Italian resigned because he 'didn't deserve big salary'

Marcello Lippi chose to resign as China's national team coach because results on the pitch could not justify his sizable salary, the Italian has told media in his home country.

Lippi quit Team China for the second time after last week's 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Syria in Dubai, a result which could ultimately cost China a place at the 2022 finals in Qatar.

The 2006 World Cup winner was reportedly being paid annual wages of 18 million euros (around $20 million) and alluded to feeling guilty about his pay packet as he announced his resignation in a post-match news conference in Dubai, saying he didn't "want to rob the money".

The 71-year-old is sticking to that explanation, according to a Tuesday report on Italian website gianlucadimarzio.com.

"It happens to me now and then, when I believe that there is no longer a natural desire, participation and trust. I don't like to make a lot of money without deserving it," Lippi was quoted as saying.

"I've been almost eight years in China and I had a great time, first in the club team (Guangzhou Evergrande), and then in the national team, where we grew up a lot. Now I realize that I am not able to repay this great trust and respect towards me. There are no elements to be able to do it, and that's why I left."

The article became a hot topic on Chinese social media, with related news viewed over 15 million times by Tuesday morning. China's players have taken the brunt of the blame for the national team's travails, with many fans impressed that Lippi seemingly values his self-esteem and dignity over his bank balance.

After coaching Chinese Super League powerhouse Evergrande for two seasons, Lippi was first hired as Team China boss in 2016 but failed to secure qualification for the 2018 World Cup finals.

The Italian stepped down in January, after China's quarterfinal exit from the Asian Cup before being persuaded to return in May. His second term lasted only 175 days and involved just six games.

Speculation abounds as to who will succeed Lippi, with another ex-Evergrande coach, Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari believed to be in contention.

Like Lippi, Scolari has steered his native country to World Cup glory (in 2002) and understands Chinese soccer well, having guided Evergrande to three CSL crowns, an Asian Champions League title and the Chinese FA Cup in less than three full seasons until November 2017.

The 71-year-old is also familiar with Team China's newest naturalized star, Brazil-born Ai Kesen, aka Elkeson, having worked with the forward at Evergrande.

Scolari's spokesman, Acaz Fellegger, told Xinhua that the veteran coach would listen to any CFA offers.

"He really liked working in China and the way he was treated, and believes in the potential of the Chinese national team," said Fellegger.

"Scolari believes that China has good potential and has good players. His former team, Guangzhou, had many good Chinese players."

Reports in some Chinese media, however, suggest the CFA is leaning toward hiring a homegrown coach, with Shandong Luneng's Li Xiaopeng named as a possible candidate.

Trying to revive China's flagging qualification hopes will be the new coach's first priority.

With two wins, one draw and one loss so far, China sits second in Group A, five points behind leader Syria but only ahead of the thirdplace Philippines on goal difference.

Eight group winners and the four best second-place finishers will progress to the 12-team second round of Asian zone qualifying. China is currently ranked as the fourth best runner-up team.

shifutian@chinadaily.com.cn