Former Leverkusen boss Schmidt appointed by Beijing Guoan

Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan have appointed former Bayer Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt as their head coach.

Guoan made the announcement on Saturday, with Schmidt due to be unveiled on July 1 after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Schmidt, who was sacked by Bundesliga outfit Leverkusen in March after three years in charge, replaces Spaniard Jose Gonzalez.

Gonzalez lost his job following back-to-back defeats, which left Guoan seventh in the CSL and 16 points adrift of leaders Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao.

“We are delighted to announce that Roger Schmidt has been appointed as head coach of the first team,” Guoan said in a statement.

“Schmidt, who is a standout example of the up-and-coming coaches in German, has won worldwide plaudits for his high-pressing style with Red Bull Salzburg and Bayer Leverkusen.

“We are convinced that Schmidt will give a new impetus to Beijing Guoan and will lead our team to reach new heights.”

Guoan, who boast Brazil international Renato Augusto, Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz and Jonathan Soriano in their squad, are next in action against Tianjin Teda on June 18.