Lippi leaves China

Photo from Titan Sport

Marcello Lippi's time with the China national side came to an end this week. The Italian flew out of China on Tuesday from Guangzhou Airport and refused to answer questions from journalists as he did so. His low key exit from China pretty much sums up his time in the country as he never really got fans excited throughout his two-year tenure. 

Lippi no more

Lippi announced after China lost to Iran that his time was up with the national side. It was reported by some in the media that he was very unhappy after the performance with Iran although this as not been confirmed.

The manager leaves the China side with his head held high after an Asian Cup campaign where he did as well as could have been expected. Pre-tournament people questioned his ageing team selection and he should have brought in more youth. The players he did bring in performed admirably though and he had to deal with the injury early on to his starman Wu Lei.

I would expect now the Italian will retire from football and we will not see him a dugout again with the Italian now 70-years-old. He will now leave the China side to someone who will have a job on their hands. As many followers of the national side will be hoping the new person can find a blend of youth and experience to push the country forward.