By CGTN's Jiang Mengxi & Wang Meng

Monday night marked Fabio Capello's second game since taking charge of struggling Jiangsu Suning. With the team second to last in the Chinese Super League, how difficult is the decorated coach's task in avoiding relegation from China's top flight?

The 71-year-old is usually fighting for titles but his only job in China is to make sure Jiangsu Suning are still a Super League club next season.

Monday’s match against Beijing Guoan finished in a goalless draw at the Workers’ Stadium but the Italian watched a battling performance from his struggling side in what soon became an ill-tempered affair.

“I have seen the progress that China has made and I really hope that Chinese football can also make the same progress," Capello said at the post-match press conference.

Beijing and Jiangsu made a sparking brawl after they had finished a goalless match.  / CFP Photo

Fans are also looking at the long-term effect he might have.

"I think it's ok to have a star coach, but it's not necessary to focus on the immediate effect. Like Lippi, who did well at Guangzhou. He is good at finding stars," said one Beijing Guoan fan.

The former England manager has now had a draw and a defeat in his first two games in the CSL. Next up is title challenging Shanghai SIPG on Saturday. A win there could lift Jiangsu out of the relegation zone, a place their boss isn't used to being in.