Guangzhou sack Lee Jang Soo, Lippi to take over

Manager Lee Jang Soo has confirmed his departure from the cash-rich Chinese Champions Guangzhou Evergrande, after the club terminated his contract with immediate effect.

The South Korean’s dismissal was announced a few hours after he guided his team to the Round Of 16, in the AFC Champions League.

Marcello Lippi is tipped as hot favorite to take over the reigns at Guangzhou, after Sky Italia reported that the world cup winning coach had flown down to China for talks on Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m really okay. I’ve kind of expected this. I have no shame with my work, we’re top of the league and reached final 16 of Champions League in our debut season,” Lee told Sportal Korea after admitting he was under pressure for the past few months due to constant speculations of a change in management.

“I need to take a rest for a while. A big responsibility came off my shoulders. It’s disappointing to leave the team after the win in the Champions League match but in a way, I feel lighthearted.”

Meanwhile, Lippi is expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Chinese outfit and is expected to be unveiled on Thursday afternoon. Lippi’s first test would be in the form of FC Tokyo in the ACL Round of 16 on May 30.