One of my thoughts about the US presidential candidates is why at their age wouldn't they just be happy with the life they've had and slip off into an enjoyable retirement. Or at least keep doing what they are doing and not take on something new where they are going to be the subject of criticism and hate from within their own country and the world over.
And then you have Marcello Lippi, the 68 year old former Juventus and Italy coach who today became the manager of China's national team. He's won Italian championships, the Champions League and a World Cup. He also coached Guangzhou Evergrande to Chinese league glory four times. He is a coaching god in Italy and has a pretty good reputation in China.
I hope that when I am 68 I still have the drive that Lippi has. I also hope that I am at a point in my life when I can look back and think I did it all, I achieved as much as I could and can look forward to enjoying happy times away from any spotlight. I say good for Lippi that he can still take on this new challenge.
I just hope, for his sake, that it goes well. He is managing a national team who's country's president has ambitious plans for football in his country. The long term goal is World Cup victory in 2050. I assume the short term strategy is that China want Lippi's experience and know-how to kick start this plan.
The immediate task will be to kick start China's faltering Russia 2018 campaign. They have one point after four matches in the final round of qualifying. They need a Lippi miracle to make up the 6 points to third place which ensures a play-off to have the opportunity to get into the intercontinental playoff. It's a very tough task and even more the reason why I find Lippi's decision surprising.
I don't know his reasons or how the mind of an extremely successful coach towards the end of his career works. Maybe he just can't stop. He left Juventus for Inter after winning 3 championships and the Champions League. He returned to Juventus after an unsuccessful stint with Inter and won 2 more championships. He stepped down as manager of Italy after winning the World Cup in 2006 but came back a couple of years later. So this may be a continuation of his style. After making a name for himself in China, he is back albeit for a way bigger challenge.
Good luck Marcello. Despite my reservations I may envy you in retrospect when I'm 68. Scratch that, I'm jealous already.
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