Marcello Lippi shot down reports he could replace Max Allegri at Milan and enjoys his Guangzhou Evergrande success.
This month he became the first Coach in history to have won both the European and Asian Champions League trophies.
Marcello Lippi shot down reports he could replace Max Allegri at Milan and enjoys his Guangzhou Evergrande success.
This month he became the first Coach in history to have won both the European and Asian Champions League trophies.
“Would I be on the Milan bench? It’s the first time I’ve heard these rumours,” Lippi told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Allegri was confirmed in his position, even if it hasn’t been a very positive start to the season. The Rossoneri maintained the right clear-headed attitude and didn’t make any hasty decisions.”
Inter are also making changes, albeit at the club level with Indonesian investor Erick Thohir taking over as new President.
“In order to compete with Europe’s top clubs, it required an act of love from Massimo Moratti to let the club go. Walter Mazzarri is a capable Coach, so the Nerazzurri will do well.
“As for my own club, the plan was to give them the same organisational structure as a European side. The biggest compliment I received was that this didn’t look like an Asian club,” continued Lippi.
“It was complicated at the start to get across all my ideas, even with an interpreter, but I was optimistic. I saw the enthusiasm in the players and the club’s desire to help me complete this project.”
Lippi’s impressive CV also includes the 2006 World Cup and he has faith in Cesare Prandelli’s chances in Brazil.
“Can Prandelli do it? Of course. He did a great job of reconstructing the side after the South African World Cup and got back the world class players you need to go forward. In 2010 we were badly missing Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo, while Daniele De Rossi was not fit either.
“Italy have become competitive again.”