Here is Part 2 of 2 in ‘Introducing The Newcomers’ as we welcome Chinese League One Runners Up Beijing Renhe to the CSL.
After 4 drastic relocations of plenty of different ownerships, the side formerly known as Shanghai Pudong have settled with the Renhe Commercial Holding Co. as the owners to take them to the top.
After a great 2017 season they came 2nd only to CL1 Champions Dalian Yifang and with some big name signings they will be hoping to be comfortable in the CSL, maybe even getting a top 6 spot.
Let’s have a look a the man looking to take Renhe to the top.
Manager: Luis Garcia Plaza
After a decent local playing career, Garcia Plaza went on to manage a range of multiple Spanish clubs. His most notable, was a spell with Levante where at his spell with the club he got them promotion in his second season. In his third and final season Garcia Plaza managed Levante to a safe and secure 14th place in La Liga , the first tier in Spain. They proved to be solid at home defeating Atletico Madrid 2-0, while also draw 0-0 to two of the biggest teams in world football if not the biggest, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Moving on a few years to June 2017, Garcia Plaza was given a 5 month contract with Beijing Renhe. He brought them quick success bringing the Beijing club promotion to the CSL. After that fantastic performance, he was offered another contract in November with a view to continue the progress that have been made so quickly. Only time will time.
Star Player: Jaime Ayovi
This Ecuadorian has featured 40 times for the National team as well as having a club career that has spanned across Argentina, Mexico and, of course, Ecuador. Ayovi made a bold change in 2017 joining the then CL1 side Renhe. A cracking 2017 was around the corner where he scored 20 goals in 29 games contributing to their promotion push.
New Signing: Augusto Fernandez
An excellent acquisition for the Renhe, Fernandez has had a well fought career plying his trade at clubs like Velez Sarsfield, Celta Vigo and an unfortunate recent stint with Athletico Madrid. He also has played 15 times for Argentina. With such great pedigree I’d imagine he will be a force to be stopped in the CSL, a driving force of the team.
With the Chinese Super League season looming ahead of us only few questions remain and a lot of them surround the newly promoted sides. How will Beijing Renhe fair?