Capello named new coach of CSL Jiangsu Suning

By CGTN's Wang Meng

Fabio Capello is the latest high-profile soccer coach to join the Chinese Super League (CSL) as the new coach of Jiangsu Suning.

The 70-year-old Italian is a decorated manager who has led AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma, Juventus, England and Russia. After three days of training with his new squad, he made his first public appearance on Wednesday.

CSL side Jiangsu Suning presents Italian coach Fabio Capello in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province in east China on June 14, 2017. /VCG Photo

Capello is the 24th head coach in Jiangsu's history. His predecessor, South Korean Choi Yong-soo, resigned two weeks ago due to poor performances. Suning is currently 15th in the league table, second last and in the relegation zone. The owners hope Capello and his coaching staff can resurrect the club's fortunes in the CSL and Chinese FA Cup.

Joining Capello on his coaching team are former Italian internationals Gianluca Zambrotta and Cristian Brocchi. Coincidentally, Capello will make his debut on the touchline on Sunday, which is also his 71-year-old birthday, when Jiangsu host Changchun Yatai.

Fabio Capello's coaching career. /CGTN Graphic

"I was deeply impressed and moved by the grand plan and the build-up of the Suning Group. I think my job here, first of all, is to improve the performance of Jiangsu Suning in the domestic league table, as well as in the Chinese FA Cup tournament. After three days of training, I have learned that our team has the strength and capability to compete on two fronts. I am full of confidence in the team as well as in the Group," Capello said.

Fabio Capello, coach of Juventus, celebrates after Juventus beat AC Milan 1-0 in a crucial Serie A match in Milan, Italy on May 8, 2005. /VCG Photo

Capello led AC Milan from 1991 to 1996, winning four Serie A titles and the Champions League, before returning to the club from 1997 to '98. He left Italy to join Real Madrid for one season and won the Spanish La Liga title, then went back to his home country for five years, where he led Roma to the Serie A crown before moving to Juventus and winning two more Serie A titles that were later stripped due to a match fixing scandal. Capello then returned to Real Madrid, where he won a second La Liga title.

The Italian jumped to the international front in 2007, guiding England for five years, and Russia for three.

898km