Shanghai: China coach Marcello Lippi has put his players through a tough month of training ahead of the Asian Cup, but the decorated Italian will need to inspire something special if his ageing side are to be serious contenders.
Lippi is aiming to add an Asian Cup to a long managerial CV that includes the 2006 World Cup as well as a Champions League medal and five Italian league titles with Juventus. He was also a Chinese Super League winner three times in a row with Guangzhou Evergrande from 2012 to 2014.
“I am very satisfied with the performance of the players in training, (but) injuries and sickness did occur,” Lippi, reportedly one of the best-paid coaches in football, said.
“This is truly the first time that we have enough time for better preparation tactically and physically,” added the Italian, who must find a way to get Shanghai SIPG forward Wu Lei, last season’s CSL top-scorer, banging in goals for his country.
The Chinese government is throwing money at youth football but the squad at Lippi’s disposal is limited and one of the oldest at the tournament. Their build-up to the UAE has been complicated by injuries to back-up goalkeepers, while cold and flu have crept into the squad.
However, just like any other players Lippi will be much dependant on 38-year-old Zheng Zhi who remains to be a figurehead. Come the competition, it will be Zheng’s fifth and most probably the final Asian Cup and the midfielder, formerly of Charlton Athletic when they were in the EPL, wants to go out with a bang.
“I thought the previous Asian Cup would have been my last and I didn’t expect that I can still take part again four years later,” said the Guangzhou Evergrande stalwart.
