Lippi confident ahead of real challenge in China

 GUANGZHOU, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Italian coach Marcello Lippi is facing a real challenge since he took charge of Chinese Super Leauge outfit¹ Guangzhou Evergrande when they will battle Japanese FC Tokyo on Wednesday for a place in the quarterfinals of AFC Champions League.

 

Just two weeks ago, Lippi was appointed as the head coach of the Chinese champions hours after the AFC Champions League debutants secured their spot in the final 16 after a dramatic late win over Thai league champions Buriram United.

 

With a win and a draw in the Chinese Super League (CSL) under his reign³, the real challenge for the World Cup-winning coach is looming⁴.

 

"It will be my first match in the AFC Champions League. But I have abundant experience in the European Champions League, so it is nothing special for me," said Lippi, who won the UEFA Champions League with Juventus in 1996. "The match is significant because it will be my debut². But it turns petty when compared to the European champions league finale."

 

"FC Tokyo are a strong opponent. Their players have very good technique and are also very fast," added the 64-year old Italian.

 

FC Tokyo finished second in Group F after suffering a bitter loss against the K-League side Ulsan Hyundain in the final fixture⁵ two weeks ago, losing their home advantage in the first knock-out round in AFC Champions league.

 

But playing away may turn out to be the Japanese side's favor as they have won five of their six away matches in Japanese league.

 

"Tokyo are always stronger in their away matches, but we find some ways to respond to teach them a lesson at home," Lippi said.

 

Meanwhile, the coach of the Japanese side said they will show their own way and own character.

 

"The deciding moment finally comes. It is a pity we can't perform in front of our fans, but we will do our best to show our football philosophy to the world," said Popovic.

 

"Mr. Lippi is a World Cup winner. But this will only be our motivation. We will make no special change, just keep our style that brings us successes consistently," he added.

 

Guangzhou's attacking trio are expected to make trouble for Tokyo as Brazilian striker Muriqui is back from injury and to carry on the scoring responsibility with Argentine anchor Dario Conca and Brazilian center forward Cleo. The "sharp trio" combined for 12 goals in six matches in the group stage of AFC Champions league.

 

"Muriqui's recovery is a good news, I am not telling you the formation and lineup tomorrow, what I am sure is that we will win the game in 90 minutes," Lippi said.

1 outfit   

n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装

参考例句：

• Jenney bought a new outfit for her daughter's wedding.珍妮为参加女儿的婚礼买了一套新装。
• His father bought a ski outfit for him on his birthday.他父亲在他生日那天给他买了一套滑雪用具。

2 debut   

n.首次演出，初次露面

参考例句：

• That same year he made his Broadway debut, playing a suave radio journalist.在那同一年里，他初次在百老汇登台，扮演一个温文而雅的电台记者。
• The actress made her debut in the new comedy.这位演员在那出新喜剧中首次登台演出。

3 reign   

n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势

参考例句：

• The reign of Queen Elizabeth lapped over into the seventeenth century.伊丽莎白王朝延至17世纪。
• The reign of Zhu Yuanzhang lasted about 31 years.朱元璋统治了大约三十一年。

4 looming   

n.上现蜃景（光通过低层大气发生异常折射形成的一种海市蜃楼）v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的现在分词 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近

参考例句：

• The foothills were looming ahead through the haze. 丘陵地带透过薄雾朦胧地出现在眼前。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Then they looked up. Looming above them was Mount Proteome. 接着他们往上看，在其上隐约看到的是蛋白质组山。 来自英汉非文学 - 生命科学 - 回顾与展望

5 fixture   

n.固定设备；预定日期；比赛时间；定期存款

参考例句：

• Lighting fixture must be installed at once.必须立即安装照明设备。
• The cordless kettle may now be a fixture in most kitchens.无绳电热水壶现在可能是多数厨房的固定设备。