Cannavaro's ability questioned after poor Guangzhou performance

BEIJING - Fabio Cannavaro's ability as a coach has been called into question after a recent run of poor form from his Guangzhou Evergrande side in the Chinese Super League and Asian Champions League.

Guangzhou drew 1-1 with South Korea's Suwon Samsung Bluewings in a crucial Asian Champions League group game on Tuesday, meaning they have won only once in their past six matches, including the two-legged Chinese Super League title decider where they lost to Jiangsu Suning 2-1 on aggregate.

"Evergrande's performance in recent three do-or-die matches, including the Chinese Super League two-legged decider, was unsatisfying," the Guangzhou-based newspaper New Express wrote on Wednesday.

"As the head coach, Cannavaro must be held culpable for that. The Italian's tactical nous still leaves much to be desired," the newspaper said.

Some fans called for Cannavaro's sacking on Guangzhou Evergrande club's official Weibo platform.

"Step down. Otherwise you will destroy the team," a fan named "Football Strongman" wrote in Chinese.

Cannavaro's team was pushed to the brink of elimination from the Asian Champions League after drawing with the Bluewings.

If the South Korean team beat Vissel Kobe of Japan by two or more goals on Friday, they will join the Japanese side in the round of 16, sending Guangzhou packing.