Batista takes over the reins at Shenhua
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, May 31, 2012
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Team director Zhou Jun presents a jersey to Sergio Batista. |
Former national coach of Argentina, Sergio Batista, hopes to infuse a South American flavor into his new team while stressing that Nicolas Anelka, who had recently threatened to quit over a coaching row, would contribute more as a player.
After days of speculation, the World Cup-winning Argentine was officially confirmed as the head coach of Shanghai Shenhua last night.
Batista will lead Shenhua for the rest of the Chinese Super League season and the CFA Cup, the club confirmed last night.
Alberto Rodriguez and Alejandro Tocalli were named assistant and physical coaches while assistant coach Jean-Florent Ibenge will continue in his current role as will goalkeeping coach Ian Walker.
Batista's annual salary is reported to be around 1.5 million euros (US$1.9 million). His current deal includes an option to stay for another year.
"I came to Shanghai not for the money but because of my admiration for the whole project offered by the club," the 49-year-old told reporters. "I had contact with the club last year but the timing was not very good then. This year we had contact again and I thought it was a good opportunity."
The former Argentine national and Olympic coach said he would try to infuse South American style of soccer here. Shenhua is currently ninth in the 16-team league after 12 games.
"To win the title will be a challenge for me. I'll try my best. It's like gambling but if we play well we still have a chance," Batista said. "Currently we have a big gap with the leader, 12 points. It's difficult but not impossible."
Batista said he had spoken to Anelka and hoped the Frenchman would contribute with his experience.
"We've talked. Anelka is a very important and experienced player," Batista said. "He can bring his experience to the team. We're in a good relationship."
Batista will coach his first league game for Shenhua on June 16 after the league's three-week break. Shenhua will play two friendly matches against teams from South Africa and Argentina.
