 fans, showcased the team's firepower. Four different forwards scored: Wellington Silva, Felipe, Wei Shihao, and Behram Abduweli. Despite the family reunion, the result left Ross Aloisi under pressure after a poor run of form.
The performance was hailed as a display of title-winning qualities, with one report noting "a perfect balance between control and explosiveness." Aloisi has shifted from a five-man defence to more fluid formations like 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3, revitalising players such as centre-back Han Pengfei and playmaker Romulo.
Fortune Favours the Brave
Aloisi has also benefited from points deductions affecting nine CSL teams due to financial violations. Rivals like Shanghai Port (coached by Kevin Muscat) and Shanghai Shenhua started with deficits, giving Chengdu a four-point lead. The city, not traditionally a football powerhouse, is now abuzz with optimism.
Biggest Test Ahead
However, the season is only a quarter complete. Next up is a national holiday clash against Shanghai Shenhua, who would be just two points behind without deductions. A crowd of over 60,000 is expected for this pivotal match. Aloisi, like Muscat and Postecoglou before him, is now immersed in an East Asian title race that could become historic.
