Lippi signs off regretting costly China mistakes

Abu Dhabi: Marcello Lippi’s reign as China PR head coach came to an end on Thursday with the Italian tactician left to regret the errors which cost his side dear during their 3-0 AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 quarter-final defeat to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

On a night of high drama at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun and substitute Karim Ansarifard all made the most of hesitant Chinese defending as Iran progressed through to the last four with relative ease.

While Lippi’s departure from his post was expected, the manner of China’s defeat in his last game in charge left the former FIFA World Cup winner far from happy.

“I have to say we have performed well overall in the AFC Asian Cup, even though we could not make it through to the semi-finals,” he said.

 


Match Highlights - January 24

“Maybe many people were expecting this result before the game, but what was unacceptable for me was to make the mistakes we did during the game. You cannot give the presents we did to such a strong team as Iran."

“I want to thank my players as they have sacrificed a lot, but I am a little angry about tonight because in such a crucial match you cannot make the mistakes. You cannot lose in this way."

“With this match my contract with the China national team comes to an end. It has been a huge honour to coach such an important team of a such an important country as China.

“I tried my best to help China improve, I can say that I have succeeded in some aspects, but I was hoping to end in a better way. It is disappointing to lose like this.”


Source: the-afc.com