It seems Carlos Tevez just isn’t able to catch a break during his time in China, with Shanghai Shenhua chairman Wu Xiaohui conceding that the Argentine striker is failing to “meet our expectations.” following the club’s 6-1 drubbing this weekend against city rivals Shanghai SIPG at the Shanghai Stadium.
“Our intention was to bring in an influential star player with high quality, and we all thought Tevez could fit the bill.” Xiaohui told Shanghai TV. “However, due to a lack of winter training and match fitness, he didn’t meet our expectations.”
Subject to a big money move from Boca Juniors in December, in turn becoming one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, Tevez has weathered a rather shambolic first season at the Chinese Super League club. His first game saw them crashing out of the AFC Champions League before it had properly even begun, going down 2-0 to Australia's Brisbane Roar in their qualification game.
Beginning a week that saw head coach Gus Poyet resigning, new manager Wu Jingui branded the striker, as well as teammate Fredy Guarin, too “overweight” to play after an injury-plagued time in the Middle Kingdom.
Tevez did manage a consolation goal against SIPG at the weekend after the criticism was issued though, but that only became his third goal in thirteen league games for Shenhua.
That goal as a substitute seemingly wasn’t enough to warrant even an appearance for the club’s next game as the Argentine remained an unused substitute in a goalless draw with Shandong Luneng at home at the Hongkou Stadium last night. It has been stated following the game that special training plans were being made for the striker.
Shenhua now currently sit in 11th in the league table with the pressure mounting on the former Premier League and Serie A winner.
[Image copyright of ESPN]
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