Ex-Premier League player sacked in brutal 26 word statement after blowing title race

John Aloisi has been axed as manager of Chinese club Chengdu Rongcheng after an astonishing title race collapse. The 50-year-old, who spent four years in English football with Portsmouth and Coventry during his playing days, took over at Chengdu in January. The Australian was on track to lead the club to the Chinese Super League title but an unexpected twist saw his side slip out of top spot on the final day of the season. Chengdu, holding a 12-point lead in the title race, needed just one point from their last four games to seal the title. However, a mind-blowing collapse saw Aloisi’s side lose all four of their matches only to see rivals Dalian Yingbo crowned champions. As a result, Aloisi was subsequently sacked in a brutal 26-word statement from the club with no gratitude shown for his efforts. The statement read: “Mr. John Aloisi is no longer serving as the head coach of Chengdu Rongcheng Football Club, and his team members are leaving the club as well.” Chengdu blundered multiple chances to claim the title with the first opportunity presenting itself back on October 10. A point at home to Tianjin Jinmen Tiger would have been enough but they were beaten 1-0 thanks to a 91st-minute winner. Next up in their search for a solitary point was the trip to Shanghai Port. But Aloisi’s men again fell short, this time slipping to a 3-0 defeat. Then came a home clash with eventual champions Dalian Yingbo. Chengdu entered the dying stages of the match 1-0 down but believed they had finally clinched the elusive point in the 90th minute only to see their equaliser chalked off after a VAR check. How did Chengdu blow their last opportunity? Heading into Saturday’s final match of the season, Chengdu held a three-point advantage at the top prior to their trip to Shandong Taishan. The drama came to a head when Chengdu slipped to a 3-2 defeat only to see Dalian secure a 3-2 win over Tianjin to snatch the title in incredible fashion. Following his side’s inconceivable collapse, Aloisi apologised to the club’s supporters. “We are indeed very disappointed not to have won the championship. We are in a very despairing state. There is nothing else to say,” he told reporters. “I want to say sorry to everyone. We certainly know that our fans have travelled a long way to fight alongside us and support us. “Right now, my only feeling is one of great dejection and disappointment, because we could see the trophy right in front of us, but could not get it.” The manic end to the title race capped off a turbulent season in the Chinese Super League. Nine of the 16 teams were handed points deductions early in the campaign due to match-fixing and corruption. Chengdu were not one of the teams sanctioned which enabled them to build up a healthy lead in the title race until inexplicably crumbling late on.