“Ma Lin resigned due to health problems and we have agreed to his request,” said Liaoning of their former player, who was in the side which lifted China’s last continental title before Guangzhou Evergrande ended a 23-year wait by winning the AFC Champions League crown in 2013.

“We are trying very hard to avoid relegation and Ma Lin had been working under huge pressure and his energy is severely consumed.

“After the game against Changchun, he felt it impossible to hang on and resigned from the club. Considering his health problems, we decided to agree to his request.

“We are grateful for what he has done. Ma Lin has achieved a lot with Liaoning and he saved the team many times.”

Lobello returns to China having worked as an assistant to Francis Gillot at Shanghai Shenhua during the 2015 season.

“Rene is a very experienced coach,” added the Liaoning statement, with Lobello having also previously worked in his native France, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Switzerland and Algeria.

Australia internationals Robbie Kruse and James Holland terminate Liaoning Whowin contracts due to unpaid wages

“He’s full of modern football ideas. He used to be the head coach of Sochaux during 2007-2008 when the team was placed last when he took over and at the end of the season they successfully avoided relegation and he was acknowledged widely in France.

“We hope we can achieve our goal this year under Rene and we hope everything will be fine.”

Watch: Liaoning 1-0 Changchun Yatai