Rafael Benitez has expressed excitement about the challenge ahead at Dalian Yifang, as he prepares to lead the Chinese Super League (CSL) side with the backing of the club’s wealthy owner, Wanda Group. The former Newcastle United manager, who parted ways with the Premier League club last week, was officially announced as Dalian’s new head coach on Tuesday.
In comments posted on both his personal and the club’s websites, the 59-year-old Spaniard revealed that he had previously been approached about opportunities in China, but Dalian’s offer stood out. “This club has all the components that we were looking for to start a new chapter with maximum motivation,” Benitez said.
He also highlighted Wanda Group’s chairman, Wang Jianlin, one of China’s richest men, as being deeply committed to the club’s growth, providing “all the necessary resources” to achieve success.
Benitez’s immediate goal is to build on the club’s recent progress, having been promoted back to the CSL after relegation in 2014 and currently sitting mid-table halfway through the season. In addition to improving the team’s on-pitch performance, Benitez aims to strengthen the club’s long-term future by revamping its youth talent system.
“We know it won’t be simple, as there are some big rivals,” Benitez acknowledged. “But we are confident there is huge potential and great commitment from the club’s directors to create something great here.”
While recognizing the challenges ahead, Benitez is optimistic about the project. “This is indeed a challenge for me,” he said, but he’s determined to make a lasting impact at Dalian Yifang.
