Monday 11 September 2017 10:21, UK
Gus Poyet has resigned as coach of Shanghai Shenhua after a 2-1 defeat to Henan Jianye left the big-spending Chinese Super League club languishing in 12th place.
Shanghai Shenhua's 11th reverse in 23 matches this season came despite the introduction of Carlos Tevez off the bench after the Argentine forward's return from a persistent calf injury.
"Mr Poyet formally offered his resignation to Shanghai Shenhua [on Monday]," said a club statement.
"After considering the decision, the club has agreed to accept Mr Poyet's resignation. From today, Mr Poyet will no longer be head coach of the club."
Shenhua revealed Wu Jingui, a former coach of the club who was working as technical director, would take over from the former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder, who has also managed Sunderland, Brighton, Real Betis and AEK Athens.
Poyet was appointed Shenhua head coach in November and was tasked with building on the third-place finish in the Chinese Super League by predecessor Gregorio Manzano.
However, Poyet's time in charge started badly with Shenhua losing 2-0 to Australia's Brisbane Roar in a play-off for a place in the group stages of the Asian Champions League.
Shenhua bounced back with a 4-0 win over Jiangsu Suning in the opening game of the Chinese season only for the club to endure an inconsistent run due to injuries, suspensions and continued speculation over the future of Tevez.
"It had been difficult and it was very, very strange," Poyet said of the season prior to his decision to resign.
"So many things happened and unfortunately we couldn't get the consistency that I was convinced we would get just before playing Brisbane, even though we didn't start well.
"All of those things that happened didn't let us play the strongest team or a consistent team. For example, in defence, after 10 games I had played seven different back fours. I don't remember ever that happening anywhere.
"It's not an excuse, it's reality. I'm not complaining, it's just been a difficult season."
Shenhua still have the chance to win silverware with the club leading 1-0 after the first leg of their Chinese FA Cup semi-final tie with second division side Shanghai Shenxin. The second leg will be played on September 29.
