Since 2024, the Chinese Super League clubs have significantly accelerated the pace of their preparations. On the one hand, with the opening of the winter transfer window, a series of transfer negotiations have been finalized. After all, in order to officially become a member of the club, players must complete the registration process, so the signed players can successfully complete the transfer. However, in view of the Asian Cup, transfers involving the national team have to wait until the end of the tournament before registration procedures can be completed. On the other hand, the music department has resumed training during the winter training, and the coaches and assistant coaches need to be identified. After all, early integration into training can give you more opportunities to debut and lay a solid foundation for the new season.
Nevertheless, some clubs are still waiting patiently for their coaches to be finalized, and Henan is one of them. One such club is Henan, who finished the 2023 season in 10th place with 36 points from nine wins, nine draws and four losses, a decline from the previous season. The team's overall strength has also weakened. 49-year-old head coach Sarko announced his departure from the team, but Henan did not give a final answer until the end of 2023. It was widely believed that Sarko was expected to stay, but the final result was unexpected.
Sarko's departure was unexpected, but Henan recognized his coaching achievements. Sarko had led the team to play great games and impressed the club with his rigorous professional attitude. Henan also expressed their blessing for the departure of Salko, who became the first coach to leave the CSL in 2024. It is clear that Henan has found a better candidate.
In March 2023, Henan activated Sarko to replace the departing Javier. Sarko came in full of confidence and the team performed well, but lacked stamina and ended up 10th in the league. despite leading the team to an early relegation, it was only the minimum target, far from the club's expectations. Their departure after only 10 months in charge had a profound effect on the team's performance. Sarko's next stop in the Chinese league is not yet clear, but with the experience of coaching in the Chinese Super League, it is not unlikely that he will reappear in the future. For now, no matter who the new coach is, Henan will still need to focus on defense in the new season, and relegation is a more realistic goal.
In addition, the liberalization of the title right is good news for clubs, which can increase revenue and enhance the level of reinforcements. After all, changing the head coach may need to adjust the lineup, and the introduction of new foreign aid is also an inevitable choice. Therefore, Henan team needs to prepare in advance to meet the tactical needs of the new coach.
