Missing Slutsky? The 56-year-old new coach's debut sets a 12-year low for Shenhua! The Chinese Super League may face a three-game losing streak to start the season.

In the Chinese Super League 18th round makeup match that ended on August 18 Beijing time, Shanghai Shenhua lost 0-3 at home to Beijing Guoan. The 56-year-old new Shenhua coach, Milojević, suffered a painful start to his tenure.

Earlier, Shenhua's three consecutive losses prompted the sudden resignation of meritorious coach Slutsky, who left abruptly. The Shenhua club, unexpectedly, did not try hard to keep him. Shortly after, Shenhua announced the swift appointment of 56-year-old Serbian coach Milojević as his replacement.

Although interim coach Mao Yijun had led the team to two consecutive wins, giving Milojević a good start, the Serbian coach's first match in charge turned out to be a disaster.

In this game, perhaps due to unfamiliarity with the players, Milojević's multiple substitutions in the second half were widely criticized as mistakes. Ultimately, Shenhua failed to capitalize on several clear chances and were crushed 3-0 by a tactically more mature Guoan side.

Statistics show thatShenhua suffered their biggest defeat against Guoan in 12 years. In the 18th round of the 2014 Chinese Super League, Shenhua also lost 0-3 at home to Guoan. Over the following 12 years, the goal difference in matches between the two teams was within two goals or less..

This also marks the first time in seven seasons (since 2019) that Shenhua has lost at home to Guoan in the Chinese Super League.

It is worth noting thatDuring the tenure of former coach Slutsky, Shenhua never lost by three or more goals at Shanghai Stadium in a single match.Many Shenhua fans even complained, "Milojević already makes me miss Slutsky."

Notably, Shenhua will face two tough matches next: an away game against Chengdu Rongcheng, followed by a home match against Shandong Taishan. If things go wrong, Milojević's coaching career at Shenhua could start with three consecutive losses.