By David Gold
May 19 – World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has been appointed as manager of big-spending Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande.
The Italian (pictured top, centre), who led his country to the World Cup title in 2006, is the latest high-profile name recruited to China.
Just over a year ago, Evergrande signed the then Brazilian player of the year, Argentinian Dario Conca, from 2010 champions Fluminense.
The club’s rivals, Shanghai Shenhua, also signed France’s former Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka (pictured below, in blue) earlier this year.
Former Inter Milan coach Lippi, who won five scudettos with Serie A giants Juventus, left the Italy post in 2006 after the World Cup triumph.
The 64-year-old returned two years later following Roberto Donadoni’s brief tenure, but his second World Cup campaign in 2010 ended in disaster, with Italy exiting at the group stage and finishing below New Zealand.
Lippi’s deal with Evergrande will run until November 2014 and he said: ”I am glad to accept the invitation from Evergrande.
“I will start my work today, the same way I did in Juventus and Inter Milan.
“The most important thing is to bring the Italian football concepts to China.’
”I almost know all the players now.
”We need everybody to be passionate and confident about it.
”I promise to work with my utmost passion and professional knowledge.”
China has for years been looking to find a way to improve its football fortunes, and compete with the likes of Japan and South Korea for titles.
Significant investments are now being made, typified by Evergrande’s largesse, in a bid to make Chinese teams more competitive.
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