ZCZC
BSP-09
FBL-ASIA-CHN-LIPPI
Lippi returns as China coach – four months after leaving
SHANGHAI, May 24, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Marcello Lippi was back as coach of
China on Friday, the country’s FA said, four months after the World Cup
winner quit and following a failed stint by fellow Italian Fabio Cannavaro.
The 71-year-old Lippi’s return to the top job in Chinese football had been
widely tipped in local media and will be warmly welcomed by fans.
Lippi, who vacated the role after China were dumped out of the Asian Cup
quarter-finals 3-0 by Iran in late January, is tasked with guiding the team
to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
China have reached the World Cup only once, in 2002, when they exited
without a point or scoring goal. They sit a lowly 74th in the FIFA rankings.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0904 hrs