The Tianjin Quanjian has only just started in the Chinese Super League (CSL) after being promoted from League One in November. Like most new teams playing in the top-tier for the first time, survival will be the first port of call for Fabio Cannavaro's team, but with their newly appointed vice managing director, Li Weifeng, now bringing bags of experience to the fold, expectations are beginning to rise within the squad. 

Li was once one of the most important defenders in the CSL before retiring in 2015. 

The 38-year-old lifted the CSL title with Shenzhen Jianlibao in 2004, and was also a member of the Chinese national team that reached the 2002 World Cup finals, the only time the PRC has gotten to that stage. 

The decorated Chinese footballer has now struck a chord with members of the Quanjian side, including striker Alexandre Pato, of which he now serves as their vice managing director.  

"I met him in the 2008 Beijing Olympics when China faced Brazil in the group stage. He was really a promising star then. His speed and movement really impressed me," said Li. 

Li became the vice managing director of Quanjian at the end of 2015. Less than a year later, the club won the League One title and gained a promotion. Li now has higher aims, and in order to achieve his goals, he has to work well with head coach Fabio Cannavaro.

"Canavarro was unique as a player, having won all the top honors as a defender. He has also been successful in making the transition from player to coach. He has brought in a lot of changes ever since he took over as our coach. He makes our players into a team that can win matches," said Li.

Disappointingly, Quanjian did not open the new season on a winning note, losing 2-0 to Guangzhou R&F in the opener. The team drew at Shanghai Shenhua after that, leaving them with one point from their opening two games.  

"Though we lost our first match, we still rank among the top 8 when it comes to stats. It’s a pity we lost. We have should at least brought home a draw against R&F," said Li.

Having played in the CSL for more than a decade, Li said that the expectations for their performance in the league are very high. The veteran also holds a firm belief that the league and Chinese football in general has the potential to get stronger.