Marcello Lippi has officially been named as the new Coach of Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou Evergrande.
The 64-year-old, who hasn’t worked since Italy’s disastrous World Cup 2010 campaign, replaces Lee Jang-Soo. He’s signed a two-and-a-half year contract.
Marcello Lippi has officially been named as the new Coach of Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou Evergrande.
The 64-year-old, who hasn’t worked since Italy’s disastrous World Cup 2010 campaign, replaces Lee Jang-Soo. He’s signed a two-and-a-half year contract.
“We first contacted each other about four months ago,” Lippi said, confirming the links which had been reported in the Italian media in recent times.
“The President Xu Jiayin and Vice-President Liu Yongzhuo showed a huge desire to co-operate.
“I have seen several games of the club in the Chinese Super League and AFC Champions League. I have remembered their numbers and performances – and I will soon know their names for sure.
“I also persuaded many of my coaching staff to come to China with me. I’m very enthusiastic about being here.
“I appreciate the support of Guangzhou Evergrande and I have seen many fans wearing our red shirt in the city. I am happy to see that kind of passion.”
Lippi, who will be aided by Narciso Pezzotti amongst others, also paid tribute to his predecessor at the club.
“I have to say thank you to Lee Jang-Soo. With his hard work the club has improved a lot in the past two years,” the former Scudetto winner with Juventus noted. “With the groundwork he has left, we can be more successful.
“I want to bring modern Italian football style to China.”
Guangzhou Evergrande were 2011 Chinese champions.
The Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Lippi, who led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, could be earning as much as €10m a season.