Gustavo Poyet has stepped down as Shanghai Shenhua head coach after Sunday's defeat to Henan Jianye.

The former Chelsea and Uruguay midfielder took charge last November after lasting only six months in LaLiga as Real Betis boss.

Shenhua has only taken 24 points from 23 matches in the Chinese Super League and sit 12th in the table, eight points clear of the relegation zone.

It also failed to reach the group stage of the AFC Champions League after losing to Brisbane Roar in the play-off round.

"Shanghai Shenhua have agreed to accept Mr Poyet's resignation," a club statement read. "Following discussions, both parties have agreed that it is in the best interests of the club to make this change. 

"Technical director of the club Wu Jingui is appointed as the new coach.

"The club would like to thank Mr Poyet and his backroom staff for all his hard work over the past years and for the difficulties we've had to overcome during that time. 

"We wish him and his staff all the best for the future."

Shenhua's latest defeat means it has won just one of its last seven matches in all competitions.

Fans have been growing increasingly frustrated and vented their anger towards striker Carlos Tevez, who made his return from injury as a substitute at the weekend.

Tevez, who signed from Boca Juniors last December for a reported fee of £71.6million and is said to earn in the region of £615,000 per week, was booed during his latest disappointing display.