Lippi ready to wield the AXE

China's coach hints new blood is on way after losing patience with old guard

Marcello Lippi is ready to trust in youth as he bids to breathe fresh life into China's national team.

After falling to reach this summer's World Cup finals in Russia, Lippi's attention has now turned to the 2019 Asian Cup finals in United Arab Emirates next January - the Italian's last chance to impress on his current three-year contract.

Since returning from a short break in Italy in late April, the 70-year-old has been busy devising warm-up plans for the tournament, flying to Dubai for the cup draw and watching league matches across China to evaluate players.

"My focus won't be anywhere else but here in China to continue developing a national team strong enough for the Asian Cup," Lippi told China Daily on Monday at the launch of a youth training program in Beijing.

"I know we still have room to improve, but we shall fear no one in Asia no matter who we play at the tournament, as long as we put in our best effort."

The expanded Asian Cup will feature 24 teams in six groups, with the top two in each pool and the four best third-place finishers advancing to the knockout phase.

With China drawn in Group C with South Korea, Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines, Lippi is confident of reaching the last 16.

"I am happy with the draw as I believe we have a good chance of advancing to the next stage," he said. "Korea will be the toughest opponent, but we are confident of beating them again."

A 1-0 win over Korea in a World Cup qualifier in March 2016 in Changsha immediately endeared Lippi to Chinese fans.

However, a miserable showing at March's invitational China Cup tournament, during which the host conceded 10 goals in two matches against Wales and the Czech Republic, has dampened that enthusiasm.

The former Inter Milan, Juventus and Italy boss suggested blame for that humiliation lay with veterans who care more for their club paycheck than national pride.

"Veterans are important for a team but only when they prove to me that they are still warm-blooded to fight for their country would I consider calling them up for the Asian Cup," said Lippi.

And with wholesale changes apparently in the offing, Lippi has entrusted his assistant, Massimiliano Maddaloni, coach of China's Under-23s, with identifying promising youngsters for promotion to the senior squad.

In preparation for the Asian Cup, China will play Jordan at home on May 26, Thailand away on June 2 and host Qatar in September. Five more matches will follow against as-yet unconfirmed opponents in October and November.

Meanwhile, Chengdu Business Daily has reported that the Chinese Football Association is prepared to offer Lippi a new three-year contract extension through the 2022 World Cup.

Lippi, though, is remaining tight-lipped about his future, with many observers believing results in the UAE could decide his future.

"I think it's important for him to finish his first term with some sort of legitimate achievements to reinforce his credibility. This is crucial for him to start over again for another Cup campaign with full authority," said Soccer News writer Liu Xiangyu.

For now, the CFA is backing its man, with chairman Cai Zhenhua saying in the immediate aftermath of last year's failed World Cup qualification campaign: "The resilience, determination and fighting spirit shown by the team under Lippi was inspiring. We appreciate his work and that of his staff very much."