Guangzhou R&F's new coach looking forward to challenge

Cosmin Contra's move to Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F was prompted by local enterprises' increased investment in soccer, the Romanian coach said this week.

"I like a club that has attracted investment and developed a major long term goal. As a young coach, I need to grow with the club and help it realize that goal," Contra said.

The 39-year-old, who arrived in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province on Monday, has signed a two-year contract with the big-spending club.

"We hope to win more games in the near future. In the short term we will fight for the championship of the domestic league, then enter the group competition of the Asian Champions League," he said.

Guangzhou R&F, which was managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson last season, has won a playoff spot in the upcoming ACL, which kicks off in February.

It finished in third place last season. The club is aiming for a better result in the upcoming campaign, with several experienced returnees including Yu Yang, Ye Chugui and Wang Song and Spanish midfielder Miguel Alfonso Herrero Javaloyas.

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn