ZCZC
BSP-05
FBL-ASIA-CHN-CRUYFF
Jordi Cruyff leaves Chinese club Chongqing
SHANGHAI, Dec 15, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Coach Jordi Cruyff has left China’s
Chongqing Lifan after failing to agree a new contract for next season, the
club said.
The 45-year-old enjoyed a successful 16 months at the Chinese Super League
club, taking them from relegation candidates last year to a 10th-placed
finish this season.
The former Manchester United and Barcelona midfielder, son of late Dutch
great Johan Cruyff, paid tribute to Chongqing’s supporters.
“Without their backing it would have been impossible to achieve the targets
we set ourselves as a team,” Cruyff, who previous coaching job was at Maccabi
Tel Aviv in Israel, said in a statement.
“As I call time on my spell at Chongqing, I wanted my first words of thanks
to go to the club’s fans for their constant shows of affection, which really
touched me, despite the language barrier.”
BSS/AFP/GMR/1014 hrs