Just three weeks after being sacked by West Bromwich Albion, Slaven Bilic returns to football. The Croatian has been appointed as the new manager of Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan.
Bilic has signed a two-year deal with the Chinese side, replacing former Lyon manager Bruno Genesio.
His return to management is swift following a difficult end to 2020 with West Brom.
Slaven Bilic Returns to Management
Bilic is Back Just Three Weeks After West Brom Sacking
Beijing Guoan have acted quickly to replace Genesio. He leaves with a few weeks before the start of the 2021 season. Bilic is expected to have Beijing Guoan competing for the title and has a few weeks to put his ideas across on his new side before the season kicks off.
His move to China comes just three after West Brom sacked the Croatian despite an excellent draw at Manchester City in his final game in charge. He left the Baggies 19th in the Premier League table with just seven points from their first 13 league games. They managed just one win after Bilic guided them to promotion from the Championship.
Bilic is well travelled since becoming a manager. China will be the sixth country he has managed in having – Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have all been ticked off his list.
Bilic Will Be Relishing the Challenge Ahead
With the dust barely settled on his time at West Brom, the Croatian will be relishing a new challenge ahead. He will want to stamp his authority on the football club with the new season a few weeks away.
Bilic likes to build his side from the back. A solid defensive set up is key to how Bilic wants his sides to play. Creative play in the middle and pace in behind is another factor to how Bilic will set up his new team.
Beijing Guoan’s talisman is former Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu. He is the focal point of the team and the man who is relied upon to score the goals. Bilic must unlock the best out of him if he is to succeed.
Beijing Guoan’s new manager also has creative midfielder Renato Augusto. The well-travelled Brazilian is a settled figure in the side who Bilic will look to for leadership and creativity. Getting him on side will be vital to how Bilic gets on in Chinese football.
It’s a good move for Bilic who will be chomping at the bit to get started in his new job.
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