Lippi: China’ll do everything to complete mission impossible

By Daily Sports on October 29, 2016

Marcello Lippi has refused to throw in the towel on China PR’s chances of reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. China have drawn one and lost three of their opening Group A qualifiers, and trail leaders Iran, Uzbekistan and Korea Republic by nine, eighth and six points respectively.

Lippi is aware his new pupils face an uphill struggle, but believes back-to-back home victories over Qatar next month and Korea Republic in March would put them right back in the mix.

“The current national situation is very difficult,” said the 68-year-old former defender. “It seems there’s not much chance, but we need to unite as one to do everything possible to complete this improbable mission.

“Then we have to consider the issue of long-term development of Chinese football. Now we need to build a strong team, they need to have dedication.”

Lippi guided Guangzhou Evergrande to three Chinese Super League crowns and AFC Champions League glory. He also oversaw their admirable FIFA Club World Cup campaign in 2013, in which they eliminated Al Ahly and only lost 3-2 to a Ronaldinho-inspired Atletico Mineiro in a thrilling battle for bronze. Lippi revealed he was approached about becoming China coach during his Guangzhou tenure.

“The possibility was explored, but because I was coach at Guangzhou it had to be postponed. After I finished my work at Evergrande and returned to Italy, I had always been thinking about returning to China. In China I have always felt attention and respect, both for me and my team.

"China is one of the world’s most important countries and I believe I can help Chinese football progress. I believe the players are all skillful and have no need to feel inferior or envious towards players of other countries, because they can reach the same level. What they need is a sense of responsibility, mission and belief.”

China’s only World Cup participation came in 2002, when they were guided there by another foreigner: Serbian Bora Milutinovic. While the odds on them playing on the biggest stage again in 2018 appear slim, Lippi is no stranger to masterminding World Cup miracles.

“Nobody even gave us a chance,” said Lippi of Italy’s Germany 2006 campaign. La Nazionale had been eliminated by Korea Republic in the Round of 16 at the previous World Cup, and been beaten to Group C’s tickets to the knockout phase by Sweden and Denmark at UEFA EURO 2004, but memorably lifted the Trophy at the Olympiastadion. (fifa.com)

•Photo show Marcello Lippi

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 29, 2016


 

You may also like...
Ronaldo Avoids Fine Despite Anger At Substitution

Ambrose: Mikel Will Be Key for Nigeria at...

FIFA bans Ghanaian referee for life

Unstoppable Chelsea snatch 11th straight victory to extend...

How Nigerian Fraudster Hushpuppi Conspired To Defraud Premier...

Barcelona Plan January Move For Man Utd Striker...

 

Latest News Nigeria beat Cameroon to reach IHF final 27 schools for Doregos Basketball Championship Super Falcons to play France’s Les Bleues in friendly SWAN suspends ban on coverage of Anambra FA activities Joshua among boxing’s top three earners in 2024 Oshoala makes history with Bay FC Nnamani hails team over IHF bright start Flamingos lift U-17 W’Cup Fair Play Trophy Rangers Intl, SWAN partner on sports collaboration in SE LAGOS SWAN CELEBRATES AIG ZONE 2 ON HIS BIRTHDAY AND 30 DAYS IN OFFICE Traders Cup: Upholstery Soccer Team Secured 2nd Win To Advance To Round Two Lagos SWAN Celebrates Oba Akiolu, Iyaloja General, AIG Fayoade

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,142 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,269 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,350 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (43,992 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (43,932 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (43,879 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,718 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,289 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,333 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,036 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,489 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (38,916 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media