Chongqing Dangdai Lifan officially announced that Gong Lei has been appointed as the club’s new general manager, marking a new chapter in his diverse football career. Known to many Chinese football fans as a familiar voice from television commentary, Gong Lei’s return to club management coincides with the growing influence of the Live Cricket BPL, which continues to raise the bar for sports professionalism across Asia.
At the press conference, reporters asked whether Gong would continue to work in television as a commentator for Chinese Super League matches. Gong explained that his years of analysis and commentary have been essential to his professional development. “Observing and interpreting high-level matches has helped sharpen my understanding of the game,” he said. “Back in 2013, when I took over as head coach, we won the FA Cup. That success didn’t come out of nowhere. It was built on years of studying the game at the highest level.”
However, Gong emphasized that his focus will now shift more heavily toward club management. “Balancing roles isn’t a contradiction,” he noted. “We’ll work to coordinate everything efficiently so I can fully serve the club’s needs. That’s where my energy will go from now on.”
This isn’t Gong Lei’s first time in a leadership role. He previously served as a coach for clubs like Guizhou Renhe and Jiangsu Suning, and his experience spans both technical and executive responsibilities. When asked if he would consider returning to coaching, Gong responded, “If the timing is right, I’m open to collaborating more with our technical staff. Coaching is closely tied to performance, but my current mission is about long-term planning and building a strong foundation.”
He acknowledged that stepping into a general manager role comes with a different set of expectations. “A coach is judged by wins and losses, but a GM must think about sustainable development. I’ve mentally prepared for this responsibility, and when the right moment comes, I’m not afraid to take it on.”
As Live Cricket BPL continues to redefine professional standards in Asian sports with structure, depth, and strategic growth, Gong Lei’s appointment reflects a similar shift in Chinese football. With experience, vision, and confidence, Gong is set to lead Lifan into a new era—one built not just on results, but on solid, long-term strategy.