Lippi likens Philippines to European side

abu dhabi — The Philippines, despite a narrow loss to South Korea, have created a good first impression on the AFC Asian Cup 2019 and Chinese head coach Marcello Lippi likened the ‘Azkals’, their next opponent, with sides from Europe.

“For me the Philippines don’t look like an Asian team. They have more European style of play. They have players who play for German and English clubs. Their coach (Sven-Goran Eriksson) is from Sweden. They have a strong European mix. The players are physically strong, have good quality and ability. They are well organised too. It’s not going to be an easy match. We will try to achieve the best possible result and qualify into the next stage,” Lippi said on the eve of the match at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.

Lippi knows Eriksson for long time from Serie A days and understands

Marcello Lippi

that his counterpart has experience of managing Chinese clubs too, which spices up things.

“Yes, he is an experienced coach. I will be happy to meet him in the field.” The Italian hopes the firsthalf mistakes made against Kyrgyz Republic, when the defence was all at sea, will not be repeated and a better show than the second-half will be on show on Friday. “Football is a mix of defence and attack. You can win and lose but most important thing is to keep the right balance. We cannot make the same mistakes of the first half. We will try to maintain the same intensity with which we played the second half.”

Lippi is confident about an improved show but concerned about his options in attack. “Strikers Xiao Zhi and Wei Shihao continue to recover from injuries. We have some problem but we hope to manage.”

The coach is surprised by Australia’s loss and rise of new teams to prominence.

“Our opponents are tough but we know our strengths. Our aim is to qualify into the knockout stages. In football everything is possible,” he noted.

Chinese ‘Dragons’ take on the Philippines at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium (5.30pm) on Friday.