Former Portuguese national team coach leads Chongqing Lifan to victory
Xinhua,March 09, 2018 Adjust font size:
CHONGQING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Paulo Bento, former boss of the Portuguese national soccer team, seems ready to lead Chongqing Lifan to a successful campaign in the Chinese Super League.
The 48-year-old Portuguese, who reached an agreement with the Chongqing side in mid-December, managed a winning start in the top flight local league, leading Lifan to a 1-0 first round win over Beijing Renhe last Saturday.
In danger of losing points because of the under-performance of U23s in the opening match, Bento made the tactical coordination of the whole team a priority, rather than the training of young players.
The club is widely considered a side that is likely to be relegated to the second division by the end of the season.
Having complained of the club's small investment, Bento is confident that Lifan can perform this season.
"This season is tough but our team is ready," said the Portuguese.
"Only the future will tell us the result. We are striving for the best in every match," he added.
Bento and his Chongqing team's next test will be an away match against former champions Shandong Luneng on Saturday March 10. Enditem