CSL: Manzano looks to keep Guizhou Zhicheng in the top flight

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By CGTN's Wen Shunshun

Despite a 2-0 loss to Beijing Guoan, which put a halt to Guizhou Zhicheng's recent run of good form, the side's two new acquisitions, Mario Suarez and Ruben Castro, are expected to boost the team's momentum in the latter half of the season as coach Gregorio Manzano aims to sustain their top flight status.

Manzono was welcomed back on Saturday to Beijing, where he had a successful spell in 2014 and 2015. Now the Spaniard is the coach of Guizhou, and he's brought with him countrymen Mario Suarez and Ruben Castro, who joined the team just days before the game in the capital city.

The Chinese Super League has in recent years seen more and more world class signings, but these two latest acquisitions only have a market value of six million euros, with Castro on loan from Real Betis, where he was top scorer in the last seven seasons.

Fans are confident in the new signings, expecting the pair to boost the team's morale and strengthen the squad.

The current Guizhou team features the likes of tough tackling defender Australian Ryan McGowan, but they found themselves outclassed by Beijing's frontline on Saturday, led by Jonathan Soriano and attacking midfielder international Renato Augusto. Despite the loss, Manzano believes the arrival of the Spanish pair can help his side grow and bring added fire to the team.

Prior to the visit to the Worker's Stadium, the newly promoted team only had 12 points in eight games. Lying seven points above the relegation zone, the ex Guoan boss will be happy just to avoid the drop this season.

Beijing Guoan meanwhile are in sixth place, but 15 points behind top team Guangzhou Evergrande.

This season so far has seen Fabio Capello's Jiangsu stuck in the relegation zone, even though they boast talents such as Alex Teixeira and former Chelsea play maker Ramires.