Guo’an Cup Champions and Wrapping-up Our CSL Review: The Chinese Football Podcast

The domestic season is finally at an end, with the high drama of a two-legged cup final a fitting crown to the season – we discuss how much the trophy means to Beijing Guo’an and their fans, and speculate on the curious trend of yet another away team walking away as cup winners. There’s a lot of love for the importance of the cup in domestic football, and some discussion about potential rule-changes to make things even better.

We change pace to finish wading through the mid-table CSL marshes: have Hebei and Jiangsu stalled just short of the ACL glass ceiling, are there shoots of recovery from Shenhua, and just how will WEF’s Donald Ross rebut Brandon’s previous criticism of his side?

A bonus-length podcast then wraps up with a review of the sides at the top in the title race – where did it go right for the champions this year, and are we seeing a real power shift and start of a new dynasty – or is it too early to write off deposed champions Guangzhou Evergrande just yet? We tackle the complex question of Evergrande’s legacy – how have they changed Chinese football over the years, and has their influence been for the better or worse? All this – and the chance to vote for phenomenon of the year – in this week’s Chinese Football Podcast.

The Chinese Football Podcast is hosted by Wild East Football’s Steve Crooks, joined by Chinese football experts Brandon Chemers in Beijing and Cameron Wilson in Shanghai. WEF’s Guangzhou R&F correspondent Donald Ross is on the line this week also.

Stream the cast using the player above, or download to your device.

You can subscribe on itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or various other platforms.

The Chinese Football Podcast is pleased to be sponsored by Football Shirt Memory – the number one CSL shirt retailer in the West. Check out their wares here.

We are also very pleased to be hosted and broadcast on Football Nation Radio.

Don’t miss the chance to get involved in the discussion on Twitter at #chinafootypod – we love hearing feedback and do our best to field your questions and suggested topics each and every week.