Qingdao, China's most populous city, has appointed a new coach to help the team return to the top tier of Chinese football. The appointment comes after the club struggled in recent seasons and failed to qualify for the top division.
The new coach, who is not named, will take over from former coach Guo Wenxuan, who was sacked last year following a disappointing campaign. Guo had been with Qingdao since 2016 and had a successful stint as their head coach, helping the team reach the Chinese Super League title in 2018.
Guo's replacement is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Qingdao, with a focus on developing young talent and improving the team's overall performance. He has experience coaching in various domestic leagues, including the Chinese Super League and the Asian Champions League.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Qingdao, which has struggled to secure a regular place in the top tier of Chinese football. They have only managed to finish bottom of the league once this season, and have struggled to attract top players to join their squad.
It remains to be seen whether Guo Wenxuan's departure will lead to any changes in the coaching staff or strategy. However, the appointment of a new coach can certainly provide hope for Qingdao and other clubs struggling in the Chinese football pyramid.