Hong Kong giants Kitchee plotting ‘evolution not revolution’ for Asian campaign
Local champions confirm signings of three familiar faces, while boss Inigo Calderon explains debt to owner Ken Ng Kin
Inigo Calderon said he refused to listen to offers to prise him away from Kitchee this summer out of loyalty to Ken Ng Kin, the owner whose gamble on appointing the head coach 12 months ago was rewarded with the club’s first league title in three years.
Spaniard Calderon, who is overseeing a summer of “evolution and not revolution” in preparation for juggling local and Asian campaigns, was relegated as manager of English club Bristol Rovers two months before he secured the Kitchee post.
“I have to appreciate that Mr Ken gave me the opportunity after being relegated,” Calderon said. “Not too many bosses would give a chance to a coach after that, so I think it would be disrespectful to even listen to another opportunity.”
At an open media and fans event in MCP Central shopping centre in Po Lam on Saturday, Kitchee confirmed the worst-kept secrets in Hong Kong football: that they have lured Everton Camargo and Dudu from Lee Man, and taken Tai Po centre-back Marcos Santos.
Calderon said he was close to adding a striker, and that he would sign one more player after studying his squad during pre-season.
Camargo and Dudu are 35 and 36, respectively, while Santos turned 30 this year.