BEIJING, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Super League powerhouse Beijing Guoan held themselves to a high standard ahead of the new season, with the Chinese Football Association Cup holders from last season aiming for a better league result in 2019.
Beijing Guoan finished fourth in the Chinese Super League last season and ended their championship drought with a CFA Cup, securing a berth in the AFC Champions League. During the winter transfer window, Guoan signed six players including hitman Zhang Yuning and South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae, and the new arrivals boosted the confidence of the team.
"We started to transform the team last season and the team completed the goal we set by earning a ticket to the AFC Champions League. In the new season we want a better performance in CSL," Team manager Li Ming said.
Guoan coach Roger Schmidt thought they had done a good job last season but says that the team did not reach the level they wanted.
"We will face an intense schedule in the new season, which poses a new challenge. The new season is coming and I hope we can prove ourselves in the season opener. And I am looking forward to meeting the fans in our home debut," Schmidt said.
Guoan will kick off the new season on March 1 against Wuhan Zall before hosting Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the AFC Champions League.
