Chinese Super League: Guangzhou Evergrande’s Fabio Cannavaro sent for corporate training as leaders drop points, Zheng Zhi takes over

Italian sees side draw with struggling Henan before club statement announces he will go to company HQ for ‘study’

Veteran takes over amid rumours that coach could be replaced by Scolari if they lose against champions Shanghai SIPG

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Fabio Cannavaro, head coach of Guangzhou Evergrande, reacts during his side’s 2019 AFC Champions League loss to Urawa Red Diamonds. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 10:44am, 28 Oct 2019Updated: 12:41pm, 7 Jun 2020

Guangzhou Evergrande manager Fabio Cannavaro has been relieved of his position by the Chinese Super League leaders, the club confirmed on Sunday night.

The club statement announced that the Italian will go to company headquarters for company culture training at noon on Monday and that veteran midfielder Zheng Zhi will take over as player-coach during that time.

“Head coach Fabio Cannavaro has to attend the Evergrande Corporate Culture Class at the group headquarters on October 28. During the study period, captain Zheng Zhi will perform the duties of head coach,” Guangzhou Evergrande said.

Cannavaro waved goodbye to fans and media as he left the Tianhe Stadium following Sunday’s match against Henan Jianye.

It is unclear how long the studies will last, but Evergrande do not play again until November 22, when they face second place Shanghai SIPG. There is also uncertainty as to whether Zheng is called up to Marcello Lippi’s national team training camp on November 3 and what that will mean for the club.

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