Guizhou linked with Ronaldinho

Guizhou Renhe manager Gong Lei, said there is a good chance Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho will join the club this summer.

Gong was invited to serve as a commentator alongside CCTV host Liu Jianhong during a game between Dalian Shide and Dalian Aerbin on Sunday

The eye-catching performances of the two sides' foreign players prompted Liu to ask about Guizhou's reported connection with the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year.

"Anelka is already here, Drogba's negotiation is proceeding, and there are rumors Ronaldinho will join Guizhou - is that true?" Liu asked during the match, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

Gong said foreign stars are worth the high cost, and there is "a great chance" Ronaldinho will come.

A Chinese newspaper quoted an official from the club who said Gong's opinion was his own and that it didn't represent the club.

None of this was news in Guizhou. Local media reported before the season that the club's sponsor, a well-known wine producer, believed the team's current foreign squad didn't measure up to the company's reputation.

Guizhou coach Gao Hongbo didn't answered directly when asked about the transfer.

"We are not short of outstanding domestic players at Ronaldinho's position - for example Yu Hai and Qu Bo. Even though the club wants him, it is a matter to discuss over the summer," Gao said.

Shao yet to be a starter

Shao Jiayi said he came home for a league trophy, not a retirement plaque. He might have to convince his coach of that.

Jaime Pacheco put the 31-year-old midfielder on the bench again in the club's second league match, in which Beijing defeated Shanghai 3-2 at home.

Since 2002, Shao has played in Germany. He returned to Beijing Guo'an, the only Chinese club he's played for, in December.

Shao has played two second-team matches. He started in the AFC Champions League match, which Guo'an lost to Ulsan Hyundai 2-1, but he played the right-half because his familiar midfield is manned by teammate Piao Cheng.

"It took some time for me to fit into the team after I came back, but I feel I am well prepared to play the game now," Shao said. "The head coach will arrange the most suitable player at each position according to our strategy, and I obey the coach's decision."

Pacheco said it's not the time for Shao to return to the starting lineup.

"I used him in the starting lineup in South Korea, but felt he was not in good competition form," Pacheco said. "I think he needs more time to get his form back."

Evergrande has a rival

It seemed there was no real rival for Guangzhou Evergrande last year, as the club claimed the CSL title four rounds in advance, 15 points ahead of runner-up Beijing Guo'an.

Guangzhou R&F might be there this year. The CSL freshman got a victory in its first encounter with city rival Evergrande.

After a 2-0 win in the Guangzhou derby, R&F gave Evergrande another blow with a 4-1 victory in a reserve-team match the next day.

The reserve games, which began last year, are held a day after the formal CSL game and are meant to reflect the bench depth of the clubs.

"We will play better and better in the future, and we are not afraid of any teams," said R&F boss Zhang Li, who said his goal is for the club to finish in the top eight.

According to Chinese media, officials from Evergrande said players' form slipped after a stunning 5-1 win over South Korean champion Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Coach Lee Jang-soo took the blame and vowed to defeat Thailand champion Buriram United in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday.

tangzhe@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/20/2012 page24)