To Chinese football now, and Qingdao Jonoon, who were relegated from the CSL last season, have announced that the former Chinese international player Li Xiaopeng will take over as the clubs new head coach.

Li Xiaopeng named new coach of Qingdao

Li's coaching staff is mainly made up from former teammates of Qingdao's local rivals Shandong Luneng, the club he played at for his entire career. It's thought Qingdao recruited Li for his experience of international competitions, having been one of the players to have helped China reach the finals of the 2002 World Cup. Qingdao had been top of the Super League last season, but they collapsed in the second half of the year before being relegated to the second-tier league. Li used to coach the Chinese national women's team, but has never been in charge of a club side before now. The 38-year-old admitted he needed to overcome that lack of club experience at Qingdao.

"The coaches here have lots of football experience and will work hard for the team. Even though they're all new to coaching like me, we all have the same attitude, and will spare no effort in leading the team back on track. We'll try to play beautiful football even if we're in the second division. And we hope to win back our fans and supporters." Li said.

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