Lippi hopes for Brazilian treat as Evergrande face Qatar’s Lekhwiya
Head coach banks on Elkeson to take Guangzhou through quarter-finals
With World Cup and Uefa Champions League winners medals already in his possession, Marcello Lippi's pursuit of the top prize in Asian club football continues today as Guangzhou Evergrande face Qatar's Lekhwiya in their AFC Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Reigning two-time Chinese Super League champions and current runaway leaders, Guangzhou went out in the quarters this time last year. But Lippi insists this is a much stronger team as he tries to hand Chinese football its first continental title.
The team has grown in every aspect since I arrived and obviously we are ready, but I can't give a conclusion, all I can say is we are ready
"The team has grown in every aspect since I arrived and obviously we are ready, but I can't give a conclusion, all I can say is we are ready," said the 65-year-old.
"We have reached the quarter-finals and we are anxious ahead of the match, but we will try our best to satisfy our fans and we will give our best. We are facing a team who are well trained and physically ready, but we will try our best."
Brazilian Elkeson has been added to the squad for the knockout stage in place of departed Paraguay international striker Lucas Barrios.
And with the 24-year-old having scored 20 goals in 21 domestic appearances this season, he could prove the difference on the continental stage. Compatriot Muriqui is also the top scorer in the AFC Champions League with eight goals.
