Lozano has his work cut out

Raul Lozano on Wednesday embraced his new role as the first foreign head coach of China's men's volleyball team, telling a Beijing media conference his goal is to helm the squad to the top level in Asia and return it to the Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020.

The 61-year-old Argentine previously coached Spain, Poland, Germany and Iran and has guided three national teams to the Games, including last year in Rio when Iran made its Olympic debut.

"In fact, I was very familiar with China as an opponent. On the way to qualifying for Rio, Iran defeated the Chinese team," said Lozano.