Marcello Lippi responds to rumors linking him with China return

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Marcello Lippi is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to rumors of a sensational return to the Chinese national football team, with the Italian World Cup-winning coach giving little away.

It was barely a month ago that Lippi stepped down as China boss following his side's meek quarterfinal exit from the 2019 Asian Cup. But there has been a growing consensus among the Chinese Football Association (CFA) that the sub-par performance from the 71-year-old veteran's men should be put into perspective as there might be a downturn in results before improvement comes.

To appoint Lippi is to commit to a long-term plan and it is that retrospection which has the CFA mulling over an effort to lure him back to China, albeit in an advisory role to help the new head coach.

Marcello Lippi oversaw China's disappointing AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal exit after a loss to Iran, January 24, 2019. /VCG Photo

The astute tactician, who repeatedly stated his desire to continue to work near his family in Italy, has, however, refused to speculate on a swift return to the Middle Kingdom, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I do not want to talk about it. Let's see what happens in the future."

While he has stopped short of ruling out a second spell with Team Dragon, the hunger and motivation to get back to soccer management is clear for all to see.

"I'm 71. I can go on because the age is one thing but the mentality is another," mused Lippi. "The motorboat is out there and it's one of the joys of life, but it's hard to stay out of work for a long time."

"As long as my health permits, I do not see the reason to stop. I think the age of 70 is equal to that of 50 or 60."