Lippi makes winning start in China

21 May 2012 04:14

Marcello Lippi has guided Guangzhou Evergrande to a 1-0 win over Qingdao Jonoon in his first game in charge in China's Super League on Sunday.

The 2006 World Cup winning coach, who has replaced the sacked Lee Jang-Soo, saw China international striker Gao Lin head home the only goal on 67 minutes to keep Guangzhou top of the table.

Speaking at the post-game press conference, the 60-year-old was delighted with the win after previous debut failures with his former clubs.

"In my career, no matter with Juventus, Milan or the Italian national team, my debut match has always been a loss," Lippi said.

"So I was a little bit afraid about the first match actually.

"Now I have the opposite result, I feel very happy and have more confidence for the future."

Guangzhou, who have qualified for the AFC Champions League Round of 16, moved four points clear at the top with victory over the bottom side.

"Firstly, I would like to say I am happy with the result, and my team got three points. It is not easy to win a game, no matter where the team is standing, even if the team is on the bottom of the table," he said.

Having only spent a short time with his new side, Lippi said it would take time to impose his style of football on the players, who he believed had showed signs of fatigue after a demanding season to date.

"I have been here with my team for three days, but the team has played totally 17 matches in the past three months, so I found the team is a little bit tired," he said.

"The players need some time to adjust to the new position and condition."