Lippi reflects on his career in China and way ahead

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China's head coach and 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi spoke to SNTV about his decision to leave China after next January's Asian Cup.

Lippi, 68, led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, won five Italian league titles as manager of Juventus, and won three Chinese league titles with Guangzhou Evergrande before announcing his retirement in 2014.

He was appointed head coach of the Chinese national team in 2016 but failed to lead them to qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Now it's time to move up.

Marcello Lippi (C), head coach of China, watches the international football friendly between China and Syria in Nanjing, China, October 16, 2018. /VCG Photo

In a candid interview, Lippi explained his decision to leave the hot seat of China's manager. "Everybody already knows it. The federation has offered me four more years in a contract, but I think it is right that I go back home after six years. It's too far away for me. And I want to go back home and live again with my family."

"They know it. We'll try to do our best. And I feel I have worked well and we have improved, even though the margin of improvement hasn't been that high, because it was pretty low when we started.

Head coach Marcello Lippi (C ) of Italy celebrates his team's victory during the World Cup final between Italy and France in Berlin, Germany, July 9, 2006. /VCG Photo

"I won't be coaching any Italian clubs or any clubs. I won't be a head coach anymore.

"But if in a year or two, a national team - hopefully closer to my home than the team I have now - will be looking for me, I might do it again," Lippi added.