Sports
12:30, 27-Feb-2018
Tianjin Quanjian squad look for top-two finish
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Tianjin Quanjian who finished third in the Chinese Super League (CSL) last year, and qualified for AFC Champions League for the first time, are looking forward to the new CSL season which starts Monday.
Tianjin Quanjian launched their season with a lavish opening ceremony at the Quanjian's east China headquarters in Yancheng, in Jiangsu Province.
The club' third place finish in their first season in the top flight of the CSL defied expectations and their inclusion in the Asian Champions League (ACL) comes as a welcome distraction as the club prepare for a busy schedule for the coming season.
Reflecting on last season, the foreign stars look to improve on their impressive third place finish but know it won't be easy.
Alexandra Pato was named the CSL's foreign MVP and rejuvenated himself after not living up to expectations in Europe. Axel Vitsel has been considered one of Belgium's most consistent performers so heads were turned when the 29-year-old decided to come to China. But he thinks his career has progressed in the same way no matter what fans and commentators thought before.
The rest of the proceedings at the ceremony included introducing new Chinese talent, unveiling the prize money for their continental appearances and making pledges to help China's youth and woman's football develop in Tianjin and elsewhere.