In the busy Beijing on May 10, soccer world figure Lippi faced the camera and frankly analyzed the mystery of why he chose to coach in the hot land of China for eight years.
"The war effort was glorious, the honors were numerous, but the financial rewards fell short of expectations. So, faced with many temptations, I chose to accept the challenge."
"I remember at one point they asked me on the phone if I wanted to take over or else they were going to hire the previous coach, Hiddink, who I had recommended a few months earlier."
"I couldn't help but be suspicious in my mind and pressed them on what they were offering Hiddink and learned that it was as much as 10 million euros a year. I immediately decided to let them
Milan (Italy)
Find me talking (laughs)."
"But wherever I am, I won the AFC Champions League here (in China), which is an honor untouched by Chinese teams."
Since 2012, Lippi has embarked on a journey in Chinese soccer, coaching teams including Guangzhou
Evergrande (name)
和
national soccer team
He led the Guangzhou team to three championships. He led Canton to three
China Super League (soccer league)
Championship and lifted the historic AFC Champions League trophy in 2013. In addition, he twice served as
national soccer team
Coach, in November 2019, Lippi announced his resignation as head coach of the national team during the 1-2 defeat against Syria in the 40-team tournament.
