Veteran Spanish coach Manzano extends China stay

Shanghai (AFP) – Chinese Super League side Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng, who have been linked with an audacious move for Brazilian veteran Kaka, on Thursday retained coach Gregorio Manzano for another season.

The 61-year-old Spaniard, whose long career in management has included spells at Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, led Guizhou to a mid-table finish when the Chinese season ended in early November.

“The hero won’t take a bow and the legend will continue. We hope that Mr. Manzano can lead the club to again create glory in the 2018 season,” Guizhou, in China’s southwest, said in a statement.

Reports in China and Italy say that the 35-year-old attacking midfielder Kaka is in talks with Guizhou to play for one more year before retiring.

The Brazilian, once of Real Madrid and AC Milan, is a free agent after leaving Orlando City in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Manzano has spent the latter stage of his coaching career in China, taking charge of Beijing Guoan in 2014, followed by Shanghai Shenhua and then Guizhou in spring this year.