Hong Kong’s top coach struggling for motivation after overseas clubs, title rivals ransack squad

Roberto Losada said it had been hard to summon the motivation for another campaign of fighting the odds, after his Eastern squad was again ransacked over the summer by overseas clubs and a big-spending Hong Kong Premier League opponent.

Coach of the year for the past three seasons, Losada overcame the loss of five key players midway through last term to lead Eastern to FA Cup and Senior Shield glory.

But prolific goal scorer Noah Baffoe, who has joined title rivals Lee Man, spearheaded a close-season exodus, which left Spaniard Losada “obviously looking for something else, but sadly nothing comes”.

“It’s hard, but I will go for it again,” he said. “It’s going to be another very tough and challenging season, but we’re getting used to it.

“There aren’t too many expectations, but we have to be competitive.”

Despite his frustration as Eastern continue to see their best players leave, Losada said he had not considered quitting.