Zheng Zhi named GM of Guangzhou Evergrande, Cannavaro on brink of exit

GUANGZHOU -- China's Guangzhou Evergrande announced on Saturday the appointment of Zheng Zhi as the club's general manager.

The 40-year-old is now taking the roles of a player, an assistant coach and the general manager.

Evergrande also changed its management mode from "head coach responsibility system" to "general manager responsibility system", which means Fabio Cannavaro's power was reduced.

"Zheng will take the responsibility of the team's training, even the transfers," a source close to the club said.

Evergrande was eliminated after the AFC champions league group stage ended Friday, triggering speculation that the 47-year old would be sacked again.

"Cannavaro will leave, It is only a matter of time for him and the club," The source said.

"Evergrande changed its strategy to stop expensive foreign imports and put more resources into the academy," they added.

The Italian began his second spell at the Chinese club in November 2017 and led the team to one title in the Chinese Super League in 2019. He finished his first two-year stint at Evergrande in 2015.