Rafa Benitez has seen new team Dalian Yifang win on his coaching debut.

Benitez's Dalian Yifang defeated Henan Jianye 3-1 on Sunday as the former Newcastle United manager made a winning start to life in the Chinese Super League (CSL).

Benitez, who joined the club after rejecting a new contract at Newcastle at the end of last month, saw Emmanuel Boateng score twice either side of a penalty from Yannick Carrasco as Dalian remain in 10th place in the 16-team standings.

Henan briefly threatened a fightback when Ivo reduced the deficit 19 minutes from time but Benitez's side held on.

"Thanks to everyone for giving me so much support from the first day since I came," said Benitez.

"It's unrealistic to make changes in a short period of time. My job is to slowly instil ideas into the players and I hope that over the next period the organisation of the team will be more rigorous and the communication will be smoother."