Poyet resigns as Shanghai Shenhua coach in CSL

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Shanghai Shenhua are suddenly in need of a new coach, as Gus Poyet abruptly resigned following a 2-1 loss to Henan Jianye at the weekend that dropped the club to 12th place in the Chinese Super League standings.

The team's 11th defeat in 23 matches this season came despite the fielding of Carlos Tevez off the bench, after the Argentine forward's return from injury on Sunday.

A statement posted on the club's website read, "Mr. Poyet formally offered his resignation to Shanghai Shenhua." The team says Wu Jingui, a former coach with the club and now as its technical director, will take over the managerial duties.

Carlos Tevez. /Photo via VCG

Poyet, a former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder, was named the Shanghai side's head coach last November, and was tasked with building on the third place finish in the CSL by predecessor Gregorio Manzano. However, Poyet's time in charge started badly, with Shenhua losing 2-nil to Australia's Brisbane Roar in a playoff to reach the Group Stages of the Asian Champions League.

Domestically, the CSL club have endured an inconsistent performance due to injuries, suspensions, and continued speculation over the future of high-priced addition Tevez.