Struggling Guangzhou turn to Zheng as Chinese Super League prepares to restart
- Zheng Zhi takes over from Fabio Cannavaro who left the club by mutual consent in September
- The 41-year-old, who was named the continent’s best player in 2013, will also remain part of the club’s playing staff
Former Asian player of the year Zheng Zhi has been appointed acting head coach of eight-times champions Guangzhou FC ahead of the Chinese Super League’s resumption on Sunday.
Zheng, who was named the continent’s best player in 2013, takes over from Fabio Cannavaro after the Italian left the club by mutual consent in September.
The 41-year-old Zheng will also remain part of Guangzhou’s playing staff.
“It has been decided after consideration that Zheng Zhi will be the acting head coach and player of Guangzhou FC,” the club said in a statement.
“We hope that all the coaches, players and staff members of the club can overcome all difficulties, train hard and work hard to complete the season with a strong sense of honour, responsibility and team spirit.”
The league is set to resume on Sunday after taking a four-month break to accommodate the Chinese national team’s qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.