It’s not about the money for new Guizhou Zhicheng coach Gregorio Manzano, but US$8.8 million certainly helps
Spaniard returns to Chinese Super League after previous spells with Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Shenhua, with new side third from bottom after one win in eight games
New Guizhou Zhicheng coach Gregorio Manzano insists he didn’t leave his previous job with Shanghai Shenhua over money, but the Spaniard will still receive a reported US$8.8 million salary to ensure Guizhou Zhicheng’s Chinese Super League survival this season.
Former Beijing Guoan coach Manzano returned to China last week having been replaced by Gus Poyet at Shenhua at the end of last season, and will take charge of his first game this weekend as last season’s League one runners-up entertain Tianjin Quanjian seeking just a second win of the season.
Guizhou have picked up just six points from their first eight games of the new season and sit just a place above the relegation zone after losing 3-0 to Shanghai SIPG last weekend in Li Bing’s highly-controversial last game in charge.
“I’m here to help Guizhou to avoid relegation,” said Manzano, whose salary is reported to be just lower than Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. “I am very happy to be back to China, this will be my third year in China.
“Guizhou was promoted to the Chinese Super League last year and they hope to consolidate their place. This is a very huge challenge for me, but I accepted it and hope to accomplish my task.”