Lippi confident with Guangzhou's opener
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E-mail Xinhua, December 14, 2013
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Players of China's Guangzhou Evergrande take part in a training session at Agadir Stadium, Agadir December 13, 2013. [Photo/China Daily] |
Al Ahly was lack of organized matches as their Chinese opponent. They had to compete in the CAF (Confederation of African Football) Champions League for a warm-up as the domestic league remains suspended following last year's Port Said Stadium disaster.
Lippi said the Egyptian side might be more fresh in the physical preparation but ambition for the tournament could also inspire Guangzhou.
"The two teams are not in the same period of a season. They are like in the middle but we are close to the end."
"We started training for this season since January. We have about 10 Chinese players having played many internationals with the national team. Now, it's nearly a whole year. Physically and psychologically it is tough year for us."
"But as I said, two years ago, no one imagine Guangzhou can reach here. But we did it. We prove our team deserved it. We are getting more mature in the psychological level. Hopefully we can show our best level."
Guangzhou's playmaker Dario Leonardo Conca will leave his team after the tournament, which is being staged from December 11 to 21 in Morocco.
Lippi said Conca will play his "last two or three matches" for Guangzhou, implying his ambition to meet Bayern Munich in the semi- final.
"During his years here, Conca showed he is a serious professional player. He deserves all the respect from the club. I feel sorry for his leave."
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