Guangzhou R&F ink coaching deal with Serbian soccer legend

Serbian soccer legend Dragan Stojkovic, 50, signs a coaching contract with the Guangzhou R&F of the Chinese Super League. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chinese Super League's (CSL) Guangzhou R&F have signed Serbian manager Dragan Stojkovic to a contract.

Stojkovic, 50, will replace Romania's Cosmin Contra as the bench boss for the Guangzhou R&F. "Every game of the last six rounds is like a final game for us. We need to improve the team and bring back beautiful and technical football," said Stojkovic.

In completing to his glorious playing career with Nagoya Grampus Eight of the J-League, Stojkovic returned to Japan to take over as manager of his former club in January, 2008, leading the club to a J-League title in 2010.

"At a critical time, Stojkovic, with experienced playing and coaching careers, will help us fulfill our goals for this season," said Lu Yi, vice general manager of the R&F Properties Group, the group who owns the club.

"We hope the new coach will take us out of our current position. And we want to achieve more in the next two seasons. Our goal is to to catch up with the leading domestic clubs and qualify for the AFC Champions League," said Lu.