Satisfied Scolari has no plans to quit Evergrande

GUANGZHOU: World Cup-winning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has denied reports in his native Brazil that he will retire from coaching at the end of the current Chinese Super League season.

Scolari, who signed a new contract with Guangzhou Evergrande at the end of last year, called the reports “fake news” and said he hoped to remain in China beyond his existing deal.

“It is completely untrue,” he told Chinese media. “I don’t know what the intention was behind this fake news. I have to repeat that my contract with Evergrande is due until the end of this year and I have the option of a one-year extension.

“I love my job in Guangzhou, and I love my players. My family in Brazil don’t need me to quit my work here to take care of them at home.

“It is normal that I take some holidays back in Brazil, and I haven’t seen my wife for four or five months. I went back and brought them to Guangzhou, that’s it. I believe I will spend more time here.”

Scolari took over as head coach at Guangzhou Evergrande in June 2015 and has since led the club to the Asian Champions League title and two Chinese Super League crowns.

He has followed in the footsteps of fellow World Cup winner Marcello Lippi in leading the club to domestic and continental success.

Scolari praised the Italian’s impact on the China national team after Lippi guided them to victory over South Korea in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

“I always tell my players to be at their best for the national team,” said Scolari, who saw five of his players start for China in the 1-0 win.

“Lippi is my good friend. We’ve chatted a few times. I’m happy to see what he has done to the national team. I watched the whole 90 minutes and I like the way it went.”