AFC Asian Cup 2019: China boss Marcello Lippi left needing a miracle in UAE swansong
- Italian has won a World Cup and Champions League during a storied career
- Is expected to step down as China coach following competition’s conclusion
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 looks set to leave the well-paid post when his contract expires after the tournament in the United Arab Emirates, which begins on Saturday, and at the age of 70 the end of his coaching career is in sight.
Lippi was also a Chinese Super League winner three times in a row with Guangzhou Evergrande from 2012 to 2014. But his two years in charge of the national side have been underwhelming.
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.